I've posted tunes from The Motorhomes before, but it's been a long time. I think it was probably way back when their final album "The long distance runner" first came out in 2002. I had been kind of iffy on the band before, but man oh man, when this record came out, I was blown away. Seriously, this is easily one of the best Swedish pop records of the past five years, in my oh-so-humble opinion. 1999's "Songs for me (and my baby)" showed the band had potential, but ultimately was kind of weak. It's just a little too wimpy, too hesitant. There's no guts or bravado. But, as I was saying, all that changed when "The long distance runner" was unleashed. The first single "The man" came out late 2001 and instantly made a huge impression on me. I got the record as soon as I could and it immediately went on constant rotation. There's not a single weak track. Of course all good things must come to an end and the band eventually fell apart, shedding members before finally giving up and finally calling it quits in 2004. I understand there's an unreleased EP out there somewhere, but I've never heard it. In some ways it's for the best as it's doubtful they could top such a masterful album. Still, if anyone wants to hook me up, I'd be much obliged. In the meantime enjoy my favorite track "Love". The build-up when the bass comes in just kills me every time.
The Motorhomes - Love
It's lonely on the night shift. Talk to me on the message board.
Also at Pitchfork today is a live review of Finnish free-folk artists Islaja, Kuupuu, Pekko Käppi, Tomutonttu and Lau Nau: http://pitchforkmedia.com/features/live/i/islaja-05/
This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:
01. Peter LeMarc - Sjutton sånger - LeMarc sjunger LeMarc
02. Bodies Without Organs - Prototype
03. Opeth - Ghost Reveries
04. Laleh - Laleh
05. Tommy Nilsson - Tiden Före Nu
06. Ebba Grön - Samlingen
07. Amy Diamond - This Is Me Now
08. Toni Holgersson - Tecken på liv
09. Crashdïet - Rest in Sleaze
10. Timbuktu - Alla vill till himmelen men ingen vill dö
11. Musikal - Mamma Mia
12. Peps Blodsband - Äntligen!
13. Robyn - Robyn
14. CajsaStina Åkerström - De vackraste orden
15. Carola - Störst av allt
16. Darin - The anthem
17. Arch Enemy - Doomsday Machine
18. Benny Anderssons Orkester - Bao!
19. Kent - Du & Jag Döden
20. Helena Paparizou - My Number One
Swedish post-punks United have posted a couple new mp3s for download: http://www.ripoff.se/united/sounds/sounds.php
Thirdimension's show in Johanneskyrkan last Friday was recorded by Joel Fridlund (yes, brother of David) and will posted online soon.
Vocalist Øyvind H. has quit Arcturus leaving the band once again without a singer.
Marilyn Records has posted streaming samples for every song from Shooting John's new album "Moodswings": http://www.marilynrecords.se/marilyn/default.asp?view=shootingjohn/moodswings
Swedish country act Hyacinth House has confirmed that their debut album will be released on September 14.
Global Domination has posted another entertaining "Name that fucken..." contest featuring members from various Swedish (and international) metal bands testing their wits against eachother: http://www.statikmajik.com/gd/namethat/everything01.php
Swedish electronic/indie label Djur and Mir has a new website: http://www.djurandmir.se/
The 8bitpeoples netlabel has posted a new EP from Norways' Binärpilot for free download: http://www.8bitpeoples.com/discography_gfx.php#8BP049
Dark Dose continues to exhibit superior musical taste with a post on José González: http://darkdose.com/?p=73
Download a selection of tracks from Swedish indierockers Samuraj Cities: http://www.samurajcities.com/