Fluxblog on Fever Ray
Fluxblog on Fever Ray: http://www.fluxblog.org/2009/03/a-little-voice-in-my-head
Discobelle x Scion AV
Discobelle got themselves some corporate sponsorship from Scion to put together a comp of their favorite music, so of course they did the right thing and made sure that Sweden is well represented - artists featured include Maskinen, Boeoes Kaelstigen, Familjen and Dmitry Fyodorov. Full details here: http://www.discobelle.net/2009/03/24/discobelle-x-scion-av/
Marit Bergman - Bang bang (video)
Check out Marit Bergman's new video for the single "Bang bang": http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=54591496
The Radio Dept. confirmed for NYC Popfest
The Radio Dept. and Burning Hearts are both confirmed for NYC Popfest in May. Details: http://www.myspace.com/nycpopfest
Fredrik EP trilogy now complete
The third piece ("Ner") of Fredrik's EP trilogy is out now via Jezebel Recordings: http://www.jezebelrecordings.com/
MP3: Mikko Singh - Laodi majra
Though I'm not one to shy away from trash talk, it's much more fun to talk about music I actually enjoy so let us revisit yet another 2008 favorite: Mikko Singh. As I said last time I posted an mp3 from Mikko, this is some of Sweden's best, most underappreciated music. There's plenty of instrumental acts out there, but most of em seem to be mining the same quiet/loud postrock-ish territory and that stuff is way beyond tired. The only acts doing it right are the ones wisely accommodating folk influence and that's exactly what Mikko excels at, especially considering his diverse cross-cultural background. "Laodi majra" is the opening track off his latest release "Uskotko että siellä on kukkia?" and it kicks off with a droning sitar/squeezebox duet before drifting into a beautiful ragga, overlaid by fingerpicked guitar and chimes. It's the sort of thing that could easily turn into new-age tedium, but Mikko never overindulges. One last sign at the end brings closure and that's all there is to it: pure bliss.
I didn't list this record as a top-10 favorite for 2008, but it remains in regular rotation months later. And considering how much my listening habits are affected by the seasons, you better believe it'll get many more spins as the days get warmer and longer.
Mikko Singh - Laodi majra
The Lemur Blog interviews Hammarin & Robin
The Lemur Blog interviews Hammarin & Robin: http://thelemurblog.com/2009/03/22/interview-with-hammarin-robin/
Look for their debut EP on April 17 via Mad For It.
Tram Session: We Are Soldiers We Have Guns
Check out a Tram Session with We Are Soldiers We Have Guns: http://thetramsession.blogspot.com/2009/03/we-are-soldiers-we-have-guns.html
Fenêtre Records teams up with multiple labels for new releases
Fenêtre Records and How Is Annie are teaming up to release Beneva vs. Clark Nova's second album "Dramatic dada" in May/June. Also on the way from Fenêtre is another collaborative compilation release with the NY-based jazz label Loyal Label run by Norwegian bassist/expat Eivind Opsvik. No word yet on who's confirmed for that one, but I'll keep you posted.
Eardrums Spring Compilation update
The artwork and tracklist for Eardrums' sure-to-be-amazing Spring Compilation are just about set: http://eardrumsmusic.com/the-label/eardrums-spring-compilation-release-march-2009/
Expect a release by the end of the week?
Lazee - First class five stars mixtape
Kingsize Magazine has a new mixtape from overrated Swedish rapper Lazee available for free download: http://www.kingsizemagazine.se/read.php?id=4020
Three new 7"s from CRI in May
New on Combat Rock Industry: Atom Notes, featuring members from Finnish luminaries Manifesto Jukebox, Endstand, Abduktio, Deathbed, etc. Hear two songs at myspace and wait for the debut 7" in May. Also on the way in the label's classic punk 7" reissue series, Ratsia's "Taalta tulee yo" and Lama's "Totuus Loytyy Kaurapuurosta". Again, out in May.
'Living thing' now streaming
Peter Bjorn and John's great new record "Living thing" is streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/peterbjornandjohn
Sigur Rós does the Take Away Show
Sigur Rós live at The Take Away Show: http://www.blogotheque.net/Sigur-Ros,4782
Fagget Fairies - Feed the horse (album stream)
Soundvenue is offering a full stream of Danish electro duo Fagget Fairys' new record "Feed the horse": http://www.soundvenue.com/artist/fagget-fairys