What does Fenriz see?
Fenriz from Darkthrone does Rorschach tests for Legacy Document: http://legacydocument.blogspot.com/2008/12/rorschach-test-subject-6-fenriz-do-i.html
Ill Omen: New breed of Finnish hardcore
Killing the Legacy on the new breed of Finnish hardcore and new demos from Ill Omen: http://killingthelegacy.blogspot.com/2008/12/its-getting-colder.html
Absolut Noise talks 2008 with BQ
Absolut Noise talks to three of the dudes from The Bear Quartet (Jari, Matti and Calle) and the band Hajen about their favorite music of 2008: http://absolutnoise.blogspot.com/2008/12/2008-swedish-artists-picks-part-1.html
New Lowood album via NONS
NONS has confirmed the release of Lowood's new album "Close to violence" for March 25. Preview a few tracks at the band's website, including the first single "Crash" which is out now: http://www.lowood.se/
Thus:Owls present "Climbing the Fjelds of Norway"
Download a free track from Swedish experimental/jazz/indie act Thus:Owls: http://www.thusowls.com/
The group's debut album "Cardiac malformations" will be out in April via Hoob (The Splendor, MusicMusicMusic).
Paper live video
Watch a live video of Swedish postpunks Paper playing the track "Strider" live in Sundsvall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MayV9OkTNOc&fmt=18
New Bring Me the Fucking Riot EP in spring
Swedish indierockers Bring Me the Fucking Riot..Man will record a new EP in February.
Handen på Hjärtat 2009
2009's Handen på Hjärtat rotating festival tour lineup will consist of The (International) Noise Conspiracy, Franke, Deportees and Jonathan Johansson. Dates and details: http://www.handenpahjartat.se/
New music from Abandon
Swedish crusties Abandon have three new tracks streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/inrealitywesuffer
Hari and Aino on tour
Swedish indiepop act Hari and Aino on tour:
02/06 - Twee: a tiny spring, Gouda (NL)
02/07 - The Autumn Store, Birmingham (UK)
02/08 - Indiepop Sunday, Brighton (UK)
02/09 - Queen Charlotte, Norwich (UK)
02/10 - Loose, Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Wales (UK) w/Rose Elinor Dougall
02/12 - Lost Music Presents, London (UK)
02/13 - Twee as fuck, London (UK)
02/14 - Popklubb, Newcastle (UK)
Remix Carpark North
Carpark North are inviting fans to remix their single "More": http://www.bandbase.dk/5/Remix-Carpark-North/20/Konkurrencen/
MP3: Moto Boy - Ave Maria
This song has been the bane of my existence for nearly as long as I can remember, but I most distinctly remember my middle school teacher music teacher Kirk Wetterholm (who looked/looks? quite a bit like Gov. Blagojevich, come to think of it) singing it to me on the regular. He made puns on many kids' names, but I got the aria. Thanks a lot!
Of course, none of my many music teachers (+ others) over the years can compete with Moto Boy's rendition. His new EP of classically-inspired works ("For Martha") is just that: inspired. In the long run, I rather listen to his original torch songs, but since my wife has had this on steady repeat ever since it showed up a week ago, I'm happy to listen again and again. Despite the annoyance this piece has played in my life, it's strongly recommended.
Moto Boy - Ave Maria
Air France makes Pfork top song list
"Collapsing at your doorstep" by Air France made it to #8 on Pitchfork's top songs of 2008 list: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/feature/147998-the-100-best-tracks-of-2008?page=10
IAT! top songs of 2008
The It's a Trap! top songs of 2008 podcast is up now -- check it out!