Concerts
A really good concert almost always comes down to more things than the music. Sambassadeur have written my soundtrack (the tambourines are shaking but I don't hear the sound, it's my favorite song but I don't like the crowd) of many gigs that were spoiled by people who were talking during the songs. The crowd was horrible when Lucky Soul played at Debaser Medis in Stockholm on Friday, November 9. Lucky Soul played at Blekingska in Lund the following night. The office people who ran the student nation decided to overprice the tickets. I was not happy with that, but the concert was absolutely fantastic because all people who had paid an expensive ticket for the show came for the music rather than the booze. People jumped up and down crazily to the hits Lips Are Unhappy and Ain't Never Been Cool, but they were still completely silent during the quit ballad Baby I'm Broke. Wonderful!
This was very ironic since the crowd at the very same Blekingska talked constantly during Laurel Music's comeback gig only one week earlier. I saw Laurel Music in Copenhagen the following night. It was a very intimate concert with seats around tables for the audience. I had a totally clear view and everyone was quiet the whole time. Laurel Music's concert in Copenhagen will stay in my memory for life. Language of Flowers gave me another unforgettable night when I had the honor to host their last ever show.
The Magic Numbers end the concert year 2007 on Wednesday. I look forward to that gig but I do not think that it will manage to get a place on my list. The concert year has really been that good! I attended 16 concert nights this year, but I have not written any concert texts this fall. You were always on my mind, but I did not have the time to write.
1. Language of Flowers – September 21 at Blekingska, Lund
2. Lucky Soul – November 10 at Blekingska, Lund
3. Laurel Music – November 2 at Huset Magstreade, Copenhagen
4. Irene – November 2 at Blekingska, Lund
5. Au Revoir Simone – November 12 at Vega, Copenhagen
6. Strange Idols – October 12 at Blekingska, Lund
In addition to these concerts, I will particularly rembember the shows with Like Honey (at Blekingska as the support act for Language of Flowers), Air (at Vega the same night as Au Revoir Simone), and Säkert at Kulturbolaget in Mamö.
Albums
Just as I predicted a year ago this year's best album was made by a band whose name begins with "L", but I did not know that (to me) unknown Let's Go Sailing would take me by storm.
Sambassadeur's second album was clearly the disappointment of the year. The single Subtle Changes promised much, but everything I loved with Sambassadeur was lost on the long awaited album Migration. I should really appreciate the record given that Anna sings on all songs except one, but Migration fails to shine despite more than 20 listenings. Sambassadeur have changed their sound and many people will like it, but I will never ever prefer the current pop orchestra sound over the magic of If Rain. I give Migration the rating five out of ten. I have not decided the rating of The Chaos in Order and it will not be needed either. A number one on a year list is greater than a numerical rating.
1. Let's Go Sailing – The Chaos in Order
2. Lucky Soul – The Great Unwanted
3. Immaculate Machine – Fables
4. Celestial – Dream On
5. Tupelo Honeys – Salute You
6. Stars – In Our Bedroom After the War
7. Palomar – All Things, Forest
8. The Afternoon Naps – Sunbeamed
9. Friday Bridge – Intricacy
10. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
11. Säkert! – Säkert!
12. Fireflies – Goodnight Stars Goodnight Moon
13. Irene – Long Gone Since Last Summer
14. Love Dance – Result
15. The National – Boxer
Also good: Au Revoir Simone – The Bird of Music, The Loose Salute – Tuned to Love, Cats on Fire – The Province Complains, Electrelane – No Shouts No Calls, and Blonde Redhead – 23.
Songs
In the end I had to give in and admit that Bobby Wratten wrote two of the best songs this year.
1. Trembling Blue Stars – Idyllwild
2. Lucky Soul – One Kiss Don't Make a Summer
3. Stars – Bitches in Tokyo
4. Celestial – Dream On
5. Stars – Take Me to the Riot
6. Northern Fields – Never Take the Beauty
7. The Strange Idols – It's No Fun
8. Trembling Blue Stars – November Starlings
9. Tupelo Honeys – The Return of the Weeping Man
10. The School – Let It Slip
11. The Garlands – You Never Notice Me
12. Club 8 – The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Dreaming
13. Let's Go Sailing – Sideways
14. Sambassadeur – Subtle Changes
15. The Secret History – Mark and John
16. Irene – By Your Side
17. Immaculate Machine – Dear Confessor
18. The Secret History – Our Lady of Pompeii
19. Penny Century – Nothing Burns Like Bridges
20. Jonna Lee – Dried Out Eyes
21. Säkert! – Någon Gång Måste Du Bli Själv
22. Like Honey – Telling Lies
23. Palomar – You're Keeping Us Up
24. Those Dancing Days – Hitten
25. Liechtenstein – Stalking Skills
2008
Laurel Music's new album is called Cycles and will likely top my next year list. In addition, Katie Goes to Tokyo, Like Honey, and The Charade release new album. And The Secret History will hopefully come to Sweden.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
The Boy Has Gone Away
A year ago, I complained about the poor concert scence in Lund. In April this year, I nominated myself for the position as promoter at Blekingska nationen. The following lines were included in my presentation: If I am elected, I intend to make Club Indigo a unique, alternative concert scence that will give the audience happiest days of our lives-evenings this fall. I gladly listen to artist recommendations, but I am solely responsible for choosing the bands that will play at the club. It is my true opinion that a concert club will work at its best with a clear, consistent and considered band booking policy instead of eternal compromises.
I was, of course, elected and my work began after midsummer. As I am writing this almost half a year later, it is with tremendous pride that I am looking back on the fall. The mission is completed and the result speaks for itself. We were the club that exclusively set up the first concert in Sweden for Secret Shine and Strange Idols. We were honored a visit by Lucky Soul. On our inquiry, Laurel Music did a comeback gig after a year of silence. Language of Flowers played their last show ever at little Blekingska.
I would be lying if I said that all concert nights were perfect but it was amazing those nights where everything clicked. As promoter with the sole responsibility for band bookings, I was - together with sound engineers, club managers, band hosts, DJs, workers at Indigo and two hard working guys at the nation's office (thanks for this fall everyone!) - one of several people who during the fall of 2007 made Club Indigo the world's best pop club the three nights (September 21, November 2 and November 10) when everything came together perfectly.
September 7: Differnet
September 21: Language of Flowers (UK) + Like Honey
September 28: Secret Shine (UK)
October 5: Friday Bridge
October 12: Strange Idols (UK)
November 2: Irene + Laurel Music
November 10th: Lucky Soul (UK) + Napoleon
November 30: Punky's Dilemma + The Sunny Street (UK)
I was, of course, elected and my work began after midsummer. As I am writing this almost half a year later, it is with tremendous pride that I am looking back on the fall. The mission is completed and the result speaks for itself. We were the club that exclusively set up the first concert in Sweden for Secret Shine and Strange Idols. We were honored a visit by Lucky Soul. On our inquiry, Laurel Music did a comeback gig after a year of silence. Language of Flowers played their last show ever at little Blekingska.
I would be lying if I said that all concert nights were perfect but it was amazing those nights where everything clicked. As promoter with the sole responsibility for band bookings, I was - together with sound engineers, club managers, band hosts, DJs, workers at Indigo and two hard working guys at the nation's office (thanks for this fall everyone!) - one of several people who during the fall of 2007 made Club Indigo the world's best pop club the three nights (September 21, November 2 and November 10) when everything came together perfectly.
September 7: Differnet
September 21: Language of Flowers (UK) + Like Honey
September 28: Secret Shine (UK)
October 5: Friday Bridge
October 12: Strange Idols (UK)
November 2: Irene + Laurel Music
November 10th: Lucky Soul (UK) + Napoleon
November 30: Punky's Dilemma + The Sunny Street (UK)
End of the Line
Last Friday's Club Indigo came to be my last night as DJ at Blekingska nationen. I had decided in advance to not do any more DJ sets. In total I got six nights as DJ at Blekingska from January 2006 to November 2007.
Last Friday, I easily found myself to be my harshest critic. I somehow forgot to play The Field Mice. And I did not play Happiest Days as the closing song! A reason as good as any to step aside and make way for a new generation of kids.
(22.00)
Air - Cherry Blossom Girl
Trembling Blue Stars - November Starlings
Stars - Elevator Love Letter
Cats on Fire - Higher Grounds
Aberdeen - Sink or Float
Irene - End of the Line
The Aislers Set - The Way to the Market Station
Celestial - Nothing Happens Twice
Those Dancing Days - Hitten
Northern Fields - Never Take the Beauty
Red Sleeping Beauty - Make Me Smile
The Strange Idols - She's Gonna Let You Down
The School - Let It Slip
Language of Flowers - Summer's Been and Gone
Tilly and the Wall - Nights of the Living Dead
The Eyeliners - Everything's Alright
The Primitives - Secrets
The Cardigans - Rise and Shine
Ride - Twisterella
(23.00)
Like Honey - Airport
Wilson Hospital - Call Me A.S.A.P.
Sambassadeur - Marie
The Fat Tulips - Confessions of an English Girl
The Popguns - Waiting for the Winter
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THE SUNNY STREET LIVE
------------------------------------------------
Comet Gain - You Can Hide Your Love Forever
Belle and Sebastian - Sleep the Clock Around
Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken
Stone Roses - Mersey Paradise
My Favorite - The Informers
Lucky Soul - The Great Unwanted
------------------------------------------------
PUNKY'S DILEMMA LIVE
------------------------------------------------
(00.50)
New Order - True Faith
Human League - Don't You Want Me
Blondie - Maria
Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Belinda Carlisle - Heaven Is a Place on Earth
Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out
The Cure - Friday I'm in Love
Le Sport - Tell No One About Tonight
Caesars Palace - Over for It Started
Pulp - Disco 2000
The Long Blondes - Once and Never Again
The Pipettes - Your Kisses Are Wasted on Me
Lucky Soul - Ain't Never Been Cool
The Smiths - This Charming Man
Language of Flowers - If It's Not You
Tralala - All Fired Up
Morrissey - First of the Gang
Soft Cell - Tainted Love
The Essex Green - The Late Great Cassiopia
Lucky Soul - Lips Are Unhappy
The Magic Numbers - Take a Chance
(02.00)
The Arrogants - Lovesick
Last Friday, I easily found myself to be my harshest critic. I somehow forgot to play The Field Mice. And I did not play Happiest Days as the closing song! A reason as good as any to step aside and make way for a new generation of kids.
(22.00)
Air - Cherry Blossom Girl
Trembling Blue Stars - November Starlings
Stars - Elevator Love Letter
Cats on Fire - Higher Grounds
Aberdeen - Sink or Float
Irene - End of the Line
The Aislers Set - The Way to the Market Station
Celestial - Nothing Happens Twice
Those Dancing Days - Hitten
Northern Fields - Never Take the Beauty
Red Sleeping Beauty - Make Me Smile
The Strange Idols - She's Gonna Let You Down
The School - Let It Slip
Language of Flowers - Summer's Been and Gone
Tilly and the Wall - Nights of the Living Dead
The Eyeliners - Everything's Alright
The Primitives - Secrets
The Cardigans - Rise and Shine
Ride - Twisterella
(23.00)
Like Honey - Airport
Wilson Hospital - Call Me A.S.A.P.
Sambassadeur - Marie
The Fat Tulips - Confessions of an English Girl
The Popguns - Waiting for the Winter
------------------------------------------------
THE SUNNY STREET LIVE
------------------------------------------------
Comet Gain - You Can Hide Your Love Forever
Belle and Sebastian - Sleep the Clock Around
Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken
Stone Roses - Mersey Paradise
My Favorite - The Informers
Lucky Soul - The Great Unwanted
------------------------------------------------
PUNKY'S DILEMMA LIVE
------------------------------------------------
(00.50)
New Order - True Faith
Human League - Don't You Want Me
Blondie - Maria
Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Belinda Carlisle - Heaven Is a Place on Earth
Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out
The Cure - Friday I'm in Love
Le Sport - Tell No One About Tonight
Caesars Palace - Over for It Started
Pulp - Disco 2000
The Long Blondes - Once and Never Again
The Pipettes - Your Kisses Are Wasted on Me
Lucky Soul - Ain't Never Been Cool
The Smiths - This Charming Man
Language of Flowers - If It's Not You
Tralala - All Fired Up
Morrissey - First of the Gang
Soft Cell - Tainted Love
The Essex Green - The Late Great Cassiopia
Lucky Soul - Lips Are Unhappy
The Magic Numbers - Take a Chance
(02.00)
The Arrogants - Lovesick
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The School - Let It Slip
I never went to the Another Sunny Day and The Icicles show in Malmö. I am not overly sorry for that. For once, I feel there is an excess of good concerts in the region. This Friday, The Sunny Street and Punky's Dilemma come to Lund and that will be my last time in the DJ booth at Blekingska. I really look forward to that.
There seem to pop up small amazing bands everywhere all the time. Today's trip goes to Wales and Cardiff where we find The School, a mini-Lucky Soul who have listened to Camera Obscura. But why compare with other bands when the song Let It Slip speaks for itself?
There seem to pop up small amazing bands everywhere all the time. Today's trip goes to Wales and Cardiff where we find The School, a mini-Lucky Soul who have listened to Camera Obscura. But why compare with other bands when the song Let It Slip speaks for itself?
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Air
An email landed in my inbox. It told me that I got two places on the guest list for the Air + Au Revoir Simone show at Vega in Copenhagen next Monday. This month will be so damn good.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Northern Fields - Never Take the Beauty
Yesterday I woke up and felt that life is wonderful. Exceptionally, this feeling not only persisted, but also strengthened today. Last night I saw that I had received an email from an amazing person whom I had not spoken with in a year. I met her today and it was nice to speak with her as ever. I was reminded of how good life can be.
On Friday, Laurel Music come to Blekingska and that will be so nice. And while I am living my dream, I listen to Northern Fields who have made this year's most beautiful pop song. It is named Never Take the Beauty and you can listen to it at the band's myspace.
On Friday, Laurel Music come to Blekingska and that will be so nice. And while I am living my dream, I listen to Northern Fields who have made this year's most beautiful pop song. It is named Never Take the Beauty and you can listen to it at the band's myspace.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Jonna Lee - Autumn Song
They come from nowhere and take me by storm. In 2004 Anna Ternheim, in 2005 Hello Saferide, and in 2006 Katie Goes to Tokyo.
Jonna Lee is not there yet. But she is just as good as Ternheim and Norlin in songs such as Autumn Song and Dried Out Eyes. No one is near the brilliance of Katie Goes to Tokyo though. Autumn Song and Dried Out Eyes are two fantastic songs that unfortunately can not carry the entire debut album 10 Pieces, 10 Bruises on their own. However, Jonna Lee shows that the Swedish singer/songwriter scene this year consists of more than the annoyingly sounding Maia Hirasawa and that is good enough.
By the way, I found a video from one of Jonna Lee's live performances. Do you hear it? I do not understand why people go to concerts when they rather talk to their friends than listen to the music. It is so disrespectful to artists who are worthy of a good crowd. If you want to just drink booze, you may as well stay home or go to a less cultural night club instead.
Jonna Lee is not there yet. But she is just as good as Ternheim and Norlin in songs such as Autumn Song and Dried Out Eyes. No one is near the brilliance of Katie Goes to Tokyo though. Autumn Song and Dried Out Eyes are two fantastic songs that unfortunately can not carry the entire debut album 10 Pieces, 10 Bruises on their own. However, Jonna Lee shows that the Swedish singer/songwriter scene this year consists of more than the annoyingly sounding Maia Hirasawa and that is good enough.
By the way, I found a video from one of Jonna Lee's live performances. Do you hear it? I do not understand why people go to concerts when they rather talk to their friends than listen to the music. It is so disrespectful to artists who are worthy of a good crowd. If you want to just drink booze, you may as well stay home or go to a less cultural night club instead.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Another Sunny Day - You Should All Be Murdered
If there is anything that I have learnt since summer, it would be that the world is full of idiots and that some of them are closer to me than I thought, at least geographically. It is extremely rare that I tell people to go fuck themselves but this time I had enough. Idiots! You should all be murdered!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Things Will Be Nice
November will be a fine month for concerts. If nothing unexpected happens, I will attend the following shows:
November 2: Irene + Laurel Music, Blekingska in Lund
November 9: Lucky Soul (UK), Debaser Medis in Stockholm
November 10: Lucky Soul (UK), Blekingska in Lund
November 22: Harvey Williams (Another Sunny Day, UK) + The Icicles (US), Don't Die on My Doorstep in Malmö
November 30: Punky's Dilemma + The Sunny Street (UK), Blekingska in Lund.
A ticket to Stockholm and back is booked. That will be a fun weekend.
November 2: Irene + Laurel Music, Blekingska in Lund
November 9: Lucky Soul (UK), Debaser Medis in Stockholm
November 10: Lucky Soul (UK), Blekingska in Lund
November 22: Harvey Williams (Another Sunny Day, UK) + The Icicles (US), Don't Die on My Doorstep in Malmö
November 30: Punky's Dilemma + The Sunny Street (UK), Blekingska in Lund.
A ticket to Stockholm and back is booked. That will be a fun weekend.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
I dreamt of you last night
It certainly was a bit unreal. Last Friday, Blekingska was full of people who came for shows with my favourite bands. Before, between, and after the gigs, I and Psymon played our favourite pop. A nice little memory from the night was that someone wished for us to play The Knife. I skeptically replied that I would check my cd bag. I had left Deep Cuts at home. It did not fit in. Blekingska was really pop last Friday and I loved it.
(22.00)
Aberdeen - The Boy Has Gone Away
Ride - Twisterella
Another Sunny Day - You Should All Be Murdered
Trembling Blue Stars - Idyllwild
Celestial - Dream On
Red Sleeping Beauty - Make Me Smile
The Garlands - You Never Notice Me
Sally Shapiro - I'll Be by Your Side
Friday Bridge - Love and Nostalgia
The Lucksmiths - Camera-shy
Saturday Looks Good to Me - Lift Me Up
Acid House Kings - Say Yes If You Love Me
Sambassadeur - Subtle Changes
Strange Idols - It's No Fun
Stars - Ageless Beauty
Slowdive - When the Sun Hits
Brighter - Does Love Last Forever
Sambassadeur - Marie
Stars - Take Me to the Riot
(23.00)
Popguns - Waiting for the Winter
Headlights - TV
Lucky Soul - Ain't Never Been Cool
The Go! Team - Huddle Formation
Mates of State - Beautiful Dreamer
------------------------------------------------
LIKE HONEY LIVE
------------------------------------------------
My Favorite - Burning Hearts
Comet Gain - You Can Hide Your Love Forever
Laurel Music - Winter Slow
Pale Saints - Language of Flowers
The Sea Urchins - Pristine Christine
Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken
Free Loan Investments - Rush Hour
Camera Obscura - Phil and Don
------------------------------------------------
LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS LIVE
------------------------------------------------
(00:50)
The Field Mice - Emma's House
Lucky Soul - Lips Are Unhappy
New Order - True Faith
Le Sport - Tell No One About Tonight
Human League - Don't You Want Me
Morrissey - First of the Gang
The Cure - Just Like Heaven
Blondie - Maria
Belinda Carlisle - Heaven Is a Place on Earth
The Long Blondes - Once and Never Again
Saint Etienne - He's on the Phone
Tralala - All Fired Up
The Hidden Cameras - Ban Marriage
Pulp - Disco 2000
My Favorite - Absolute Zero
The Essex Green - The Late Great Cassiopia
The Smiths - Ask
Belle and Sebastian - Electronic Renaissance
The Magic Numbers - Take a Chance
The Field Mice - Canada
New Order - Regret
Broder Daniel - Shoreline
Language of Flowers - If It's Not You
Suede - Trash
Language of Flowers - Tara Mascara (I really should had ended the dj set with Happiest Days of My Life instead. That is the only thing in the dj set which I regret).
(22.00)
Aberdeen - The Boy Has Gone Away
Ride - Twisterella
Another Sunny Day - You Should All Be Murdered
Trembling Blue Stars - Idyllwild
Celestial - Dream On
Red Sleeping Beauty - Make Me Smile
The Garlands - You Never Notice Me
Sally Shapiro - I'll Be by Your Side
Friday Bridge - Love and Nostalgia
The Lucksmiths - Camera-shy
Saturday Looks Good to Me - Lift Me Up
Acid House Kings - Say Yes If You Love Me
Sambassadeur - Subtle Changes
Strange Idols - It's No Fun
Stars - Ageless Beauty
Slowdive - When the Sun Hits
Brighter - Does Love Last Forever
Sambassadeur - Marie
Stars - Take Me to the Riot
(23.00)
Popguns - Waiting for the Winter
Headlights - TV
Lucky Soul - Ain't Never Been Cool
The Go! Team - Huddle Formation
Mates of State - Beautiful Dreamer
------------------------------------------------
LIKE HONEY LIVE
------------------------------------------------
My Favorite - Burning Hearts
Comet Gain - You Can Hide Your Love Forever
Laurel Music - Winter Slow
Pale Saints - Language of Flowers
The Sea Urchins - Pristine Christine
Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken
Free Loan Investments - Rush Hour
Camera Obscura - Phil and Don
------------------------------------------------
LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS LIVE
------------------------------------------------
(00:50)
The Field Mice - Emma's House
Lucky Soul - Lips Are Unhappy
New Order - True Faith
Le Sport - Tell No One About Tonight
Human League - Don't You Want Me
Morrissey - First of the Gang
The Cure - Just Like Heaven
Blondie - Maria
Belinda Carlisle - Heaven Is a Place on Earth
The Long Blondes - Once and Never Again
Saint Etienne - He's on the Phone
Tralala - All Fired Up
The Hidden Cameras - Ban Marriage
Pulp - Disco 2000
My Favorite - Absolute Zero
The Essex Green - The Late Great Cassiopia
The Smiths - Ask
Belle and Sebastian - Electronic Renaissance
The Magic Numbers - Take a Chance
The Field Mice - Canada
New Order - Regret
Broder Daniel - Shoreline
Language of Flowers - If It's Not You
Suede - Trash
Language of Flowers - Tara Mascara (I really should had ended the dj set with Happiest Days of My Life instead. That is the only thing in the dj set which I regret).
Friday, September 21, 2007
Great Expectations
September has been a long wait. Now it is finally Friday, September 21. Tonight Language of Flowers and Like Honey are playing live at Blekingska nationen in Lund. I and my friend Psymon are tonight's DJs. We are going to put up flyers around the town soon. The club opens at 22:00.
These are the happiest days of our lives.
These are the happiest days of our lives.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
The Strange Idols - She's Gonna Let You Down Again
I have a little dream. If it is fulfilled, the indie clubs stop playing blip blop and instead welcome me with The Strange Idols. You could always dream on.
For those who are wondering, I can announce that the blog is put into the freezer during the summer. Why? Read the I Wanna Be Adored text. I can not do everything at the same time and there are other projects which are much more important to me right now.
For those who are wondering, I can announce that the blog is put into the freezer during the summer. Why? Read the I Wanna Be Adored text. I can not do everything at the same time and there are other projects which are much more important to me right now.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Half year summary 2007
Albums
How many new records do you need for half a year?
I wonder how many records you need. What your record collection needs is an entirely different matter.
Every year there is at least one album I listen to quite differently compared to other records. These albums tend to become overlistened. I fell for Tralala and Hello Saferide two years ago. Katie Goes to Tokyo was more important than anyone else in 2006. Halfway into 2007, another two debut albums top my list. Lucky Soul's The Great Unwanted is fantastic but still does not have a chance against Let's Go Sailing's The Chaos in Order.
When I wrote my half year summary in June last year, I noted that the album concept no longer appealed to me. I was wrong. I was rather tired of lengthy albums and found it difficult to appreciate the abundance of records. Back then it felt like I had to listen to everything. It was, in other words, the music stress I had grown tired of. Now I find it easier to appreciate what I do have. I would be happy to just have Let's Go Sailing, Lucky Soul, and Palomar this semester. The rest is bonus listening. With an eye on the fall, I am hoping for Laurel Music, Like Honey, and Langauge of Flowers!
1. Let's Go Sailing - The Chaos in Order
2. Lucky Soul - The Great Unwanted
3. Palomar - All Things, Forests
4. Friday Bridge - Intricacy
5. Love Dance - Result
Also good: Celestial - Dream On, Au Revoir Simone - The Bird of Music, Säkert! - Säkert!, The National - Boxer, The Loose Salute - Tuned to Love.
My record collection just got two new members: Celestial's Dream On and Camera Obscura's Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken. It will do with that for the rest of the year. But what the record collection needs and what I want are of course not the same thing.
Songs
I stand with a rifle. I will spend my life now. And take back everything that is yours.
Allt Som Är Ditt (Everything That Is Yours) was the collectively strongest music-related moment in Sweden in spring 2007. Consequences follow lines such as de jävlarna ska skjutas! (the bastards should be shot!) and I get scared when I read what some people write on their blogs. I get frightened by a lynch mob that finds the irreversible death penalty a better option than jail. I can not stress enough that innocent people are executed, and will be executed, by the state in countries which practise the death penalty.
On the other hand, I also get surprised by the tunnel vision shown by other people who find it difficult to understand why Annika Norlin (Säkert!) has become so acclaimed for Allt Som Är Ditt. The imagery may be very clear (you will get the message of the music video even if you do not understand a word of Swedish) if the lyrics are interpreted literally, but I understand the context and take the song for what it is. Allt Som Är Ditt is an important contribution to an always present debate and a description of the feelings shown by a friend of a raped woman. Those who criticize the lyrics could think about whether it would be better if Annika instead sang the bastards should be locked up (and then acquitted by the Supreme Court).
I want to clarify my views on this topic in order to avoid potential misunderstandings. I strongly believe in the principle of the accused being innocent until proven guilty. I am aware that the courts get it horribly wrong sometimes, but presumption of innocence is not the fault. The main problems in the judicial system are corruption, bias, prejudice, discrimination, and incompetence.
Trembling Blue Stars surprised me with Idyllwild and November Starlings. Bobby Wratten has something big going on if he can drop the Missing the Moon sound completely on the next album. That would allow Trembling Blue Stars to reach their full potential.
I really want to love Celestial's debut album. It is brilliant at times, but I find it difficult to listen to Bluebell Meadow and Pale Blue Eyes. They do not fit in among the other songs. I much rather listen to the fifth track Dream On again.
1. Säkert - Allt Som Är Ditt
2. Trembling Blue Stars - Idyllwild
3. Celestial - Dream On
4. Lucky Soul - One Kiss Don't Make a Summer
5. Let's Go Sailing - Sideways
6. Palomar - You're Keeping Us Up
7. Those Dancing Days - Hitten
8. Celestial - Fragile Heart
9. Trembling Blue Stars - November Starlings
10. Apples in Stereo - Sunday Sounds
Saturday, June 30, 2007
The Sunny Street - Comedians
Everyone talks about the festival Rip It Up. French-British The Sunny Street make me think about going there, but the rest of the line up does not appeal to me so I will stay at home. Though the price is admirably low.
Listen to the fine song Comedians at myspace .
Listen to the fine song Comedians at myspace .
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
I Wanna Be Adored
What is the point of winning the whole world when you simultaneously lose yourself?
This month, the streets were filled with shiny happy young people ready to conquer the world. I became nostalgic and started to think about how it was when i graduated from high school. Leaving the school behind, walking together with my classmates down to the park where my beloved family greeted me with a sign and a large photo which pictured me as a kid smiling while wearing some kind of Viking helmet. I was happily surprised because I did not even know that photo existed.
I left home at age of 19 in August 2002. Too early? Hard to say. Sometimes you have to make life-determinant choices and I remember a strong desire for a new life in a new city with the opportunity to study something I really wanted.
My early time at Lund University was very overwhelming, but in a good way. The studies went brilliant and the combination of party-happy course mates, a flexible schedule and money in the form of student loans gave me a taste for the student life. I thought I had found the perfect balance between late nights out and long full days of studying on my own. In retrospect, I do not understand how I managed to keep up with everything.
Very good results on the two exams in my first semester gave me confidence about my studies. At that moment, I was offered a position in an ideal organisation. I felt flattered and said yes. It was a good learning experience but something I regret today, not so much for the position itself, but more for what it led to.
In summer 2003 I had passed all exams in my first academic year on the first attempt. That summer I worked far too much. The money gave me a nice fall from an economic perspective, but it was not worth it. I did not know back then. Instead my ego was fed even more when I realised I was the youngest one out of thirty active students at the student union's kick-off in the beginning of my third semester. Later in the fall, I accepted the position as President in another ideal organisation. This was a time-consuming commitment, but I never thought about the possibility to give up my position in the other ideal organisation. I spent that winter holiday in the Alps. It was somehow symptomatic of my first two academic years which were characterized by a personal desire to be everywhere and also a difficulty to say no, although I would never admit it then. Always good, preferably better and everything simultaneously. I forgot to sleep, eat and rest properly. It had worked before, so I saw no problem with that lifestyle then.
August 2004. A basic course in the end of my second academic year broke me. In my opinion I had prepared myself properly, but I was nowhere near passing the re-exam. For the first time ever, I got zero points on more than one essay question. I was extremely disappointed because I thought I was prepared, but two weeks with ten hour study days were not enough. The summer before that? Full time job.
I lost my confidence and that is dangerous for a person in a condition with great difficulty to distinguish between study, commitment in ideal organisations and leisure time. I was struggling with my studies and then things changed that were central in my life. I will not go into detail on this, but it did not make life easier to live. On the contrary, I was sad almost every morning because it was just another day. I was very fragile.
To make a long story short (by my standards, then, of course), I decided to move home in November 2006 and temporarily give up the University. It may have been my best decision since I decided to move to Lund. I have learned a lot about life during my time in Lund, and now I know what life is not about. That experience is worth every Swedish crown I have in student loan debt. Today I know that the verdict good often is enough as long as I do my best.
The quote at the beginning is taken from a column in the magazine IQ Student which I read by chance. A girl who studied journalism in Kalmar told how she perished by external demands and stressed the importance of not losing oneself. I recognized myself so strongly that I was inspired to write this post as self-therapy.
Last Thursday, I did a re-exam. That exam which broke me. How did it go? I passed with distinction! Wonderful!
Life is still a complicated project but I am working on it. I am a human and I need to be loved, but not at any cost.
This month, the streets were filled with shiny happy young people ready to conquer the world. I became nostalgic and started to think about how it was when i graduated from high school. Leaving the school behind, walking together with my classmates down to the park where my beloved family greeted me with a sign and a large photo which pictured me as a kid smiling while wearing some kind of Viking helmet. I was happily surprised because I did not even know that photo existed.
I left home at age of 19 in August 2002. Too early? Hard to say. Sometimes you have to make life-determinant choices and I remember a strong desire for a new life in a new city with the opportunity to study something I really wanted.
My early time at Lund University was very overwhelming, but in a good way. The studies went brilliant and the combination of party-happy course mates, a flexible schedule and money in the form of student loans gave me a taste for the student life. I thought I had found the perfect balance between late nights out and long full days of studying on my own. In retrospect, I do not understand how I managed to keep up with everything.
Very good results on the two exams in my first semester gave me confidence about my studies. At that moment, I was offered a position in an ideal organisation. I felt flattered and said yes. It was a good learning experience but something I regret today, not so much for the position itself, but more for what it led to.
In summer 2003 I had passed all exams in my first academic year on the first attempt. That summer I worked far too much. The money gave me a nice fall from an economic perspective, but it was not worth it. I did not know back then. Instead my ego was fed even more when I realised I was the youngest one out of thirty active students at the student union's kick-off in the beginning of my third semester. Later in the fall, I accepted the position as President in another ideal organisation. This was a time-consuming commitment, but I never thought about the possibility to give up my position in the other ideal organisation. I spent that winter holiday in the Alps. It was somehow symptomatic of my first two academic years which were characterized by a personal desire to be everywhere and also a difficulty to say no, although I would never admit it then. Always good, preferably better and everything simultaneously. I forgot to sleep, eat and rest properly. It had worked before, so I saw no problem with that lifestyle then.
August 2004. A basic course in the end of my second academic year broke me. In my opinion I had prepared myself properly, but I was nowhere near passing the re-exam. For the first time ever, I got zero points on more than one essay question. I was extremely disappointed because I thought I was prepared, but two weeks with ten hour study days were not enough. The summer before that? Full time job.
I lost my confidence and that is dangerous for a person in a condition with great difficulty to distinguish between study, commitment in ideal organisations and leisure time. I was struggling with my studies and then things changed that were central in my life. I will not go into detail on this, but it did not make life easier to live. On the contrary, I was sad almost every morning because it was just another day. I was very fragile.
To make a long story short (by my standards, then, of course), I decided to move home in November 2006 and temporarily give up the University. It may have been my best decision since I decided to move to Lund. I have learned a lot about life during my time in Lund, and now I know what life is not about. That experience is worth every Swedish crown I have in student loan debt. Today I know that the verdict good often is enough as long as I do my best.
The quote at the beginning is taken from a column in the magazine IQ Student which I read by chance. A girl who studied journalism in Kalmar told how she perished by external demands and stressed the importance of not losing oneself. I recognized myself so strongly that I was inspired to write this post as self-therapy.
Last Thursday, I did a re-exam. That exam which broke me. How did it go? I passed with distinction! Wonderful!
Life is still a complicated project but I am working on it. I am a human and I need to be loved, but not at any cost.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
The Shermans - The Myth of Being Alone
The third day in Lund on my own. Tomorrow I go back home and that will be so nice. How will I manage a full academic year after the summer if I can not handle three days now? I do not know if I am ready yet.
My mp3 player works again. I do not understand how the battery charges itself while I not listen (it is not a rechargable battery) but I do not complain. I brought too few records in the mp3 player though. I long for the real record collection and the computer.
My mp3 player works again. I do not understand how the battery charges itself while I not listen (it is not a rechargable battery) but I do not complain. I brought too few records in the mp3 player though. I long for the real record collection and the computer.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Pineforest Crunch - Cup Noodle Song
Everything is on youtube. This recording of Pineforest Crunch performing Cup Noodle Song live really encourages karaoke-friendly singalong.
This is the kind of videos that make youtube a place for cultural treasures.
This is the kind of videos that make youtube a place for cultural treasures.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Trembling Blue Stars - Idyllwild
Idyllwild is a wonderful song which reminds me of how different things could have been. Idyllwild also confirms what the song Helen Reddy made me suspect - Beth Arzy could have saved Trembling Blue Stars. I really love Beth's voice, but I find it difficult to learn to like or for that matter even accept Trembling Blue Stars.
In all subcultures, there are heroes and idols who can not be questioned. Bobby Wratten is a pop icon who has lived on his name ever since The Field Mice. Fans around the world kneel before the Emperor, although he has not delivered in more than 15 years. Wratten's Trembling Blue Stars were an uninteresting project for many years, and it was only when his thoughts began to revolve around other things than his ex-girlfriend Annemari Davies that the music was worth giving a chance. Nowadays, Bobby Wratten is together with Beth who also sings in his band.
Beth's pop history began in a small town in California. It was the early nineties and Beth met John Girgus through mutual friends during her time at Palm Desert High School. Beth and John soon became a couple as well as the core of the band they later would rename to Aberdeen after Beth fell in love with the city at a vacation in Scotland. After high school, Beth and John moved to Los Angeles where they began recording music which later was released by Sarah Records and Sunday Records. But everything was not as perfect as you might think. Beth and John's ever-turbulent relationship ended after six years. 1995 became 1996, and the band Aberdeen no longer existed.
There seems to be something special with former Sarah Records bands and reunions. Five years later, John contacted Beth via email with the excuse that he wanted Aberdeen tapes that Beth took with her when the band broke up. Soon they were in the studio together, and although the love for each other was not there anymore the music sounded better than ever. The album Homesick and Happy to Be Here was released in March 2002 and followed up by the EPs The Boy Has Gone Away and Florida.
Well, I was not supposed to tell Aberdeen's story in this post. Aberdeen has, however, toured with Trembling Blue Stars and comparisons between the bands become inevitable as Beth has sung in both. Idyllwild is the best song by Trembling Blue Stars since Helen Reddy. Unfortunately, that is because Bobby Wratten is happy to retell stories which he himself has already written better before.
Trembling Blue Stars are not Aberdeen. Idyllwild is not Sink or Float and John Girgus' contribution to the 2000s is vastly more interesting than Bobby Wratten's ditto. Idyllwild still shows that Trembling Blue Stars are on the right track and what I have heard from the new album The Last Holy Writer bodes well. But I can not stop thinking about how different things could have been. I can not stop dreaming of a reunited Aberdeen.
In all subcultures, there are heroes and idols who can not be questioned. Bobby Wratten is a pop icon who has lived on his name ever since The Field Mice. Fans around the world kneel before the Emperor, although he has not delivered in more than 15 years. Wratten's Trembling Blue Stars were an uninteresting project for many years, and it was only when his thoughts began to revolve around other things than his ex-girlfriend Annemari Davies that the music was worth giving a chance. Nowadays, Bobby Wratten is together with Beth who also sings in his band.
Beth's pop history began in a small town in California. It was the early nineties and Beth met John Girgus through mutual friends during her time at Palm Desert High School. Beth and John soon became a couple as well as the core of the band they later would rename to Aberdeen after Beth fell in love with the city at a vacation in Scotland. After high school, Beth and John moved to Los Angeles where they began recording music which later was released by Sarah Records and Sunday Records. But everything was not as perfect as you might think. Beth and John's ever-turbulent relationship ended after six years. 1995 became 1996, and the band Aberdeen no longer existed.
There seems to be something special with former Sarah Records bands and reunions. Five years later, John contacted Beth via email with the excuse that he wanted Aberdeen tapes that Beth took with her when the band broke up. Soon they were in the studio together, and although the love for each other was not there anymore the music sounded better than ever. The album Homesick and Happy to Be Here was released in March 2002 and followed up by the EPs The Boy Has Gone Away and Florida.
Well, I was not supposed to tell Aberdeen's story in this post. Aberdeen has, however, toured with Trembling Blue Stars and comparisons between the bands become inevitable as Beth has sung in both. Idyllwild is the best song by Trembling Blue Stars since Helen Reddy. Unfortunately, that is because Bobby Wratten is happy to retell stories which he himself has already written better before.
Trembling Blue Stars are not Aberdeen. Idyllwild is not Sink or Float and John Girgus' contribution to the 2000s is vastly more interesting than Bobby Wratten's ditto. Idyllwild still shows that Trembling Blue Stars are on the right track and what I have heard from the new album The Last Holy Writer bodes well. But I can not stop thinking about how different things could have been. I can not stop dreaming of a reunited Aberdeen.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
A different Walpurgis Night
The DJ set was not quite as I expected. No one told me that the dance floor would differ so much between a Walpurgis Night and a regular Friday night. I got a real challenge this time, but in the end I had no problem to deliver a set that made people have a great time. It was, however, sad to see that the recognition factor outweighs the hit factor. I had to compromise early on, but from Canada on I only played songs that I truly love. The night was great in the end, but I will definitely not be the DJ on any more Walpurgis Nights.
(23.30)
Air - Sexy Boy (actually, I had intended to start with Where You Belong but it would be pointless this night) )
Ride - Twisterella
Au Revoir Simone - Dark Halls (and here I wanted to play Laurel Music)
Headlights - TV
My Favorite - The Informers
Another Sunny Day - You Should All Be Murdered
Stars - Ageless Beauty
The Postal Service - Such Great Heights
Looker - Hey Kids
The Long Blondes - Only Lovers Left Alive
(00.00)
Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out
The Cure - Friday I'm in Love
Morrissey - First of the Gang to Die
The Strokes - Last Nite
The Smiths - This Charming Man
Le Sport - Tell No One About Tonight
Human League - Don't You Want Me
Depeche Mode - Just Can't Get Enough
The Knife - Heartbeats (This was where the dance floor really came to life. Such a predictable response. I felt like I could be replaced with a jukebox at this time.)
New Order - True Faith
The Undertones - Teenage Kicks
Saint Etienne - He's on the Phone
Blondie - Maria
Belinda Carlisle - Heaven Is a Place on Earth
Pet Shop Boys - It's a Sin
Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams
Bloc Party - Helicopter (this song emptied the dance floor ... )
(01.00)
Franz Ferdinand - Do You Want To
Pulp - Disco 2000
The Smiths - Panic
Looker - Hope and Anchor
The Long Blondes - Once and Never Again
The Magic Numbers - Take a Chance
The Essex Green - The Late Great Cassiopia
Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Belle and Sebastian - Electronic Renaissance
Interpol - Obstacle 1
The Knife - Listen Now
Baxendale - Music for Girls
Suede - Trash
Ramones - Sheena Is a Punk Rocker
The Libertines - Can't Stand Me Now
The Field Mice - Canada
Lucky Soul - Lips Are Unhappy
My Favorite - Absolute Zero
(02.00)
Langauge of Flowers - If It's Not You (here I said that it was the last song but I was allowed to play more)
Belle and Sebastian - Another Sunny Day
The Arrogants - Lovesick
The Field Mice - Emma's House
Comet Gain - You Can Hide Your Love Forever
My Favorite - The Happiest Days of My Life
The Aislers Set - The Red Door
My Favorite - Working Class Jacket (at the end of the song the kids on the dance floor turned to me and sang the last lines loudly. That was a fine moment )
Cats on Fire - Draw in the Reins
Langauge of Flowers - Tara Mascara
Broder Daniel - Shoreline
(23.30)
Air - Sexy Boy (actually, I had intended to start with Where You Belong but it would be pointless this night) )
Ride - Twisterella
Au Revoir Simone - Dark Halls (and here I wanted to play Laurel Music)
Headlights - TV
My Favorite - The Informers
Another Sunny Day - You Should All Be Murdered
Stars - Ageless Beauty
The Postal Service - Such Great Heights
Looker - Hey Kids
The Long Blondes - Only Lovers Left Alive
(00.00)
Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out
The Cure - Friday I'm in Love
Morrissey - First of the Gang to Die
The Strokes - Last Nite
The Smiths - This Charming Man
Le Sport - Tell No One About Tonight
Human League - Don't You Want Me
Depeche Mode - Just Can't Get Enough
The Knife - Heartbeats (This was where the dance floor really came to life. Such a predictable response. I felt like I could be replaced with a jukebox at this time.)
New Order - True Faith
The Undertones - Teenage Kicks
Saint Etienne - He's on the Phone
Blondie - Maria
Belinda Carlisle - Heaven Is a Place on Earth
Pet Shop Boys - It's a Sin
Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams
Bloc Party - Helicopter (this song emptied the dance floor ... )
(01.00)
Franz Ferdinand - Do You Want To
Pulp - Disco 2000
The Smiths - Panic
Looker - Hope and Anchor
The Long Blondes - Once and Never Again
The Magic Numbers - Take a Chance
The Essex Green - The Late Great Cassiopia
Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Belle and Sebastian - Electronic Renaissance
Interpol - Obstacle 1
The Knife - Listen Now
Baxendale - Music for Girls
Suede - Trash
Ramones - Sheena Is a Punk Rocker
The Libertines - Can't Stand Me Now
The Field Mice - Canada
Lucky Soul - Lips Are Unhappy
My Favorite - Absolute Zero
(02.00)
Langauge of Flowers - If It's Not You (here I said that it was the last song but I was allowed to play more)
Belle and Sebastian - Another Sunny Day
The Arrogants - Lovesick
The Field Mice - Emma's House
Comet Gain - You Can Hide Your Love Forever
My Favorite - The Happiest Days of My Life
The Aislers Set - The Red Door
My Favorite - Working Class Jacket (at the end of the song the kids on the dance floor turned to me and sang the last lines loudly. That was a fine moment )
Cats on Fire - Draw in the Reins
Langauge of Flowers - Tara Mascara
Broder Daniel - Shoreline
Those Dancing Days - Hitten
It has been an eventful weekend which in some ways felt like a fast forward play of last autumn. I was back at Blekingska last Friday. At the preparty I met a nice girl who shares the interest and taste in music with me. I had a good time at the preparty but the club night was not that good due to several reasons. First of all, why the hell are smokers privileged compared to other club visitors who just want some fresh air? That question was very relevant last Friday as the club was packed with people while the ventilation not worked at all. Secondly, Club Indigo at Blekingska is a small club and two persons who are there one evening will not manage to avoid each other. After a while I got tired and said hello to her. It was, in other words, nice to go home and sleep. For once I had a very short walk home after a club night out at Blekingska. Their DJ booker invited me to stay in his apartment over the weekend and it was perfect with only a two minutes walk home from the afterparty.
Nearly eight hours later, I woke up to my cell phone ringing. A friend of mine called me and asked if I wanted to play a match with my old hobby football team. We had met at Blekingska the night before, but he called me 20 minutes prior to the kick off. I ran from Blekingska to the sports field Smörlyckan in 25 minutes. In the first half I did not play that well as a midfielder with shoes that slid on the gravel. In the half time pause I quickly changed to goalkeeper trousers and then made a world class reflex save in the second half. The cup match ended 0-0 and was decided on penalties. We lost but I saved the first penalty just as Liverpool's goalkeeper Pepe Reina saved Arjen Robben's penalty in yesterday's Champions League semifinal, with the difference that my shooter was right-footed. I read him as an open book and I have really missed those types of challenges. I played in a new pair of converse shoes which really were not meant for football. My feet were chafed and hurt as much as I deserved for that stupidity.
I spent the afternoon in Malmö. A two hour walk resulted in damaged feet and a potential future friendship. It was definitely worth it but I should really stop buying shoes based on looks rather than comfort. I was invited to a housewarming party in Malmö later in the evening but declined. I instead lay awake all night thinking about my life. I did not cry myself to sleep but those hours could certainly had been my most difficult ones this year. Finally, the tiredness took its toll on me.
I felt better in the morning and listened to Those Dancing Days and was happy again. Both Sunday and Monday were calm days. I knew that I would not stand all the drunken people in the city park so I stayed inside and listened to Let's Go Sailing instead. When the dinner sesssion at Blekingska was about to end, I took off my headphones and left the mp3 player in favour of the DJ booth at the club to finally start the music on the dance floor.
Nearly eight hours later, I woke up to my cell phone ringing. A friend of mine called me and asked if I wanted to play a match with my old hobby football team. We had met at Blekingska the night before, but he called me 20 minutes prior to the kick off. I ran from Blekingska to the sports field Smörlyckan in 25 minutes. In the first half I did not play that well as a midfielder with shoes that slid on the gravel. In the half time pause I quickly changed to goalkeeper trousers and then made a world class reflex save in the second half. The cup match ended 0-0 and was decided on penalties. We lost but I saved the first penalty just as Liverpool's goalkeeper Pepe Reina saved Arjen Robben's penalty in yesterday's Champions League semifinal, with the difference that my shooter was right-footed. I read him as an open book and I have really missed those types of challenges. I played in a new pair of converse shoes which really were not meant for football. My feet were chafed and hurt as much as I deserved for that stupidity.
I spent the afternoon in Malmö. A two hour walk resulted in damaged feet and a potential future friendship. It was definitely worth it but I should really stop buying shoes based on looks rather than comfort. I was invited to a housewarming party in Malmö later in the evening but declined. I instead lay awake all night thinking about my life. I did not cry myself to sleep but those hours could certainly had been my most difficult ones this year. Finally, the tiredness took its toll on me.
I felt better in the morning and listened to Those Dancing Days and was happy again. Both Sunday and Monday were calm days. I knew that I would not stand all the drunken people in the city park so I stayed inside and listened to Let's Go Sailing instead. When the dinner sesssion at Blekingska was about to end, I took off my headphones and left the mp3 player in favour of the DJ booth at the club to finally start the music on the dance floor.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The Long Blondes - Once and Never Again
A really good unknown song which is played at the right time can blow away an entire dance floor. I will be the DJ at Blekingska on Monday and then expect something similar from singer Kate Jackson and her band The Long Blondes. Sheffield's latest pride is admittedly not very unknown, but the concentration of initiated indie kids may not be as high as usual on the last night of April.
The Long Blondes released their debut album Someone to Drive You Home on Rough Trade in the end of last year. The Long Blondes are great for real unlike their outrageously overrated label band mates Arcade Fire and The Strokes. Listen loud and long on Once and Never Again and decide yourself. Once and Never Again brainwashes us with the feminist message 19, you're only 19 for God's sake - Oooh, you don't need a boyfriend and the song Heaven Help the New Girl later repeats The Long Blondes' almost unhealthy obsession with the age 19. Kate is almost 30 and wishes she were young again
You know I'm not so young
I spent an hour getting ready every day
And still I end up looking more or less the same
but she has some tips and knows the deal I could show you, a thing or two - Oh, I could show you the ropes, and although some people should listen to
Come back with me, and find out what you really want
Come home with me you'll only have to do it once
'cause I know what it feels like to be your age
You only have to do it once, and never again
the kids do not care. It does not seem to matter that Kate is both handsome and the coolest in the world, the world will not listen.
The Long Blondes played at Debaser Slussen in Stockholm last month. The age limit? It was 18 of course, so that the 19-year-old kids could listen to the message.
http://www.thelongblondes.co.uk/
http://www.myspace.com/thelongblondes
The Long Blondes released their debut album Someone to Drive You Home on Rough Trade in the end of last year. The Long Blondes are great for real unlike their outrageously overrated label band mates Arcade Fire and The Strokes. Listen loud and long on Once and Never Again and decide yourself. Once and Never Again brainwashes us with the feminist message 19, you're only 19 for God's sake - Oooh, you don't need a boyfriend and the song Heaven Help the New Girl later repeats The Long Blondes' almost unhealthy obsession with the age 19. Kate is almost 30 and wishes she were young again
You know I'm not so young
I spent an hour getting ready every day
And still I end up looking more or less the same
but she has some tips and knows the deal I could show you, a thing or two - Oh, I could show you the ropes, and although some people should listen to
Come back with me, and find out what you really want
Come home with me you'll only have to do it once
'cause I know what it feels like to be your age
You only have to do it once, and never again
the kids do not care. It does not seem to matter that Kate is both handsome and the coolest in the world, the world will not listen.
The Long Blondes played at Debaser Slussen in Stockholm last month. The age limit? It was 18 of course, so that the 19-year-old kids could listen to the message.
http://www.thelongblondes.co.uk/
http://www.myspace.com/thelongblondes
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Review: Lucky Soul - The Great Unwanted
Lucky Soul's debut album The Great Unwanted is released tomorrow and the British pop landscape will change forever. Lucky Soul shake shimmy shimmy shake shimmy shaked their way into our brittle pop hearts with an overheated stroboscope. Last year's summer hit Lips Are Unhappy glittered with the sea. It was only the beginning of a long friendship. Lucky Soul were with me wherever I thrived. Lucky Soul on youtube, at after parties, and played by the DJ at Blekingska before Au Revoir Simone's concert. Lucky Soul were my obvious first choice in the category "best new band" when I summed up last year. Both Lips Are Unhappy and The Great Unwanted deservedly made it into top10 on my list of last year's best songs.
The Great Unwanted is a long parade filled with great melodies and beautiful vocals. The singer Ali Howard is comfortable with both sunshine pop and sweet ballads. I am even more impressed by the sum of the parts. Listen to the changing pace in Ain't Never Been Cool and listen to the end of One Kiss Don't Make a Summer. I get to hear all my favourite Lucky Soul songs, except for Give Me Love, from the second the introducing track Add Your Light to Mine, Baby starts.
Add your light to mine x3
Together we could shine
Lucky Soul's strength is also their only weakness. Sometimes I feel that The Great Unwanted sounds more like a collection than an album. There is not enough depth in the music. That is the most negative thing I have to say about the record. Lucky Soul's pop perfection leaves very little to be desired, and it is hard to blame a band for being specialists at writing hits. Lucky Soul have never pretended to be a band to cry with, and everyone can not be all things at once.
Forget the image-aware The Pipettes, and forget the sixties. Lucky Soul feel more at home in the contemporary pop scene where they have placed a never-ending candy vending machine. The Great Unwanted is one of the ten best records of the 2000s. But it is not a ten. Not when Last Song ends the record instead of the wonderful It's Yours. As if that would make any difference. Song by song, The Great Unwanted will be capable of matching everything that is released this year. Everything.
Nine Out of Ten
The San Marino - Super Sexy TV Girl
Our language is constantly changing and so is the terminology. Today, even bands on major labels are described as indie pop. Twee is another term which often is used incorrectly nowadays. As a listener you just need to listen to soft music to be categorized as twee. Ironically, I really like the broader (and incorrect) definition of twee as it simplifies my search for new favourite music.
I easily admit that I do not understand the narrow, more orthodox form of twee. I can certainly understand that people do not appreciate Jari Haapalainen-like sterile sound landscapes, but real twee is probably the world's worst-produced music. Far too often I hear great melodies getting destroyed by the tinny sound which make it impossible to hear a single word of the song. Apparently it is supposed to be that way. The Haircuts is one of many band that could had sounded so much better if they were less twee. The San Marinos in contrast make twee which sounds really good, despite the tinny sound.
Then of course there are twee bands that are just wimpy or very pointless too, but they deserve their own posts and I will write about that another time.
I easily admit that I do not understand the narrow, more orthodox form of twee. I can certainly understand that people do not appreciate Jari Haapalainen-like sterile sound landscapes, but real twee is probably the world's worst-produced music. Far too often I hear great melodies getting destroyed by the tinny sound which make it impossible to hear a single word of the song. Apparently it is supposed to be that way. The Haircuts is one of many band that could had sounded so much better if they were less twee. The San Marinos in contrast make twee which sounds really good, despite the tinny sound.
Then of course there are twee bands that are just wimpy or very pointless too, but they deserve their own posts and I will write about that another time.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Celestial - Dream On
Celestial is actually Andeas Hagman's one man project, but guest singer Malin Dahlberg steals both the show and my heart. Malin sings on the upcoming album Dream On and her voice follows me wherever I go.
I listen to all of Celestial's songs and hear that the other musicians are gifted as well. It is thus no coincidence that Dream On is released by the sympathetic label Skipping Stones Records. It had gotten into me that the record was delayed so I am very happy to see that Dream On is released on April 24. The single Fragile Heart can be ordered already today from the mailorder Delicious Goldfish Records.
The music spring of 2007 belongs to Celestial and a certain British band which also release their debut album now in April. Take a trip to Celestial's myspace and website. I tell you more about the British band another day.
I listen to all of Celestial's songs and hear that the other musicians are gifted as well. It is thus no coincidence that Dream On is released by the sympathetic label Skipping Stones Records. It had gotten into me that the record was delayed so I am very happy to see that Dream On is released on April 24. The single Fragile Heart can be ordered already today from the mailorder Delicious Goldfish Records.
The music spring of 2007 belongs to Celestial and a certain British band which also release their debut album now in April. Take a trip to Celestial's myspace and website. I tell you more about the British band another day.
I still miss Blekingska
I will write an exam on April 19. If I pass the exam, I will most likely candidate for the position as promoter at Blekingska nationen for the fall of 2007.
The elections at the student nation are held already on May 9, and that really complicates things. I must be certain that I pass the exam before I candidate or otherwise I put both myself and the student nation in an unneccessarily uncomfortable situation. This is, however, a perfect opportunity to become the promoter at an indie pop club. I will not get this chance again, and my options look very well as long as no else shows interest for the position.
Either way, I will DJ at Blekingska on Walpurgis Night and that will be fun. I am happy to see Lund and Blekingska again.
The elections at the student nation are held already on May 9, and that really complicates things. I must be certain that I pass the exam before I candidate or otherwise I put both myself and the student nation in an unneccessarily uncomfortable situation. This is, however, a perfect opportunity to become the promoter at an indie pop club. I will not get this chance again, and my options look very well as long as no else shows interest for the position.
Either way, I will DJ at Blekingska on Walpurgis Night and that will be fun. I am happy to see Lund and Blekingska again.
Let's Go Sailing - Sideways
Monday, February 12, 2007
Bedroom Eyes - Blueprint for Departure
Something is special about bands from Östersund that borrow singers from other Östersund-related bands. The first time I heard the track Färjemansleden by Vapnet, I took for granted it was sung by the flutist Anna who is the only girl in the band. At that time I thought this sounds pretty good. A number of listens later, I thought this sounds fantastic. I would later realise that Annika Norlin's (Hello Saferide) vocals on Färjemansleden made it one of the best Swedish songs of last year. I rated Färjemansleden that highly although I had previously named Vapnet one of Sweden's most meaningsless bands.
Bedroom Eyes is Jonas Jonsson's band project. He is also from Östersund. He has also borrowed a female guest singer for his band. Penny Century's Julia Hanberg accounted for a vocal performance which made Blueprint for Departure one of last year's most beautiful Swedish songs. Listen to the entire EP at http://www.bedroomeyes.se/ and do not miss opening track Motorcycle Daydream.
Bedroom Eyes is Jonas Jonsson's band project. He is also from Östersund. He has also borrowed a female guest singer for his band. Penny Century's Julia Hanberg accounted for a vocal performance which made Blueprint for Departure one of last year's most beautiful Swedish songs. Listen to the entire EP at http://www.bedroomeyes.se/ and do not miss opening track Motorcycle Daydream.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Club 8 - So Tied Up
I have always considered Club 8 as (good) background music. Club 8 should suit me perfectly, but there are so many other Swedish bands that do the same thing better.
I gave Club 8 a new chance a few days ago. I listened to the EP Saturday Night Engine. The opening title track reminds me of Caesars, but the third track So Tied Up is an awesome song that Secret Shine could have listened to before their reunion.
Today I listened to other Club 8 songs which previously were sent to me on mix CDs. I Guess I Was Wrong shines the most.
I gave Club 8 a new chance a few days ago. I listened to the EP Saturday Night Engine. The opening title track reminds me of Caesars, but the third track So Tied Up is an awesome song that Secret Shine could have listened to before their reunion.
Today I listened to other Club 8 songs which previously were sent to me on mix CDs. I Guess I Was Wrong shines the most.
Those Transatlantics do a The Concretes
What a sad message, read it yourself:
Dear Friends
This is just a little note to let you all know I am not in rehab, I was not eaten by a sea monster, and I have not joined a cult (Unless you count Opera's book club).
This was a strange and unexpected way to start the new year; however things are shaping up quite well. Recently I have had to do some re-figuring as the other 4 members of Those Transatlantics decided they no longer wanted me as their front lady. I am looking forward to enjoying the process of making something new.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the folks who bought Knocked Out, came to the shows, and fellow musicians I met along the way; especially everyone at Suburban Sprawl. The warm response that Those Transalantics received was more than I had anticipated when we started this band 3 1/2 years ago, so thank you.
I am excited about my future and look forward to staying in contact with everyone. Please feel free to reach me at kathleenbrack@yahoo.com. I imagine the wicked myspace monster will have me in it's clutches soon as well... so look for that soon.
Very truly yours,
Kathleen
Those Transatlantics are thus doing a The Concretes: they kick out the band's best member. Those Transatlantics write on their website that they look for a new singer, those who are interested are welcome on audition.
In my ears, Those Transatlantics sounded like the perfect meeting between Stars and The Snow Fairies. One of last year's most promising bands no longer exists. The rest of the band feels as uninteresting as "The Concretes" with Lisa Millberg on vocals. Both bands should rename themselves. A talent for our own destruction is all we've ever got or something similar would be a more telling name.
Source: It Came From Culture City that was two weeks faster than me.
Dear Friends
This is just a little note to let you all know I am not in rehab, I was not eaten by a sea monster, and I have not joined a cult (Unless you count Opera's book club).
This was a strange and unexpected way to start the new year; however things are shaping up quite well. Recently I have had to do some re-figuring as the other 4 members of Those Transatlantics decided they no longer wanted me as their front lady. I am looking forward to enjoying the process of making something new.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the folks who bought Knocked Out, came to the shows, and fellow musicians I met along the way; especially everyone at Suburban Sprawl. The warm response that Those Transalantics received was more than I had anticipated when we started this band 3 1/2 years ago, so thank you.
I am excited about my future and look forward to staying in contact with everyone. Please feel free to reach me at kathleenbrack@yahoo.com. I imagine the wicked myspace monster will have me in it's clutches soon as well... so look for that soon.
Very truly yours,
Kathleen
Those Transatlantics are thus doing a The Concretes: they kick out the band's best member. Those Transatlantics write on their website that they look for a new singer, those who are interested are welcome on audition.
In my ears, Those Transatlantics sounded like the perfect meeting between Stars and The Snow Fairies. One of last year's most promising bands no longer exists. The rest of the band feels as uninteresting as "The Concretes" with Lisa Millberg on vocals. Both bands should rename themselves. A talent for our own destruction is all we've ever got or something similar would be a more telling name.
Source: It Came From Culture City that was two weeks faster than me.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
The Garlands - You Never Notice Me
I checked my inbox at lastfm. A friend of mine had sent me the following link:
http://www.myspace.com/garlandssweden
Listen! Another friend just called and we will meet up later. That is good, otherwise I would have been stuck here in front of the computer the rest of the evening.
http://www.myspace.com/garlandssweden
Listen! Another friend just called and we will meet up later. That is good, otherwise I would have been stuck here in front of the computer the rest of the evening.
Friday, February 9, 2007
The Hermit Crabs - Feel Good Factor
I only get to listen to Feel Good Factor a few seconds before the thought strikes me that this sounds just like Camera Obscura's Keep It Clean. It turns out that The Hermit Crabs also come from Glasgow, and that they link to Camera Obscura on their website. The Hermit Crabs release their debut album this spring. I look forward to find out if The Hermit Crabs manage to stand on their own feet.
The Hermit Crabs - Feel Good Factor EP can be purchased from my favourite online record store Fraction Discs.
The Hermit Crabs - Feel Good Factor EP can be purchased from my favourite online record store Fraction Discs.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
The Electric Pop Group - Popgirly
The Electric Pop Group will play at Club King Kong on 3rd March. Listen to Popgirly and more songs on the band's website (the layout is horrible but the music is beautiful).
Monday, February 5, 2007
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Step into a beautiful world filled with hits
It was noticeable yesterday how much I had learned since the last time I was DJ at Blekingska. But you would not think so when I entered the DJ booth and tried some transitions before the club opened. I had forgotten how the DJ mixer worked. The autocue button was not pressed on the left side and that detail almost drove me crazy. The nice sound technician helped me with that later and everything went well from that point. As always, I made some minor mistakes (to check that you really have loaded the cd you intend to play is a good advice, furthermore I am not capable of speaking with people at the same time I prepare the cd player with the next track) but overall I delivered a very good DJ set.
I played hits almost constantly after Juvelen left the stage. Perhaps that was the factor which made people stay at the dance floor when I played a few songs that almost no one recognized. By watching the dance floor, I could easily notice when I played a song the audience had not heard before, but people still danced when I increased the tempo. Watching many people dance to Language of Flowers was the peak of a terrific night.
I wrote down all the songs in order on a note pad. I am glad I did that because I would have no chance to remember the DJ set today.
(22.00)
Aberdeen - Sink or Float
Sambassadeur - If Rain
Gentle Touch - Fascination
Slowdive - Machine Gun
My Favorite - Johnny Nightmare
Au Revoir Simone - Dark Halls
Heavenly - Cool Guitar Boy
Hello Saferide - 2006
Marit Bergman - No Party
Language of Flowers - Don't You See
Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken
Wilson Hospital - Call Me A.S.A.P.
Stars - Ageless Beauty
Sambassadeur - Marie
Belle and Sebastian - Electronic Renaissance
Saint Etienne - Like a Motorway
My Darling You - Please Don't Talk to Me, I Fall in Love So Easily
Irene - Stardust
Acid House Kings - Keep Your Love
The Arrogants - Cool Shoes
Slowdive - When the Sun Hits
The Cure - In Between Days
-----------------------------------------------------------------
JUVELEN LIVE
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Field Mice - Emma's House
My Favorite - The Happiest Days of My Life
Lucky Soul - Lips Are Unhappy
Lush - Single Girl
Popsicle - Hey Princess
Magic Numbers - Take a Chance (but prior to that the intro of Emma's House before I realised I forgot to change track on the burned cd - pretty clumsy)
The Hidden Cameras - Ban Marriage
Morrissey - First of the Gang (I had planned to play You Have Killed Me, but I wanted a super hit to fill the dance floor at this moment)
(00.00)
New Order - True Faith
The Knife - Heartbeats
Human League - Don't You Want Me
The Undertones - Teenage Kicks
Stone Roses - She Bangs the Drums
Pulp - Disco 2000
Caesar's Palace - Over 'for It Started (I was doubtful that people would appreciate this song, but it worked fine)
Broder Daniel - Shoreline (I should had played I'll Be Gone instead)
Bloc Party - Banquet
Franz Ferdinand - This Boy (I could not decide between This Boy and Do You Want To, I got to make my mind up quickly when the time of Banquet was running out)
Interpol - Obstacle 1
Tralala - Like This
Cats on Fire - Draw in the Reins
The Essex Green - The Late Great Cassiopia (I love Cassiopia. Admittedly a real crowd pleaser, but it is so fun to watch people dance to this song)
The Arrogants - Lovesick
Razorcuts - Jade
Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want to Have Fun (there were some new students at the club who never had been at Blekingska before. Girls Just Want to Have Fun was for them)
The Pipettes - It Hurts to See You Dance So Well (a boy came to the DJ booth and wished for me to play School Uniform. I would have played School Uniform if I had it on any of the cds)
(01.00)
Language of Flowers - If It's Not You
My Favorite - Absolute Zero
Tralala - All Fired Up
Looker - Hope and Anchor
The Field Mice - Canada
The Smiths - Bigmouth Strikes Again (when you think about it, there is no reason not to play The Smiths. This was a wish I gladly fulfilled)
The Cure - Just Like Heaven (perhaps the most bizarre thing during the whole night. Someone asked me to play Just Like Heaven earlier in the night but I answered "we'll see". I had planned to play Boy's Don't Cry here, but I had chosen the wrong The Cure compliation. Just Like Heaven which also is the third track on the disc was thus played)
The Primitives - Crash
Lucky Soul - Ain't Never Been Cool (I do not think that this band works that well on Blekingska's dance floor but I decide myself what I want to play)
The Knife - Listen Now
Of Montreal - Disconnect the Dots
Pulp - Common People (dangerously close to "too much" but what the hell, it was between this song and Mis-Shapes. But I will probably not play Common People the next time I am DJ at this club)
Baxendale - Music for Girls (Yes, I have to tell you - a good friend of mine said that she would come to Blekingska this night, but then my cell phone displayed a missed call about half past twelve. She arrived shortly after that and I was very happy to see her. She and the rest of the floor were dancing really lovely to the "and if this is really music ..."-section of Music for Girls. Happy days are here again!)
My Favorite - Let's Stay Alive
The Smiths - Panic (a wish: "you - do you know the name of the song by Smiths which goes like 'hang the dj hang the dj hang the dj hang the dj hang the dj'?"
Yes, I know that song and it is pretty good!)
The Tough Alliance - Silly Crimes (after Listen Now was played, people at the dance floor started to shout for TTA. Not exactly my favourite band but this song is good enough after all)
Blondie - Maria (a better song than many indie hits. Blondie were so damn good)
(02.00)
Popsicle - Not Forever
Magic Numbers - Forever Lost
The Aislers Set - The Red Door
Saint Etienne - Sylvie
Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls
New Order - Regret (for a long time I did not see the greatness of this band. Psymon convinced me, as usual) "after this you get three more songs"
Blondie - Hanging on the Telephone
Soft Cell - Tainted Love (it was messy among the cds and I put on the first thing I saw which I had not already played)
The Cure - Boys Don't Cry
----quiet a while---
"You may well play one more song"
The Smiths - This Charming Man
The Smiths - There Is a Light That Never Goes Out (all of a sudden it became very much The Smiths but there were only ten people on the dance floor at this time, including me. To close the DJ set with There Is a Light That Never Goes Out felt a bit like a pop cliche though)
I played hits almost constantly after Juvelen left the stage. Perhaps that was the factor which made people stay at the dance floor when I played a few songs that almost no one recognized. By watching the dance floor, I could easily notice when I played a song the audience had not heard before, but people still danced when I increased the tempo. Watching many people dance to Language of Flowers was the peak of a terrific night.
I wrote down all the songs in order on a note pad. I am glad I did that because I would have no chance to remember the DJ set today.
(22.00)
Aberdeen - Sink or Float
Sambassadeur - If Rain
Gentle Touch - Fascination
Slowdive - Machine Gun
My Favorite - Johnny Nightmare
Au Revoir Simone - Dark Halls
Heavenly - Cool Guitar Boy
Hello Saferide - 2006
Marit Bergman - No Party
Language of Flowers - Don't You See
Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken
Wilson Hospital - Call Me A.S.A.P.
Stars - Ageless Beauty
Sambassadeur - Marie
Belle and Sebastian - Electronic Renaissance
Saint Etienne - Like a Motorway
My Darling You - Please Don't Talk to Me, I Fall in Love So Easily
Irene - Stardust
Acid House Kings - Keep Your Love
The Arrogants - Cool Shoes
Slowdive - When the Sun Hits
The Cure - In Between Days
-----------------------------------------------------------------
JUVELEN LIVE
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Field Mice - Emma's House
My Favorite - The Happiest Days of My Life
Lucky Soul - Lips Are Unhappy
Lush - Single Girl
Popsicle - Hey Princess
Magic Numbers - Take a Chance (but prior to that the intro of Emma's House before I realised I forgot to change track on the burned cd - pretty clumsy)
The Hidden Cameras - Ban Marriage
Morrissey - First of the Gang (I had planned to play You Have Killed Me, but I wanted a super hit to fill the dance floor at this moment)
(00.00)
New Order - True Faith
The Knife - Heartbeats
Human League - Don't You Want Me
The Undertones - Teenage Kicks
Stone Roses - She Bangs the Drums
Pulp - Disco 2000
Caesar's Palace - Over 'for It Started (I was doubtful that people would appreciate this song, but it worked fine)
Broder Daniel - Shoreline (I should had played I'll Be Gone instead)
Bloc Party - Banquet
Franz Ferdinand - This Boy (I could not decide between This Boy and Do You Want To, I got to make my mind up quickly when the time of Banquet was running out)
Interpol - Obstacle 1
Tralala - Like This
Cats on Fire - Draw in the Reins
The Essex Green - The Late Great Cassiopia (I love Cassiopia. Admittedly a real crowd pleaser, but it is so fun to watch people dance to this song)
The Arrogants - Lovesick
Razorcuts - Jade
Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want to Have Fun (there were some new students at the club who never had been at Blekingska before. Girls Just Want to Have Fun was for them)
The Pipettes - It Hurts to See You Dance So Well (a boy came to the DJ booth and wished for me to play School Uniform. I would have played School Uniform if I had it on any of the cds)
(01.00)
Language of Flowers - If It's Not You
My Favorite - Absolute Zero
Tralala - All Fired Up
Looker - Hope and Anchor
The Field Mice - Canada
The Smiths - Bigmouth Strikes Again (when you think about it, there is no reason not to play The Smiths. This was a wish I gladly fulfilled)
The Cure - Just Like Heaven (perhaps the most bizarre thing during the whole night. Someone asked me to play Just Like Heaven earlier in the night but I answered "we'll see". I had planned to play Boy's Don't Cry here, but I had chosen the wrong The Cure compliation. Just Like Heaven which also is the third track on the disc was thus played)
The Primitives - Crash
Lucky Soul - Ain't Never Been Cool (I do not think that this band works that well on Blekingska's dance floor but I decide myself what I want to play)
The Knife - Listen Now
Of Montreal - Disconnect the Dots
Pulp - Common People (dangerously close to "too much" but what the hell, it was between this song and Mis-Shapes. But I will probably not play Common People the next time I am DJ at this club)
Baxendale - Music for Girls (Yes, I have to tell you - a good friend of mine said that she would come to Blekingska this night, but then my cell phone displayed a missed call about half past twelve. She arrived shortly after that and I was very happy to see her. She and the rest of the floor were dancing really lovely to the "and if this is really music ..."-section of Music for Girls. Happy days are here again!)
My Favorite - Let's Stay Alive
The Smiths - Panic (a wish: "you - do you know the name of the song by Smiths which goes like 'hang the dj hang the dj hang the dj hang the dj hang the dj'?"
Yes, I know that song and it is pretty good!)
The Tough Alliance - Silly Crimes (after Listen Now was played, people at the dance floor started to shout for TTA. Not exactly my favourite band but this song is good enough after all)
Blondie - Maria (a better song than many indie hits. Blondie were so damn good)
(02.00)
Popsicle - Not Forever
Magic Numbers - Forever Lost
The Aislers Set - The Red Door
Saint Etienne - Sylvie
Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls
New Order - Regret (for a long time I did not see the greatness of this band. Psymon convinced me, as usual) "after this you get three more songs"
Blondie - Hanging on the Telephone
Soft Cell - Tainted Love (it was messy among the cds and I put on the first thing I saw which I had not already played)
The Cure - Boys Don't Cry
----quiet a while---
"You may well play one more song"
The Smiths - This Charming Man
The Smiths - There Is a Light That Never Goes Out (all of a sudden it became very much The Smiths but there were only ten people on the dance floor at this time, including me. To close the DJ set with There Is a Light That Never Goes Out felt a bit like a pop cliche though)
Friday, February 2, 2007
Blekingska calling!
Back in Lund, back at Blekingska. We seem to be related in some way. I will DJ tonight. This post is written from the office at the club, where we are listening to Music for Girls by Baxendale. Apparently, Juvelen will play live tonight.
It will be a cool night. Now I have to go and change clothes.
It will be a cool night. Now I have to go and change clothes.
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