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.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
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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