K-X-P debut coming via Smalltown Supersound

Smalltown Supersound will be releasing the self-titled debut full-length from Finnish Kraut/electronic act K-X-P, featuring Timo Kaukolampi (OP:L Bastards, Annie), on July 19.

Fever Ray, Annie, more in Pitchfork top 100 tracks of 2009

Pitchfork has started to post their top 100 tracks of 2009 and so far in the bottom 50 we have Scandinavian artist representation from Frida Hyvönen (#77), Röyksopp (feat. Robyn) (#68), The Tough Alliance (#65), Annie (#64) and Fever Ray (#58). See here: http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7742-the-top-100-tracks-of-2009/

Pitchfork reviews Annie

Predictably, Pitchfork seems to find Annie's new record quite pleasant: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13696-dont-stop-all-night-ep/

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Donkeyboy - Caugh in a Life
02. Bjørn Eidsvåg - De Beste
03. Sivert Høyem - Moon Landing
04. Jonas Fjeld feat Henning Kvitnes - Den Gamle Veien
05. Ole Ivars - Femten Ferske
06. Herborg Kråkevik - Kvar Ein Dag
07. Diverse artister - Go'natt
08. The Blacksheeps - Blacksheeps
09. Anne Nørdsti - Livet er nå
10. Tord Gustavsen Ensemble - Restored, Returned
11. Annie - Don't Stop
12. John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen - For Sant Til Å Være Godt
13. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix Junior 2009
14. Solveig Slettahjell - Tarpan Seasons
15. Minor Majority - Either Way I Think You Know
16. Bjølsen Valsemølle - Mohammeds Cafe
17. Kings Of Convenience - Declaration of Dependence
18. Mari Boine - Sterna Paradisea
19. Nilsen/Aalberg - Call Me a Dreamer
20. Knut Reiersrud - Gitar

Annie
Don't stop
Smalltown Supersound

With this, her much delayed and publicized second record, the hyped indie-pop queen has had four years to work on her sound. Working with her base of producers Xenomania and Richard X, Annie has become more confident on this record and it shows in theory, but not in practice. Tracks such as "My love is better" and "I don't like your band" focus on the more vapid details of pop culture, but instead of being a snide critique, it comes off as hubristic elitism. Conversely, on "When the night" and "Heaven and hell", it all works as best as it possibly could, as Annie's lethargic vocal takes almost exist symbiotically. If anything, working with her is a producer's dream, because the lack of carry in her trademark half-whispered vocals will always be overshadowed by the music. Sadly, this will always stop her from reaching the pop echelon to which the music press compares her. My only advice is: Godammit woman sing from deep down, don't be afraid to get loud! I know you have it in you -- we all do.
- Matt Giordano

Annie track review at Pitchfork

Pitchfork has the new Annie song "Songs remind me of you" in their track review section: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/11588-songs-remind-me-of-you/

BBC Music reviews Annie

BBC Music reviews the new Annie album "Don't stop": http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/p84z

Annie live in London

Annie is doing a couple London gigs this week:

10/16 - Shepherds Bush Empire
10/17 - The Social

Interview: Annie

New Annie album to finally be released

Annie's new album "Don't stop" will finally see the light of day on October 19 via Smalltown Supersound.

New Annie releases confirmed (more or less)

Tellé has posted some preliminary details for overrated Norwegian pop artist Annie's upcoming release schedule: http://www.houseoftelle.com/?p=90

Annie to support Snow Patrol in the UK

Norway's most overrated artist Annie will be supporting Snow Patrol for a few UK dates:

03/10 - Arena, Newcastle
03/11 - NEC, Birmingham
03/12 - Arena, Nottingham
03/14 - O2 Arena, London

Pitchfork reports that Norwegian pop artist Annie has parted ways with Island Records: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/147757-annie-leaves-island-records
Hard to say if the record delay troubles are related to modern-day label troubles or speak to the possible low quality of the music, but I guess we'll probably never know for sure. Whichever it is, I still think she's one of the most vastly overrated Scandinavian artists being promoted internationally in recent memory.

Looks like there's a new Annie track making the rounds: http://www.discobelle.net/2008/10/02/annie-two-of-hearts/
Also note that the release of her new album "Don't stop" has been pushed back to 2009, not a good sign I'd say.

Digital Spy interviews Annie: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a102078/annie.html