This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Takida - Bury the lies
02. Mustasch - Latest version of the truth
03. The Ark - Prayer for the weekend
04. Cornelis Vreeswijk - CV - Det bästa med Cornelis Vreeswijk
05. Sonja Aldén - Till dig
06. Sofia Karlsson - Visor från vinden
07. Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing
08. Nanne - Jag måste kyssa dig
09. The Tough Alliance - A new chance
10. Lillasyster - Hjärndöd musik för en hjärndöd generation
11. Markoolio - Värsta Plattan
12. Eldkvarn - Svart blogg
14. Jimmy Jansson - Sån e jag
15. Sonic Syndicate - Only inhuman
16. Shout Out Louds - Our ill wills
17. The Boppers - 30
18. Vikingarna - Bästa kramgoa låtarna 2
19. Marie Lindberg - Trying to recall
20. Salem Al Fakir - This is who I am

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. The Ark - Prayer for the weekend
02. Sonja Aldén - Till dig
03. Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing
04. Cornelis Vreeswijk - CV - Det bästa med Cornelis Vreeswijk
05. Sofia Karlsson - Visor från vinden
06. Lillasyster - Hjärndöd musik för en hjärndöd generation
07. Eldkvarn - Svart blogg
08. Vikingarna - Bästa kramgoa låtarna 2
09. Nanne - Jag måste kyssa dig
10. Marie Lindberg - Trying to recall
11. Markoolio - Värsta Plattan
12. The Boppers - 30
14. Shout Out Louds - Our ill wills
15. Salem Al Fakir - This is who I am
16. Timbuktu - Oberoendeframkallande
17. Mr Jones Machine - Återvändsgränd
18. Jerry Williams - I can jive - Det bästa med Jerry Williams
19. Laleh - Prinsessor
20. Emilia - Små ord av kärlek

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. The Ark - Prayer for the weekend
02. Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing
03. Sofia Karlsson - Visor från vinden
04. Sonja Aldén - Till dig
05. Vikingarna - Bästa kramgoa låtarna 2
06. Eldkvarn - Svart blogg
07. Marie Lindberg - Trying to recall
08. Cornelis Vreeswijk - CV - Det bästa med Cornelis Vreeswijk
09. Markoolio - Värsta Plattan
10. Shout Out Louds - Our ill wills
11. Salem Al Fakir - This is who I am
12. Timbuktu - Oberoendeframkallande
14. Nanne - Jag måste kyssa dig
15. Jerry Williams - I can jive - Det bästa med Jerry Williams
16. Laleh - Prinsessor
17. Calaisa - Calaisa
18. Sophie Zelmani - Memory loves you
19. The Boppers - 30
20. Björn Rosenström - Ett Jubileum som är sådär....10 1/2 år

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Björn Skifs - Decennier sånger från en annan tid
02. Son of a Plumber - Son of a Plumber
03. Jill Johnson - The christmas in you
04. Monica Zetterlund - Z - det bästa med monica zetterlund
05. Darin - Darin
06. Lena Philipsson - Jag ångrar ingenting
07. Thåström - Skebokvarnsv 209
08. Amy Diamond - This Is Me Now
09. Björn Afzelius - Björn Afzelius bästa
10. Nanne - Alltid på väg
11. Eva Dahlgren - Snö
12. Laleh - Laleh
13. The Cardigans - Super Extra Gravity
14. Brolle Jr - Brolle jr tolkar cornelis - en stund på jorden
15. Bodies Without Organs - Prototype
16. The Soundtrack of Our Lives - A present from the past
17. Sophie Zelmani - A decade of dreams 1995-2005
18. Carola - Jul i betlehem
19. Jussi Björling - Från operans värld till svenska sånger
20. Peter Lemarc - Sjutton sånger - lemarc sjunger lemarc

The nominees for the Swedish Grammis have been announced:

Best pop female:
Amy Diamond - This is me now
Ane Brun - A temporary dive
Frida Hyvönen - Until death comes
Jenny Wilson - Love and youth
Robyn - Robyn

Best pop male:
Darin - Darin
Håkan Hellström - Ett kolikbarns bekännelser
Mauro Scocco - Herr Jimsons äventyr
Peter LeMarc - Sjutton sånger - LeMarc sjunger LeMarc
Son of a plumber - Son of a plumber

Best pop group:
Alcazar - Dancefloor deluxe
Bodies without organs - Prototype
CDOASS - Extra fingers
Doktor Kosmos - Ett enkelt svar
Suburban kids with biblical names - #3

Best rock album (solo):
Christian Kjellvander - Faya
Freddie Wadling - Jag är monstret
Moneybrother - To die alone
Thåström - Skebokvarnsv. 209
Tomas Andersson Wij - Tomas Andersson Wij

Best rock group:
Kent - Du & jag döden
Soundtrack of our lives - A present from the past
The Ark - State of the Ark
The Cardigans - Super extra gravity
The Hellacopters - Rock & roll is dead

Best composer:
Anders Wedin (Moneybrother) - To die alone
Joakim Berg - Du & jag döden
Laleh - Laleh
Robyn/Klas Åhlund - Robyn
Thåström - Skebokvarnsv. 209

Best lyrics:
Håkan Hellström - Ett kolikbarns bekännelser
Jason Diakité - Alla vill till himmelen men ingen vill dö
Joakim Berg - Du & jag döden
Laleh - Laleh
Thåström - Skebokvarnsv. 209

Best proder:
Anders Hansson & Alexander Bard
Bloodshy/Avant
Klas Åhlund
Laleh
Lars Halapi

Best hip-hop/soul:
Hearin'aid - The Boom Lucy
Jaqee - Blaqalixious
Looptroop - Fort Europa
Masayah - p.s.
Timbuktu - Alla vill till himmelen men ingen vill dö

Best hard-rock:
Candlemass - Candlemass
Hammerfall - Chapter V: Unbent, unbowed, unbroken
Hardcore Superstar - Hardcore Superstar
Meshuggah - Catch thirtythree
Opeth - Ghost reveries

Best jazz:
Bobo Stenson/Anders Jormin/Paul Motian - Goodbye
e.s.t. - Viaticum
Jonas Kullhammar Quartet - Snake city north
Putte Wickman & Jan Lundgren - An intimate salute to Frankie
Torbjörn Zetterberg - Krissvit

Best club/dance:
Arash - Arash - new version
v/a - Inside Scandinavia vol 2
Hundarna från söder - Troika
September - In orbit
Spånka Nkpg - The City of the golden king

Open category:
Allan Edwall - Alla Allans visor
v/a - Du Beppe, Beppe Wolgers mästerverk
Peps Blodsband - Äntligen!
The Latin Kings - Familia Royale
Totta Näslund - Totta 8: Greatest hits!

Best newcomer:
Amy Diamond
Bodies Without Organs
Darin
Frida Hyvönen
Laleh

Best album:
Bodies without organs - Prototype
Kent - Du & jag döden
Laleh - Laleh
Robyn - Robyn
Timbuktu - Alla vill till himmelen men ingen vill dö

Best artist:
Kent
Laleh
Moneybrother
Robyn
Timbuktu

Best music dvd:
Abba - Abba the movie
Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis
Evergrey - A night to remember
Marit Bergman - Marit Bergman - Live at Rival
Timbuktu - Funken styr våra steg

Best song:
Amy Diamond - What's in it for me
Darin - Money for nothing
Kent - The hjärta & smärta ep
Robyn - Be mine
Timbuktu - Alla vill till himmelen men ingen vill dö

Full list of every category here: http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2198&a=503182

Here's this week's top 20 Swedish albums from Aftonbladet:

01. Sara Löfgren - Starkare
02. Per Gessle - Mazarin
03. Sophie Zelmani - Love Affair
04. Mikael Wiehe - Kärlek & politik
05. Lisa Miskovsky - Fallingwater
06. Peter LeMarc - Det som håller oss vid liv
07. Jill Johnson - Roots and wings
08. Carola - Guld platina & passion
09. Arns rike - Arn the gothia
10. José González - Veneer
11. Alice Babs - Alice babs bästa
12. Backyard Babies - Stockholm Syndrome
13. Moneybrother - Blood panic
14. Andra generationen - Kärlekens land
15. Patrik Isaksson - Vi som aldrig landat
16. Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis Vreeswijks bästa
17. September - September
18. Viktoria Tolstoy - Shining on you
19. Tomas Andersson Wij - Stjärnorna i oss
20. Miio - På vårt sätt

Here's this week's top 20 Swedish albums from Aftonbladet:

01. Sara Löfgren - Starkare
02. Per Gessle - Mazarin
03. Sophie Zelmani - Love Affair
04. Lisa Miskovsky - Fallingwater
05. Jill Johnson - Roots and wings
06. Peter LeMarc - Det som håller oss vid liv
07. Arns rike - Arn the gothia
08. Carola - Guld platina & passion
09. Alice Babs - Alice babs bästa
10. José González - Veneer
11. Moneybrother - Blood panic
12. Patrik Isaksson - Vi som aldrig landat
13. Backyard Babies - Stockholm Syndrome
14. Tomas Andersson Wij - Stjärnorna i oss
15. Viktoria Tolstoy - Shining on you
16. Nicolai Dunger - Here's my song you can have it....
17. September - September
18. Mauro Scooco - La dolce vita
19. The Knife - Deep Cuts
20. Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis Vreeswijks bästa

Here's this week's top 20 Swedish albums from Aftonbladet:

01. Sara Löfgren - Starkare
02. Per Gessle - Mazarin
03. Lisa Miskovsky - Fallingwater
04. Sophie Zelmani - Love Affair
05. Patrik Isaksson - Vi som aldrig landat
06. José González - Veneer
07. Arns rike - Arn the gothia
08. Peter LeMarc - Det som håller oss vid liv
09. Alice Babs - Alice babs bästa
10. Jill Johnson - Roots and wings
11. Moneybrother - Blood panic
12. Backyard Babies - Stockholm Syndrome
13. Nicolai Dunger - Here's my song you can have it....
14. Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis Vreeswijks bästa
15. The Latin Kings - Omerta
16. Broder Daniel - Cruel Town
17. Viktoria Tolstoy - Shining on you
18. Miio - På vårt sätt
19. Tomas Andersson Wij - Stjärnorna i oss
20. Mauro Scooco - La dolce vita

Here's this week's top 20 Swedish albums from Aftonbladet:

01. Sara Löfgren - Starkare
02. Lisa Miskovsky - Fallingwater
03. Per Gessle - Mazarin
04. José González - Veneer
05. Moneybrother - Blood panic
06. Patrik Isaksson - Vi som aldrig landat
07. Peter LeMarc - Det som håller oss vid liv
08. Sophie Zelmani - Love Affair
09. Tomas Andersson Wij - Stjärnorna i oss
10. Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis Vreeswijks bästa
11. Backyard Babies - Stockholm Syndrome
12. Broder Daniel - Cruel Town
13. Nicolai Dunger - Here's my song you can have it....
14. The Latin Kings - Omerta
15. Jill Johnson - Roots and wings
16. The Knife - Deep Cuts
17. Viktoria Tolstoy - Shining on you
18. Miio - På vårt sätt
19. Pugh Rogefeldt - Pughs bästa
20. Elin Sigvardsson - Saturday Night Naive

Here's the top 20 Swedish albums of the week, as reported by Aftonbladet:

01. Per Gessle - Mazarin
02. Lisa Miskovsky - Fallingwater
03. José González - Veneer
04. Tomas Andersson Wij - Stjärnorna i oss
05. Moneybrother - Blood panic
06. Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis Vreeswijks bästa
07. The Knife - Deep Cuts
08. Broder Daniel - Cruel Town
09. Sophie Zelmani - Love Affair
10. Backyard Babies - Stockholm Syndrome
11. Jill Johnson - Roots and wings
12. The Latin Kings - Omerta
13. Elin Sigvardsson - Saturday Night Naive
14. Pugh Rogefeldt - Pughs bästa
15. Peter LeMarc - Det som håller oss vid liv
16. Miio - På vårt sätt
17. Bo Kaspers orkester - Vilka tror vi att vi är
18. Lisa Nilsson - Samlade sånger 1992-2003
19. Markoolio - I skuggan av mig själv
20. Lisa Ekdahl - En samling sånger

Here's the top 20 Swedish albums of the week, as reported by Aftonbladet:

01. Per Gessle - Mazarin
02. Carola - Guld platina & passion - det bästa
03. Anders Johansson - If it's all I ever do
04. Tomas Ledin - I sommarnattens ljus
05. Pugh Rogefeldt - Pughs bästa
06. Robert Wells - Rhapsody in rock the complete collection
07. The Cardigans - Long gone before daylight
08. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
09. Glenmark Eriksson Strömstedt - Den andra skivan
10. Tommy Körberg - Gränslös - det bästa med
11. Style, Sandelin & Ekman, Freestyle - Samlade hits
12. Lisa Nilsson - Samlade sånger 1992-2003
13. Moneybrother - Blood panic
14. Anna-Lotta Larson - Tidlöst
15. Da Buzz - More than alive
16. Lars Winnerbäck och hovet - Söndermarken
17. Timbuktu - The botten is nådd!
18. Alcazar - Alcazarized
19. Per Myrberg - Sommarnatt Per Myrberg sjunger Taube
20. Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis Vreeswijks bästa

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. The Cardigans - You´re The Storm
02. Killer - Naughty Boy
03. Outlandish - Guantanamo
04. C21 - She Cries
05. Mando Diao - Sheepdog
06. Kashmir - Rocket Brothers
07. Timbuktu - The Botten Is Nådd
08. Da Buzz - Alive
09. The Sounds - Rock n´ Roll
10. Turbonegro - Fuck The World
11. User - Do You
12. Ingrid Marguerite - Everything I Need
13. Darude - Music
14. Remedeeh - Give That Dog A Bone
15. Superheroes - Someone Else
16. Her Majesty - F.U.N.E.R.A.L
17. Equicez - Live From Pass It
18. Melody Club - Cover Girl
19. Prominent - Regrets
20. Bad Cash Quartet - Dirty Days

Challengers:
01. Club 8 - Saturday Night Engine
02. Amulet - Breaking News
03. Röyksopp - Sparks
04. Christian Kjellvander - Homeward Rolling Soldier
05. HIM - The Sacrament

Go to the MTVE.com site to watch and vote for your favorite.

Here's the top 20 Swedish albums of the week. Aftonbladet never posted their version today. What's up with that?

01. Per Gessle - Mazarin
02. Carola - Guld platina & passion - det bästa
03. Tomas Ledin - I sommarnattens ljus
04. Anders Johansson - If it's all I ever do
05. Pugh Rogefeldt - Pughs bästa
06. Robert Wells - Rhapsody in rock the complete collection
07. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
08. Tommy Körberg - Gränslös - det bästa med
09. Da Buzz - More than alive
10. The Cardigans - Long gone before daylight
11. Glenmark Eriksson Strömstedt - Den andra skivan
12. Lisa Nilsson - Samlade sånger 1992-2003
13. Moneybrother - Blood panic
14. Anna-Lotta Larson - Tidlöst
15. Alcazar - Alcazarized
16. Style, Sandelin & Ekman, Freestyle - Samlade hits
17. v/a - Fame factory visor
18. Timbuktu - The botten is nådd!
19. Per Myrberg - Sommarnatt Per Myrberg sjunger Taube
20. Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis Vreeswijks bästa

Bob Hund has posted a new newsletter on their website. Some highlights: Bob Hund/Bergman Rock are working on new material, but don't have any sort of release date yet. The song "Den lilla planeten" makes an appearance in the upcoming Stefan Jarl/Lukas Moodysson film "Terrorister". Mats Andersson is playing on Kajsa Grytt's new album and doing some live shows, too. Johnny Essing has been producing demos with Sofia Härdig, Thomas Öberg and the band Dipper. Read more.

Songlines Magazine lists their top 50 'must-own' world music records in the new issue and have "Iki" from Värrtinä at number 24. The same issue also includes a 'Beginners Guide' to the band, too. (pdf format)

The Rasmus has posted their updated tour schedule:

06/20 - Jämsä Himos, Midsummer festival FIN
06/21 - Kouvola, Midnight Party Planet festival FIN
06/23 - Hamburg, Docks w/Evanescence DE
06/24 - Berlin, Kolumbiahalle w/Evanescence DE
06/26 - Munich, Elserhalle w/Evanescence DE
06/28 - Mannheim, MTV Campus Invasion, DE
07/03 - Midtfyn, Festival DK
07/05 - Kristianstad, Tivolirock SWE
07/06 - Turku, Ruisrock FIN
07/09 - Kangasala, Harju-festival FIN
07/11 - Vantaa, Hotelli Vantaa FIN
07/12 - Aitoo, Kirkastusjuhlat FIN
07/13 - Lappeenranta, Satamarock FIN
07/18 - Helsinki, Tavastia FIN
07/19 - Tampere, Tammerfest FIN
07/23 - Åland, Mariehamn FIN
07/24 - Gotland, NRJ Summer SWE
07/25 - Gävle, Gatufesten SWE
07/26 - Karlskoga, Stranddagar SWE
07/27 - Oslo, Norway Cup NOR
08/01 - Östersund, Storsjöyran SWE
08/02 - Tampere, Kukkaisrock FIN
08/03 - Vantaa, Ankkarock FIN
08/07 - Jyväskylä, Rally-happening FIN
08/08 - Lapua, Välipuistorock FIN
08/09 - Harjavalta FIN
08/10 - Skanderborg Festival DK

Logh's new drummer is Fredrik Normark. The band's statement:

"Someone said he looked like a younger version of Boba Fett of the Hellacopters but we think that's unfair or rather not true at all. You decide for yourselves when we put up a nice picture of him next to the beautiful ones of us."

Caesars Palace/The Caesars have once again revamped their website and added a bunch of new press clippings and a message board.

Madrugada has lined up a number of Norweigan gigs this summer:

06/26 - Ekstremsportveko, Voss
07/10 - Wrighte Gaarden, Langesund
07/12 - SommerMelbu, Melbu
07/17 - Molde Jazzfestival, Molde
08/02 - Slottsfjellfestivalen, Tønsberg
08/06 - Varangerfestivalen, Vadsø
08/07 - Varangerfestivalen, Vadsø
08/08 - Blæst, Trondheim
08/09 - Lost Weekend-Festivalen, Askøy

Backyard Babies have put up a video announcement on their website with some rehearsal footage and plenty of shaky camera work.

Unioncarbideproductions.com has put up the video for "Be Myself Again". (Windows Media)

Sahara Hotnights have their own personal drink recipes published in the new summer issue of Bust Magazine with Cher on the cover.

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. Outlandish - Guantanamo
02. The Cardigans - You´re The Storm
03. The Rasmus - In The Shadows
04. The Sounds - Rock n´ Roll
05. C21 - She Cries
06. Kashmir - Rocket Brothers
07. Her Majesty - F.U.N.E.R.A.L
08. A-Teens - Perfect Match
09. Da Buzz - Alive
10. Superheroes - Someone Else
11. Mando Diao - Sheepdog
12. Darude - Music
13. Turbonegro - Fuck The World
14. The Narcissists - Fanatik R.I.P
15. User - Do You
16. Melody Club - Cover Girl
17. Equicez - Live From Pass It
18. Antique - Moro Mou
19. Bad Cash Quartet - Dirty Days
20. Ingrid Marguerite - Everything I Need

Challengers:
01. Killer - Naughty Boy
02. Isolation Years - It´s Golden
03. Timbuktu - The Botten Is Nådd
04. Accu - Surrounding Love
05. Bobby - Losing Control

Go to the MTVE.com site to watch and vote for your favorite.

Coming soon from Putrid Filth Conspiracy: Dödsdömb LP/CD, Kontrovers "När Spelreglerna Ändras" LP/CD and Embalming Theatre "Sweet chainsaw Melodies" LP. The Birdflesh "Night of the Ultimate Mosh" LP and Straight Edge Kegger "Armed Robbery" EP have been delayed, but they hope to have details on those releases soon.

Johan Bergqvist plans to lay low for most of the summer, but he says he'll be entering the studio around late July/early August to begin work on his debut full length.

Jaga Jazzist has a new website and some updated tourdates:

06/27 - Chech Rep, Prague, Open Air Festival
07/04 - Norway, Horten, Vestfoldfestspillene
07/05 - Norway, Kongsberg, Kongsberg Jazzfestival
07/06 - France, France, Eurokennes
07/08 - Luxemburg, Esch-alzette, Kulturfabrik (Venue show)
07/09 - Switzerland, Montreaux, Montreaux Jazzfestival
07/10 - Germany, Cologne, Stadtgarten
07/11 - Belgium, Dour, Dourfestival
07/12 - Belgium, Brugge, Cactus festival
07/13 - Holland, Haag, North Sea Jazzfestival
08/03 - England, Eastnor, Big Chill festival
08/08 - Norway, Oslo, Øyafestivalen
08/23 - Norway, Trondheim, Samfundet
08/28 - Norway, Bergen, Logen

Check out the flyer for the upcoming Uppsala Hardcore Summer Fest on June 23-24.

Here's the top 20 Swedish albums of the week, as reported by Aftonbladet:

01. Carola - Guld platina & passion - det bästa
02. Tomas Ledin - I sommarnattens ljus
03. Robert Wells - Rhapsody in rock the complete collection
04. Pugh Rogefeldt - Pughs bästa
05. Tommy Körberg - Gränslös - det bästa med
06. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
07. v/a - Fame factory visor
08. Da Buzz - More than alive
09. Glenmark Eriksson Strömstedt - Den andra skivan
10. The Cardigans - Long gone before daylight
11. Style, Sandelin & Ekman, Freestyle - Samlade hits
12. Lisa Nilsson - Samlade sånger 1992-2003
13. Alcazar - Alcazarized
14. Timbuktu - The botten is nådd!
15. Martin Nilsson - En del av mig
16. Moneybrother - Blood panic
17. Eddie Meduza - Live(s)!
18. Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis Vreeswijks bästa
19. Lars Winnerbäck och Hovet - Söndermarken
20. Per Myrberg - Sommarnatt Per Myrberg sjunger Taube

Göran Persson's response to Timbuktu's song "Ett Brev" has been published online: http://www.ssu.se/index.php4?page=108&ar_id=954
Anyone care to translate?

Per Gessle of Roxette has revealed the dates for his upcoming Swedish solo tour:

07/29 - Halmstad, Brottet
07/30 - Helsingborg, Sofiero Slott
08/01 - Skövde, Boulognersskogen
08/02 - Finspång, Rockslottet
08/03 - Varberg, Fästningsrundan
08/05 - Malmö, Mölleplatsen
08/06 - Göteborg, Trädgårdsföreningen
08/08 - Kalmar, Kalmarsundsparken
08/09 - Jönköping, Rådhusparken
08/10 - Karlskrona, Sparregården
08/12 - Stockholm, Sjöhistoriska Museet
08/14 - Sundsvall, Park Arena
08/15 - Leksand, Sammilsdal
08/16 - Karlstad, Mariebergsskogen
08/17 - Eskilstuna, Sundbyholm Slott

I glanced at a couple items about this yesterday, but was unable to adequately translate it myself. Seems that Illvastar, the ex-bassist for Norweigan black metallers Svartahrid decapitated a dead body and brought the head to a party. As to be expected, accusations of rampant drug-use and Satanism are being thrown around and there have been three suspects brought in on the case. Remember dudes, disembodied heads kill the party vibe and don't help you score with chicks. Read more:
http://www.nettavisen.no/servlets/page?section=1706&item=273076
http://www.nettavisen.no/servlets/page?section=1706&item=272923

Via pHinnWeb comes this link for a free download of Finnish electronic artist Outer Space Alliance's "Two-Wheeler" EP.

A number of artists appearing at Finland's Koneisto Festival are also doing related shows elsewhere around Europe:

06/27 - Club Prive, Tallinn, Estonia w/Pierre Ravan, Erkko, Dave Storm
07/03 - Cargo, London, UK w/Imatran Voima, Accu, Nuspirit Helsinki DJs, Nick Luscombe

And seeing how it is now Juhannus/Midsummer, here's the video for "Midsummer Night" from Jimi Tenor: QT high / QT low / Real

Added a new mp3 today from Last Days of April. Their latest album "Ascend to the Stars" just came out over here in the US and the track "Playerin" is easily my favorite from that release. In fact, it was my favorite summer single last year. Y'know those songs you sometimes hear on the radio around this time of year that seem to embody the essence of summertime? That song fits the bill perfectly. And as for this year, my pick (so far) would probably have to be "Reconsider Me" from Moneybrother. I figure y'all were just dying to know.

Otherwise, there's probably not going to be much news today as everyone is at Hultsfred fest it seems. Wish I was. Check out the Dagensskiva special on the event. Oh, and check out www.hultsfred.tv for more, too.

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. The Rasmus - In The Shadows
02. Outlandish - Guantanamo
03. A-Teens - Perfect Match
04. Turbonegro - Fuck The World
05. The Cardigans - You´re The Storm
06. Kashmir - Rocket Brothers
07. Her Majesty - F.U.N.E.R.A.L
08. C21 - She Cries
09. The Sounds - Rock n´ Roll
10. Da Buzz - Alive
11. Equicez - Live From Pass It
12. HIM - Funeral of hearts
13. Mando Diao - Sheepdog
14. Antique - Moro Mou
15. Melody Club - Cover Girl
16. Darude - Music
17. The Narcissists - Fanatik R.I.P
18. Jon - This Side Up
19. Dallas Superstars - Fast Driving
20. The Klerks - Shame

Challengers:
01. Paula Lobos - Fuss & Fight
02. User - Do You
03. Ingrid Marguerite - Everything I Need
04. Bad Cash Quartet - Dirty Days
05. Superheroes - Someone Else

Go to the MTVE.com site to watch and vote for your favorite.

Download the free, electronic Diskodiktator single for the track "Just Say 'No' to Democrazy!". A video for the song, his first one ever, is in the making. The full-length album "The World According To..." isn't out quite yet, but is already available for preorder.

Voidfaith Netzine has posted an interview with my pals KVLR. (in Swedish)

The Alpine, Moi Caprice, Baal, and Figurines are a couple of the bands confirmed for the Sydslesvig-Rocks in Schleswig, Germany on August 23.

Here's the full schedule for this weekend's Norweigan Wood Festival.

Norweigan jazz vocalist Silje Nergaard has been nominated for the Edison Jazz Award, which will be presented at the upcoming North Sea Jazz Festival on July 11-13. Other nominees for the award include Cassandra Wilson, Diana Krall and Jimmy Scott. More info here: http://www.edisonaward.nl/Jazz/

And speaking of Norweigan jazz, acclaimed saxophonist Jan Garbarek will be on the BBC's Radio 3 Jazz on 3 radio show tomorrow at 11:30pm local time.

Since they didn't manage to send it to me yesterday as planned (ahem.), here's the rest of the playlist from the Galaxy Gramophone DJ night:

They also pass along word that they are encouraging more people to send them music to play, along with t-shirts to wear while spinning and whatever. Um, so like, send your goods to me and I'll make sure they get them, right? But seriously - if you're interested in sending stuff just drop me a line and I'll put you in touch.

Lambgoat.com reports that The Great Deceiver (Tomas from At the Gates/Skitsystem + members of Diabolique) will be touring Europe in October/November along with Swedish metal-wannabees Darkest Hour.

Here's the top 20 Swedish albums of the week, as reported by Aftonbladet:

01. Carola - Guld platina & passion - det bästa
02. Tomas Ledin - I sommarnattens ljus
03. Pugh Rogefeldt - Pughs bästa
04. Tommy Körberg - Gränslös - det bästa med
05. The Cardigans - Long gone before daylight
06. Robert Wells - Rhapsody in rock the complete collection
07. Da Buzz - More than alive
08. Alcazar - Alcazarized
09. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
10. Glenmark Eriksson Strömstedt - Den andra skivan
11. Timbuktu - The botten is nådd!
12. Moneybrother - Blood panic
13. Lisa Nilsson - Samlade sånger 1992-2003
14. Style, Sandelin & Ekman, Freestyle - Samlade hits
15. Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis Vreeswijks bästa
16. v/a - Fame factory visor
17. Martin Nilsson - En del av mig
18. Lars Winnerbäck och Hovet - Söndermarken
19. Eddie Meduza - Live(s)!
20. v/a - Fame Factory volym 5

Entombed has been forced to cancel their appearance at the BW&BK 6-Pack Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio on June 13-14 after drummer Peter Stjärnvind's wife was hospitalized. The cause of her ailments are still undiagnosed and of course Peter wishes to remain with her at this time. Guitarist Alex Hellid commented, "Peter is really upset by this. He doesn't want to be the cause of us not playing. We all know how important this show is/was. We are really sorry, for the fans and for ourselves, because we really wanted to play." Alex and frontman L.G. Petrov still plan to be in attendance at the fest to sign autographs and meet with fans. Other bands still scheduled to play include Evergrey, Trouble and Candlemass.

Nightwish has added a second date to their short US/N. American itinerary. After playing the ProgPower Festival in Atlanta on September 5 and at The Medley in Montreal, Canada on September 6, the band will play L'Amour in Brooklyn, NY on the 7th.

Last Days of April's most recent album "Ascend to the Stars" just got a US release on Crank! Records this week and they've put up quite a few samples from the album on this page. Also, in cooperation with Now On Tour, they have an online contest where you can win a copy of said album along with a poster.

In case you didn't know, Entombed's new album "Inferno" has been delayed for August 4. It seems the reason behind the change is that their label Music for Nations's parent company Zomba was bought out by BMG and they had to shift the entire release schedule. Anyhow, they still have a couple gigs this summer and plan to start touring for the record around the same time it gets released. They'll also be filming a video for the track "Retaliation" later this week.

Opeth reports that their upcoming co-headlining tour with Porcupine Tree will feature their more mellow material, as they are supporting the new, mostly-acoustic "Damnation" album. They say they may even bust out the old song "To Bid You Farewell" from "Morningrise" among other ballad-esque tracks. In other touring news, they say they are working on a Scandinavian tour for October and November. Details when I get 'em.

The Ark will be playing Germany next week and their show on June 7 will be webcasted by Rockpalast. You can also participate in a live chat with the band on the same date from right here.

Musicbrigade and Startracks have put up a couple videos for public viewing:

Buck - Dead Time Race
Revolvo - Moscow Mule

JR Ewing has announced they will supporting Mars Volta for two UK gigs:

07/08 - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
07/09 - Electric Ballroom, London

Some of the new acts confirmed for the upcoming Accelerator The Big One shows: Christian Kjellvander & Lazy Grace Frontier (Malmö), Franke (Gbg), Mattias Hellberg (Gbg), The Radio Dept. (Sthlm), and Komeda (Sthlm).

MTVE.com has put up a bunch of new streaming video channels, including one for Northern Europe.

Also from MTVE.com, here's this week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. The Rasmus - In The Shadows
02. Turbonegro - Fuck The World
03. Outlandish - Guantanamo
04. A-Teens - Perfect Match
05. C21 - She Cries
06. Kashmir - Rocket Brothers
07. HIM - Funeral of hearts
08. The Cardigans - You´re The Storm
09. Her Majesty - F.U.N.E.R.A.L
10. The Sounds - Rock n´ Roll
11. Dallas Superstars - Fast Driving
12. Darude - Music
13. Equicez - Live From Pass It
14. Melody Club - Cover Girl
15. Jennifer Brown - Weak
16. Mando Diao - Sheepdog
17. Antique - Moro Mou
18. Jon - This Side Up
19. Kwan - Shine
20. Paragon - Försök Förstå

Challengers:
01. The Klerks - Shame
02. Da Buzz - Alive
03. The Narcissists - Fanatik R.I.P
04. De Stijl - Date Times
05. Grand Tone Music - Become Whatever

Go to the MTVE.com site to watch and vote for your favorite.

Here's the top 20 Swedish albums of the week, as reported by Aftonbladet:

01. Carola - Guld platina & passion - det bästa
02. Da Buzz - More than alive
03. Robert Wells - Rhapsody in rock the complete collection
04. The Cardigans - Long gone before daylight
05. Tommy Körberg - Gränslös - det bästa med
06. Alcazar - Alcazarized
07. Style, Sandelin & Ekman, Freestyle - Samlade hits
08. Her Majesty - Happiness
09. Moneybrother - Blood panic
10. v/a - Fame Factory volym 5
11. Glenmark Eriksson Strömstedt - Den andra skivan
12. Timbuktu - The botten is nådd!
13. Fame - Give me your love
14. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
15. Lisa Nilsson - Samlade sånger 1992-2003
16. Lars Winnerbäck och Hovet - Söndermarken
17. Eddie Meduza - Live(s)!
18. Martin Nilsson - En del av mig
19. Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis Vreeswijks bästa
20. Jill Johnson - Discography

DigitalMetal.com interviews Burst, who they call "one of the best new bands of 2004." As mentioned here recently, Burst features bassist Jesper Liveröd who just quit Nasum to focus more time on this band. Their second forthcoming album "Prey On Life" apparently was recently picked up by Relapse Records in the US and comes out sometime this fall.

Check out some sample mp3s and video from Bobby's new album "Romantic & Bleeding", out now on Imperial Recordings.

Drummer Henry Ranta has left Soilwork in order to dedicate more time to his personal life. The band's statement:

"After playing in Soilwork for five years, our dear friend and drummer Henry Ranta has decided that he can no longer continue to play in Soilwork. There are no hard feelings between Henry and us in any way, and we will still remain amazing friends, he will always be a true Soilworker. We wish him all the best of luck with his decision and we're sure we'll cross paths again in the future!"

And Henry's own personal statement:

"I guess this is supposed to be a statement of why and when I decided to leave Soilwork, but since this is a well thought out decision (not an easy one though) I will try and keep away from the sentimental 'bullshit' and just focus on the hard facts. Combining my daytime job, rehearsing, recording and touring with Soilwork has basically worn me out. This didn't really make a difference the first couple of years in Soilwork, but as time went on I started digging a black hole for myself. For the past two years I haven't really found any joy playing, and with all the tours coming up this year I felt that it was time for me to leave. Playing in Soilwork has been my life 24/7 for five years now, and at one point last year, I started to open my eyes to a lot of things that has been neglecting, just because I had been to concentrated on one thing only. Basically I'm gonna start investing more time in things that are making me happy right now. I'll take a peek at the other side, and I'm pretty sure that I'll enjoy what I'll find. But you're not gonna get rid of me yet though. It's not like I'm gonna stop playing drums. You will still hear me fucking shit up in The Defaced [his other band w/Darkane guitarist Klas Idebergand] other projects. A really big thanks to all Soilwork fans for amazing support throughout years — Love ya all! Finally I would like to say a big fucking 'hell yeah' to the band for five beautiful years of insanity."

Force of Evil has posted a couple new mp3s online: "Hell on Earth" / "Eye of the Storm". The band features in its ranks ex- and current Mercyful Fate members Michael Denner, Hank Shermann (both on guitar), Bjarne Holm (drums), Hal Patino from King Diamond's band (bass), and Martin Steene from Ironfire (vocals). Their as-yet untitled album is due out later this month on an unspecified label and they promise it will be "loaded with evil-riffing and lots of guitar solos." Dude.

Here's Christian Kjellvander's latest updated tour schedule:

06/05 - Eskilstuna, Strömsholmen
06/14 - Hultsfred, Hultsfredsfestival
06/26-29 - Roskilde (Denmark), Roskildefestival
07/01 - Malmö, Accelerator The Big One
07/19 - Skellefteå, Trästock
07/26 - Ängelholm, Tullakrok (solo)
07/30 - Strömstad, The Cod
08/07 - Emmaboda, Emmaboda-festival
08/09 - Göteborg, Göteborgskalaset

Askil Holm has enlisted Daniel Hovik as a new member for his backing band on keyboards. Daniel used to play with Askil in the band Attack and also currently plays with Hugo, who will be playing at the upcoming Kristiansand show too. The rest of the band's dates going into fall:

06/05 - Tønsberg, Event
06/07 - Isle of Jøa, Faksdal Pub
06/13 - Rockstock, Rakkestad
06/28 - "Agent Cody Banks" Premiere, Fredrikstad
06/30 - Kristiansand, Quart - Kick Off, Markens
07/10 - Høylandet, Høylandet Revyfestival
07/12 - Stavern Festivalen
07/19 - Tjøme, Gamle Ormelet (unplugged)
07/26 - Etne, Fugl Fønix
08/07 - SU Leir, Tvedestrand
08/08 - Steinkjer Martnan, Torget
08/15 - Namsos Martnan, Festplassen
08/27 - Steinkjer, Studenten
09/04 - Bergen, Kvarteret
09/12 - Stjørdal, Hell Bluesfestival
09/19 - Verdal, Catz

Trapdoor Fucking Exit has put up the video for the song "Short Term Investment", recorded live at Umeå Punkfest in 2001. Check it out.

Amulet recently filmed a video for the single "Breaking News". They say it "involves a low key gig at an abandoned house and a deathdefying girl in a van who brings terror to the city of Oslo." I'll let you know if they post in online.

Turbonegro's complete festival schedule for the summer:

06/02 - Flippaut festival, Bologna, Italy
06/05 - Ruisrock, Turku, Finland
06/12 - Hultsfred Festival Hultsfred, Sweden
06/20 - Kick off Festival, Wiesen, Austria
06/21 - Southside Festival, Neuhausen, Germany
06/22 - Hurricane Festival, Schlessel, Germany
06/27 - Roskilde Festival, Denmark
06/28 - Open Air, St Gallen, Switzerland
07/05 - London, Meanfiddler (clubshow) UK
07/12 - T in the Park, Kinross, Scotland, UK
08/07 - Nordland Musikkfestukke, Bodö, Norway
08/08 - Öya festivalen, Oslo Norway
08/09 - Wrightegaarden, Langesund, Norway
08/23 - Reading Festival, Reading UK
08/24 - Leeds Festival, Leeds, UK

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. The Rasmus - In The Shadows
02. Outlandish - Guantanamo
03. A-Teens - Perfect Match
04. Her Majesty - F.U.N.E.R.A.L
05. Jennifer Brown - Weak
06. HIM - Funeral of hearts
07. The Sounds - Rock n´ Roll
08. The Cardigans - You´re The Storm
09. Melody Club - Cover Girl
10. Darude - Music
11. Mew - Comforting Sounds
12. Kwan - Shine
13. Equicez - Live From Pass It
14. Bertine Zetlitz - Girl Like You
15. Elin Sigvardsson - Where To Start
16. Timbuktu - Ett Brev
17. Paragon - Försök Förstå
18. Pauline - Runnin´ Out Of Gaz
19. Surferosa - Neon Commando
20. Homy - Bus Stop

Challengers:
01. Jon - This Side Up
02. Antique - Moro Mou
03. Fireside - All You Had
04. The Concretes - You Can´t Hurry Love
05. Kamera - At Work
06. C21 - She Cries

Go to the MTVE.com site to watch and vote for your favorite.

Labrador Records is now distributed by Mortes Nois in Estonia. For more info email mrnois@hot.ee.

Dolores Records has announced they will be releasing a limited edition CD single for the new supergroup Vanessa and the O's on June 10. The band features ex-members of Popsicle along with James Iha from Smashing Pumpkins and is described as electronic pop in French. Crazy, eh? More info soon.

Bad Taste Records is the label of the month over at the Danish radio program New Rocking Sounds which airs Tuesdays at 8pm on 93.7 in Århus. They'll be interviewing Last Days of April, Logh and various others from the roster along with playng tunes from said bands. Be sure to check it out or wait for the clips to hit the online archives.

Listen to "Mattias Alkbergs Begravning" from Planekonomi, another band featuring Mattias from Bear Quartet. More info here. Look for 2 EPs this fall and a full-length sometime next year.

One of my pals over at indieworkshop.com reviews the new Flaming Sideburns album today.

"No one has satisfactorily explained why a country of 4.5 million generates so much music: is it the dark winters? Subsidised music lessons? Rubbish TV?" - John Bungey, The Times (UK)

Norweigan music appears to be making quite a few headways beyond their borders as evidenced in this article from MIC Norway. Turbonegro and Jaga Jazzist might be the first names to come to mind for most folk, but now there's also Beady Belle, Tord Gustavsen, Per Arne Glorvigen, and St. Thomas to pay attention to.

Johnny Bråttom Records will be holding a record release show on May 30 at Kulturkammaren in Norrköping for their forthcoming "Svensk Populärmusik Volym Två" compilation. The bands scheduled to appear are Slagsmålsklubben, recent Dolores-signees Cdoass, Bremen Brotröster GmbH, Björn Kleinhenz, and The Flu. As for the tracklisting of said comp, it is as follows:

01. Cdoass - The Box
02. Niccokick - Run, Run, Run
03. Björn Kleinhenz - How Long Is The Night?
04. Slagsmålsklubben - Filter Fabric Facts (DJ Upperkurt Instrumental Remix)
05. Idiot Savants - Daily Routine
06. Music 77 - Kameror
07. Pete Thompson - Folk Song
08. Lola Barbershop - Ticket To Happiness
09. The Kid - Baton Rouge
10. Junip - Turn To The Assassin
11. The Topeka Twins - Hunting Song
12. Menteroja - Call Me
13. Bremen Brotröster GmbH - Greater/Better
14. The Flu - Golden Hair
15. Celestine - Sunflower
16. José González - Heartbeats
17. Café Polymorf - A Good Time
18. Quit Your Dayjob - Pissing On A Panda
19. Joni - Frank Xerox
20. Ane Brun - Are They Saying Goodbye?
21. Sandy Mouche - A Year

Aftonbladet reports that famed Swedish videomaker Jonas Åkerlund is working with Blondie on the single "Good Boys" in LA. The new album ""The Curse of Blondie" comes out around September or October. Åkerlund's previous credits include artists such as Satyricon, Madonna, Metallica and The Prodigy.

This new album will be 'harder' than the previous one and more guitars. To sum it up: a groovier album!

That's Peter Tägtgren of Pain describing work on the new album. He says he's already finished all of the backing music along with five of the thirteen vocal tracks and should be able to have it out sometime this fall on Stockholm Records.

Here's the top 20 Swedish albums of the week, as reported by Aftonbladet:

01. Robert Wells - Rhapsody in rock the complete collection
02. Alcazar - Alcazarized
03. Eddie Meduza - Live(s)!
04. v/a - Fame Factory volym 5
05. Moneybrother - Blood panic
06. The Cardigans - Long gone before daylight
07. Timbuktu - The botten is nådd!
08. Glenmark Eriksson Strömstedt - Den andra skivan
09. Lisa Nilsson - Samlade sånger 1992-2003
10. Jill Johnson - Discography
11. Lars Winnerbäck och Hovet - Söndermarken
12. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
13. Antique - Blue love
14. Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis Vreeswijks bästa
15. Monia - Söderns hjärtas ros
16. Siw Malmkvist - Siws bästa
17. Elin Sigvardsson - Saturday light naive
18. Simson Dupont - Simson Dupont
19. Fame - Give me your love
20. The Sounds - Living in America

Tomas Ledin is going on tour in support of his new live album "I Sommarnattens Ljus" which comes out on June 2. The dates so far:

07/08 - Öja Slott, Öja
07/19 - Bergs Slussar, Linköping
08/03 - Stadsparken, Örebro

The lineup for Sommarrock, which takes place July 10-12 in Svedala, Sweden: Mikael Wiehe, Bubbles, Joddla w/Siv, Advance Patrol, The Ark, Danne Stråhed, Häjkån Bäjkån Band, The Mo and Di Leva.

This week's Swedish college radio chart (from Dagensskiva):

Leaving the chart:
(10) Randy "A Man in Uniform"
(11) Solomon Burke "Soul Searching"
(12) Fireside "All You Had"
(13) Magnus Carlson "Jag ber dig"
(16) Queens Of The Stone Age "Go With The Flow"
(18) The Go-Betweens "Caroline and I"
(19) David & The Citizens "New Direction"
(20) Hot Hot Heat "Bandages"

The full details for Finland's Koneisto Festival has been released. Some of the artists scheduled to appear include Björn Torske, Ralph Myerz & Jack Herren Band, Erlend Oye (acoustic set + "magnificent singing DJ set"), Datarock, Jori Hulkkonen, Rinneradio (feat. Dj Slow, Siiri Nordin and MC Paleface) among many others. The acclaimed electronic music festival was the first of its type for all of Scandinavia and the selection of performers "seeks to establish an interesting balance between commercial and experimental music" over the event's 9 stages. It all goes down in Helsinki from July 25-27 and more info can be found from the fest's official website.

Blabbermouth reports that HIM will be touring Europe in support of Ozzy Osbourne and Godsmack this September. I'll keep you posted.