Artist: Melpo Mene
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I almost decided not to post a new track today. Not only is there nothing new that excites me, but I just finished reading "Our band could be your life" and it thoroughly depressed me. The book chronicles the careers of a number of 80s indie rock pioneers and it's so damn depressing to think about how promising the scene was at the beginning compared to how awful it is today. It was supposed to be about more than music. I'm not that old, but I do still remember back when you'd see a fellow punk-rocker on the street and give 'em a nod because you knew you were on the same team. Today? Yeah, right. There's still a good number of people out there who treasure what true "independent" music means, but they are in the minority. It almost enough to make me want to throw in the towel. Anyhow, enough of my ranting. On to the damn song.
It's not a secret that I'm no fan of twee-pop. I've tried my best to understand the appeal, but I just don't get it. So it's quite rare that I do find a band in said genre who I don't give up on right off the bat. Melpo Mene sure knows how to push my buttons, especially considering the "Star wars" lyrical theme, but I have to admit that they've got lots of charm. And man, I really do absolutely hate the cult of "Star wars", but I don't hate this. That's saying something. The song takes obvious cues from labelmate José González with its bossa-nova feel, but it's nowhere near as dark. Does this mean I'm softening up? Hell no, I'm still listening to tons of thrash, honest! It's not Scandinavian, but the new Municipal Waste album on Earache is killer. On the other hand, I also know that it's important to have a balanced musical diet. But what I really need to do is go home and go through all the CDs that I know are piling up and waiting for me. Can't wait, right?
This is Melpo Mene's latest EP, and it's really good stuff. It can't be denied that it sounds sometimes too much like Elliot Smith, but I don't personally hold that against Melpo Mene, the songs are too good to take such petty details into account. Give this a listen and drink some wine, why don't you, and all of your problems will disappear (for at least 14 minutes), I promise.
- Simon Tagestam
Japanese label Ultra-Vybe will release Melpo Mene's debut EP "Holes" over there later this year.
Melpo Mene's new "Jedi" EP has been confirmed for release on June 15.
The UK's Stereo Test Kit Records is starting a new compilation series called "Records Make Great Pets" in which each edition will highlight the scene from a particular country. The focus on volume one? Why, Sweden of course. The tracklist:
01. El Perro Del Mar - Dog
02. Heikki - Former hero
03. Audrey - Triumphal arch
04. Britta Persson - Defrag my heart
05. Laurel Music - The way love goes
06. Caroline Soul - People I know (don't want me)
07. Melpo Mene - Don't save me
08. Club 8 - Cold hearts
09. Sambassadeur - Between the lines
10. Chasing Dorotea - The anchor song
11. Björn Kleinhenz - Out of style
12. Speedmarket Avenue - He's a rebel
13. we are soldiers we have guns - Tourists in our hometown
14. Iamuse - Dullcity (just in time)
15. Music 77 - Juniper Leo
It comes out on July 4. More details here: http://www.stereotestkit.com/pets.htm
Imperial Recordings (José González, Melpo Mene, etc.) is starting a new sub-label called You Know, For Kids! to re-release what they consider to be "neglected classics". First up will be the classic 1979 punk album "Manipulerade Mongon" from PF Commando. It comes out May 18.
Listen to this, here's a guy who wears jeans with holes in them, got holes in his head and problems with someone, and to top it all off he's walking out in the bloody snow (what will his mum say when she hears this song!). Such a masochistic setting sounds more like the template for a Nine Inch Nails song, but what we get treated to instead (thankfully), is a nice little folk sounding number that reminds me a lot of Currituck Co., and that, ladies and gentlemen, is a great compliment, you know.
- Simon Tagestam
Melpo Mene has posted some new soundsamples from the upcoming "Jedi" EP on their website: http://www.melpomene.se/
Melpo Mene is currently recording a new EP for release later this spring. Samples should be online soon.
Melpo Mene has changed their website around again and has also added soundclips for every song off the new album "Holes": http://www.melpomene.se/
Imperial Records will release Melpo Mene's debut album "Holes" on November 3.
Rockfoto.nu is updated with new pics from José González and Melpo Mene.
Melpo Mene has a new website design: http://www.melpomene.se/
The new Melpo Mene EP "Hello Benjamin" has been confirmed for a September 29 release via Imperial Recordings.
Imperial Recordings artists Melpo Mene have a new EP called "Hello Benjamin" coming soon.