The video for The Royal Highness' new single "Call me a winner" is now up on myspace: https://www.myspace.com/theroyalhighness
It's a great song and a great clip - def worth checking out.
MP3: The Fine Arts Showcase - Chemical girl
The Fine Arts Showcase narrowly missed out on being included in my top year-end top 10 (to be published tomorrow), but they did end up on two staff lists and the attention is well-deserved. "Radiola" is a fine album, full of heartfelt, honest lyrics and beautiful melodies. I suppose the first single "Chemical girl" is as good a place to start as any - there's quite a few excellent tracks worth spotlighting, but I'll trust the wisdom of the artist and label to put their best foot forward. As I've said before, it's rare to hear this sort of frank drug talk from a Swedish artist, outside of the usual sad rock'n'roll clichés. That fact alone separates TFAS from many of the also-rans, but it wouldn't make a lick of difference if the music wasn't good enough to support it. It is.
The Fine Arts Showcase - Chemical girl
MP3: Sir Eric Beyond and the Avant-garde - Democracy
Sir Eric Beyond's "Democracy" was first released as a single in 2005, but since it was also an album track in 2006, it qualifies for my best-of-the-year list. I guess you could call this "protest-rock", a genre woefully lacking today despite the current world situation, but really - it's so, so much more. If you haven't heard it yet, it's probably best that I let you stumble in unaware because Sir Eric defies easy explanation and the element of surprise works in his favor. Can you believe that this was actually nominated for a P3 award?
Sir Eric Beyond and the Avant-garde - Democracy
Today's top 10 comes from Andrew at Aversionline/Blodårstid, two of the best music review websites out there: [click here]
We may not see eye-to-eye on all music - I doubt he would ever get into Hello Saferide and I'm sure as hell never going to listen to E-Town Concrete - but his integrity is impeccable so I always trust what he says. Big ups to him for contributing.
Did you download my new netrelease from The Coffeedrinker yet? Consider it my holiday gift. You can download the two tracks on the right or go here for more info.
Swedish indierockers Pinto have yet another single posted for free download: https://www.pinto.se/
The band is currently working on a full-length album and is in talks with various labels. Expect a release around spring?
Weeping Willows have confirmed that their new album "Fear & love" will be released on Valentine's Day, February 14. The first single "The burden" b/w "The moon is my witness" precedes it on January 3.
The new website for Madrugada frontman Sivert Høyem's solo work is now online: https://www.siverthoyem.com/
Finnish goths The 69 Eyes will be touring North America in support of Cradle of Filth starting on January 23. The band's back-catalogue will soon be released over here via Cleopatra Records.
Stylus reviews the new Robyn EP: https://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/robyn/the-rakamonie-ep.htm
Something I Learned Today on Swedish trash-rock act The Blacks: https://www.somethingilearned.com/2006/12/the-blacks
Musique Machine on the newest Circle album "Miljard": https://www.musiquemachine.com/reviews/reviews_template.php?id=1015