Pitchfork reviews Gimme some
Pitchfork reviews the new Peter Bjorn and John album "Gimme some" and is, somewhat predictably/disappointingly, totally ignorant of the band's first two albums: https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15251-gimme-some/
Imperial State Electric to release live 10"
Imperial State Electric will be releasing a 6-track live mini-album on April 29 called "In concert". It will be released on both CD and 10" vinyl.
MP3: Ginger Trees - Breathe
Along with the latest from Three Seasons, the new album "Along with the tide" from Swedish act Ginger Trees reasserts as the reigning champs of Scandinavian heavy/progressive rock. However, while Ginger Trees most definitely do dabble in bluesy heaviness, it's their most expansive prog side that I find much more interesting -- in fact, I'd say they're at their best on songs like this where they start to sound like late-period Anathema. Ginger Trees doesn't go all-out for doom-laden atmosphere though, opting rather to tend towards feelings of yearning and melancholy. There's still a definite aura of heaviness though, much in the same way that Opeth sounded on "Damnation". If you dig those references, no doubt you'll dig this too.
Devil's music coming to the US
Pitchfork reports that the latest Teddybears album "Devil's music" will be getting a US release in June: https://pitchfork.com/news/41978-flaming-lips-robyn-cee-lo-on-teddybears-lp/
The original Swedish version of said album came out exactly one year ago today and features a different song order. And as for the bear heads, that's just so the dudes behind Teddybears can send hired guns to perform live for them with no one knowing the difference.
Ken Ring - Min bästa vän (video + new mixtape)
From Ken Ring's new mixtape "Kiprono", downloadable here: https://djsilenceblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/ken-ring-kiprono.html
Obstacles working on new EP, Russian tour
Obstacles are working on a new 12" EP for release via in the next couple months. Four songs supposedly showcasing "a new side" of the band, whatever that means. They're also heading over to Russia in mid-April for a string of dates:
04/14 - Squat Café, Moscow
04/15 - tba Moscow
04/17 - V-Club, Saint Petersburg
MP3: Lukestar - Flying canoes
Though Lukestar's latest record "Taiga" didn't quite blow me away like I had hoped (it's still good, I don't mean to put it down), lead single "Flying canoes" gets better with every listen. I understand the androgynous falsetto vox are a turn-off for some, but they wouldn't be Lukestar without 'em and the melisma hook on this tune is unstoppable. Great buildup too, especially in the way the drum patterns change from part to part, all culminating in a triumphant a capella break. Still have absolute no clue what the song's about though -- does it matter?
New Country & Eastern website
The excellent Swedish jazz and world music label has a nicely revamped website: https://www.countryandeastern.se/
The Horror The Horror - Wilderness (video)
"Wilderness" is the title track of The Horror The Horror's new album, due out April 22 via . Direct link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQtLCJFL9sI
Kullhammar's top Swedish jazz picks
Swedish sax player Jonas Kullhammar lists his picks of essential jazz albums with a connection to Sweden: https://svenskmusik.org/article/jonas-kullhammars-essential-jazz-albums/
Maia Hirasawa live in Japan
New Japanese dates for Maia Hirasawa:
05/20 - Akasaka BLITZ, Tokyo
05/23 - IMS Hall, Fukuoka
05/24 - Club Quattro, Nagoya
05/25 - Club Quattro, Osaka
06/04 - TAICO CLUB, Nagano (solo)
More details: https://www.maiahirasawa.com/japan/
Snutjävel sells out
will be releasing the new Snutjävel CD "Aldrig i Helvete" on April 8, the Swedish punk band's first actual release on the circular plastic format. Samples and more info: https://www.heptownrecords.com/2011/03/23/new-album-by-snutjavel-out-april-8-2011/
The one and only Mari Boine
Folkmusic.no reports on renown Norwegian artist/Sámi singer Mari Boine and her new 2CD career retrospective celebrating 25 years of music, as well as her decision to leave the post of Sámi spokeswoman and more: https://www.folkmusic.no/the-one-and-only-mari-boine.4901272.html
Nightwish to release concept album/film
The Finnish Music Information Centre reports that Nightwish will be taking things to the next level and is producing a duel concept album/fantasy film called "Imaginarium" for release in 2012: https://www.fimic.fi/fimic/fimic.nsf/0/973B57DA1C9AF0E1C22578410039E27C?opendocument
MP3: Red Moon - Suspicious
Alright, finally some new music from Red Moon. Probably should've posted this weeks ago, but life/work has intervened and besides, it's generally for the best that I let things percolate a bit first. Anyhow, glad to have Katarina and Eva Thulin back on my speakers and likewise glad that they're continuing to put out superb dreampop as if they never took a 5-year break. "Suspicious" is my favorite tune from the duo's new EP "I am here", both the longest and heaviest they have on offer, though if you dig on this you'll surely dig the rest. All the major label-funded JAMC wannabees can't hold a candle to these ladies, never could.