For those that might be wondering, my own top 10 is coming soon, I swear. Maybe even tomorrow if I get around to it.

The AMG best-of-2004 list includes Jens Lekman, Sondre Lerche and The Legends: https://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=23:ZZ~T3

Swedish all-female hard-rock act Crucified Barbara has been selected as the opening act on Pain's upcoming Swedish tour. The band's new album "In Distortion We Trust" is due out in January via GMR Music.

The End Records has posted mp3s for a number of their upcoming releases including Darkthrone, Frantic Bleep and Ulver: https://www.theendrecords.com/label/index_label.html
Note that the Ulver clip is the same one that was posted on the Jester website last week.

Marilyn Record has posted mp3s from Gustav and the Seasick Sailors and Achordian as their Christmas gift: https://www.marilynrecords.se/

Madrugada has revealed that the first single from their forthcoming album will be called "The Kids Are On High Street". It should be out sometime this coming spring.

The people from Nosordo and their extended collection of friends list their top five sounds for the year: https://www.nosordo.com/

Norwegian music blog Bates Motel presents their recommended gift list for all the various people in your life: https://thelodger.blogspot.com/2004/12/ute-i-siste-liten.html

Download the track "Ho, Ho, Ho (Bad Santa)" from J-Ro, courtesy of Swedish hip-hop label JuJu Records: https://www.jujurecords.com/mp3/j-ro_ho_ho_ho.mp3

Norwegian newspaper Dagsavisen lists their 40 top albums for the year, leaning heavily on domestic releases: https://www.dagsavisen.no/nyetakter/article1380678.ece
WE comes in at #3 making them their top Norwegian pick for the year. Don't forget that you can hear them on the "Reader's companion" compilation.

Aversionline gives a thumbs-up to the US release of Nine's latest album "Killing angels": https://www.aversionline.com/reviews/1958/
My two cents: pass on the new album for now and start from "Kissed by the Misanthrope" and work your way forward.

Chalksounds has officially signed Umeå-based pop act Anna Leong. Look for a 7" single to be released sometime this coming spring.

Bassist Carlos Satanos has quit Rickshaw. No reason was given for his departure and his replacement is due to be announced soon. Otherwise, the band plans to head into the studio in March to record a new album.

Here's this week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Daniel Lindström - Daniel Lindström
02. Magnus Uggla - Den tatuerade generationen
03. Lasse Stefanz - Röd Chevrolet
04. Björn Afzelius & Mikael Wiehe - 1993 - Malmöinspelningarna
05. Lena Philipsson - Det gör ont en stund på natten men inget på dan
06. Carola - Jul i Betlehem
07. Lars Winnerbäck - Vatten under broarna
08. Marie Fredriksson - The Change
09. Markoolio - Bäst off
10. Lasse Berghagen - Jul i vårt hus
11. Uno Svenningsson - Ett andetag från dig
12. Peter Jöback - Storybook
13. Benny Anderssons Orkester - Bao!
14. Stefan Nilsson - Så som i himmelen
15. Anna Ternheim - Somebody Outside
16. Arne Domnérus - Best of Dompan
17. Ulf Lundell - OK Baby OK
18. Totta Näslund - Totta 7: Soul!/På drift
19. Christian Walz - Paint by Numbers
20. Soundtrack of Our Lives - Origin vol. 1

Go here for a special Christas gift from Millencolin and the folks at Burning Heart: https://www.millencolin.com/mc-christmascard.htm
(hint: it's a sample from the forthcoming album "Kingwood")

pHinnMilk Records is currently assembling a Club Telex Noise Ensemble vs Various Artists remix compilation entitled "CTNERMX II" to be released in 2005. As with earlier "CNTNERMX" comps, the disc will contain remixes and interpretations of tracks from CTNE's "legendary" 2001 live album "Just To Disturb You A Little Bit" which featured members of Polytron, Nu Science, Nilly and Kompleksi along with special guests Chicks on Speed. Contributors confirmed so far for volume two include Citizen Omega (Finland), DJ Amsia (Spain), Gym In The Box (Finland), Rene Kita (Finland), Maxx Klaxon (USA), Anton Nikkilä (Finland) and Sonic Temple Assassins (Finland) and there's still much more to come.