Pacific!'s "Sunset Boulevard" Gets Remixed by Lord Skywave
We were sold by the first second of Pacific!'s debut single, "Hot Lips," a year or two ago. The Swedish duo has since gone on to push its surfer-meets-electro-pop LP all across the globe, from the U.K. to the U.S., and even to India where they're now enjoying the number one slot on the nation's MTV and VH1 music rotations. Not too shabby!
There've been many remixes of Pacific!'s work, but this new one by half of Black Ghosts, Simon Lord, a.k.a. Lord Skywave, is one of the most stunning we've been graced with since Breakbot's stellar effort. As Daniel -- half of Pacific! -- aptly puts it, the edit is reminiscent of "an old Bollywood soundtrack somehow." How perfect, then, that they're a Hindu hit!
Check out the remix of "Sunset Boulevard" below and be sure to pick up the debut, Reveries, when it hits the States on July 22!
Yesterday, I received an especially brief message from a certain 16-year-old kid named Adam, who makes music under the moniker prds. With a copy of Fruity Loops as his instrument, the Swede pumps out sublime, melancholic instrumental pop gems that shimmer like the setting sun reflecting off a placid ocean. "Lionfish" is a tad repetitive and flat; "Bahamas" is a bit choppy and doesn't spotlight the throbbing bass line that drives the tune quite enough; prds is a work in progress, but with some assuring signs of a positive and creatively fruitful future.
Check out two MP3s below and grab another pair at the guy's Last.fm page.
I put together a rather lengthy post on Service Records on the Anthem Online site, and since I know not all of you read that Web publication, I'm excerpting some of it here and offering the same MP3s. Read the full article here.
First and foremost, the Swedes' control of the English language is subversively contrary to ours. When Lykki Li or Jens Lekman sing of love, they express different experiences, conveniently constructed in a pop manner than alludes to unilateral and exact understanding; when Shout Out Louds or Peter Bjorn & John write of relationships and breakups, they transmit entirely different meanings conveyed through the mechanisms of mainstream indie-rock that imply only one meaning.
If only it were that simple! The Swedish experience is vastly different from the American experience, and any word a Swede pens intrinsically contrasts any word an American does.
So don't think of Service Records as another New Order-loving, post-punk-adoring collective that's prepared to pump out electronic pop ballads and guitar-driven rock songs in order to quench our undying need to always have music blasting.
Where in the U.S. will you find a manifesto like Service's, centered around the following slogan?:
Service is a permanent vacation, catalog its only luggage.
Nowhere. These Stockholm natives are in an orbit of their own, and we ought not attempt to bring them under our fold and stick them in our system.
Service brought us Studio, The Embassy, Jens Lekman, The Tough Alliance, and many more creatives, and for that alone, we must be thankful.
Now, the independent label's got a chain of new releases to doll out to listeners or all varieties, and Anthem wants to make sure you all know that and buy in to the utterly from-the-heart company.
First, there's a Jens Lekman remix release, Sipping On the Sweet Nectar, the Epic Remixes. The three-track digital download is a disco reinterpretation of our favorite European crooner. Stream one of the Bogdan Irkük edits [below] and buy the thing already!
Third, there's The Embassy's newest single, "State '08," an electronic-infused jam that's reminiscent of New Order cuts of old paired with the beachy vibe of TTA. If you're looking for a sweet and melancholic gem for those Summer days at the beach or road trips down the 1, you've found it with "State '08." Stream the song [below as well].
Fourth, Kool DJ Dust has made a killer joint, "The Quest" that has us finally convinced: the Swedes ain't all that bad on the dance floor. You can download [and stream the single below], but why not head over to the Service page and grab if from them?
Finally, Anthem would like to request that all its readers join Service. For the low price of €21 you'll be granted access to all of Service's digital offerings and opted into a music community that is truly rewarding. Plus, you'll sleep easy knowing you've helped them perpetuate. Sign up!
The Embassy - State '08
Jens Lekman - Sipping On the Sweet Nectar (Bogdan Irkük Love Nectar Remix)
Who would've thought that Swedish darling of lo-fi pop ballads Jens Lekman (MySpace) would sound so good to disco instrumentals?
Rollerboys Recordings' Bogdan Irkük had the bright idea of setting Lekman's sweet vocals to spacey disco beats, with the resultant 12" being pretty awesome. Each edit is a heavy Balearic-infused slow jam that could easily fit in a Studio set or Prins Thomas Italo-disco mix. Check out the Love Nectar mix of "Sipping On the Sweet Nectar" below and buy the whole release on iTunes or at Service Records' online MP3 shop!
Jens Lekman - Sipping On the Sweet Nectar (Bogdan Irkük Love Nectar Mix)
You would think that Sweden's long past with utterly cheesy pop acts and botched disco efforts would catch up with the small nation again and everyone would go soft in the head, form Abba cover bands, perm their hair, and bring back bell-bottoms. Alas, the Swedes are still possibly the slickest people on this planet, and they refuse to release anything that might tarnish their collective identity and name.
TieDye is the latest entry to the sounds-like-Studio category, but the Italians Do It Better Records signees have something unique to their aesthetic, even if they initially sound like copycats. "Nothing Else Matters" is a Mettalica cover, for example, and TieDye's first remix, "I Feel Electric" by Rubies featuring Feist, is about as unorthodox as you can get.
Whatever TieDye's got up its sleeve, BBBD's curious. Very, very curious. A group this good can't just release one 12" (with no b-side!) and a remix and then disappear. TieDye has summer slow-jam wired into its DNA, so here's to hoping they're release more ...
Studio - Yearbook 2 from Information on Vimeo. Sweden's Studio (MySpace) enraptured us with Yearbook 1 last year (released on the guys' own record label, Information), and for good reason. Their post-punk-done-electronic-dub style is all at once captivatingly melodious/poppy and experimentally alluring. While most of the songs hoovered near the ten-minute mark, none felt too long and not accessible or radio-friendly. A work of genius, to say the least.
While Studio's yet to release new original material, they did a handful of remixes since they found fame, and chose to release the seven edits as Yearbook 2. The LP flows like an original work ... Studio applies such a unique sound and aesthetic to all music they touch -- whether it's their own or someone else's -- and that's what holds this full-length together. Working with mega pop-stars like Kylie Minogue is no more difficult than sprucing up a folky single by California's Rubies or trancey cut by fellow Swedes, A Mountain of One.
Keep an eye out for more Studio news on BBBD. We've more to bring to you all ... for now, though, just get pumped for the release of Yearbook 2 on June 23, check out this preview video, and download or stream one of the remixes that appears on the release below!
There are exponentially more mixes made during the summer months than any other season of the year, for obvious and good reason: July through September is hot, sunny, marks the fiscal year's halfway point, and is endowed with far more galas, BBQs, rooftop pool mixers, and and offers a much-anticipated excuse to whip out the blender and make some margaritas! With all the festivities, tannings, and general good will, mixtapes are inevitable.
BBBD is very impressed by don Simon's "Summer Kick Off Mix." The Swedish producer/DJ put together an hour-long, thirteen-track set that features a substantial number of his compatriots' work (i.e. Lykke Li, Sally Shapiro) and plenty of artists one wouldn't expect to find on such a light-hearted party jam (i.e. Kelly Polar, Booka Shade, Justus Köhncke). Somhow he brings it altogether with a distinctly summertime aesthetic and tasteful energy that doesn't overwhelm or exhaust. This is perfect. Download it, please. A tracklist can be found after the jump.
1. Sally Shapiro - Jackie Junior (Junior Boys remix) 2. Headman - Hostage 3. Kelly Polar - Entropy Reigns (In the Celestial City) 4. Lykke Li - I'm Good I'm Gone (Fred Falke remix) 5. John Dahlbäck - We Are The Duo 6. Claude VonStroke - The Whistler 7. Solomun & Stimming - Eiszauber 8. Booka Shade - Dusty Boots 9. esa axel - Asthma Star (Socket Science remix) 10. Justus Köhncke - Parage 11. Marascia & Dusty Kid - Sineless 12. Swen Weber - The Pusher 13. Steve Angello & Sebastian Ingrosso Vs Laidback Luke - IT
Sweden's Hybris just can't stop releasing awesome stuff! Sayonara, Labrador Records -- Hybris is the new stronghold of Swedish tunes. From the quirky and lo-fi melodies of Elias & the Wizzkids to the Michael Jackson-esque ballads of Juvelen to the bizarre a capella of the Sweptaways to the sweet pop music of Kalle J, the smallish label simply can't turn out an unwanted single, EP, or LP.
Now they're proudly releasing the Kid's sophomore album, Transient Blood. This is BBBD's first time listening to the Gothenburg quartet, but boy are they good. Imagine Sambassadeur merged with New Order circa 1987. The Swedes have a penchant for churning out tracks with heavy, super-catchy bass lines, playful synth riffs, and rhythm guitar parts that sound so in motion, so fresh and not boring like rhythm guitar tends to be. And the Kid does it best. The first single off the record, "Transient Dance," is a stunning jam that's reminiscent of cutesy European exports like Bonnie & Clyde and more recent New Order cuts like "Krafty." It's charming beyond belief, and the rest of the release holds muster well.
Transient Blood is out on June 18, and you must purchase it if you hope to have an enjoyable summer ... or if you're looking for that perfect soundtrack for a house party, BBQ, whatever. It'll work. Listen.
As expected, the three were a pleasure to meet and work with, although Lykke Li was a little tougher to deal with. Their respective performances were jaw-droppingly stellar, too ... Lykke Li is the energetic, overtly expressive "child" whereas El Perro del Mar and Anna T. are more mature, subtle. All three performances offered phenomenal insights into their characters and songwriting talents, aptly complimenting the interviews.
Metronomy and Black Kids Remix My Beloved Lykke Li
Not only did BBBD discover Lykke Li Stateside, but we've persistently been her biggest fans. Our review of her live show at the El Rey in L.A. sort of cements that sentiment.
Anyway. London-via-Brighton's Metronomy (an outfit we were on at the very beginning) and Black Kids have remixed my beloved Lykke Li's "I'm Good, I'm Gone," with quite promising results. Black Kids' interpretation involves more atmospheric flourishes, heavy post-punk bass lines, and dancier guitar hooks, but reverently maintains the original vocals for the most part. It sounds sort of like what would happen if Lykke Li formed a rock band ... with Damon Albarn, maybe. Metronomy's remix is, as usual, quirkier and more electronically-driven ... and a little eerier. The three-piece has dropped in lots of spooky synth ditties and light funky riffs. Sort of a toss up between these two, so ... check 'em out for yourself!
Lykke Li & El Perro del Mar @ the El Rey, 05.19.08
We don't tend to write about live shows anymore, but ... Lykke Li (MySpace) is simply too goo to be passed up and, additionally, not written about. The Swedish chanteuse finally graced the States with her soulful voice on a smallish tour in support of El Perro del Mar (MySpace). It was really good.
Let's first get the photos out of the way, here, as you all really need to see them in order to understand what a phenomenal performance last night's show was. Here's the Flickr set. You can also flip through the shots in the media player widget after the jump.
The show was opened by Anna Ternheim (MySpace), an exciting folksy solo act out of Stockholm. She sounded a bit like Thom Yorke doing solo stuff as a woman in the vein of Swedish folk. Got it?
Lykke Li was the second act for the night and boy did she blow L.A.'s socks off. The shortish vocalist has some chops, that's for sure, and belted song after song out. Starting with some of the slower material from the long-player and U.S. EP, Lykke Li enchanted the near-capacity crowd. The way she moves on stage is mesmerizing ... sort of like a combination of hip-hop backup dancer moves and the choreographed steps of the Shirelles or something. Each and every song had a live vitality and vigor to it that doesn't shine through as much as it should on the studio material ... bass lines dipped and dived out of the sonic waves led by Lykke Li and her solid, slightly hyperactive drummer; keyboard melodies fleshed out the minimalistic lyricism; the reverb of the cavernous El Rey furthermore expanded the sound. This is what Lykke Li needs: a large hall to air her sound out in ... a place that can boast the gal's bold vocal talent.
El Perro del Mar picked up where Lykke Li left off. Mostly pulling from her debut album, her set was more vivid and energetic than one would expect it to be. While both Lykke Li and del Mar are, doubtless, penners of rather sad songs, they express the tunes with a vim and vam that's exciting and all the more emotive. Be sure to check out any or all of the artists when they come through your town (hopefully they'll be back soon)! A jaw-dropper is in store for you ...
Nebraska's CD-R indie label, Series Two has added a new artist to its roster, and, as usual, made a wonderful selection! Bakers at Dawn (AKA Marcus Sjoland) hails from Malmö and sounds sort of like Elliott Smith or Nick Drake ... done Swedish style.
The singer/songwriter has released a CD-R album on the twee/lo-fi label, Canarie Records and now has a new album out on Series Two entitled Best of Bakers at Dawn (he's only been around for three years or so and is already releasing retrospective compilations of sorts ... must be a prolific guy).
The below MP3s are pretty low quality, unfortunately, so just sample 'em and buy the full-length over at Series Two Records' MySpace page. It's hot and sunny in L.A., but this slow, melodious, and contemplative music seems somehow fitting. It brings peace and harmony to the cacophony outside.
Whoever dreamed up the paring of Lykke Li (MySpace) and El Perro del Mar (MySpace) was ... a genius. (It's might've just been record label politics, but in all sincerity, putting the two Swedish chanteuses on the same bill is a phenomenal idea.)
The artists represent the two main cities in Sweden (Ms. Li hails from Stockholm while El Perro del Mar comes from the slightly less trendy Gothenburg); they both are reviving soul music in their own way; they both slyly dig their way into your heart with their minimalist yet rhythmic and funky style and aesthetic; they both will leave you wanting more. Like a well curated museum exhibition, the Lykke vs. del Mar U.S. tour is moving in how the two singers contrast each other. Lykke is in your face and unabashedly pushes the envelope -- you'll succumb to her wacky dances and melt to her bold vocal talent -- while El Perro del Mar is more subdued and delicate, sublimely merging the old soul of the 1960s with the lo-fi indie-pop of Swedish compatriots like Jens Lekman. The back-to-back sets will stun you ... the similarities with connect the two while the differences accent the other's talents, fortes, and unique qualities.
BBBD is proud to say that it was one of the first Stateside blogs to show love for Lykke Li (thanks to a tip from the wonderful T. Cederteg, and we urge you all to check out a show. This is a rare and exciting opportunity! Check out the widget after the jump to get the scoop on shows and all that good stuff.
The Morning Paper (MySpace) drips with so much reverb, guitar feedback, echoey vocals, and thick string arrangements that it's sometimes a little difficult to find the hook or melody in their tunes! That being said, the songs -- whether hyper melodious or not -- wrap you up tight like a warm blanket, a sensation that most groups can't replicate, no matter how hard they try.
The Swedish trio's hyper-ambient, shoegaze is really appealing -- don't get me wrong! The song below -- "Fingers Crossed" -- is like what would happen if the Tough Alliance did Cocteau Twins covers and then rerecorded them as though they were in Slowdive. The Morning Paper selectively pulls shoegaze and dream pop influences from all across the board, but melds it all into one modern and catchy entity that I can't get enough of.
Order their new EP -- It's Getting Clearer -- right here!
Outside of Mando Diao or the Ceasars, Sweden doesn't see much in the way of garage bands. Most stray towards the softer guitar-rock side of the spectrum, which while perfectly fine by BBBD, does lend itself to monotony and blandness eventually. We need some punky, garagey, rocky punch every once in a while to get going!
Gothenburg's Alibi Tom (MySpace) comes as a relief, then. The quintet sounds sort of like the Kinks during their most rambunctious days or Mando Diao during a less loopy and scatterbrained episode. Great vocals, solid drumming, fun lead guitar riffs a la old Libertines, and plenty of tambourine to spice everything up more!
The five-piece has an album, Scrapbook, coming out on the U.K. label, LEON, on May 4. Be sure to pick it up when it's out ... we can hardly imagine it sucking based on the strength of these two tracks.
Any band that receives the thumbs up from Peter Morén is worth looking into, and that's how BBBD came upon Park Hotell (MySpace), a Swedish guitar-pop four-piece.
Okay, before you think, "Great, another so-called guitar-pop band that BBBD loves ... I can guess what this'll be like," hear me out (and listen to the below tunes)! While these guys have the late-80s/early-90s indie-pop aesthetic of the Clean or the Pastels or the Go-Between, they're different and unique in their own way, I assure you! They're more antsy, pumping out noodling, dynamic melodies and bass hooks that seem all at once independent of each other and completely cohesive. Its as though the Park Hotell lads have appropriated Gang of Four's angular, punctuating guitar riffs to a more harmonious and less angry pop format. At times, the quartet sounds on the verge of lashing out and going full-out punk, but they restrain themselves and wind up being reminiscent of a C86 compilation band rather than a Buzzcocks tribute ensemble.
Also, describing them simply as a guitar-pop outfit does them little justice; there're Psychedelic Furs nods, Undertones props, and New Order similarities abound. Listen to the below tracks two, three, four, five times in a row and you'll discover the complexity. Keep an eye on these guys. BBBD highly recommends their The Guest Who Stayed Forever LP. (As an aside, the full-length in interesting in that its contained in two CDs, even though with eight songs, you could hardly call it a double album.)
Mad For It Inc. has finally released the much-anticipated Parker Lewis Written and Directed By Parker Lewis EP. You can download the whole thing right over here.
Parker Lewis had us dropping our jaws (and tapping our toes!) with "Dirty Dancing," and while the other songs he's released don't quite match up to that spectacularly heartfelt lo-fi pop tune, the Swedish singer/songwriter is definitely one talented and mega-appealing dude.
Check out "Disappear Here" below ... if that doesn't suck you in, then I've no idea what will. Love this guy. 2008 is going to be his year. And 2009 ... and 2010 ... and 2011 ... and I'll stop so as not to jinx it.
A new wave of success has swept up Sweden's Tough Alliance. After some major, major thumbs up from American music journalists, a triumphant tour through North America, and a killer set at SXSW, the Gothenburg duo is more unstoppable than ever. Ambitions rising higher and higher ...
While there's no new album or EP on the horizon, the pair just released "Neo Violence" as a 7" single in their homeland on their own Sincerely Yours label. Pick the wax up here or high-quality digital files here.
Obviously, the a-side is "Neo Violence," but it's the b-side that BBBD is most interested in. For the flip side, Eric Berglund and Henning Fürst covered the 2006 Swedish chart-topper, "Lucky" by Lucky Twice. Check the music video out here. The original is pretty damn good -- sort of a techno-/Euro-pop equivalent of a Gwen Stefani banger -- but the cover is even better ... an acoustic reinterpretation that incorporates TTA's usual dose of echoey bird calls, reverberant synth beats, vocal samples, and beachy hooks. Get the MP3 below. Be stunned. Again.
