Review: Miss Li - Dancing the Whole Way Home

Miss Li, real name Linda Carlsson, is among the current names that define Sweden's indie trend adding a bit of jazzy vocals, swift melodies and heart-lighted lyrics. Compared by some critics to Anna Ternheim and Hello Saferide, Li offers a rather more positive approach to music with a twist of pop. Just two years after her last release Carlsson is back on track with her fourth studio album "Dancing the Whole Way Home", which by far is her most successful effort.

Despite sticking to her original sound Miss Li expands on a few new fields, going all deep with a semi-cabaret sound, probably heading to a more sophisticated and elaborate stylistic change in favor of moody jazz with a sateen touch of dreamy pop. On a first listen you might be left with the impression that the whole style mixing has gone havoc, but after a while most of the material will start growing on anyone open to clever genre fusions. Even if this whole pop-flavoured jazz isn't your cup of tea, still the album can appeal to a broader audience, quite picky as well.

"Dancing the Whole Way Home" isn't exactly the album you'd be dancing to on your way home, but you might catch yourself humming it while waiting in the line or just being up for some positive experiences. Definitely not a groundbreaking release, still Miss Li knows music good and if it didn't lack proper international promotion she could have easily made her way to the European market, at least. "Dancing the Whole Way Home" is an excellent kick-start for her to be internationally recognized and receive some credit outside Sweden.

Songs to hear: "I Heard of a Girl", "Bourgeois Shangri-La", "Polythene Queen" and "Stupid Girl"
Personal rating: 7/10

Discoveries: Little Dragon + Crazy P

Awaiting the Park Live Fest in Sofia next month and listening to my beloved Lamb, I thoroughly checked the line-up and came upon two names, which after prelistening had to share with you.

Little Dragon

Little Dragon is a trip-hop/downtempo band from Gothenburg, Sweden. The band is fronted by Yukimi Nagano, who has also worked with alt/folk singer Jose Gonzales. Nagano's father is Japanese and her mother is American, but she has spent her entire life in the Nordic country. She grew up listening to American folk, although she drew inspiration from R'n'B and New Wave as well. The other members are Erik Bodin (drums), Fredrick Källgren (bass), and Håkan Wirenstrand (keyboards). All of them come from various music backgrounds, thus their stylistically rich eponymous debut album from 2007.



Crazy P

Crazy P is an English house music project, which was started in 1996, when founding members James Baron and Chris Todd met. They shared the same passion for home-made music, which samples old records incorporating various electronic specialties. Soon they started playing in clubs and attracted the attention of the label Paper Recordings. In the following years the duo grew to the size of a band, adding vocalist Danielle Moore, guitarist Tim Davies and drum-player Matt Klose. With the new line-up Crazy P went beyond the boundaries of house music and started creating indietronica, funk and downtempo.

Recommendation Weekly: Familjen

Familjen is the stage name of Swedish electronic musician Johan T Karlsson, who hails from Hässleholm, but now lives in Stockholm. His endeavor in the music-making started while he was living in his hometown visiting from time to time the music studio of a friend. Soon he became interested in the whole recording process and started experimenting on his own, creating short instrumental pieces.

Afterward the experiments became more complex encompassing himself with professional equipment and the desire to be a professional musician. His style is an intriguing mixture of indietronica with elements of the singer-songwriter genre with the lyrics being the main force in his music. Although Karlsson sings exclusively in Swedish this is not a real obstacle as he sounds good without even understanding a single word coming out of his mouth, which is another fine example that music recognizes no language barriers. A couple of years he has already been active in Sweden and gradually gaining fame in Scandinavia, but still awaiting for the big moment to break in Europe and beyond. Probably it will be no sooner than he starts singing in English, which to me would be spoil the whole charm in his music, but who knows. I am pretty sure more of him is on its way to our ears.

Review: A Camp - Colonia

The Cardigans may be on hiatus, but Nina Persson knows on breaks and if you want to hear her distinctive voice and spend some quality time with alternative pop then A Camp's new album "Colonia" is just for you. A Camp started as the solo project of Persson during the 1998-2003 break-up of The Cardigans and in 2001 Persson released the album "A Camp", which received positive reviews and was praised by many music critics. I believe "Colonia" is going to be accepted by the critic with flying colors as it is a dreamy soulful and delicate interpretation of the emotional landscapes in a lifetime, which despite all the lows cherishes every single high.

These days I've been spending unusually too much time with the singer-songwriter genre and "Colonia" is another wonderful addition to my library. Persson proves once again that she is a talented singer, who knows the parameters of quality and for her it definitely has nothing to do with commercialized crap. It took her eight years to release her new solo album, but talent needs no rush nor push. Obviously A Camp is not just a fun side-project as it makes an offer for a decent place in the Swedish alternative scene and definitely "Colonia" is sign for a high-profile musician.

The stylistic intertwines, the variety of topics in the lyrics and the spectrum of feelings throughout the track-list make "Colonia" an outstanding example of the quality of the Scandinavian alternative scene. In the album you have folk, indie, alt, pop-rock and downtempo, which makes it accessible and close to more tastes. Persson has outdone herself and definitely deserves your attention and your support.

Songs to hear: "Stronger than Jesus", "The Crowining", "Golden Teeth and Silver Medals" and "Love Has Left the Room"

Personal rating: 8 out of 10

Review: Alcazar - Disco Defenders

Alcazar are definitely not among my favourite pop groups, but I like several song by them and decided to give a listen to their newest album names "Disco Defenders". I wasn't expecting anything special and I actually turned out to be right. Alcazar is the kind of band you listen to for a whole summer and afterward cannot remember any of their songs. Anyways, "Disco Defenders" is nothing more than a good filler if you have some 40 minutes to lose and listen to catchy pop tunes and silly sloppy lyrics.

"Disco Defenders" is Alcazar's third studio album and it presents a new line-up with Lina Hedlund replacing Annika Kjærgaard and Magnus Carlsson leaving after just an album. Honestly I don't think this has had any impact on the quality of the material or they have introduced any audible and visible changes in their music. As a whole the new album has nothing new to offer...you have all the typical disco anthems, all the synth ballads and all the love and colors in the world you want. If you are a true Alcazar fan there is no way you would be disappointed with the brand new 12 songs. However, no hidden Easter eggs and no all-time hits to be found and still it has enough quality material for your disco night.

In Sweden the albums has produced several major hits, which is no surprise as they are probably their biggest pop group for the last decade. Honestly, I am not very impressed with the whole sound of "Disco Defenders", which is no prove to me that Alcazar have succeeded at defending the disco culture. I personally heard no potential disco hits, but I guess I have forgotten how to listen to pop music or it has really gone very blunt.

Songs to hear: "Burning", "Funkytown", "Thank You" and "Stay the Night"

Personal rating: 5 out of 10

Discoveries: Laleh

Iranian musicians know how to do it, especially when they are outside Iran. I can name you at least five Iranian performers, who have done great in the music niche. Now it is high time I met you with Laleh, an Iranian young female singer living in Sweden. I found her by accident, but after listening to a few tracks by her I realized that this girl needs more attention.

Although she is not new, already two albums released, she is less known outside Scandinavia, which is quite a pity. She sounds like Björk meets Regina Spektor, but with less piano and more vocal experiments. She may not fit everyone's taste, especially if you are more into more radio-friendly voices, but don't ignore her if you are ready for some more indie, mixed with anti-folk, acoustic and alternative. Plus her music has plenty of originality of its own and hides more surprises the deeper you go.

Review: Jenny Wilson - Hardships!

Jenny Wilson may not be the queen of the European indie scene, but she is an excellent singer-songwriter hailing from Sweden, who deserves your attention! Wilson's music is a fine example of how lyrics meet composing creating a world of memories, feelings and a future saturated with acoustic purity. Apart from her solo work Jenny became famous for her duet with her friends and fellow Swedes from The Knife "You Take My Breath Away". In 2005 she released her debut album "Love and Youth", which was overwhelmingly accepted by Scandinavian critics and her album became one of the best releases in Sweden for the same year. Four years later she is back with "Hardships!", which I dare say makes a strong request for one of the best albums in the indie genre.

"Hardships!" is not your typical singer-songwriter album to be lost and forgotten somewhere in between the releases of Tori Amos, Regina Spektor or the alikes. Wilson offers something more than an enriched with instruments and intelligent lyrics album. Every song has its very own special place and still perfectly fits the whole elegantly elaborate structure. Wilson surely doesn't posses the vocal abilities of Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston, but her voice is soothing, inspiring and deep. So deep that you actually hear the lyrics first and afterward you realize that there is tune...like soft poetry.

I thought that "Love and Youth" is excellent in any possible way, but I guess I just had to listen to "Hardships!". Wilson didn't disappoint me even for a single song and despite being still so underrated she didn't give up! "Hardships!" is the story for all the strength, atrocities, positivism and despair in life, the unique way they intertwine and the lows and highs we fall into.

I may write about this album for hours, but the best thing is to hear it yourself. Prepare in advance at least one hour free time, a glass of your favourite drink and imagination ready to leave this body immediately and endeavor on a journey to emotions near and far.

Songs to hear: "Like A Fading Rainbow", "Clattering Hooves", "The Path", "Only Here for the Fight" and "Porcelain Castle"

Personal rating: 9 out of 10

My concert experience: Pain

Yesterday I had my newest concert experience: the Swedish industrial metal project Pain. Despite not being any close to a die-hard fan of Pain I enjoyed myself a lot and still have a mild headache from the mind-blowing sound. For those of you, who don't know what Pain is here is some useful information: Pain. I cannot say that I couldn't wait to see Peter Tägtgren live as I knew only about his solo project and had no idea that he was such a big name in the Scandinavian metal scene. Tägtgren is responsible for the development of the dead metal genre and the establishment of such bands as Hypocrisy (his own band), Dimmu Borgir, Amon Amarth, Marduk, Dark Funeral, Children of Bodom and many more. In other words Peter is a big deal!

Going back to the concert itself I had no idea what to expect, which sometimes is better as you cannot be really disappointed (or can you?). I was there at sharp 20:00, which was the announced time for the gig to begin. Of course, the organization was rather crude and they wouldn't start letting in for the next two hours and a half...at least I got in at 22:30. Fortunately I had someone to spend the time with otherwise I might have gone back home, had dinner and come back again and most probably I would still had spare time. The concert found place at BlueBox club, which hosted the Combichrist concert just a month ago. I was quite surprised to see that many metal-heads waiting for Pain, having in mind that ummm industrial music is not that popular among them...later that evening I came to realize their majority, after all Tägtgren is an important figure for the music they listen to. I am still not very sure, but I believe that most of them were there to see the frontman of Hypocrisy and in the mean time to see his side project Pain.

The Bulgarian alternative metal band Culn were supposed to be the support, but either the entrance flow was very slow or they played just a few songs as I didn't get to hear or see them at all. Actually when I was in the hall sound check was already running and the whole place was packed...I didn't expect to see that many people, for real.

The show started at 22:40 and it blasted my ears as it began like a dead metal concert. Let's say that the first three songs sounded to me absolutely alike and if it wasn't for the short paused they made I wouldn't have realized that they are separate. Honestly I wasn't very pleased to listen to growling and speedy guitars as headbanging has never been into my blood. I wondered if this was really a Pain concert, or a surprise Hypocrisy show, which was going to turn my brains into soup. I assume that once a dead metal singer, you always stay one and that it explains why most of the live versions were trashier, faster and included less electronic elements that your average industrial act. Of course, the majority didn't care much as they were there for the wire and the disturbing vocals of Tägtgren, who had no mercy on them. Obviously Peter has realized that the people that come to watch him live are less interested in electronica, which explains the lack of an actual synthesizer, although some songs began with their original electronically influenced intros.

Either the equipment was bad or the acoustic in the hall was horrible, but I could hardly hear the vocals and for most of the time the drums were not to be heard. The sound was too high for such a small venue (it has a capacity of some 800 people) and some of the songs were indistinguishable until the chorus was sung. There were some problems with the microphones as well, but I assume that some of the equipment belonged to the organizers and Pain had come only with the instruments.

Still, the concert had a plenty of highlights, which no doubt were their best known songs: "Shut Your Mouth", "Same Old Song", "Just Hate Me", "Dancing with the Dead" and of course my personal favourite "Bye/Die", which was as expected played at the very end. I was very pleased with "Bitch" from their new album, "I Don't Care" and "End of the Line". Honestly I am not sure if "Eleanor Rigby" was played at all and I have no idea which were the opening three songs, but it doesn't matter anyway.

I am not looking forward to seeing Peter Tägtgren's other band Hypocrisy, but I might see Pain live again some time in the future. Oh, yeah, and sorry there are no photos, but I decided that metal concerts are not the best place to bring my camera, if it is going to make photos of Madonna or Ladytron.

Stuck in my mind: Pain - Bye/Die

I just came back from the concert of the Swedish industrial metal project Pain, whose sole member is Peter Tägtgren, better known as the frontman of the dead metal band Hypocrisy. Anyways, the concert was just fine, although from time to time I had the feeling I was at a gig of Hypocrisy not Paint, but fans wanted both, although they couldn't possibly have them. Right now I am too exhausted for a full story of the concert, but as soon I come back to this life you'll get a full report on my newest concert experience. Right now I can just post you my most favourite song "Bye/Die", which fortunately was played at the gig...and just as expected as the closing song. Probably this is one of Pain's poppiest song and among his best known.

Recommendation Weekly: Adrian Lux

Adrian Lux is another fine example that Swedes know how to make music...even when it comes to house. I have never hidden my despise towards house music, but now it's the moment to admit that from time to time the house scene has something interesting for me as well. By some Lux has been hailed as the successor of Eric Prydz, another Swedish house DJ, and as one of the fresh names to emerge in the past few months. Honestly, I have never heard of Adrian Lux...not until yesterday when I was told about him and had the chance to watch the video to the song "Can't Sleep". I cannot say that I was extremely fascinated by the track, although I actually liked the whole concept of the video, which shows that love is boundless and anyone deserves to love and to be loved no matter what.

Enough with the blabber...here is the video and if you like what you hear check out the rest of his songs.

Peaches vs Peaches

Whenever I open YouTube there is a recommended videos section that I usually skip and start my search. As I was about to type a song's name I saw Peaches - Dynamit Nitroglycerin Baby, wondering if this is supposed to be something new by Peaches or perhaps a live performance I have never heard of. Unfortunately it was nothing like it. To my surprise I was redirected to an original video by a Swedish girl duo named Peaches. Poor things...what in any god's name is this supposed to be? I listened to the song at least three times trying to understand what their style is. After pondering a few minutes I decided it is supposed in the eurodance genre. The video to Dymanit Nitroglycerin Baby is horrible and honestly the chicks look like bored teenage girls with a bad make-up day. Most probably they know the Canadian electro singer Peaches, but if any of their songs have to be a tribute to her or to her carrier, but I am sure that even Peaches will be terrified when she sees this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ2vX7oMrbA

Unfortunately embedding of this video was forbidden by request, but after you watch it even you will forbid it. Honestly I'd even remove it from YouTube if I could. That is why artists' names should be unique!

My appreciation for Titiyo

"Come along with me" sang in her most famous song the Swedish singer Titiyo. And I did follow her and almost two years I first downloaded her best I am still mad about her music. Although the single "Come Along" came out almost eight years ago it still is one of the greatest songs of the 90s, being regularly played on radio and TV stations. But you know what - Titiyo has more than this. The easiest way to find out some more of her great stuff is by getting her greatest hits compilation "Best of Titiyo". I was so hooked up that I got all of her albums.

For quite a long time I thought that she was not making anymore music, but all of a sudden in 2008 she released the single "Longing for Lullabies" in a collaboration with the Swedish musician/producer Andres Kleerup, who has worked with fellow Swedish singer Robyn on the hit single "With Every Heartbeat". His work with Titiyo has produced a wonderful downtempo soft electronica song, which takes you to the spiritual world of Titiyo. That's the true magic of her music and despite not being that famous as some other soul/R'n'B divas she surely manages to stand her ground and keep up with the good work. Her newest effort "Hidden" is another excellent example of how electronic music can mix with other styles and create something beyond borders of style and commercialism.

Most of you perhaps don't know, but Titiyo comes out of a very musical family: her father being a percussionist, her half-sister is Neneh Cherry and her half-brother is Eagle Eye Cherry. Her singing career started absolutely unexpected after she has been invited by half-sister Neneh to give it a try in a recording studio. It turned out Titiyo was a diamond, yet to be discovered. Although she is mainly known with her songs "Come Along", "1989" and her collaboration with Stakka Bo called "We Vie" she has had some other hits in her home country as well as in Scandinavia and other European countries. Now being a little forgotten she is giving her best to make a move in the music business. I do hope she manages to reach the surface again.

Here you can hear her collaboration with Kleerup:


If you have forgotten her super hit "Come Along" there you go: