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Sunday, April 19, 2009

Only Ones in Stockholm
Current mood:mesmerized
Category: Music

The Only Ones played an absolutely mesmerizing gig in Stockholm last Friday at Hornstull Strand. They played quite a few new songs, which were as close to genious as the old gems.

You can get some taste in these videos!

Currently listening:
Even Serpents Shine
By The Only Ones
Release date: 2009-02-24

6:21 AM

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Friday, January 09, 2009

What I did on my Christmas vacation.... i.e. my record collection...
Current mood:

exhausted
Category: Music

As my record collection still keeps growing it was starting to be dangerously leaning on its old shelves. Finally over the Christmas holidays I had time enough to fix it... It took almost three weeks....

You might have seen a pic of it (from about five years ago) in my album:

Now, since then I've aquired quite a few records, both on vinyl and on cd, and the shelves couldn't quite take it anymore. Or not the shelves, the crates that were holding up everything. And as it turned out there was a chance of them giving in entirely pretty soon....
of the dozen or so crates only one was whole....

So, a while back I got some shelves from IKEA (I'd been checking out a similar shelf before, but now, once I went to look for something small for my household, they had these babies for sale, and they made a better vinyl shelf as the one I'd thought to get this spring (after my flat has been re-plumbed and re-wired) as I could build my shelf more suitable for my needs, and it would be sturdier as well.
Finally during the holidays I had time to fix the shelves (and update my computer files) and occationally get totally nostalgic finding stuff I hadn't listened to for ages (and find pretty new vinyl still in un-opened shrink wrap... ) made my collection up to date.

Next time I have a listening party I gotta remember to put everything back in its place so it'll be easier to find, and not to have everything cluttering the living room floor....

Currently listening:
Closing Time
By Tom Waits
Release date: 1990-10-12

6:02 PM

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Saturday, January 03, 2009

The Auto Dropouts first ever gig in Sweden!
Current mood:

thirsty
Category: Music

One of the best finds musicwise I've made here on My Space during the years is the Auto Dropouts. The band consists of up 17 guys from all around the world, with Jesper from Stockholm making some of the best music around at the moment. As the members are scattered all around playing live hasn't been the easiest task...
Finally they were confident enough to get together and made a couple of gigs in London last summer. Of course us fans here in Sweden wanted to see them as well, and finally, after a lot of persuation, got themselves a gig here in Stockholm! As the guys here in Sweden live far apart they haven't had much of a chance to rehearse as much as they'd wanted, but boy, were they great!
It was wonderful to hear those great songs, like Boy With Restless Eyes, Jaws of Love and Random finally live!

The gig was at this really small place, Tantogården, which is threatened to be closed as the Big Brother wants to build some flats there, in this park that is quite unique. They have this "Swedish showcase" every month were new bands get a chance to show their talents. For some reason these small places don't think of the visual side of the gigs so the lights were minimal and so pictures didn't turn out that good. But have a listen to these videos and you'll get some idea of how brilliant this band is!

the Auto Dropouts, 2008.12.21 Tantogården, Stockholm

Currently listening:
Elephant
By White Stripes
Release date: 2008-07-01

2:28 PM

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Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Magic Numbers Christmas show
Current mood:

satisfied
Category: Music

The Magic Numbers got a bit bored in the recording studio and decided to throw a Christmas party in Stockholm, as they love this town so...
The first gig was sold out pretty quickly (as we love Magic Numbers so....) so a second one was added.
I got myself a ticket for the Saturday night (not thinking it would be the Joe Strummer-night), which turned out to be a good choice.
On Friday Romeo had some trouble with his passport and couldn't make it to Stockholm in time for the gig

Just a couple of weeks before the same venue had trouble with another band from Britain, as Ryanair didn't allow Sonic Boom his guitars on the flight.... weird...

Sooo... the Friday's gig was added as a pre-gig on Saturday and the venue had to be emptied before the real-Saturday crowd was allowed in. Everything turned out smoothly and we had to wait for ages actually. I hate waiting for bands and try to tme my entrance to make the waiting time as short as possible.
I got myself a pretty good spot at the front (here people don't rush to the front except at bigger gigs, at smaller gigs it's even difficult for bands to try to get the people to the front of the stage, like yesterday at another gig, people were standing several meters from the stage. Maybe they're afraid the band's gonna bite them...).

The Magic Numbers played some old gems and a few snippets from their forth-coming album and, of course as it was a Christmas show, some great Christmas songs. Of course the audience wanted to shine off and sang from the bottom of their hearts.

Here's some videos from the evening. Enjoy and Happy Christmas!

Currently listening:
Acoustic Christmas
By Various Artists
Release date: 1990-09-24

11:07 AM

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Saturday, December 20, 2008

Oh no.... It's Christmas!
Current mood:

working
Category: Music

Blixten & Co. and Razzia Records presented Oh no... It’s Christmas! - an alternative celebration for Christmas at Nalen with artists as Annika Norlin (Hello Saferide, Säkert!), David Sandström (Refused), Ison & Fille, Markus Krunegård (Laakso), Salem Al Fakir, Veronica Maggio, Adiam Dymott (who's gonna be big!!!), Britta Persson, Jonna Lee and Robert ”Strängen” Dahlqvist (the Hellacopters, Thunder Express). The backing band included my favourite saxophone player Magic Gunnarsson and Mattias Bärjed from the Soundtrack Of Our Lives on guitar.
They all played som classic and alternative Christmas songs.
Mange Schmidt and Filippa Bark, Sissela Benn's misunderstood 14-year old alter ego were MC'ing the whole hoolabaloo, and with flying colours. Timo Räisänen (whom I wanted to see the most...) was ill and couldn't attend....

Here's some pics and videos...

Mattias Bärjed from TSOOL & Magic Gunnarsson on saxophone

Mattias Bärjed & Magic Gunnarsson @ Oh no... it..s Christmas!, Nalen, Stockholm 2008.12.14

Britta Persson

Mange Schmidt & Filippa Bark

Veronica Maggio

Mattias Bärjed @ Oh no... it..s Christmas!, Nalen, Stockholm 2008.12.14

Adiam Dymott

Annika Norlin

The whole crew

Currently listening:
Vol. 1-Oh Noit's Christmas
Release date: 2008-05-06

1:15 PM

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Wednesday, November 05, 2008

The Plastic Pals are gigging in London
Current mood:

hyper
Category: Music

My friends The Plastic Pals are gigging in London this weekend!
I hope you all can go and see them at one of their gigs, as they're awesome!

Currently listening:
The Band That's Fun to Be With
By The Plastic Pals
Release date: 2006-05-16

8:21 PM

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Saturday, November 01, 2008

the Hellacopters last ever gigs...
Category: Music

One of my biggest favourite bands from Sweden, the Hellacopters, decided to call it a day while still on top and finished off with a bang with four gigs here in Stockholm, their hometown.
The first one on Saturday noon was for invited friends only (and I ain't close enough to get there), but I got to see the mayhem on Saturday night. It ended a bit early when somebody threw a beer on stage so Kenny's amp blew up and Nicke got an electric shock through the mic.
Sunday afternoon was much more quieter, almost a Sunday school atmosphere... Loads of foreigners (guess they couldn't book their tickets at the right time at 9 am CET, and tickets sold out in 30 mins for the evening shows...).
I had a perfect spot in front of Kenny for both gigs I attended (couldn't go to the last ever on Sunday afternoon as I had already bought a ticket for Cyndi Lauper's first ever Swedish gig) and totally enjoyed his subtle moves while playing. Oh I'm gonna miss his dancing! Got an urge to jump on stage and lick the sweat off his chest on Saturday night!

Here's my videos from those two gigs...

Currently listening:
Rock & Roll Is Dead
By The Hellacopters
Release date: 2006-01-24

1:32 AM

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Saturday, November 01, 2008

I’ve got You Tube honors!
Current mood:

excited
Category: Music

You Tube started a Swedish version not a long time ago, and I am already one of the most watched directors there!!!
At the moment I've got honors for being the 35th most watched this week, and 83rd of all time!!!!!!!

I'd guess I have to give kudos to the Hellacopters, as I had a chance to film during two of their last ever gigs, and I was very close to the stage so I got killer footage!

My all time most watched has been Big Star's September gurls

And Flaming Lips are pretty popular as well

Currently listening:
Meet the Eels: Essential Eels 1996-2006, Vol. 1
By Eels
Release date: 2008-01-15

12:24 AM

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Wednesday, October 29, 2008

I think I’ve beaten my record: six gigs in four days!
Current mood:

productive
Category: Music

This weekend must've been one of the most hectics I have had in my life!
I went to six gigs during four days! I might've seen more bands in that amount of time (especially in London in early '80's), but running from venue to venue...

First on Friday I went to Debaser Medis to see Crypt Kicker 5, and to celebrate (?) the Hellacopters last days of existance. Denimzine had put up some pinball machines, and as I played a lot in my youth so I took a shot and made some new all time highs!

On Saturday (after working for Stockholm Filmfestival) I went to see the Hellacopters on one of their last gigs ever. The gig was cut short because some twerp threw a beer on stage giving Nick an electric shock and blowing the amps..

Because of that I could make it in time to see 22 Pistepirkko at Mokoma-festival, but after that it was too late to check all the other gigs I wanted to see that night..

On Sunday afternoon I went to see the Hellacopters again, and in the evening Cyndi Lauper played in Stockholm for the first time ever, at Berns! And she was wonderful!

On Monday Lloyd Cole performed at Södra Teatern.
I thought I'd gotten totally sick of acoustic acts, but luckily Lloyd proved me it's good, again! Love his humour, and the new songs he's made sound great!

I might (or might not) post some pics and videos from all (or some) of these gigs in the near future (or knowing me, in far future.....).
In a way I hope I won't be as busy again... but I loved it!!!

Currently listening:
Violence Is Timeless
Release date: 2008-11-04

5:48 AM

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Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Division of Laura Lee secret gig in Stockholm
Current mood:

sneaky
Category: Music

Division of Laura Lee did a secret gig here in Stockholm a few weeks ago.
It was a birthday party for Vice magazine, and it was held at Diesel store in the posh part of the town. I found out about it about four-five hours before, but I couldn't be promised an admission as I don't work for the store, the record company or anything hip for that matter... I didn't want to miss a chance to see one of my favourite bands and went there anyway... Luckily I could talk myself to the gig, held in the basement of a jeans store on the "in" street...

Oh the vibes! I felt I'd gone 20-25 years back in time! People were posing like at club 1984 (Big Brother) and the DJ played the crappiest music from the 80's! Luckily (?) the event was supported by some alcoholic brands so I could try and ignore the weak choices in soundtrack (there's waaaaay much better music to choose from during that era!). When the band started playing I could totally freak out! I danced and enjoyed myself more than in a long time! Luckily the posers stayed away and there was a few of us who had a blast at the front! I even got a huge hug from Per, which I absorbed like a sponge!
As the gig wasn't at your usual gig place the lights were just crap so I gave up filming (the only light you could see were from the doors at the back) and just took some pics. Here's some of them... You can check for more here...

Tonight they're doing a release party gig for their new album "Violence is timeless" (which is great btw...) in Gothenburg.
I'm soooo looking forward to their official gig here in Stockholm on Friday! :D

Currently listening:
Black City
By Division of Laura Lee
Release date: 2002-08-27

4:40 AM

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Sunday, August 24, 2008

Sing-a-long with Weeping Willows - Allsång på Debaser
Current mood:

nostalgic
Category: Music

During the last four years on Friday nights in August there was some special nights at Debaser in Stockholm.
Weeping Willows were playing all sorts of indie anthems, with Catti Brandelius as a MC.
The place was a sauna, people were singing along with all of their hearts and a good time was had by all!
Now the fun has ended, and it ended with a bang, with Pixies' Debaser, the first time any band had ever played it at Debaser, during all the years the club has existed!

Here's all the videos I've taken there during the years!

Currently listening:
Doolittle
By Pixies
Release date: 2003-05-20

11:24 PM

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Sunday, June 29, 2008

the Soundtrack Of Our Lives played an exclusive gig in a boathouse...
Current mood:

rockin
Category: Music

The Soundtrack Of Our Lives (or TSOOL to their fans) announced two gigs with one days warning, outside Stockholm in the greater archipelago on Barnens Ö (Island of Children). It was gonna be really exclusive, with loads of new songs.
Luckily it was payday, and I had some work to do on the northern side of Stockholm that day, so I could use that as an excuse to rent a car....
It was about 1½ hour drive, roads getting narrower and narrower. I knew that the countryside here is beautiful, but here it's breathtaking!
Lovely houses with beautiful gardens, loads of horses everywhere and I even saw a badger crossing the road.

The gig was in a boathouse, near KnappKarlsson restaurant.
When I arrived the support band was playing. It consisted of really young boys, the singer not even in his teens, but boy, what an entertainer he was! He got the crowd going better than some big stars I've seen! And the guitarists were magnificent! They were called 12 Stitches, and luckily they're here as well!

TSOOL played two sets, the first one a bit more mellower, loads of new songs, and the second set got totally rowdy!
Occationaly I was a bit worried about the floor giving in under the audience! It felt like we were on a boat, not in a boathouse, the way it was rocking!

The new songs were all great, some totally rocking out (like Radium, Thrill me and Pull me down), some had the familiar psychedelic sound that we're used to.

This is what the venue looked like

and the view from the door....

Some gig pics...

And videos

Utopia

Thrill me

Pull me down

After the gig I got a little let down... : as I'm not that used to driving cars it turned out the batteries had gone flat as I'd forgotten the lights on... Luckily there was a very nice cute guy who had starting cables in his car and helped me to get out of there...
The drive back was much quicker (was blasting Riot City Blues to keep me alert!), as there's not that much traffic at 1:30-3 am so I could speed a little..

I've always enjoyed that, but at first I had to take it easy as there's loads of wild life out there in the countryside. There was warning signs for deer, moose and wildboar. I did see a fox with three (!!!!!) cubs and two bats, the other one was huge!

As this was the only travel I (propably) will do this summer I totally enjoyed every second of it, and I'm so glad everything went smoothly and the gig was absolutely spectacular! I feel very priviledged!

Currently listening:
Urban Hymns
By The Verve
Release date: 1997-09-30

12:03 PM

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