Swaying Wires

Greetings

2012-01-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

A new and hopefully exciting year has begun. For Swaying Wires this means that there are more shows to be played and new songs to be written. Swaying Wires took a huge leap forward last year, which brought many positive things and pleasant surprises. We recorded some songs and got to play a few shows. It was interesting having people respond to our music and evaluate us. The feedback we received was beyond encouraging.

Just before Christmas we played a show in Tampere, at a place called O'Hara's. This was a warm and inviting place where they didn't play one song I didn't like. We waited around for a few hours and enjoyed the free beer until it was time to play, in front of a small audience of which the majority were friends of ours. There was a raging snow storm outside all night so I blame the weather for keeping the rest of Swaying Wires' hardcore supporters at home. I know you're out there.

It was exciting playing live and it went well. Although I somehow managed to get my hand slammed in the toilet door an hour before we were to play, I think it went okay on my part as well. What are the odds, I hear you ask. Well, in my case fairly high it seems. Thankfully I managed to get the feeling back in my fingers before it was time to play. Of all the things that could've gone wrong, somehow I didn't see that one coming.

This was the first show with our new drummer, Jussi Virkkumaa. He came into the picture in November and made everything fall into place. Jussi is a brilliant drummer with a sense of music that cannot be taught. It is an honor and a privilege to have him as a member.

Right now we're preparing for our next show, which will be in Helsinki at Korjaamo on February 15th. Hope to see you there.

/Tina

update

2011-10-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hello comrades,

There is both good and bad news on the Swaying Wires front. One piece of good news is that we have some concert dates in our calendar. We actually played the first one of these a few days ago at a place called Kuka here in Turku. It was fun, although there were some minor interruptions that left me feeling very disappointed. The security guard interrupted us constantly because we played to loud, the token asshole at the bar kept throwing us off with his yelling and my mike stand kept falling down all the time, making it hard to sing. It wasn't our best performance but we got some very positive feedback so all in all it wasn't so bad. I'm looking forward to our next show, hopefully that one will go a bit smoother.

The less good news is that we don't have a drummer at the moment. Our now former drummer, the magnificent Timo Harju, will unfortunately not be playing with Swaying Wires in the future. He helped this band get on its feet and we're lucky that we got to borrow him for a while. However, we have found a possible candidate to fill his shoes and hopefully Swaying Wires will soon be a four piece again.

I'm really proud of this band. In a way, Swaying Wires has always been. It just took a very long time for it to come alive. Thankfully the right people came along and made it so. Everything I do pertains to Swaying Wires, it's everything I am and all I'm not. It's a process that will never cease to expand and grow. It's a family and a home, a way to live. But the goal is not simply self-preservation, it's creating something that means something to someone. Hopefully we will succeed in doing so.

Peace.
/Tina

Concerts:
17.12.2011 O'Hara's, Tampere
15.02.2012 Korjaamo, Helsinki

Hello

2011-08-29T02:15:00.000-07:00

Here are some of our songs, we hope you like them.

Latest tracks by Swaying Wires

Happy

2011-07-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

Today Swaying Wires finally finished recording what will be our very first demo of sort. We've spent hours in our rehearsal space turned studio, turned sauna, adjusting every detail of every song. In a few weeks these songs will be all mixed and ready for us to present to you!

jandek

2011-06-11T04:40:00.001-07:00

Jandek on Corwood

2011-06-11T04:38:00.000-07:00

2011-06-10T13:33:00.001-07:00

2011-05-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

New song

2011-05-09T22:12:00.000-07:00

It's hard keeping track of Bonnie "Prince" Billy. Now he's teamed up with some band called Phantom Family Halo for an EP entitled "The Mindeater" and here's one perfect example of that venture.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy & Phantom Family Halo - "The Mindeater" by TwentyFourBit.com

the song that made my day

2011-04-30T04:25:00.000-07:00

I woke up to this brilliant song today and I knew it was going to be a good day. I'm forever in love with the surf guitar sound, it just drives me crazy! Right now it's SNOWING outside my window, but I know that in just a few weeks I'll be loitering in the sunshine while listening to The Growlers with a coctail in my hand. Godspeed, summer!

The Growlers - "Acid Rain" from jack Coleman on Vimeo.

...

2011-04-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

Somewhere along the line Swaying Wires became a band. Last Wednesday the guitarist and I played a few of our songs live for the first time. It was the first time in five years that I played live so I was a little nervous. All in all it didn't go as well as I had hoped, but I trust my friends so I guess it went allright. The main thing is that Swaying Wires has come to life and there's no turning back. Please stay tuned for tunes.

The National @ Kulttuuritalo 3.3.2011

2011-03-04T06:07:00.001-08:00

Bright Eyes - Beginner's Mind

2011-02-22T11:10:00.000-08:00

Magnolia Electric Co. - The Old Horizon

2011-02-22T08:41:00.000-08:00

Gregory Alan Isakov |This Empty Northern Hemisphere|

2011-02-22T05:58:00.000-08:00

PJ Harvey and Radiohead back to reinstate their positions

2011-02-20T04:24:00.000-08:00

Two good things this week:

Polly is back! I'm so happy. She always makes exciting music and I love the way she uses her voice. I think PJ Harvey is responsible for a lot of genre pushing amongst female artists these days. She constantly pushes the envelope creatively and musically, it's so inspiring and refreshing. "Let England Shake" is just impossible to get out of your head. The sample in the background makes it sound like a children's rhyme and she sings in quite a sarcastic and infantile voice. It's like some twisted nursery rhyme. Then combined with the lyrics there's this whole other dimension added to it. The melody is almost hypnotic and before you know it you're taken back to some 1940's English ballroom. Amazing.

It seems like Thom York has been working on his dance moves while we've been waiting for a new Radiohead-album. Thankfully he seems to have found time inbetween dance practice to make some new songs, brilliant new songs in my opinion. The new album is a continuation of that "These Twisted Words"-sound and techniques, with those chill wave sounds and spastic beats. Head over to the official sight to check out all the different ways they've come up with in order to get you to pay for it. Me, I purhased the "for people with not that much extra cash"-digital version for the symbolic fee of 7€. Good deal, thanks guys!

Now let's all learn the Thom-dance.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor @ Kulttuuritalo 17.1.2011

2011-01-18T23:04:00.000-08:00

Seeing Godspeed You! Black Emperor live is something that never existed in my realm of thought. They existed only as a myth to me, like some Canadian apocalypse predicting cult. Then all of a sudden a comeback is announced, tour dates are being set, Finland is on the list and I died and went to heaven.

The live experience was a lot to take in, having built up expectations like skyscrapers. And no, they're not "just a band". From the moment they walked on stage there was a burning sensation behind my eyes. One girl had to be carried away by her boyfriend only a few minutes into the first song. Throughout the concert they remained silent, living up to their enigmatic image. I had been hoping for some sort of end of the world-speech, but I wasn't too disappointed. It was really impossible for them to dissapoint me. If you went there hoping for interaction, a neon light show or bandmembers jumping around on stage, then you were in for a let down. I guess many were bound to leave this concert feeling ambiguous considering that expectations on these kinds of larger than life-bands usually get blown to extreme proportions.

I've read some negative comments about the live show and I find it baffling. I can't quite understand what disappointed people were expecting. GY!BE weren't there to entertain. Within the realm of what a band like this can do they built up a perfect atmosphere for their music and made you concentrate every step of the way. I think that's what a good live band does, small talk or not.

GY!BE's music is the kind that can leave you emotionally drained, which is exactly how I felt after the show. My entire body was hurting after being taken for an exhausting emotional death ride for two and a half hours. The highlight of the evening for me was the majestic "Albanian", an almost 17 minute long ear drum attack. Time disappeared when they played, I started to notice that this was a long concert when the seemingly bored guy in front of me kept checking his watch. Everyone (except that guy) seemed to be somewhat hypnotized. The level of concentration among the audience was quite remarkable. There was almost complete silence between songs and it didn't even feel right to applaud after every song. I felt like I was in church.

GY!BE have established themselves as the most renowned band in the post-rock genre and their status has yet to be threatened. They take their music a step further than many of their deciples, who build their songs in quicksand. I feel that many post-rock bands fail to really speak through their music, something that GY!BE does organically. For a band that makes songs sans lyrics they've always been very vocal. They have always been consistent in everything from their music to their art and politics. At the concert their politics were everywhere, from the imagery and videos on the backdrop to the environmentally friendly t-shirts the were selling. In that sense I'd say that Godspeed You! Black Emperor is not only the best post-rock band out there, they're one of our most important punk bands.

Overall the visual aspect of the concert seemed intentionally downplayed. I would assume that GY!BE are well aware of their cult status and did their best to let the music speak for itself. The band was mostly only sparsely lit up by the video projections for most of the show. But as with their songs it's up to you to hear what GY!BE doesn't say out loud and see what ever their music makes you feel.

If you would like to relive the concert, or hear what you unfortunately missed, you can download a bootleg here.

Set list:

• ”Hope Drone”
• Lift Yr. Skinny Fists, Like Antennas to Heaven/Gathering Storm
• Moya
• Albanian
• Chart #3/World Police and Friendly Fire
• BBF3
• Dead Metheny
• The Sad Mafioso

Today's the day

2011-01-17T05:46:00.000-08:00

Here we go.

Sufjan Stevens - I walked

2010-09-17T00:55:00.000-07:00

I get it now, he's brilliant.

&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://sufjanstevens.bandcamp.com/track/i-walked"&amp;amp;gt;I Walked by Sufjan Stevens&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

Antennas to Heaven

2010-09-07T23:58:00.000-07:00

Guess who has a ticket to see Godspeed You! Black Emperor in Helsinki next year? That would be me and all the other lucky ones who managed to get a hold of one! I love this band and I never thought they'd return. My ticket was laying on my doorstep yesterday when I came home, delivered to me straight from a dream that's lasted nearly 10 years. I've had this sense of finality ever since the beginning of this year, an eerie notion that everything is coming full circle. Getting the chance to see a band that's been an obsession for so many years definately feels like closing a chapter. January 17 will mark the end of an era of waiting then. Life post GYBE-live experience seems like a nice place to be, a new found readiness for the grave ensued.

Wild Nothing

2010-05-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

Lotta, the times are overwhelming but these are truly the finer days. I'm trying not to see the road up ahead and listen to songs that make me think of you.

Wild Nothing - Confirmation

Wild Nothing - Chinatown from Jack Tatum on Vimeo.

Lights

2010-05-02T11:06:00.001-07:00

I like Interpol so much that not even Our Love to Admire made me disown them. For having engineered a sound like theirs and to have given us a record like Turn On the Bright Lights they deserve all our respect. They also deserve to be welcomed back (from what I'm thinking was some much needed creative naptime) with both arms and without condesending shrugs. I'm anxious to hear their upcoming album, which of course is a return to their old stepping stone. This is a wise move of course, not only because it's sure to get people paying attention again but because there was never a need for Interpol to go soul searching. Please don't explore new musical territory, Interpol. We have Andrew Bird for that.

As any good band they're offering a free download from the soon-to-be released new album. "Lights" is an understated and perfect Interpol song. It feels like such an effortless extension of their debut album. This album is truly on of my most anticipated releases of 2010, right up there with the promised second Fleet Foxes-album. Godspeed!

DARKWAVE

2010-04-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I finally met one of my heroes, Joose Keskitalo. Flabbergasted, with a spinning head, I was unable to get across all the things I had wanted to tell him. I could have told him about the impact he's had, about being able to pick up a guitar again, about all those moments when his music was all I was able to listen to, when catching daylight was an achievement. Accolades were all I could muster up, yet in retrospect I think it was for the best. It was a phenomenal night in many ways, filled with wonderful friends, old and new, playing fussball with Harmaa Getto, dancing to Huoratron, almost being smothered in the violent moshpit, punches coming from every direction, pure happiness.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On to new music.

One of the best things you can find lurking in the shadows these days is White Ring. Just follow the apocalyptic synthesizers.

White Ring - Suffocation

White Ring - Roses

White Ring - IxC999

unlikely events

2010-04-09T12:38:00.000-07:00

This day has been full of exceptionally good news. First I found out that I'd been hired for a job, then I got the news that Godspeed You! Black Emperor is reuniting. Both of which seemed extremely unlikely. I'm going to celebrate this in style tomorrow by seeing Huoratron, Harmaa Getto, Jaakko&Jay, Zebra&Snake and TV Off. All in one evening. Good times.

it's about time, right

2010-04-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

Compliments from Band of Horses on Vimeo.

Ganglians

2010-03-19T04:36:00.000-07:00

Ganglians are playing right here in my town this summer! That's something. This was one of my infinite repeat-songs last year and it still gets me excited.

2010-03-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

I love the Black Cab Sessions. This is one of my favourites.

Bon Iver from Black Cab Sessions on Vimeo.

RIP Mark Linkous

2010-03-08T14:36:00.000-08:00

I wish he'd stayed around longer.

Zola Jesus

2010-03-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's so hard to find things that excite. Sometimes I don't know what to listen to, everything bores me. Then all of a sudden there it is, something that takes you away from the orthodox song structures, from the expected. A while back a girl who goes by the name of Zola Jesus came along and did just that. She is a Siouxsie-sounding, gothic lo-fi dream. Lo-fi goth. How about that!

She has a new EP coming out, due for release tomorrow, entitled Stridulum. The first taste of this album is a brilliant song called Night. It marks a sharp shift from her previous material, reserving the brooding distortion for her lyrical content. She seems to be gravitating towards a cleaner, more fine tuned synth-pop sound. Compared to her previous releases this is her most accessible song to date. Judging by this song I have a sneaking suspicion that Stridulum will demand a lot of attention. It seems that Zola Jesus is only getting started and is working hard to blow our minds.

Mp3: Zola Jesus - Night

Wovenhand

2010-03-02T20:08:00.000-08:00

I read a quote today by some author who stated that he doesn't read novels in order to be entertained, he reads them in order to stay alive. This is pretty much how I feel about music. It's particularly accurate when it comes to my relationship with a certain band called 16 Horsepower. This is quite a vital band for me, I find their music immensely appeasing. I almost go into a trance when I hear that apocalyptic 16 Horsepower-banjo. That, my friends, is a very different kind of banjo. It could probably make me godfearing, in some blurry morphine induced state. Now, this band no longer exists so my dream of seeing them live will not be realized. However, the master of this crew, heart squeezing singer David Eugene Edwards' once solo project, Wovenhand, is still well and alive. What's more is that they're coming over to my neck of the woods, which I'm having a hard time grasping ritght now. Tomorrow tickets to witness the man who has been tinkling my insides for so long will be released. If I don't get my hands on one I believe I will lie down on the ground and weep like a child. Or I'll just frown the whole day.

The gist of all this is that Wovenhand was born in 2001 as a solo project of David Eugene Edwards, former frontman of cult band 16 Horsepower. Commonly, not too misleadingly, referred to as gothic country their music is built on life, death and intense emotions. So he quotes the bible, so he sings about god. Edwards' outspoken religous revelations have never felt insufferable, in my opinion. His lyrics are simply a testament to the trials of human existence. A huge attraction of this band is that they're not that easy to place. They're obviously a folk rock constellation, then again they stray from that path so often with their heavier moments. They more than hint at the traditional but their musical rituals forfeit any right to claim a singular heritage. Their stylistical arrogance is what makes them endearing.

I think this video shows the best side of David Eugene Edwards. It shows you what he's capable of doing. That voice alone is enough reason to get to know him.

This is one of my favourite Wovenhand-songs. It's serves as a good example of the kind of atmosphere that surrounds their music.

funny/scary

2010-02-12T03:03:00.000-08:00

Jarboe

2010-02-09T16:30:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting interview with Jarboe that I meant to post ages ago. She talks about her inspiration and about pushing the limits of her own creativity. There's also a lot of obscure talk of channeling and rituals, which I find entertaining but it doesn't really resonate with me. I guess this is more substantial for those who are into black magic and stuff, or spirituality in general. The refreshing thing is listening to her talk about art, which she seems to live and breath. I like that.

Listen
Source

As always I'm sitting at my computer when I should be sleeping. My to do-list will show no mercy in the morning. But if there's one thing Jarboe has taught me it's that music and art comes first. Why argue that in this late hour. So, I just noticed that Jarboe, apparently my new lifecoach, has two Finnish dates on her European tour. She's touring with the magnificent Nachtmystium this spring/summer and will be coming to Finland in April. I'll definately be seeing you in Helsinki. I would guess I'm not the only one who's life Nachtmystium charmed themselves into in 2008 with their outstanding album "Assassins". I have a major weak spot for them so this combination sends shivers down my spine.

Good night.

Phil Ochs

2010-02-06T09:16:00.000-08:00

Know about Phil Ochs, remember Phil Ochs, don't talk about folk singers of the 60's and leave out Phil Ochs. I love him for writing this atheist anthem.

The Cannons of Christianity - Phil Ochs

Christian cannons have fired at my days
With the warning beneath the holy blaze
And bow to our authority
Say the cannons of Christianity

Oh the children will be sent to schools
Minds of clay are molded to their rules
Learn to fear all of eternity
Warn the cannons of Christianity

Holy hands will count the money raised
Like a king the Lord is richly praised
On a cross of diamond majesty
Say the cannons of Christianity

Missionaries will travel on crusades
The word is given, the heathen souls are saved
Conversions to our morality
Sigh the cannons of Christianity

Come the wars and turn the rules around
To bend your soul on the battle ground
And the Lord will march beside me
Drone the cannons of Christianity

Cathedral walls will glitter with their gold
And the sermons speak through silver robes
Building castles amidst the poverty
Say the cannons of Christianity

Worship now and wash your sins away
Drop the coins, fall to your knees and pray
Cleanse the world of all hypocrisy
Smile the cannons of Christianity

Christian cannons have fired at my days
With the warning beneath the holy blaze
And bow to our authority
Say the canons of Christianity

The quality of this video is pretty poor, sorry.

Wednesday song

2010-02-03T07:01:00.002-08:00

I heard this song on the radio at work today and it completely knocked me off my feet. I'm a sucker for these kinds of melancholy anthems. Besides, that sound is just completely devastating. This song does feel very familiar, I think I must have heard it flying around before. Maybe I just haven't payed attention to it until now. What a shame.

industri, betong och sålda själar

2010-01-31T16:46:00.000-08:00

Nice weekend, even though this seemingly never-ending winter has taken its toll on my health. Saw one of my all time favourite bands, Totalt Jävla Mörker, on Friday. I love this band to pieces. They almost make you immune against the world. They have some of the best lyrics in their category, some that ought to make blood rush to the heads of all jaded leftists.

I watched a documentary film last night that I thought you might like. It's called Made In Sheffield and focuses on Sheffield's blooming electronic music scene in the late 70's and early 80's. It shows you how many doors punk has opened. Punk has always served as a catalyst in the collective consciousness among people who wanted to expand their social space. The best music scenes have been born out of this endeavour, then picked up by the mainstream and had its spirit broken. Many Sheffield-bands faced the same fate. While this scene produced a few groups that went on to achieve success in a larger scale, many of the Sheffield-bands were shortlived. Despite this the still they had time to carve their place in history, by creating a whole new approach to music.

For more info: link

It took the night to believe

2010-01-26T14:57:00.000-08:00

It took a few days for me to digest one of the mightiest live shows I've ever seen. Known for their love of amplifiers and not bowing down to decibel restrictions, Sunn O))) didn't disappoint. The sound was massive. My whole body was vibrating, it almost felt as if the vibration alone could cause some sort of internal damage. Attila came across as enigmatic and posessed. He seemed to be executing some medieval ritual, vividly casting some Eastern European curse on us with mystical hand gestures. It actually seemed to be working, because I couldn't seem to close my mouth marvelling at all his antics and impressive vocal abilities. He does amazing things with his voice, which shifted between growling, primal screams and throat singing. I'm such a silly fan so I'm going to let the pictures do the talking now. Otherwise I'll only end up wearing you out with all my praises.

to ignite the new year

2010-01-18T12:57:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow we're going to Helsinki, where we'll finally get to see the mighty Sunn O))). The line up for this tour includes Attila Csihar, whom I'm also looking forward to seeing. Not only will I see this amazing band but also meet up with two of my best friends, Jan and Lotta. All of this in one day. Surely my dentist appointment on Thursday will resume the equilibrium of this week.

Masshysteri

2010-01-08T06:08:00.000-08:00

Really looking forward to seeing Masshysteri on Saturday.

Sam Amidon

2010-01-05T16:39:00.000-08:00

March will see a new album from banjo tamer Sam Amidon, who has more musical sensibility than most. I think he represents everything that's good about bedroom recordings. He translates american folk history with the help of a contemporary musical language, brushing the dust off of traditional songs and creating very personal, modern renditions. His main instrument, the banjo, is the driving force in everything he does. There is something so intense in the banjo sound. Maybe it's due to the technique of the playing itself, the force and determination with which the musician must handle it. The banjo seems to demand hard work, only then does it reveal its secrets. It's a a true testiment to its place in history, the instrument of hardships and struggle. The banjo has always managed to endure. Sentiments such as it representing "the depth of popular degradation" is telling of its travels and rise through the social ranks. It's the sound of struggle and perhaps in that lies the humbling nature of its sound.

Bedroom Community has relesead a free and very exciting song from Amidon's upcoming album, I See the Sign. This one is more akin to Beiruts alter ego realpeople, to give you an idea of the bedroom electro-treat that is waiting for you at the bottom of the page.

Check homepage for info and downloads.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://samamidon.bandcamp.com/track/how-come-that-blood"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;How Come That Blood by Sam Amidon&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

2010-01-02T08:11:00.001-08:00

2010-01-01T11:24:00.000-08:00

I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore

2009-12-29T16:59:00.000-08:00

2009 came and swept me up like Dorothy and I tried my best to follow the yellow brick road. Musically it was a very interesting year, my gig calendar was especially rewarding. The most amazing experience was seeing Neurosis. I don't think I've ever been as present in any situation in my entire life as I was at that concert. Other bands and artists that made my year were King Khan & the BBQ Show, Band of Horses, Napalm Death, Joose Keskitalo (as always) Pg.Lost, A Place To Bury Strangers, Jessica Lea Mayfield and my hero, Kauko Röyhkä.

My year in-between headphones was also a fine one. I would have to say that Neko Case delivered the album of the year, even though it was the most difficult and time consuming album to get into and decipher. The hard work payed off and I discovered that this album contains her best work. There's one lyrical line in Bob Dylan's "Just Like a Woman" that I come to think of when listen to Middle Cyclone. It's the part where he sings "she aches just like a woman but she breaks just like a little girl", which I think sums this album up pretty well. Neko, superwoman, strong and proud, battles love's hard grip on her heart. All through the album she tries to swallow her pride and allow herself to slip into that dangerous state of vulnerability. This is her most revealing work yet and musically her most sophisticated and intricate. The fact that it's not that easily approachable feels very revealing of Neko's persona. This album is her true nature, her heart on her sleeve. As with any person you feel is worth getting to know, it takes time but the payoff is enormous.

I was listening to her album on the train a couple of days ago and it was the first time it felt like I really got the songs. When I listened to "The Pharoaphs" I had a hard time sitting still. This is one of the most amazing songs I've ever heard. There's this quality of 50's heartbreak contry songs, Patsy Cline's tears on the guitar strings, Brenda Lee's longing in the slumbering tempo. It's like a dream sequence that you don't want to end.

Festivus

2009-12-25T02:35:00.000-08:00

music won't save you from anything (but silence)

2009-12-22T12:55:00.000-08:00

I can't fully concur with the statement of the title, but I think this is one of the finest songs I've heard in a while. It's an excellent piece of post rock, not dissimilar to what you'd expect from, say, Fly Pan Am. I like this side of Piano Magic.

Sunn O)))

2009-12-07T12:03:00.000-08:00

I'm getting myself top notch earplugs and a new camera for Christmas this year. This in preparation for the first concert of the new year; Sunn O))). I have no doubt that this will be the loudest and most majestic concert I will attend in 2010. I have very high expectations and will not come unprepared for the doom. I cant' wait to stand there in the thick smoke, eyes watering, surrounded by massive window vibrating drone. It's going to be a religious experience! Just watch this:

Molina&Johnson

2009-12-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

I would like to send thousands of get well wishes to my idol and inspiration, Jason Molina. Molina has apparently fallen ill and been forced to cancel both his American and European tour with Will Johnson.

Do yourself a favor and check out this union. They've collaborated on an album together simply entitled "Molina And Johnson", which was released this week on Secretly Canadian.

Molina And Johnson - Twenty Cycles To The Ground

Joensuu

2009-12-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

Another Finnish November has passed, mercyless as always in its relenteless testing of the endurance of our spirit. Hope you made it out ok. Turning to music can be a great way to light up the dark days. Last Friday I saw a band that made me feel really excited about the musical climate in this country. I went to see Joensuu 1685, a band that everyone's speaking fondly of these days. I now understand why, I really didn't before. I just didn't feel that there was much behind the flawless exterior. I'm glad I went to see them. I mean, I could've stayed at home and listened to Jesus&Mary Chain.

It was the way they delivered a cover of one of my favourite Springsteen-songs,"I'm on Fire", that really impressed me and won me over. They spent minutes building it up by lingering in a ritualistic ceremony of distortion and reverberation. Unaware of what was on the other side, tunnel visioned, I experienced a stockholm syndrome moment. Then all of a sudden release came when it all descended into the finest vocal performance of the evening. The singer sang it just the way it feels. The way he dragged that melody around, and not to mention the way he sang those lyrical lines, proved that this band does not lack direction. This song is dangerous, it's one of the must chilling songs in the history of rock music. Just the fact that Joensuu 1685 dared to take it on gives me the impression that they have much more up their sleeves.

Hope sings

2009-10-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Maybe being completely blinded by sunshine could illustrate the way that Hope Sandoval sweeps into your life if you let her. I remember when Mazzy Star came along for me. I had just left home and it felt as if life had finally begun. The move also marked a musical shift for me. After mainly feeding on hard, aggressive and angst ridden music for most of my life the time had come to let something else in. "Flowers in December" had actually caught my attention years before so I thought this Mazzy Star-group ought to be explored. I figured it was soft enough without being mushy. I couldn't stand to listen to music that was too demure.

I listened to Mazzy Star a lot that fall and all through winter. Walking home from school with Sandoval's voice in my headphones on clear winter days made the season magical. Winter still sounds like her to me. I remember those days fondly, everything seemed to move so slow. Maybe it was the dazed songs of Mazzy Star that brought the stillness. How could you rush when Hope Sandoval sings? She won't let you. Maybe I owe serenity to her, maybe she taught me to slow down and take a look around the moment.

Listening to her nowadays makes me feel the vast distance between now and then, yet she is still as relevant. I was reminded to go back to the Mazzy Star albums when I found out that she had recently relesed her sophomore album with The Warm Inventions. It's been eight years since debuting Bavarian Fruit Bread was released and eight years worth waiting for Through the Devil Softly. If you find yourself blinded by all the uglyness in this world then direct your attention to this album. It encapsulates everything that is its complete opposite.

Sets The Blaze - Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions

Blanchard - Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions

2009-09-20T05:07:00.000-07:00

Missa inte nya videon från Totalt Jävla Mörker! <3

Nite Jewel

2009-09-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

Ramona Gonzales, aka Nite Jewel, makes cosy psych-electro that's filled with the kind of lo fi-mystique that could only come from recording on a portable 8-track cassette deck. She's actually playing a show right here in Turku in a few weeks and I'm really looking forward to it. The Nite Jewel combo also includes visual artist and synth-provider Emily Jane, so I think the whole live experience is going to be a good package deal.

Home

2009-08-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

I'm glad that Joose Keskitalo and Sami Kukka have become so popular that they immediately sell out venues in this town. Unfortunately I missed the memo and didn't have the foresight to buy a ticket in time. It's also unfortunate that their gig was held in one of the smallest bars in town. Oh well, at least I got to see Sami Kukka's intimate record store performance. I got a glimpse of Joose as well, who walked into the store by the end of Kukka's set.

2009-08-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

2009-08-23T02:37:00.000-07:00

Smog - Finer Days

Granted passage
Into the finer days
How I got here
I do not know
And if it were all to disappear
I would not know how to return

And all of my old friends
Want me to stay down down down
With them
I could extend them a hand
But they would only pull it off
In their grasp, in their power

So I find myself
Isolated
Isolated in these fine, fine days

Tinariwen

2009-08-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

Today I was reminded of a great band I've been neglecting. I was browsing through Uncut and I stumbled across an article on this band called Tinariwen. I felt it was time for me to finally find out what this group is all about. All night I've been listening to their album "Imidiwan" and I higly recommend it. This group comes straight from the desert, and that's not a metaphore for some poor emotional landscape. The members actually hail from the Saharan desert, more specifically a nation in Western Africa called Mali. They belong to the so called Tuareg people, a nomadic people who inhabit the Saharan regions of North Africa.

Tinariwen's sound is a very special kind of rootsy blues/rock combined with tradtional Middle Eastern sounds and ancient musical tradititions. Their unique sound has a western sensibility, which of course is why the western world has taken notice of their psychadelic desert folk rock. Their music is known as Tishoumaren, music of the ishumar (the unemployed). This is a type of music originating in North Africa that deal with political struggles of the Tuareg people. Now, Tinariwen's lyrics are in French and Tamashek languages. So, good luck with that.

...

2009-08-14T03:09:00.000-07:00

New song, Thom?

Radiohead - These Are My Twisted Words

aptbs

2009-07-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

I had a great night out tonight. I went to see A Place To Bury Strangers, which was a lot of fun. It was nice to finally see them live. There were insane moments of sonic brutality, but I expected a little more from "New York's loudest band". I've been really fond of them ever since the fantastic "To Fix the Gash In Your Head" came out a couple of years ago. I hope upcoming "Exploding Head" lives up to its predecessor. The title sure raises some high expectations.

A Place To Bury Strangers - I Know I'll See You

Scott Kelly - The Wake

2009-07-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

I would like to recommend "The Wake" by Scott Kelly, which was given to me as a present a few days ago. I was thrilled to get this album, it's a a beautiful set of drone folk songs. Kelly is of course otherwise known as founding member and vocalist/guitarist of the mighty Neurosis. I think his solo material sort of sounds like Neurosis on a lazy unplugged Sunday. Kelly's vocals and introspective lyrics really set the mood for a moment of stillness. At times his growling vocals are so deep that they almost border on throat singing. You don't have to be a huge fan of Neurosis in order to appreciate this album. There are similarities in the song structures and melodies but Kelly's sound is more folk/dark country; darkness abound.

Earlier this month I had the chance to see him perform all of these apocalyptic songs live when he played a solo gig in my town. It was amazing, he made me concentrate so much that I almost managed to block out everything else around me. The day after that gig I got to see Neurosis at a festival. Let's just say it was a surreal couple of days.

Have a listen to album opener and my favourite "The Ladder"!

Scott Kelly - The Ladder
(Courtesy of Neurot Recordings)

Groovy Monday

2009-07-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

There are some truly precious things in this world, like the guitar riff in Status Quo's "Pictures of Matchstick Men" for instance. I believe guitar-based bands owe a lot to that guitar! Numerous effect pedals, slowing of tempo and you have shoegaze. Actually, you almost have "Only Shallow"! I love the cover by Camper Van Beethoven. What a brilliant way of turning an absolutely devastating riff into a blood dripping one. Drives me up the wall I tell you.

I would like to dedicate this post to my dear friend Lotta who celebrates her birthday today. Gratz!

More of Molina

2009-07-23T15:12:00.000-07:00

The fact that I am a huge fan of Jason Molina's work is pretty evident around here, he's all over the place if you can read the signs. I'm also a big fan of his work ethic. You know how "prolific" sometimes serves as a label for artists who have to compensate for lack of quality with numerous insignificant releases? Well, when it comes to Molina this is not the case. With Magnolia Electric Co. he has now released his 16:th full length album on Secretly Canadian. Still, when you put this number in this very special context it seems almost sparse. His ability to make use of the cathartic function of songs fills up his magnificent albums, full of tales of being downthrodden by some seemingly inherited gloom. But there are never any platitudes being thrown around, nor is there any wallowing in self pity. This is why his songs are a beautiful mixture of frailty and strength, a dichotomy that reverberates in his expressive voice.

"Josephine" is the title of the new album, the first full length relase since 2006. There are now two songs available to give us a little taste. The title track is strangely upbeat. Thankfully it has a really strong chorus because it has some very heavy lyrics to carry. Molina has long been steering towards the company of rootsy rock outfits. Musically the road from the dark folk days of Songs: Ohia has lead to a more alternative country/classic-rock sound. His lyrics and majestic voice keep him pretty lonely on that highway, though. In a sense, that's where his songs usually take him; to a long, dark road, unclear of which way he's bound.

Magnolia Electric Co. - Josephine

Magnolia Electric Co. - Little Sad Eyes

Abner Jay

2009-07-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

Abner Jay - I Wanna Job

Pauline Murray & The Invisible Girls - Dream Sequence 1

2009-06-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

Here I thought that the amount of time I spend trying to educate myself about music would pay off. Then once in a while I come in contact with people who make me feel I know..nothing. I got a really wonderful music tip this week from a source that continues to keep me on my toes. Here I thought I'd been thorough in the search of whatever post punk fathered. Flashlight in hand trying to find those in the shadow of joy division, those hiding out in the privacy of their own homes like my dad is dead. You know this is a murky field that takes time, but I don't understand why I had to miss out on Pauline Murray for so long. Listen to how she puts a spell on this seemingly simple pop song. It's like her vocals are trying not to be melodic so she's twisting and turning to try to find a way out. She makes the song so very twisted, to the point where you almost can't hear the words because she sings you into a trance.

And on a side note...dont' you think the image of the woman with hair covering her face is very reminiscent of Kay Nielsen's At rest in the wood? At one point she looks exactly like the girl in the picture. Maybe this was the inspiration? Just a thought:)

I still buy cd:s, actually.

2009-06-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

It's a good thing that artists speak out against putting shackles on our culture, just like Robin Pecknold did. I think it's important to support artists so that they are able to continue making art, I understand the complexities involved in combining art and profit. However, I don't think the consumer should be culturally starved because of corporate chains imposed on the progression of our culture. The more educated the consumer becomes, the higher the demands get which can only lead to the refinement of quality.

It's all about free speech and the development of our culture. The record industry needs to get with the times because the times are changing. Because music has been turned into just another commodity the consumers as well as the artists have suffered. The velocity of which new music and cultural influences are being spread can only enhance our culture climate, stifling efforts must be fought.

I saw a great documentary a while back that deals with this topic. It's called RIP: A Remix Manifesto and you can watch it here.

weekend

2009-06-14T09:06:00.001-07:00

The weekend was a lot of fun. My friend Jan had organised two club nights in our hometown in order to give it some electric shock therapy. People came, people danced, most people didn't show. Another town might have embraced this type of electro-club night better, but it's hard to tell with these things. Thanks to Jan for everything, for allowing me to play some of my favourite songs and for making my feet so sore that I almost haven't been able to walk for the last two days. Thanks also to Rasmus Hedlund and Zebra and Snake for playing great music, and especially to all the great people I met.

Zebra and Snake, good stuff.

The Courteeners

2009-05-29T05:21:00.000-07:00

So because I'm a tool I had to listen to The Courteeners, who have been shown a great deal of affection by Morrissey himself. But hey, if you can't trust Morrissey to help you browse through the wide selection of British indie rock-groups, then you're too cynical for your own good. I really like this band. Shut up, I do! St. Jude is a wonderful album built on beautiful and strong melodies. My only fear is that they've packed all they have to give in this one album. But the more I listen to it, that fear gradually diminishes. The sharpness in lyrical and musical content is the beauty of these Manchester -grown bands. Just listen to the vocals in this song. Too many words and a heartbreaking melody; in other words, perfect.

Not Nineteen Forever - The Courteeners

Speaking of Morrissey. I was listening to Freddie & the Dreamers and found a little Smiths-connection that I thought was funny. Morrissey's line "and I'm telling you now" in "You Just Haven't Earned It Yet Baby" seems to be an affectionate nod to Freddie & the Dreamers' song "I'm Telling You Now". The similaritiy in the melody is hardly coincidental. I love finding connections like this. Maybe there's a music nerd out there amongst you, dear readers, who can understand the excitement of it. This post, and my heart, goes out to you.

Im Telling You Now - Freddie and The Dreamers

it's the little things

2009-05-27T17:56:00.001-07:00

So, wait until 1.05 to hear one of the most incredible things ever recorded. See what I mean? Doesn't it just feel like a punch in the stomach? It kills me! That way his voice goes into a loop is madness. It's about one second of pure joy/torture for me. I always have to play it over and over again, and you can imagine how painful that can get. It's musical torture, really, but I have no power over it. I don't even like the song that much. I'm sick of songs about heartache, I have no use for them.

Obsessing about music, surely there must be better things to do.

2009-05-22T00:14:00.000-07:00

Gratz, Morrissey. I resent that your words apply.

2009-05-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

(Photo by Dan Bäckman)

Wonderwoman, musical genious, Jenny Wilson. Call her what you want as long as it's nice. I went to see her live last week and had a great time. I hadn't really been into her music before and I'm not hooked yet, but she gave a brilliant concert that made me appreciate her very much. Go check out more pictures from this event over here.

I also want to mention an utterly amazing band that I found tonight, called Viisikko. What these Oulu-people do is tie together hardcore, punk and black metal so tightly that the songs can't even breath. I immediately fell in love with this band. They will actually release their debut album in a couple of days, on May 20! I think we should get it and support one of Finland's best bands.

Available here & here.

The Joy Formidable - Whirring

2009-04-29T06:31:00.001-07:00

highlights from ESC

2009-04-28T23:43:00.000-07:00

Salakapakka Sound System

2009-04-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

Salakapakka Sound System's take on Obama's Victory speech: link.

SSS is also known as Marko V'. Get to know him closer by visiting his blog, Ikuinen Kaamos, where you can also find his entire discography.

Salakapakka Sound System
Buddah Machines On Fire (2008)
Ikuinen Kaamos (2008)
La Musique Concrète part 1 (2009)

Marko Vierokko
Kahden Kulttuurin Ääniä (2007)
Marko & Myky: Mekonium Baby (2009)

2009-04-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

I just got the news that Band of Horses are coming to Finland in August, and my heart went out for a quick run around the block. The summer is saved!

I was also happy to find a cover song of theirs that I hadn't noticed before, called "The End's Not Near". The original was done by The New Year, and it's featured on their album "The End Is Near" from 2004.

Band of Horses - The End's Not Near

Ps. If you're a fan of Smog, I'm talking to you. Click here for larger version of the picture above, where you can see that drummer Creighton Barrett has got "Dress Sexy At My Funeral" tattooed on his upper arm. I think that's pretty cool!

2009-04-20T01:59:00.000-07:00

I have to post this video that I found over at Chocolate Bobka last week. I've been listening to this song lot, trying to put into words what it is that Will Oldham does that makes his interpretations of songs so ethereal. But I think that it's better left unarticulated, some things needn't be overanalyzed.

2009-04-19T06:13:00.001-07:00

Joose Keskitalo 17.4 Dynamo

2009-04-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to see Joose Keskitalo&Kolmas Maailmanpalo. It was a nice thing to go out on a Friday night, be surrounded by Joose-fans and listen to the dj play Bill Callahan and Bonnie 'Prince' Billy. The place was completely packed but I managed to squeeze my way to the front of the stage. We had to wait for a painfully long time for the band to come out of their hiding. I had a couple in love violently making out right in front of me, swaying all over and almost falling over me a few times. I was annoyed and jealous at the same time, but I couldn't move one inch in any direction because it was so crowded.

It must be nice to be Joose, the greeting he got when he finally appeared was pure love. This gig was a little different from previous times I've seen him. There was a a lot more improvisation and the atmosphere was really festive. Everyone in the band had dressed up in suits and Joose was dancing around with his accordian, shouting like he'd been a tango singer his whole life. The bluesy jam sessions were even longer this time and the older songs were reconstructed and given new arrangements, some even seemed spontanious. There seemed to be a lot of room for improvisation, which gave me the impression that Joose&Kolmas Maailmanpalo have really grown into one. They've always been incredibly well rehearsed and flexible at the same time, but now they seemed even more unified than before.

I'm so glad I got to see Joose again, it had been too long. It always feels a little unreal seeing him. I don't know, maybe I'm just the kind of person who gets star struck. But there's something about him that makes me think that when I'm old I'll be saying things like, "I was there", and people will gasp.

Here she comes again

2009-04-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

Today I went to this nice little Arabic interior shop. The shop keeper was very friendly (brilliant salesperson) and I spent quite a while there talking about hookahs, smelling different kinds of fruit tobacco, hearing about the 15% discount. I loved his little shop filled with magnificent colours, smell of incense and Arabic music. I left with a beautiful, green mid-sized Hookah. I love it!

To make this day even better I found my way to the new single from Tori Amos. I've always loved Tori (duh) but it's what she does in the first five words of "Welcome To England" that has now left me indebted to her forever. It's the way she comes into the beat that drives me mental. This song must make everyone understand how incredibly lucky we are to still have the most fascinating woman in music putting out records. I had started to feel a little starved of something to make me go all giddy inside but this made me exhuberant.

"Welcome to England" is typical Tori; the edgy victorian runaway bride. But this is less theatrical and it's actually carried by a post punk guitar riff. One of the most enticing things about Tori has always been her striking sense of rhythm. She is a rock singer at heart and treats the piano like a guitar, which is why the classical world could never have her.

This song is clearly not just a lyrical homage to her new homeland. The British influences are apparent from the New Order-guitars to a couple of little Morrissey-esque melodic tricks. Listen to the way she sings "quicksand" and "I am sinking" in the first verse, it reaks of Morrissey! Then she picks it up with "fast" and you're left wondering how on earth she found that route, but I'm thrilled she did. She does the same thing in the second verse when she sings "you must let the colors violate", it's too good to be true.

2009-04-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

Hello, comrades! Today I've had a very gnarly day of violent headaches that resulted in a migraine. I found that the only music I could stand to listen to was Kraftwerk. I think Kraftwerk should be prescribed along with powerful painkillers to anyone who suffers from migraines.

Marissa Nadler

2009-03-31T16:27:00.000-07:00

I think the reason I started listening to Marissa Nadler is because she reminds me of my mother. The picture above is almost a little scary because it looks just like my mum when she was younger. If you're not familiar with this beautiful songstress that makes me a little homesick then let me have the pleasure of introducing you.

Marissa Nadler is a singer/songwriter from Massachussetts who makes brooding ballads about life, love and death. As long as mortality is an issue for human kind there will be people making music like this. She follows in the footsteps of likeminded peers such as Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave and Hope Sandoval. A female version of Leonard Cohen she adheres to the tradition of the gloomy folk ballad. A field in which she showed she is a scholar by making a painfully beautiful cover of Cohen's "Famous Blue Raincoat", featured on her 2007 album Songs III: Bird on the Water.

She resides somewhere robbed of sunshine but only because the curtains are drawn. Like all loners she seems rather content in the isolation she's chosen. There is something so unattainable about Marissa Nadler, which makes her very fascinating. It's the melancholy secrecy that makes you want to get into her world and learn about why the darkness is there. There isn't so much an exploaration of restricted means of enjoying life as it cautiously touching the darkness that sometimes pushes inside. There is much sorrow in her music; death of friends, love lost. Although she is accustomed to the darker side of life she seems to have a romanticized image of it, which I find immensly appealing. The serenity of Marissa Nadler's music is partly do to her dreamy arrangements of folk aestethics, moonlight and shoegaze but mostly her voice takes you under its spell. Her velvet voice is a sanctuary from the modern world, ever tone is poetry. Her music is really painstakingly beautiful, there is no reason not to be blunt.

She released her latest album "Little Hells", earlier this year. Here is a little taste and my personal favourite, "River of Dirt". I love the driving beat! It sounds like the perfect road trip song, don't you think?

Also, listen to the cover of covers:

Homepage

Myspace

Blog, even!

2009-03-25T01:15:00.000-07:00

smells like happiness

2009-03-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

Last weekend felt like one big party. I got to spend some quality time with two of my best friends who were visiting from Sweden. On Saturday we went out to see Desert Planet and Videovalvontaa. Unfortunately we only saw the ending of Videovalvontaa's set but were just in time for Desert Planet, who I thought were brilliant. Their show was so entertaining and they played a "remix" of that old Donkey Kong-theme that made me feel like 12 again, which was a nice feeling. Their whole set made me think of "Plan 9 from outer space", with the best possible connotations.

Desert Planet have a new album that's coming out soon, visit their homepage for more info!

Here's their newest video:

Alexander Tucker and that band who's name I can't pronounce

2009-03-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

I'm focusing all my attention on Alexander Tucker this week. I actually haven't been this excited over an artist in a while. With a past in both hardcore and post rock bands, Tucker's progression towards experimental diy folk seems quite appropriate. It's amazing what some people can do with an acoustic guitar and the the power of effect pedals. He restrains himself to no limits of where you can take folk. He takes musical side routes through drone, ambient, metal and binds everything together in a haze of drone folk. What I find very satisfying about his music is his sense of rhythm. He has an amazing sense of tempo in the way he sings and constructs his songs. His voice is one of many sound effects in his mix and he uses it to its full ability. In some songs, like "Veins In the Sky" (scroll down), his voice is very high pitched and moves along to the guitar in a very meditative way. In other songs he detunes his voice like his guitar and puts on layers of dark, chanting vocals. His latest album, Portal, is one of the most interesting albums I've heard in a long time. Of course, Pitchfork shat all over it. There's your stamp of quality right there! Go check him out; link.

Ginnungapap

Tucker's work with Stephen O'Malley from drone masters Sunn O))) is a reassuring name dropper in this case and leads me my next subject. Tucker has worked with O'Malley on his side project Ginnungagap (rolls right off the tongue, doesn't it), namely on an EP entitled Remeindre. One evening I lay on my couch and listened to this masterpiece from start to finish, closed my eyes and drifted away. I don't know where I went but it was a nice place. The hypnotic and dreamy sound, detuning of guitars and heavy drone combined with eastern melodies completely robbed me of my sense of time. Remeindre is built upon various different folk instruments immersed in a pleathora of ritualistic and mystical ambient sounds. The ethnic texture fits perfectly with the atonal mile running of the massive drone passages. This is simply a beautiful listening experince.

Veins To The Sky - Alexander Tucker

Duel Ravens - Ginnungagap

Soon

2009-02-24T13:09:00.000-08:00

Joose

2009-02-23T12:54:00.000-08:00

Tule minun luokseni, kulta

2009-02-23T05:03:00.001-08:00

I've started counting down the days until Joose Keskitalo's new album comes out. Next Wednesday I'll finally get to hold it in my hands. I got all sentimental today when I thought about the first time I saw him live. I stood at the front of the stage and when he came back to do an encore I politely requested my favourite, "Saimaan rannalla". He smiled and said something to me, which I didn't catch a word of because of my earplugs, then he played the song. It's one of my fondest memories, standing there feeling like he was singing only for me.

April 17:th he's coming back to Turku so then I'll get to see him once again. I feel like no matter how much life gets me down, I'll always have Joose. This is how I feel about all of my favourite artists. It's the best way I can explain what part music plays in my life. The artists I like are really very close to me on a personal level. But it's not like I'm sitting all alone in the dark clutching their picture and living vicariously through them. They just matter, a lot.

Joose has put up four new songs on his myspace, which are beautiful and I think you must hear them. The song "Saippuakuplia" makes me remember every good feeling I've ever had.

Back To The Future

2009-02-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

I just came home from a night of doom. I went to see Finnish band Skepticism and Esoteric, from Britain. It wasn't the best night for standing around watching bands play for nearly two hours, but it was fun. I liked both bands very much, but Skepticism's stage show made them my personal favourite of the evening.

Earlier tonight I got back from spending a couple of great days in my hometown. I would like to thank my good friend Jan who organised an interesting event on Friday. The name of the event was Back To the Future and Jan himself handled the dj:ing and the filling of the dance floor. The place was packed with loud electro music and friendly faces. Unfortunately I was too sleep deprived to dance, but the floor was almost too crowded anyways! The previous night I had slept 4 hours before jumping on a train to Vasa at 7 in the morning, feeling something that must be close to an out of body experience. The whole day was very hectic and when I finally got to the event I had but one ambition; to stay awake. I managed to do so since I got to hang out with some really good friends who I don't get to see that often. I spent Saturday night at home with my mother and both of my sisters, watching that annoying Swedish Melodifestivalen. The presenter gave me a headache and the songs were boring, at best. But don't be silly and say I shouldn't bother watching, of course I had to watch. It's Eurovision season for Dana International's sake! It's the biggest event of the year in parallel musical universe and I can't wait for it to take place.

Now it's time to catch up on some sleep before starting a new week. I like saying things like that, it makes me feel so organised.

Tuesday

2009-02-18T03:57:00.000-08:00

I saw the amazing Napalm Death for the first time last night. The place was packed with band shirt covered fans with fists in the air. I like that kind of environment, when people are there for the music. You know it's not only something they listen to but a real part of their life. I don't think I've ever seen a band with a nicer, funnier or more polite front man."Barney" seemed like he had disarmed many rowdy crowds in his time. He firmly requested "no drunkspeak", when one big hairwaving guy in the front row asked for the microphone. They played my favourite song and my neck is hurting a litte today so all in all it was a very nice evening.

This is the song that made me develop a crush on them a few years back.

White Lies

2009-02-11T05:11:00.000-08:00

Today I dropped into my favourite record store to do a little browsing and buy tickets to see Napalm Death next week. As I was standing there admiring "Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!" I noticed they were playing the latest record by White Lies. As I moved along the sections of records, this band really grew on me. I realised that my preconception of them had, as is often the case, been mislead by my cynisism.

I was sceptic towards White Lies at first. I figured they were only another British band with film noir esthetics, morbid song themes, monotone singing and Joy Division beats. The thing is I'm fond of all aforementioned qualities, but they have been misguided too many times. In this case they are not simply being added as part of a polished exterior.

I've been listening to To Lose My Life all day and it's seems like an effort to strive towards adding substance where most bands from their neighbourhood have fallen short. I always gravitate towards sun shy bands like this. I love the melancholy guitars that turn sharp corners, the military disclipline and dark lyrics with an essential amount of self distance. Although White Lies may not add anything new to the already well documented history of the gloominess of life, there can never be enough bands that make existential anxiety danceable.

Lead vocalist Harry McVeigh gives these songs exactly what they need not to become too one dimensional. Sometimes you sense a stilled aggression, in that Ian Curtis kind of way. Other times the invisible hand on his throat looses its grip, making White Lies stand out in the pale crowd of their peers.

Death - White Lies

2009-02-03T14:26:00.000-08:00

One person who seems to be a total stranger to procrastination is Will Oldham. Last year he released the epic "Lie Down In the Light", toured extensively (I got to see him in Helsinki!) and even made time to do some acting. You think that he would take some time to kick back for a while, but I assume that rest is only for us deadly.

This March there will be a new Bonnie 'Prince' Billy album out entitled "Beware" and he is also heading out on tour again. So far only three European dates added but I'm really hoping he'll make time for Finland as well.

Here you can listen to a new song called "You Can't Hurt Me Now" as well a great interview.

Neko

2009-02-03T10:47:00.000-08:00

Our modern day Patsy Cline, the wonderful Neko Case, is releasing her new album on March 3rd. The first single is called "People Got a Lotta Nerve" and I'm posting it today in support of Best Friends Animal Society.

The thing is that for every blog that reposts this song, and/or iLike user who adds it to their profile, Neko Case and her record label ANTI- will make a cash donation to aforementioned organisation. You can read more about it here.

Neko Case - People Got A Lotta Nerve

Fleet Fox News

2009-02-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

Fleet Foxes singer Robin Pecknold has recorded a beautiful solo cover of an old traditional folk song called "False Knight On the Road", which will be featured on the b-side of Fleet Foxes' new 7" entitled "Mykonos". The song will also appear on a special edition of their upcoming album. You can listen to it on the myspace page of Pecknold's alter ego White Antelope.

2009-02-02T15:05:00.000-08:00

The best song I found all weekend was "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" by Buddy Holly. It was hiding in my Itunes and I just stumbled across it when looking for songs about the opposite side of love.

This is a typical passive aggressive 50's song. The lyrics are absolutely devastating, written from the perspective of someone who is desperately trying to get over the love he's lost. The melody, however, couldn't be more cheerful! This kind of song is a fine example of the unflagging optimism of the 50's.

Aion olla onnellinen

2009-01-30T16:16:00.000-08:00

"Me palvelemme kuolemaa" (video by Lauri Ainala)

This song is taken from Joose Keskitalo's upcoming album, "Tule minun luokseni, Kulta", which will be released March 4th. You can order it here, if you're as anxious to get it as I am. Going through the tracklist I was pleased to find a song called "Pimeydestä pimeyttä vastaan". This one was a live favourite of mine last year, so I'm glad he decided to put it on the record. Joose was one of last year's best music findings for me personally. I think there is something really extraordinary in everything he does. Finnish melancholy has never been more beautiful than in "Me palvelemme kuolemaa". This is the kind of song I could never get tired of. I've listened to it a million times already and it keeps getting better.

Joosespace

Huoratron - New Shit

2009-01-27T15:52:00.001-08:00

When it comes to electro Huoratron is as black metal as you get. I've got undying love for his hardcore electro terror so I'm thrilled to have some new stuff to obsess over. I think he's just getting better and better; violentler! Huoratron is bound for world domination, he keeps on hitting us with one brutal attack after the other. I hope he will come down hard on 2009, It sure sounds promising.

Huoratron - New Shit (Promo Mix)

Tiga - Mind Dimension(NT89 remix)

2009-01-26T14:24:00.000-08:00

I've begun challenging real life by playing Natural Selection. I have this friend who's an avid gamer and he made it sound so good that I had to give it a shot. It's fast paced, insane and I love it. I would compare the rush you get from playing with listening to a NT89-remix. Just listen to what he's done to Tiga 's Mind Dimension!
link, I haz it.

to skweee or not to skweee

2009-01-25T03:38:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to see Eero Johannes. It was such a great night, with good friends and lots of dancing. In other words, perfect!

Mantik - Eero Johannes

Fever Ray - If I Had a Heart

2009-01-19T00:45:00.000-08:00

Today I'm liking the first single from The Knife frontwoman Karin Dreijer Andersson's solo project, Fever Ray.

David Sandström

2009-01-15T15:08:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to see David Sandström Overdrive and I'm so glad I did. David Sandström is just one of those people who belongs on a stage, luckily he writes really good songs as well. Go here to check out some great pictures that my friend Dan took!

DSO's latest album is called Pigs Lose and you can listen to it on his myspace page if you like. My favourite song on the album is "Lisa Lisa," the video for which you can see above.

Console me

2009-01-15T12:27:00.000-08:00

I really want an Atari Punk Console and I think I'm going to try and build my own! From what I've read it seems fairly feasible. I found some good instructions over here. I think I could get really obesessed with trying to come up with new kinds of sounds, it seems like a lot of fun.

This saturday I'm going to a workshop at an art gallery called Titanik where they let you build your own electronic gadgets, e.g. APC's. I don't think I'll participate but I thought I'd go there and pick up some useful tips!

This one was pretty cute:

2009-01-08T16:37:00.000-08:00

Casiotone For the Painfully Alone - "Toby, Take a Bow"

2009-01-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

If you find yourself feeling lonely maybe a casiotone and a sweet voice is what you need? Plug your headphones in the computer and spend some private time with Casiotone For the Painfully Alone. It doesn't come as a big surprise that the man behind this solo project, film school drop out (it's always the drop outs that end up making the best records, right!) Owen Ashworth, is a Smiths fan. If that moniker doesn't give it away, "Toby, Take a Bow", ("Sheila, Take a Bow"...) surely must. I had to mention this song, firstly because it's an electronic lo-fi dream and secondly because it contains so many Smiths references that it's...adorable.

"Toby, Take A Bow"

I've never seen you so awful
I found you at the bottom of a Russian novel
Gold medal and a crown
A cardigan and a frown
All maladjusted and clever
The greatest Smiths fan ever
Your picture in the paper and the captions shout,
"There is a boy and he never goes out"
That same song on repeat
You haven't left the house in weeks
Won't even come out for dinner
Toby Grace, world record winner
I guess you thought it would make you feel better somehow
But heaven knows you're miserable now
Heaven knows you're miserable now
Heaven knows you're miserable now
So Toby, take a bow.

:D

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone - Toby, Take A Bow

The King Khan & BBQ Show

2009-01-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad that this week is finally here because The King Khan & BBQ Show is coming to town! They're playing here on Friday so I'm just counting the days. This Montreal duo consists of Mark Sultan (BBQ) on vocals, guitar, tambourine, bass drum, snare drum and King Khan who provides vocals and lead guitar. The pair have previously worked together in the amazing The Spaceshits.

King Khan and BBQ know how to fight boredome with their mixture of dirty, bluesy, primitive garage rock, punk, rockabilly and a whole lot of fun. They're straight forward and purely rock and roll, in the 50's sense of the word. Their music always puts you in a great mood and makes you want to dance around, preferably with no witnesses.

Waddlin Around - The King Khan & BBQ Show