| Album Reviews |
| On this page you can find reviews of some of the albums I own. The reason that there are no bad reviews simply is that I only put the very best releases here. So you can suppose that the ones which are not up to it won't even make it onto this page. |
| Reviewed 2009 |
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A-ha Foot of the mountain Released 12.06.2009 |
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Röyksopp Junior Released 20.03.2009 |
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Sounds Crossing the Rubicon Released 02.06.2009 |
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Pet Shop Boys Yes Released 20.03.2009 |
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Simple Minds Graffiti Soul Released 22.05.2009 |
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Porcupine Tree In absentia Released 24.09.2002 |
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| Reviewed 05.04.2009 |
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Per Gessle Party Crasher Released 08.12.2008 |
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Rex the Dog The Rex the Dog show Released 29.08.2008 |
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| Per
Gessle is back with a disco album, this time all sung in English
language again. The songs are very danceable with occasional
Reggae rhythms plus some ballads. As usual it's the master of
songwriting at work here. Highlights are opening track 'Silly really',
'Hey, I died, and went to heaven' and the very beautiful closing track
'Doesn't make sense'. |
This
is a clubbing album with some 80s reminescences (e.g. Yazoo's Alison
Moyet resurrecting in 'Bubblicious' aka 'Midnight'). It also features
remixes of Swedish contemporaries 'The Knife' and 'The Sounds'. All in
all it's a very well produced album and due to the rather melodic
songwriting it also is a pleasurable listening experience at home. |
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Carpark North Grateful Released 04.09.2008 |
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Soil & "Pimp" Sessions Pimpoint Released 13.07.2007 |
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| Carpark
North deliver an outstanding 3rd album that rocks right from the start
to the end. The synths are there again, sometimes even more dominant
than on previous albums. Still, the songs are built on powerful
guitar riffs, precise rhythms and clever melodies. Unfortunately the
bass doesn't always cut through strong enough in the mix. |
This
extraordinary Japanese sextet brings Rock to Jazz (or is it the other
way around?). The band consists of a rhythm section, a horn section
plus a piano. However they do not follow the usual jazz traditions.
It's much more rockier and diversified listening experience
interspersed with stomping dance beats and joyful ballads. |
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| Reviewed 14.09.2008 |
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Late of the Pier Fantasy black channel Released 11.08.2008 |
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Kelley Polar I need you to hold on while the sky is falling Released 20.03.2008 |
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| This might cause a new hype. It starts of with some psychedelic 70s guitar harmonies, only to continue with a string of the most modern pop songs. Famous references are Franz Ferdinand ('Broken', 'Space and the wood' - outstanding bass line and great guitar riff) and MGMT ('Random firl', 'VW'). The highlight is probably 'Focker' with a great chorus around a distorted bass line that drops into a twisted electronic breakcore style towards the end. | Violonist Kelley Polar presents an electronic album with strings and vocals. At times his songs recall Erlend Øye ('Entropy reigns', Rosenband'). The arrangements are generally kept simple and production is clean. | |||
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Shortwave Set Replica sun machine Released 02.05.2008 |
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MGMT Oracular spectacular Released 22.01.2008 |
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| This also comes somewhere out of the 70s. Above all this album lives on the great songwriting skills. Best among them are 'Harmonia', 'House of lies', 'Yesterdays to come' and 'Sun machine'. | A splendid mixture of 70s guitar-pop and contemporary synthesizers. Carefully crafted, outstanding songs. | |||
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Midnight Juggernauts Dystopia Released 14.04.2008 |
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Sandra Into a secret land Released 24.10.1988 |
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| An album full of club anthems with - and now listen - great melodies and harmonies. 'Shadows' has got a stomping beat and sounds like a 70s disco anthem transported right into the new century. 'Road to discovery' is sort of Daft Punk with melodies. | A very old one, this is Sandra at her peak. It's got 4 hit singles. Even though this definitely is an 80s album it has aged very well due to the use of some more Jarre-esque sounds rather than the typical 80s synthies presets that wore out pretty fast. One of the best Cretu productions. | |||
| Reviewed 18.05.2008 |
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| Current (recent releases) | Belated (older releases) | |||
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Eskobar Death in Athens Released 28.03.2008 |  |
Amy Macdonald This is the life Released 30.08.2007 |
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| Eskobar
are back with their best album since 'There's only now'. Very good
melodies embedded in the typical Eskobar guitar lines. After a brillant
start, the weaker though still great songs are in the middle of the
album, only to come back better than ever towards the end with
highlights such as 'One life' and 'Silver & gold'. |
20 year old Amy Macdonald is the new Scottish folk-pop sensation. At times reminding fellow Scotts Travis, every song is a killer track here. Absolutely not to miss! | |||
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Adrian Solo Adrian Solo Released 29.02.2008 |
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Peter von Poehl Going to where the tea trees are Released 18.10.2006 |
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| The lovebugs singer gone solo offers a brilliant reprise of some of the greatest 80s moments. Written, produced and all instruments played by Adrian himself proves there is no reason to hide his idols of earlier times. Nearly every song's got a catchy tune. | Very
quiet and sparse arrangements let the songs and melodies shine through.
Highlights are 'Travelers', 'A broken skeleton key' and 'The story of
the impossible'. |
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Brolle Jr Paradise will wait Released 13.10.2004 |
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| The vocals recall Elvis and Brolle also celebrates this with his haircut. The guitar-based pop music is close to Eskobar and singer Daniel Bellqvist has even written two songs on the album. | ||||
| Reviewed 15.12.2007 |
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Hard-Fi Once upon a time in the west Released 31.08.2007 |  |
Shout Out Louds Our ill wills Released 01.06.2007 |
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| Great pop/rock record with powerful arrangements. |
A
very dancable feel-good record, arranged around catching guitar riffs,
supported by piano and violins. The voice resembles The Cure's
Robert Smith whereas 'Normandie' might be a tad to close to plagiarism
(Cure's 'Close to me') even though you might argue that Shout Out Louds
did even better. |
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Maurice Life vest under my seat Released 03.08.2007 |
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Oh Laura A song inside my head, a demon in my bed Released 15.02.2007 |
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| Great songs supported by a strong vocal perfomance. The production relies on guitars throughout, sometimes subtle, sometimes cutting through. Nevertheless Maurice offers a rather pop oriented debut record. There are also quieter moments such as in 'Longing', 'Sonner or later' or 'Boulevard of sensation', whereas 'Emmène-moi' recalls Stephan Eicher at the time of 'Déjeuner en paix'. | A
typical Swedish pop-folk record with very strong songs. Highlights are
the faster tracks like 'It ain't enough', 'Fine line', 'Out of bounds'
and 'The mess you left behind'. |
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| Reviewed 04.09.2007 |
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Current
(recent
releases)
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Belated (older releases) | |||
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Sophie Ellis-Bextor Trip the light fantastic Released 25.05.2007 |
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Paulina Rubio Ananda Released 19.09.2006 |
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| Third album
by Sophie Ellis-Bextor is pure feel good pop/dance record à la Kylie.
Occasionally some guitars ('Today the sun's on us', 'New York city
lights', 'Love is here') add some sparkling elements to the otherwise
rather synthetic disco production ('Me and my imagination', 'If I can't
dance', 'Chinaheart'). |
Paulina
is something like the Mexican Shakira. Her latest album is a solid
pop-rock album and also her most consistent and diversified to date. It
starts off with popular latin rock ('Ni una solo palabra', 'Nada puede
cambiarme'). It then continues with latin pop ('N.O.' reminding La
Oreja de van Gogh) and additional Spanish guitar ('Aunque no sea
conmigo', 'No te cambio') and finally arrives into more contemporary
latin disco territory ('Hoy', 'Lo que pensamos', 'Tú y yo') |
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Sahara Hotnights What if leaving is a lovin thing Released 23.04.2007 |
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Courtney Pine Resistance Released 20.01.2006 |
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| The
latest outing from Swedish female four-piece resembles a new
incarnation of the Bangles. This is their cleanest and best production
to date. It wins with stomping rhythms and supporting piano lines.
Some guitar riffs set the other strong point on this record ('The
loneliest city of all', 'Cheek to cheek'). And not to forget the
melodic songs ('Neon lights', 'No for an answer'). |
Another
outstanding record by British saxophonist Courtney Pine. This is a
great jazz-funk album again based on Pine's trademark sax hamonies. The
slower songs here deserve particular mention since they stand out with
exceptionally catchy tunes ('Southern Skandinavian Blues', 'Sunchilde',
'And then the world stood still and prayed'). |
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Maury The best is yet to come Released 23.02.2007 |
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| This album really rocks. Nine self-penned songs plus cover versions of two popular 80s hits (Johnny Hates Jazz' 'Shattered dreams' and Real Life's 'Catch me I'm falling) offer an outstanding listening pleasure. The production is very clean (maybe its only weak point) and simplistic with emphasis on guitars, bass and drums. | ||||
| Reviewed
09.06.2007 |
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Current
(recent
releases)
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Belated (older releases) | |||
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Mika Life in cartoon motion Released 09.02.2007 |
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Stella Pelkääjän paikalla Released 29.03.2006 |
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| Very
strong pop/disco record mostly based on simple piano riffs. Of course
there's the obvious comparison with Scissor Sisters (especially on
'Love Today') and it also doesn't hide its influences with 'Relax'
being based on Cutting Crew's 1986 hit '(I just) died in your arms'. |
Second
and more powerful offering by Finnish quintet Stella. All sung in their
native language this guitar-driven pop record sets them along the best
in the current Scandinavian music scene. |
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Lisa
Miskovsky Changes Released 04.09.2006 |
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Talk
Talk The colour of spring Released 1986 |
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| Lisa
Miskovsky third album is again produced and co-written with Joakim Berg
(Kent). Stylistically and production-wise it is very close to its
predecessor 'Falling water'. Alongside the singer/songwriter tracks
('Been through this', 'As daylight fades', 'Once gone, always missing')
there are also the straight pop songs ('Acceptable losses', 'California
heart'). |
This
one was recorded in the 80s and has stood the test of time due to its
strong compositions and the acoustic instrumentation. The album had
been created during Talk Talk's transition phase after their
contribution to typical 80s New Wave and before their drift into more
experimental territories. It also features 'Living
in another world' and the extraordinary
'Life's what you make it' based on the very same piano line throughout
the entire song. |
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| Reviewed
18.11.2006 |
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Muse Black holes & revelation Released 30.06.2006 |
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Julieta
Venegas Limón y sal Released 06.06.2006 |
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| As currently one of the best acts in the world, Muse underline their innovating power with their fourth record. This time they also bring in some Queen-esque vocal harmonies in 'Supermassive Black Hole' and 'Knights of Cydonia'. Great guitars, powerful drums and bass, typically Muse-esque melodies supported by synths and some catching piano lines ('Starlight', 'Map of the Problematic'). | Fourth and best album to date by Mexican songstress Julieta Venegas. This consequently is her international breakthrough featuring the trademark accordion reflecting her mexican folk background. The album also features a mixture of latin rhythms and modern pop together with mostly dominant acoustic guitars and occasional synths. | |||
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Regina
Spektor Begin to hope Released 13.06.2006 |
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Marit
Larsen Under the surface Released 06.03.2006 |
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| Rather innovative production featuring twelve self-penned tracks. The mostly piano-led songs benefit from sparse arragements leaving enough space for these brilliant songs to fully unfold. | This is a pop record as it is supposed to be. It fully lives from the beautiful melodies and traditional arrangements. | |||
| Reviewed
18.03.2006 |
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Carpark
North All things to all people Released 20.1.2006 |
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KT
Tunstall Eye to the telescope Released 31.01.2005 |
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| A
splendid mixture of music from the current Scandinavian scene made in
Denmark. Think Saybia (Fireworks), Mew (Song about us), Kent (Best
day), The Rasmus (Newborn) plus occasional synthesizers and call it
Carpark North. |
Following
the extraordinary and hugely successful first single 'Black horse and
the cherry tree', this album has a lot more to give. Among the 12 pop
tunes and ballads are several killer tracks most of which are also
released as singles. |
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The Like Are you thinking what I'm thinking Released 26.09.2005 |
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Anna
Ternheim Somebody outside Released 13.10.2004 |
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| Surprising
debut by female three-piece from America. Despite the punk attitude,
the album mainly centres on brilliant harmonies and melodies atop of
guitar-oriented pop songs. |
Piano-based
singer/songwriter from Sweden. Starts with a bossa-nova rhythm on the
first track 'To be gone' and travels through beautiful landscapes to
the last track, the piano-led 'Shoreline'. |
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Bodies
without Organs Prototype Released 16.05.2005 |
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Lorraine Perfect cure Released 1.4.2004 |
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| Electropop
from Sweden by mastermind Alexander Bard and his latest creation.
Instantly recognizable as the continuation of his last big thing Army
of Lovers in the early 90s. This is not particularly innovative but
absolutely great in its genre with danceable synths leads and
over-the-top melodies. |
This
one is another pop act from Norway about to breakthough in the rest of
Europe. This last album sees them somewhere between Placebo (the voice)
and Depeche Mode (synths and guitars à la 'Ultra'). What more to
say... |
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| Reviewed
27.11.2005 |
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Current
(recent
releases)
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Belated (older releases) | |||
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Texas Red book Released 04.11.2005 |
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Lisa
Miskovsky Falling water Released 22.10.2003 |
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| After
a forgettable album in 2003 Texas return to the success of their hit
albums 'Hush' and 'White on blonde'. 'Red Book' relies even more
on cleverely integrated synthesizer lines. This
definitely is the pop record of the
year. |
Lisa
Miskovsky's second album tingles between Swedish singer/songwriter folk
music in the tradition of Sophie Zelmani and others and the melody
driven pop brought in by producer and co-writer Joakim Berg (Kent). |
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Nerina
Pallot Fires Released 26.07.2005 |
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Per
Gessle Mazarin Released 18.06.2003 |
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| Singer/songwriter
Nerina Pallot's second effort contiuous
where her 2001 debut album ended: Eleven melodic pop songs
performed with a compact band. |
Per
Gessle's (Roxette) 2003 solo record,
again in Swedish language, is prove of
his brilliant songwriting skills. This one tends more towards a
singer/songwriter style but its very clever arrangements and
intelligent production make it exceptional. Very big in Sweden. |
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| Reviewed
09.07.2005 |
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Shakira Fijación oral Vol. 1 Released 05.6.2005 |
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Division
Kent Monsterproof Released 03.04. 2005 |
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| After
the disappointing although relentlessly successful 'Servicio de
lavandería' Shakira returns with one of her best albums. This
one's entirely in Spanish again which is definitely Shakira's stronger
language to transmit the proper feeling. The compositions are very
melody-driven and styles range from rock and pop over to ballads and
samba. |
This
is a new electronica project from Switzerland (ex-Swandive) starting
off with a fresh 80s quotation (title track Monsterproof). The
predominant female vocals are perfectly embedded in the clever
compositions and electronic instrumentation featuring also guitars and
some punk moments (Tango 2000, Bordello Affair). Maybe best compared to
Dubstar, St. Etienne or 2raumwohnung. |
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Kent Du & jag döden Released 15.03. 2005 |
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Venetian
Snares Rossz csillag alatt született Released 14.03.2005 |
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| The
absolute killer-tracks as on 'Vapen & ammunition' are missing here,
but it's a very strong album throughout. At times reminding
Depeche Mode (Den döda vinkeln) or New Order while keeping their
very own melancholic atmosphere. |
This one
definitely requires some openess as it is tingling between loops
of classical music and abolute hardcore breakbeat mangling. Sounds
strange but if you take a careful listen, you will realize its clever
intention. Venetian Snares are maybe not exactly avant-garde in what
they're doing but the album is indeed very coherent. |
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Erasure Nightbird Released 24.01.2005 |
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Thirteen
Senses The invitation Released 27.10.2004 |
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| After
a string of rather disappointing albums this is their best in 10 years.
Unlike its predecessors the album's sound has a lot more depth and the
melodies do not sound as insignificant as before. While still keeping
their key analogue sound of old days, they also keep up to date with
current mainstream. |
Thirteen
Senses is basically Keane with guitars, which can only be a good thing.
Very promising debut. |
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| Reviewed
12.02.2005 |
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Current
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releases)
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Belated
(older
releases) |
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Kurt
Nilsen A part of me Released 29.11.2004 |
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Tribeca Dragon down Released 13.05. 2004 |
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| Don't
let the "World Idol" tag put you off, especially as he certainly didn't
win
the contest for nothing. Outstanding voice and 10 self-penned melodic
songs make this album worth investigation. |
Swedish 'electro-pop-punk' project by Lasse Lindh and Claes Björklund. Very innovative combination of synthesizers and guitars while keeping the melodies and electronic baubles, culminating the power in some really great pop songs. | |||
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Manic
Street Preachers Lifeblood Released 31.10.2004 |
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Courtney
Pine Devotion Released 06.10.2003 |
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| This
time not as experimental but very pop-oriented record from the Manics.
Possibly not their best but one of the kind that needs several listens
to catch all the melodies and deeper beauty of the songs. |
Courtney
Pine is a british jazz saxophonist not afraid of the latest
technologies. This is a great jazz-funk record based on Pine's
saxophone lines and harmonies. Pine being in charge of production and
playing all wind instruments, lots of vocal and other collaborations
spice up the grooves. |
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| Reviewed
02.10.2004 |
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Current
(recent
releases)
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Belated
(older
releases) |
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Finn
Brothers Everyone is here Released 22.08.2004 |
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Franz Ferdinand Franz Ferdinand Released 15.02. 2004 |
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| After
Crowded House' 'Woodface' in 1991 the
Finn brothers finally are
together again. It's the typical Finn sound paired with their excellent
songwriting skills. |
Very
refreshing disco beats and melodies making Franz Ferdinand standing
alone on top of the early 80s punk / new
wave revival in the 21st century. |
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Lockstoff Nachtschwimmer Released 29.08.2004 |
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The Mo City heart Released 30.04.2002 |
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| Second
album by Lockstoff is much more guitar-oriented, putting the
synthesizers in the background and thus it's getting closest to Travis.
All lyrics are in swiss-german. As usual takes several listens tu
unveil its deeper beauty. |
Another
80s quotation from Sweden. Much more pop than Franz Ferdinand but the
melodies are there as well. |
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Popium Camp Released 21.06.2004 |
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Kemopetrol Slowed down Released 18.08.2000 |
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| Cleverly
produced pop from Norway based on 60s rock but sounding very modern. At
times even reminding the Beach Boys. |
This
is the debut album by Kemopetrol from Finland. It's got guitars,
synthesizers, a great female voice, grooves, melodies, atmosperes. Just
what you have been waiting for. Comparisons to Lunik and Smartship
Friday are justified. |
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| Reviewed
20.06.2004 |
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Keane Hopes and fears Released 09.05.2004 |
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The Crash Melodrama Released 01.04.2004 |
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| Piano based songs in the line of Travis and Saybia. The mostly anthem-like songs are just really great! | Third album by
Finnish trio The Crash. They focused their songs even more towards the
eighties this time. This is the most powerful revival of
guitar-synthie-pop. |
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| Reviewed
28.02.2004 |
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Current
(recent
releases)
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Belated
(older
releases) |
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Esbjörn
Svensson Trio Seven days of falling Released 20.09.2003 |
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Weeping
Willows Into the light Released 21.12. 2001 |
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| Refreshing
new jazz from Sweden. From ballads like 'Believe, beleft, below' over
uptempo jazz like 'In my garage' to funky stuff ('Mingle in the
mincing-machine') they cover everything that a jazz trio (piano, bass,
drums) possibly can. |
Starting
off with 'Touch me' sounding like a western movie soundtrack, the rest
of the album remembers bands like The Smiths ('If I could see you one
more time'), Rialto ('Return to me', 'Untouchable', funnily they had a
song of the same name), and at times also Depeche Mode and Talk Talk.
Still the album is very guitar driven. |
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Leona
Naess I tried to rock you but you only can roll Released 09.10.2001 |
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| Second
album by Leona Naess. This time it's harder to define her music. It's
stylistically
diverse built around american folk-rock. A lot of contemporary sounds,
but also some 80s pop highlights (in
'Blue eyed baby' a glimpse
of New Order shines through) are combined
with some beautiful and powerful songs. |
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| Reviewed
16.11.2003 |
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Current
(recent
releases)
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Belated
(older
releases) |
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Muse Absolution Released 22.09.2003 |
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Core22 Nuance Released 31.03.2003 |
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| Third
and best album by Muse. They've got the sound and the power and again
the classical influence is indistinguishable. They even managed with
their basic setup of acoustic drums, bass and keys to create the song
'Endlessly' with a surprising electronic feel to it. |
Much
less guitars and much less rock than on their last album. This is
certainly their must pop-oriented and arguably their most commercial
release.
But the melodies just won't get out of your head. |
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Lunik Weather Released 08.09.2003 |
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Sálin hans Jóns míns Logandi ljós Released October 2001 |
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| Lunik
are getting better with every album. Here you get 11 warm pop
songs built on atmospheric synthesized landscapes. |
Another
pop record from Iceland. Sálin hans Jóns míns
convince with the meticulously matched beats, sounds, grooves and
melodies which together give real beautiful results. |
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Land
& Synir Óðal feðranna Released July 2003 |
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| Rock
solid pop by Land & Synir from Iceland again. Guitar-based songs
with great melodies and strong production. |
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| Reviewed
29.08.2003 |
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Current
(recent
releases)
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Belated
(older
releases) |
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La oreja de Van Gogh Lo que te conté mientras te hacías la dormida Released 14.04.2003 |
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Írafár Allt sem ég sé Released Nov. 2002 |
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| Third and best album by Spanish hit machine La oreja de van Gogh. Fine pop tunes with a little bit of 80s synthesziers in a modern shape. | Currently Iceland's biggest pop phenomenon. Melodic guitar-pop with subliminal folk influence. | |||
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Mew Frengers Released 07.04.2003 |
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Paus Paus Released 06.05.1998 |
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| Debut album from Danish band Mew. Based on strong guitar riffs they create great athmospheric songs. | Paus is Peter Svenssons (Cardigans) and Joakim Bergs (Kent) side project. A very quiet album with sparse arragements. However together with beautiful melodies and the strong performances shivers are guaranteed. | |||
| Reviewed
10.03.2003 |
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Current
(recent
releases)
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Belated
(older
releases) |
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Pet Shop Boys Disco 3 Released 03.02.2003 |
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The Crash Wildlife Released 22.02.2002 |
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| Third and probably best 'Disco' album by Pet Shop Boys. This time around it does not only consist of remixes of songs from their last album 'Release', but contains 5 brilliant new songs. Standout tracks are 'Try it' (written in 1983), the remake of 'Here' (probably one of the best tracks on 'Release') plus the Genuine Piano Mix of third single 'London'. | Finnish pop trio The Crash travel somewhere between punk, disco and electronica. Most recognizeable tracks are the disco-beat-driven 'Lauren caught my eye' and the powerful 'New York'. | |||
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Alice Martineau Daydreams Released 18.11.2002 |
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Nerina Pallot Dear frustated superstar Released 20.08.2001 |
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| Eleven fine, well-produced pop songs. All of them are self-penned by Alice Martineau whose voice often is not too far away from Björk. Only negative point maybe is the slighly too clean production at some points. | Surprising debut album by singer/songwriter Nerina Pallot. Great arrangements of simple songs with beautiful melodies and surprisingly fresh chord changes. | |||
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Poor Rich Ones Happy happy happy Released 09.09.2001 |
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| Second, much better album by Norwegian band Poor Rich Ones. Emotional and powerful songs, stylistically close to Saybia. | ||||
| Reviewed
16.12.2002 |
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Jay-Jay Johanson Antenna |
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Boy George You can never b2 straight |
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| Jay-Jay Johanson's new album bubbles with electronica. Of course there are the obvious singles 'On the radio', 'Déjà vu' and 'Automatic lover' that come as pure electropop. On the other side are some rather experimental, beat-driven songs with some retro-electro feel but nevertheless in a modern shape. And on top of this there is always this unmistakable voice adding the melodic juice. | This new acoustic album stands out in that it really is an acoustic album. Mainly performed with vocals, acoustic guitar and backing vocals only, Boy George proves here what a brilliant vocalist he is. A few drums and strings bring in some spice. Six tracks here are from George's 95 album 'Cheapness & Beauty' which have been partly re-recorded, others remain in their original acoustic version. | |||
| Reviewed
24.11.2002 |
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Saybia The second you sleep |
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| Brilliant debut of the year by danish band Saybia. If you like Coldplay you'll like this. And for sure Saybia are not any worse. You won't get these melodies out of your head! | ||||
| Reviewed
21.07.2002 |
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Kent Vapen & ammunition |
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A-ha Lifelines |
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| This, Kent's third international album, has only been released in Swedish language up to now. The songs are a bit "lighter" in production than on the previous album but nevertheless they have even more punch due to the melodies and fine arrangements. It's unmistakably Joakim Berg's vocal style who also wrote all the songs on the album. | After their comeback two years ago A-ha return even better this time. 15 brilliant songs of finest pop. | |||
| Reviewed
21.03.2002 |
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The
Rasmus Into |
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Eskobar There's only now |
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| This is the fourth album by Finland popper 'The Rasmus'. Their music is close to the Lovebugs at their best and Lauri Ylönen's voice is somewhere between Adrian Sieber and Don Henley. This is completely-over-the-top guitar-pop with beautiful melodies and a strong production. | Another pop trio from Scandinavia. Not much to say: great pop, great guitars, great melodies. Particularly stunning is the current single 'Someone new' together with Heather Nova. Like it or not. | |||
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Kosheen Resist |
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Lacrimosa
Fassade |
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| First album by Drum'n'Bass-Trip Hop trio from Bristol. Soundscapes melt with breakbeats, and a strong female voice adds the brilliant melodies on top. What makes the difference between Kosheen and other acts is that these here are real songs and not just grooves and beats. The singles 'Catch' and 'Gone' along with 'I want it all' and 'Hungry' definitely make this album worth investigation. | Lacrimosa file under 'Gothic'. However you should forget any prejudice immediately. The duo create a unique mixture between basic rock elements like guitars/drums and real orchestral compositions. Still, the songs seem exactly to be written for this purpose. Almost entirely sung in german, the voice of female singer Anne Nurmi matches perfectly with singer-writer-producer Tilo Wolff. | |||
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Daniela
Mercury Sou de qualquer lugar |
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22 Pistepirkko
Rally of love |
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| Singer, songwriter and producer Daniela Mercury is back with a new album. Again she takes some new influences to her music based on traditional brazilian rhythms. This time it's some soft electronic and dance elements which add a new flavour. But it's not, as it may seem, a cheap imitation of popular styles. The great melodies and the fact that all songs are written by Daniela Mercury herself and other famous Brazilian composers makes this an authentic, popular Brazilian album. | Sounds experimental at a first listen. But after some time these songs reveal their real beauty. The Finnish trio create their very own sounds and rhythms somewhere between electronic and rock: some times very minimalistic, the other moment an over-the-top production à la Phil Spector. You have to hear it. | |||
| Reviewed
12.07.2000 |
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Kirsty
MacColl Tropical Brainstorm |
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Daniela
Mercury Sol da liberdade |
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| The title is the program. If you like Latin music in a modern style, but you don't like Ricky Martin, then this is the album for you. The British singer takes many South-American influences for her new album. Rumba, Mamba, Bossa Nova and Salsa are some of the rhythms you will encounter. The album is sung in three languages: English, Spanish and Portuguese. | Daniela Mercury is a Brazilian singer and has been very succesful in her homecountry for several years. The music is based on traditional Brazilian rhythms like Bahia and Samba. For her latest album, black music like funk and jazz have found their way into the arrangments. All in all this is a fresh album, which will make you wanna dance and makes you feel as if you were in Brazil. | |||