> Say Something

Hiya Boys & Girls! Have you had a good Christmas? I have, well, no snow but nice presents so I'll survive, hehe. Some of you may have noticed that I'm closing the blog which is sorta true but it'll go on in a different way, not sure how to do it yet, but until then I will still post here. Now to some music...

Jill Johnson - Say Something
One of my favourite Swedish singers (I know I keep repeating this sentence but I do have many favourite singers, lol) is Jill Johnson. Sweden's answer to Shania Twain and all those other country-birds from America and Canada. Is she any different, you say? Well, to me she is. I've been to Jill's concerts three times and she is just the loveliest person one could ever meet, so down to earth and she never hits a bad note. If you do get the chance to see her live sometime, DO IT. If you like this song you should consider getting the album Baby Blue Paper.


Jonathan Fagerlund - Suzie is the Girl of Mine
Jonathan's debutalbum is one of my favourite albums of the year and one of the best popalbums I've heard in a couple of years. This guy has potential. I can't wait to hear his song for MF '09. Apparently he's already working on the next album but they really shouldn't let this album go to waste. It's too good. Make sure you get it if you like boyband-pop and sweet ballads. Well done, Mr Fagerlund!


Sibel - Walking Away (Oscar Holter Remix)
I never thought I'd like anything by this girl, she was never a favourite of mine in Idol. I'm glad I changed my mind though, cause Sibel's album The Diving Belle is wonderful. She's released four brilliant singles from it and there's still like two songs left on the album I think could be singles. This remix is quite rare, hope you like it.


Eskobar - Flat Earth
And the winner of the most underrated song and album of the year is... ESKOBAR! "Hallelujah New World" wasn't gay enough for the Eurovision-people so it flopped big time. It's still one of my favourite entries in MF '08 though, it's really uplifting and has a great chorus. The album Death In Athens more or less flopped despite being their best album to date. "Flat Earth" is one of the highlights. Enjoy.

That was IT for today.

> Party Like It's 1998!

Popsie - Joyful Life
We're singing nanananana... If there's one girlband I dearly miss (apart from the Spice Girls, of course) it is Popsie. The most brilliant Swedish girlband in history (OOOOK, so there haven't been that many to start with.) However, their album remains one of my favourite popalbums to this day. It actually features songs from the then unknown RedOne and Rami.

Popsie - I'm Not Your Property
A true Girl Power-anthem. The lyrics are FAB! "Step on it and get burned then you'll get what you deserve, I'm not your property baby."


La Cream - Say Goodbye
La Cream (a.k.a. Tess) was a highly popular and successful eurodance-act in Sweden during the late 90s. They delievered one hitsingle after another up until 2000 when Tess decided to go solo and sing on her own. "Say Goodbye" is my favourite single from La Cream and it's still amazing! A warning though! If you're not into eurodance, do not download.


Meja - Intimacy
Now to something completely different. One of my favourite Swedish singers, the lovely Meja. Most known for the hitsingle "All 'bout the Money", a true classic, but I love this just as much. Originally recorded by The Corrs but Meja does it better. It's such a warm and cosy song, perfect for xmas!

> Pop

OK, no one really liked my big post on Lili & Susie so here's some random popsongs.

Grant - Just the Thing
I just remembered that Poppostergirl wanted this. It's a nice catchy rocksong from Epicentre.

Lia Andreen/Emilia de Poret - Mistreat Me (You'll Be Sorry)
One of my favourite popsongs of the decade. Yes. Really. Released back in 2001, the album was sadly never released. Now we patiently wait for Emilia's second album, to be out in 2009. If that doesn't come out (it's been postponed like ten times) I will rob a bank and buy all the rights for the songs and release them on here. How does that sound?

Booster - Your Lovin'
This is a classic from the 90s. A one-hit-wonder. The song was used for some computer game I think. Not sure. There's a sticker on the single cover saying something about it anyway. I have no idea who the girls were either. But I love the song nevertheless.

Do you want a fourth song? Yes? Well, you're not getting one! Ha!

> Anorah

Anorah recently opened the doors to her new website. It's a really good site too, you can purchase her digital album "Like He'd Do" (including That's You to Me and the beautiful Inconsolable.) You can also get the single "Story of My Own" which is fab.
Buy and support her!

http://www.anorah.se/
http://www.myspace.com/anorah

> Oh Holy Mama

OMG YES! They're FINALLY back... and this time it's not just some random gig at the local gayclub! The two most fabulous sisters of Sweden - Lili & Susie - will do a big comeback (hopefully at the biggest gayclub in Stockholm = Globe Arena) in Melodifestivalen 2009 (I feel like putting on pink and red lipstick... and I'm a guy! :-()

I've been a fan of L&S for about five years and I've managed to get all their CDs but one. Therefore I know what a brilliant pop-duo they were and that my expectations of their entry "Show Me Heaven" are high. I'll try and be realistic though... I know I can't expect another "Oh Mama" nor "Sending Out a Message", not even a "What's the Colour of Love".
Just the fact that they are back is amazing.

I assume most of my readers have no idea who they are, so I will share some of my favourite songs from them and hope you'll like what you hear, if not, go and see a doctor. Instead of individual links you'll get all the tracks in a zipped file.


Sending Out a Message
It's a crime this is not one of their most known songs. It's just as catchy as you want it to be and it really shows the best sides of the 80s. It's co-written by Alexander Bard (Yes, he was a pop-genius back then already.) I really wish they would re-record this, I know it could be a hit.

We Were Only Dancing
Yet another pop-classic. Simple as that.

Robert and Marie
There's a bunch of other tracks from Anytime that I could share with you but I felt this one needed to be heard first. It's a ballad. It sounds a bit ABBA-ish. Think "The Day Before You Came" and you'll get a good picture. It's a bit depressing-sounding but beautiful.


What's the Colour of Love
L&S were not only active in the 80s but also in the early 90s. They released two albums and The Sisters was the better one. From this album we got two big hits: "Boyfriend" and "What's the Colour of Love" - the last one being one of the most iconic songs. Enjoy this one, I know I do... everytime!

Evelyn
Now this is quite different. It's more of a rock-ballad and will perhaps remind you of The Bangles?! Or some other American girl-rock-band. Really nice.


Bara Du och Jag (Only You and I)
L&S also recorded tracks in Swedish and "Bara Du och Jag" was their biggest Swedish hit and one of my favourites (Surprise, eh!)

Okey, Okey
Did you know they already participated in Melodifestivalen? They did in fact. Back in 1989. They actually competed against Sofia Källgren (mentioned in my previous post) and Orup (the guy who's constantly working with Lena Ph.) None of them won but they sure did a great performance and if "Show Me Heaven" is even half as good as this one I will be over the moon.

Oh Mama
If there's one song you should know it is this one. It was pretty obvious Bard was inspired by this when he wrote "Lay All Your Love on Me" for BWO, you'll hear the similarites.

Mega Mix
A good mega mix of their biggest hits, it features a couple of songs I did not (yet) share with you.

Download:

http://rapidshare.com/files/169975127/L_S.zip.html
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QGVUMYT8

Breathe in... breathe out... that's it for now. I could continue but I wouldn't want to over-do it. Enjoy and please come back soon... ;-)

> Go Easy with Me

Sugarplum Fairy - The Escapologist
Let's start off this Monday with a rockband from Sweden. Yeah, you heard right. A rockband. Don't let the rock-part scare you away though, because "The Escapologist" is one of my favourite singles of the year and it made me discover the terriffic band that is Sugarplum Fairy. I'm not sure whether they are famous outside Sweden but I think they are fairly known in Germany and have done gigs in other countries too.


Dilba - Easy
Let's continue this post with another favourite single of mine. Actually, this could very well top the chart of "My favourite singles of the year", it's brilliant. Dilba has always been one of my favourite Swedish songwriters and "Easy" is yet another beautiful piece from her which I think you will all like... Apparently it's being released in the Netherlands sometime soon, seems random, but oh well... Enjoy! You'll get a warm cosy feeling from it.


Sofia Källgren - Mio My Mio
OK, this is perhaps not what you would expect from my blog but I want to show all sides of Swedish music, not just the mainstream-pop-sort. Btw, you may recognise Sofia, she's been in Melodifestivalen three times (last in 2003.) However, this song is taken from her latest album where she covered eleven film-classics. This one is from the Swedish film "The Land of Faraway - Mio My Mio" based on the story by Astrid Lindgren. It's a beautiful song composed by Benny & Björn. If you like songs like "May It Be", "The Prayer", "Come What May" and "My Heart Will Go On" you will simply love Sofia's album which I recommend if you're into this classical-pop-sort-of-thing. The album's entitled Cinema Paradiso.

That's it for today and I promise to update more during the week. If you have any requests for old singles or something... let me know. I have lots of things in my shelf and on my computer.

> P3 Live

Every Wednesday on Swedish radio channel P3, there's a programme called P3 Live - it features one or two artists doing an exclusive live concert. You can also watch it live on their website. This week we got to hear brand new songs from the brilliant Erik Hassle and lovely acoustic versions from Agnes.


Agnes Carlsson - Release Me (P3 Live)
Yes, Agnes revealed this will be the next single from the new album "Dance Love Pop". I'm very happy with this decision. It is one of Agnes' greatest tracks and I think this song could start off a career outside Sweden.

Agnes Carlsson - Champion (P3 Live)
One of the stand-out tracks from Agnes' second album was definitely "Champion", it's also one of her best. Quite possibly THE best. If they release DLP internationally they should add this track.


Erik Hassle - Don't Bring Flowers After I'm Dead (P3 Live)
No, it's not Art Garfunkel-- it's Erik Hassle, the latest Swedish popstar on the list. Even though his single "Hurtful" has been out for quite a while it's only been this fall when it's really been noticed and appreciated. It did fairly well on the single chart and on radio. His debut album will be out in January and if the songs he sang on P3 Live are anything to go by it shall be something to look forward to.
This song is available to listen to on Erik's MySpace.

Erik Hassle - First Time (P3 Live)
Another song that makes me long for the album. Not as brilliant as Hurtful or the song above but still very nice.

If you want to listen to the entire show or watch it click these links:
http://www.sr.se/cgi-bin/p3/nyhetssidor/sandningsarkiv.asp?programID=3068 (Listen)
http://www.sr.se/cgi-bin/p3/nyhetssidor/amnessida.asp?programID=2663&grupp=3851 (Watch)

> Female Voices

Pauline Kamusewu - Loving You
She's back! Well, she's actually been back for quite a while. "Loving You" was released in February this year and she released one more single since then, no album yet though. However, I'm waiting patiently for it. LY is one of my favourite singles of the year. It is terribly catchy. Please tell me you like it...


Anorah - That's You to Me
Anorah (a.k.a. Anna Nordell) is one of Sweden's finest singers, yet she's almost completely un-known to most of you. I've known Anna for several years though, I know a great talent when I hear it! She does a lot of backing vocals and demo-singing for other artists too. Anyway, I'm hoping she will get her breakthrough as Anorah very soon 'cause she bloody deserves it! "That's You to Me" is a song from her digitally released album (don't know where you can purchase it from ATM.) It's wicked.


Sofia Loell - On & On
I think I introduced everyone to Sofia on my previous blog, you may have the song "War of Life" if you kept all the brilliant songs me and Chris posted. So, here's another brilliant song from Sofia. It's available on her latest CD "Where I Belong", which also includes WOF and 11 other brilliant songs. I just love this sort of music... simple and beautiful.

Please. Let. Me. Know. What. You. Think. Of. The. Songs.
...or I might as well call it a day!

> Where Did They Go?

Shimoli - Damned
This is Shimoli, a singer who debuted back in 2000 with the single "Damned." Since then, it's been rather quiet around her. I assume she was dropped for some reason. However, it doesn't take away the fact that I think she was brilliant. "Damned" still sounds bloody good and fresh, she could easily re-release this today. It's very acoustic and laid-back.

Fudge - Queen of the Hill
I barely know anything about this band. All I know is they did a sort of documentary on TV (ten years ago or so) about their way to stardom.. which never happened unfortunately. BUT the amazing singer is obviously destined for something bigger... :) Oh yes, do you recognise the voice? You might... you might not. I know someone will. :) I'll post a pic of the band later on, have to scan it. Overall, it's a pretty good rock-song.


Josefine Garline - The Young Generation
This is something for all of you who love old-school-Cheiron-sounding-pop. Josefine may not be the most amazing singer but the song is really catchy and was a minor hit in Sweden and Finland back in 2001-2003. Unfortunately big things never happened anywhere and Garline is no-where to be seen these days. She worked with some great Swedish producers though, if you're interested in the album.

This is it for now... Will do another one of these very soon.

> Another Winter Night

Sanna, Shirley & Sonja - Another Winter Night
In case you didn't know-- the three S:es will release a christmas album in a couple of weeks and this is the first single from the CD. It's actually brand new as well. It's not that christmassy, it's more of a Sonja-ballad with some bells and yeah... you know. Quite lovely actually, I'd prefer if they sang in Swedish however.


Sebastian Karlsson - Serial Lovers
I can honestly say I was never a big fan of Sebastian. He always came across as very *can't find the word but someone who thinks he's better than everyone else* in Idol, but I have to admit some of his singles were more than OK. This is taken from his upcoming album and it actually makes me a bit excited. It sounds like a Sebastianized version of Melody Club (correct me if you don't agree!) There's just something I really like about this... Do you?

That was two very different songs for today and I hope you enjoyed at least one of them! I'll update more this week, I promise. :)

> Milking the Cow

She's at it again... September's releasing yet another compilation-sort-of-CD with the best from In Orbit and Dancing Shoes. This time the album's called "Gold (International Album Ed.) and is one to get even if you own all the albums. Mainly because it'll include a new version of "Because I Love You" and bonus tracks/videos. Check out the tracklist below!


01: Cry for You
02: Because I Love You (JVD Radio Edit)
03: Can't Get Over
04: Candy Love
05: R.I.P.
06: Looking for Love
07: Satellites
08: Flowers on the Grave
09: It Doesn't Matter
10: Sacrifice
11: Sad Song
12: Freaking Out
13: Taboo
14: Midnight Heartache
15: Until I Die
16: End of the Rainbow
17: Because I Love You (Jazzy Candlelight Version)
18: Cry for You (Candlelight Remix)
19: Satellites (Live Acoustic Version)
20: Cry for You (Video)
21: Cry for You (Live Acoustic Version for UK TV)

So what do we think? Will this be September's UK album debut? Out on November 26th in Sweden, will keep you posted when/if I find other release dates.

Petra, if you're reading this, get your arse back in the studio and start working on new material. Unless you want Gathania taking over your place...

> Today I've seen Jimmy Dean!

Yes! Today you're getting some fabulous pop from the 80s. We had many amazing acts in the 80s that sadly never really made it big anywhere but in Sweden... so trust me when I say there's a lot to discover and enjoy.

Secret Service - I'm So, I'm So, I'm So (So in Love with You)
Secret Service were a Swedish synth-pop band in the 80s. You could call them the BWO of the 80s or the Swedish version of A-ha (without the gorgeous singer.) Some of Sweden's best songwriters were behind their hits, including Alexander Bard (if you don't know him, shame on you!) He actually wrote this track and I'd love if BWO covered this for their next album. I think they could make a brilliant version of it.


Troll - Jimmy Dean
Yet another AMAZING hit from Mr Bard. It's incredibly catchy and it'll put a smile on your face and leave you humming and singing this all day. The group Troll didn't last very long and only released two albums, this was their biggest hit. Nanananananana...

Katz - Loving You Is All I Know
This is one group I seriously know nothing about. All I know is this song is brilliant and was later covered by Lili & Susie (will do a special on L&S sometime soon.) Unfortunately I don't have this song in mp3, so the YouTube will have to do for now.

> When I'm on Radio...

Danny Saucedo - Radio (Radio Rip)
I know a lot of people who were disappointed when Danny joined E.M.D. and put his solo career on ice. I personally wasn't, 'cause I think it was the best thing that could happen. We finally got a proper boyband where each guy sings and look gorgeous. They now released the final single from their album, which means Danny can yet again focus on his solo career. Apparently the album will be out in December and the first single 'Radio' had its premiere today (I think.) All of you who loved his previous singles and album will definitely LOVE this.

Perhaps it's not the strongest single he ever released, but this will certainly be a big radio-hit and single-hit in Sweden. I really believe Danny could be the next big thing from Sweden, at least get some success like Basshunter and September. What do you think?

I might update this post later on today, if not, enjoy this and the songs in my previous post. Have a good Friday!

> Da Capo

OK-- this is my "first" post on the blog and I will focus on a couple of comebacks and a new popstar. Exciting. Keep reading boys and girls and please leave a comment. I'm not doing this for me, but for all of you who enjoy Swedish music.


Ace of Base - Da Capo (Promo Version)
Yes! OMG yes! They're back-- Sweden's greatest popband since ABBA. Never in a million years I thought the band I've loved since 1994 would be back at last. They've made so many promises over the last couple of years and kept none basically.
The current single "Wheel of Fortune 2009" is taken from their upcoming Greatest Hits-CD/DVD-set which I recommend everyone to get. It includes two CDs with their hits and a bunch of remixes... plus the DVD including ALL their videos. Hurrah!
So... in a way WOF09 isn't exactly a proper single, a brand new single will follow next year. You can already listen to "Sparks" on YouTube, which does sound fantasic.
I won't share the remix, 'cause you can all buy it on iTunes. Instead I give you this rare version of the lovely 'Da Capo'.


Daniela - Back on Track (1 minute clip)
Let me introduce you to Daniela. The next popstar from Sweden. She already landed herself a record deal and is signed in a couple of countries. Kate Ryan's songwriting-team 2N Productions are behind most of her songs which is reason enough to get excited. She's like a mix of Kate Ryan, Da Buzz, September and Velvet. Popgasm on the way... She's not released anything yet but I'm sure we'll hear lots from her in 2009. So remember where you saw/heard her first... Check her out at http://www.myspace.com/danielaofficial

SINGLE OF THE MONTH!

Per Gessle - Silly Really

He's back. The pop-genius - Per Gessle. He's back with a song that reminds me of the greater days with Roxette, it's got a 70s disco-feeling to it, while it still got that typical rockish Gessle-sound to it. I've decided to name this 'the single of month' 'cause I absolutely love it. I hope you will too! I'll only share this for a really short time, so get it while you can! ;-)

Welcome!

I never thought I'd be doing the blog-thing again, but here I am, I couldn't resist. Some of you may remember the fabulous blog Sounds of Sweden (later Catchy Tunes of Sweden), which I was a part of.
It'll be a bit different this time around though. I'm doing this on my own, before I had Chris with me and I will focus more on Swedish popmusic from the 80s and 90s, but also on new releases. I will, of course, never share full albums.

I hope you'll enjoy my little place and will come back. Don't forget to leave a message in the shoutbox or in the comments-section. All is appreciated!

See you soon! I've got some fabulous pop coming up!