Praise La Toya the lord! Sweden's holy princess of pop has blessed us with yet another dose musical perfection. And no, I'm not talking about that "Body Talk" troll. As far as Scandipop divas are concerned, my heart will always belong to September. You see, we go way back. I first heard "Satellites" in 2005 and spent a fortune importing it from Europe. Petra's breathtaking talent had me hooked and for a while there, she was my little secret. That all changed when "Cry For You" exploded in the UK and eventually made its way to Australia. I distinctly remember attending the single launch in King's Cross, where a bored drag queen mimed the song to a half empty room of gays. Stunning promotion! The song somehow made it all the way to #14 and I thought September might succeed where Robyn had failed - at crossing over to mainstream but it wasn't to be.
Well, almost two years later, the Swedish siren is finally back with new material. I was smitten by "Resuscitate Me" from the first moment I heard it but the recently released video clip makes me love it even more. Penned by Cutfather, Jonas Jeberg and Lucas Secon (the team behind Kylie's "Get Outta My Way"), this is a return to the irresistibly exuberant pop of "In Orbit" - complete with a killer chorus and some of the cutest lyrics of 2010. Even the video is a triumph! After looking like a 45 year old housewife on drugs in the shameful debacle otherwise known as "Can't Get Over", September is looking hot again and works it for all she's worth. Hell, she even looks good in a coma! Fingers crossed "Resuscitate Me" gets an Australian release. The nation is crying out for some real talent!
Straight Up! first came to my attention back in April when they featured on Don't Stop The Pop. Back then Rob likened the Swedish twosome to Pay TV and Army Of Lovers - heady praise indeed! Their debut single definitely covered an arresting topic. An ode to young and pretty gays, "Twink" is a throbbing electro-pop anthem that goes where lesser acts fear to tread with stunning lyrics like "I pick a hunk I wanna fuck and then I get him drunk". Take that Adam Lambert, you soft cock! The thing is - I'd rather do Perez Hilton with the lights on than go near a hairless man-boy but I fully support the group's right to sing about whatever the fuck gets them hard. Think of this as the psycho-sexual bookend to Barb@zul's legendary bear anthem "I Don't Care"! Since April the Straight Up! boys have been busy recording new tracks and only just got around to releasing the video for "Twink". I wish I knew what to say about it. The clip (below) is a trash lover's wet dream but it also makes me want to find the nearest woman, get married and spend the rest of my life living a lie just to avoid ever watching it again. But that's me. I'm sure most of you will love it and I think the guy with the beard would be kinda hot if he stopped over-shaping his eyebrows! Don't get me wrong, I really like this band. I'll just listen to their future smash with my eyes closed. Now where's the link for that Barb@zul video again...
The name Rebecca Stella might not mean anything to you (yet) but her face is probably familiar to most Scandipop fans. Stunning Bec first came to fame as one of the three buxom beauties chosen to front Swedish trash band Sunblock. Who will ever forget their cover of Robin Beck's "The First Time" or their amazing interpretation of Corona's "Baby Baby" - complete with low brow gay video? Since the demise of Sunblock, Rebecca has been a busy woman. She's become a blogging sensation in Sweden, modelled for Tierry Mugler and was rumoured to be fucking Darin for a while there. Oh and the blond beauty also found the time to record a slammin' electropop jam called "Swag In A Bag". Produced by Fireface, Bec's debut single is catchy in that slick Scandinavian way and boasts amazing lyrics like "poor to rich, rich to poor - get the Christian Dior, let's hit the store!" As you can tell it's extremely complex examination of the human condition. The crazy video (below) has been ridiculed by some but I think it's great. Why is every diva compared to Lady Gaga? She did not invent unflattering outfits and excessive eye make-up!
Just when I was starting to fall in love with Robyn all over again thanks to the amazing re-worked version and hot remixes of "Hang With Me", part 2 of her "Body Talk" opus leaks and it's just as aimless and pretentious as the first. Fans are already working themselves into a frenzy - calling it a stunning return to form - but they are probably the same bitches that declared Kelis' "Flop Tone" the album of the year. Apart from the aforementioned lead single, nothing on "Body Talk Part 2" comes close to matching the genius of "Dancing On My Own". The 8 track disappointment is polluted by the same overproduced beats and deluded bragging that made the first installment such a bore. Frustratingly, I know the real Robyn is still in there somewhere. The lyrics to "Love Kills" mine the same rich vein of creativity that spawned "Bum Like You" and "Handle Me", while "Indestructible" ranks as one of the prettiest ballads the fading star has ever recorded. By the end of the "Body Talk" debacle, I have no doubt Robyn will have produced 10 tracks worthy of her stellar back catalogue but by then how many people will still care? Not many - if the first installment's not so lofty #47 chart peak in the UK is any indication.
In My Eyes - 5/10
"Body Talk Part 2" picks up where "Part 1" left off - with a thunderstorm of clinical bleeps and beeps. "In My Eyes" would make an interesting instrumental but the heavy beats smother the lyrics - turning it into a strangely lifeless listening experience. It's a shame because there's a nice song hiding in there. I like the sentiment and think the chorus has potential. The production just needed to be reigned back to showcase the subtle melody and Robyn's lovely vocal (when you can actually hear it). Not a promising start.
Include Me Out - 1/10
So I like the intro and the opening synth that hums like a dying bee. Unfortunately, it's all downhill from there. The production sounds like it was lifted straight off "The E.N.D." - which would normally be a compliment but this hip hop meets electro concoction is an epic fail. There is no discernible melody, the chorus is non-existent and the lyrics are a major embarrassment. "Can I get a bam bam for all of my whatchamacallits doin' whatever and with whoever they like?" FUCK OFF.
Hang With Me - 10/10
Sigh. The Robyn I spent 15 years worshipping makes a welcome return on this delicious anthem. I was incredibly harsh about the acoustic version of "Hang With Me" in my "Body Talk Part 1" review but it grew on me ruthlessly and the brilliant remixes eventually won me over (Avicii's stunning floorfiller is my favourite). Amazingly, this version is even better. The soaring production is epic and very reminiscent of "Dancing On My Own" without being derivative. It should be noted that this is a cover of a song Klas Åhlund wrote for Paola in 2002 but Robyn really makes it her own. She sounds amazing on this and I love how the lazer like synths and icy beats actually evoke emotion instead of suffocating it. Can't Robyn see that she is effortlessly cool when she just does her 'pop' thing without trying to be the next M.I.A./Uffie?
Love Kills - 9/10
And the award for the best new song on "Body Talk Part 2" goes to the fabulously accurate "Love Kills". I love the dark and slightly eerie production, while the lyrics are vintage Robyn. "If you're looking for love get a heart made of steel 'cause you know that love kills". Amen. Everything about this brooding anthem is fresh and original. It's not the most commercial track the Swedish diva has ever recorded but the chorus is positively hypnotic and the multitude of quirky hooks results in the album's catchiest tune. Consider this the "Dancehall Queen" of "Part 2". I'd love to know who produced it. I'll take a punt on Diplo.
We Dance to the Beat - 0/10
Noise.
Criminal Intent - 4/10
"Criminal Intent" is so bad it's almost good. Almost. Again the production is intricate and interesting but completely overpowers the lyrics - which is probably for the best in this case. Robyn needs to stop singing about ruling the dancefloor. Anyone who watched the "Dancing On My Own" video knows she's a worse dancer than Sophie Ellis-Bextor and please keep a lid on the dirty lyrics. The idea of Sweden's favourite troll engaging in any kind of erotic activity is enough to make me vomit.
U Should Know Better (featuring Snoop Dogg) - 6/10
Now this shit is tragic. Which is probably why I find it so endearing. Basically, Robyn and Snoop brag about how successful and cool they are. There's a lot of swearing and name dropping - not to mention some of the worst rhymes in recent musical history. For Robyn's sake, I really hope this is a piss take.
Indestructible (Acoustic Version) - 8/10
Given the 'acoustic version' label, I assume we'll be getting an electro version on "Body Talk Part 3". Fingers crossed because this is beautiful. I love a good Robyn ballad - unlike the vast majority of Swedish pop stars, she has a unique voice and really knows how to interpret a lyric - and "Indestructible" is one of the best she's recorded since "My Truth". The strings are lovely, while the gorgeous lyrics showcase the diva's softer side. "I never was smart with love, I let the bad ones in and the good ones go". A nice way to conclude the latest "Body Talk" disappointment.
"Body Talk Part 2" is released in the UK on the 6th of September. An Australian release will follow shortly thereafter if Modular can still be bothered given the grim chart performance of the first installment. In the meantime, revel in the brilliance of "Hang With Me" (below). I want a physical single with the Avicii remix!
I can barely breathe. My second favourite Swedish trash Queen (after Bionda) has deigned to bless the music world with a stunning new single and glamorous high budget video! Victoria Silvstedt is probably best known in Australia for her reality TV show My Perfect Life but before she became a professional fame whore, the multi-talented 1997 Playmate of the Year dabbled in lots of different things. She launched her own lingerie line, tried her luck as an actress in America and had a brief music career in Sweden. It's the latter that turned me into a fan. Her 1999 smash "Hello Hey" is legendary among trash connoisseurs for its sheer sonic brilliance and I'm glad the pop revolutionary is still churning out songs that show up her flop countrywoman Robyn as the sad, pathetic joke she's become. "Saturday Night" is an inspired cover of the Whigfield classic that showcases the diva's glorious autotuned vocals and unprecedented ability to talk her way through songs. Uffie is such a thief! I love the cheesy production and classy video. Victoria basically poses in a bikini, rides around on a yacht and dances in a club. Just another day for her then. Brace yourself for the fabulousness below.
One of my very first posts on this blog - way back in December 2006 - was dedicated to Sweden's greatest living talent Bionda (sometimes known as Linda Rosing). For those of you who missed out on this amazing diva, her career highlights include fucking a guy on Big Brother, having plastic surgery live on TV, releasing a couple of amazing singles, going on tour but only performing three songs due to the crowd not being enthusiastic enough and starting her own political party to outlaw airbrushing in magazines. In other words, she was and most probably still is, a true renaissance woman! I guess you're wondering what Bionda has to do with Sweden's new King of Pop. Well, he used to be her boyfriend. Fadde Darwich is well known in Scandinavia for his stunning good looks and publicity whoring ways. Since leaving poor Bionda he's published an autobiography (that he didn't write), discovered Botox and somehow found the time to release his own breathtaking pop anthem! I thought Don Bennechi's crown as the King of Swedish pop would never be challenged but Fadde could be the man to snatch it. Living with Bionda obviously rubbed off on the irresistible hunk. "We Can Party" is the European summer jam of 2010. There's tacky faux RedOne production via the Vengaboys circa 1997, accordions and stunning lyrics like "Oh Oh, c'mon Sweden we can party". What more do you need? I'm just shocked that the Swedes didn't enter this at Eurovision. Fadde would have won in a landslide!
Damn Robyn. Just when I was about to write that bitch off, she goes and does this. And by 'this' I mean make a typically demented video for what is undeniably one of 2010's best tunes. In my last post I mentioned "Better Than Her" (stop laughing, haters!) and "All The Lovers" as early frontrunners for pop song of the year but I forgot about Sweden's favourite troll. As disappointed as I am by "Body Talk", I can't fault a single second of "Dancing On My Own". It's the bitter twin sister of "Be Mine". A sad, pathetic and all too human snapshot of a broken heart complete with a ball-tearing chorus and driving dance beats. The track cuts through me like a rusty chainsaw. I can identify with each and every line. So kudos to her for owning up to the level of crazy that we're all occasionally capable of. This is the Robyn that I know and love. The girl who isn't afraid to explore feelings and emotions within the context of an extremely catchy four minute pop song - not the pretentious artiste with a robot fetish. To celebrate the return to form of Sweden's third best singer, here are ten things to note about her latest video (below).
1. Cosmetic dentistry hasn't caught on in Sweden. 2. For once Robyn doesn't look like an extra from Lord of the Rings. 3. The styling is hot and she looks fucking sexy. 4. In fact, I think I'm going to try out that haircut. Only with a little less volume because I don't want to be hit on by lesbians. Any more than usual. 5. Kylie is no longer the worst dancer in pop. 6. For proof check out the hilarious dance routine at 1:30 mins. LOL. 7. Robyn is amazing in close-up. Her eyes and attitude scream superstar. 8. The scene where she's working across the dancefloor, stalking her ex-boyfriend is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking. 9. Fist pumps are the new jazz hands. Work it, Robyn! 10. Someone has clearly been watching "Papa Don't Preach".
"Dancing On My Own" has smash hit written all over it. The song is released on the 14th of June with remixes by Fred Falke and Michael Woods. As far as I'm concerned, it's worth buying for the cover (above) alone.
A couple of days ago I wrote a review of Linda Sundblad's latest album that nobody read. It's probably for the best because I got on my Scandipop soapbox and trashed a bunch of Swedish pop stars. The thing is - I love Sweden. It's the country that gave the world Bionda and for that I am eternally grateful. I just don't believe that everything recorded in the land of Ikea is automatically amazing. Although this stunning performance could prove me wrong. One diva whose brilliance I can agree upon, however, is the lovely Elin Lanto. Her last single "Love Made Me Stupid" was the sad theme of my Valentine's Day post and I'm gagging to get my hands on her latest album. Elin is the anti-Robyn/Linda. She unapologetically makes cheesy pop tunes with a ball tearing chorus and catchy lyrics - usually accompanied by a saucy low budget video. Kind of like an even less credible September! "Tickles" is more of the same - just better. I absolutely adore the song and have been blasting it in the car for the past month. Don't tell anyone but I'm rather partial to the super gay Almighty remix. Anyway, the video debuted today and I had to post it. Elin rolls around in bed looking pretty. That's literally it. Oh and I finally get what tickles! Sometimes mine twitches when I think about it...
With Robyn momentarily dropping the ball with the hugely underwhelming crapfest otherwise known as "Body Talk", the most unlikely candidate has stepped in to snatch her Scandipop crown. Linda Sundblad has been doing the rounds for the past decade without ever making much of an impact outside Sweden. Her former band - Lambretta - even released a couple of singles in Australia but they never really took off. Despite being the tragic fag's No Doubt. The diva's debut solo album yielded a couple of huge hits at home but her quirky brand of pop proved too dark and challenging for the rest of Europe. So she went back to the drawing board and quietly came up with one of 2010's best albums. "Manifest" is a diamond in the rough. It's not perfect - the mix of sounds is perhaps a little too eclectic, a couple of the songs misfire badly and occasionally her lyrics don't make a lot of sense - but that's also what I love about it. Linda is not a graduate of Sweden's cookie cutter school of pop. She experiments with different genres, sings upbeat songs about suicide and dances around semi-naked in boxer shorts. While Robyn stuck rigidly to the same old sound, Linda threw caution to the wind and just did her own thing. The result is a rich collection of catchy pop tunes with grit and attitude. Scandinavia has been put on notice.
Intro (Choice) - 7/10
I hated this bizarre intro the first time I heard it. The song sounds like something from "Damita Jo" - complete with dodgy lyrics about feeling like a virgin and weird stopwatch sound effects. However, through some annoying twist of fate, the damn thing has wormed its way under my skin. I love the subtle chorus and the way Linda sexes up her vocal simultaneously makes me want to laugh and touch myself. Genuinely odd but memorable.
Making Out - 10/10
Max Martin dusts off his trusty pop/rock formula on this brilliant anthem. "Making Out" stands up to anything the super producer has crafted for P!nk or Kelly Clarkson. Speaking of Kelly, this sounds like a cross between "I Do Not Hook Up" and "Since U Been Gone" but that's not exactly a bad thing. The chorus is pure audio crack and Linda's voice sounds amazing against the explosion of guitars. That's not even mentioning the amazing lyrics - "we're fabulous and rich together, we could not look any better"! If this isn't released as a single, Linda needs to find a new record label.
Let's Dance - 9.5/10
The album's second single was a top 10 hit in Sweden, bettering the peak of "2 All My Girls" by more than 40 places. While I definitely prefer the latter, "Let's Dance" is something of a triumph. That is if you ignore the clunky intro. I honestly can't think of another genuinely great pop song with such a dire beginning. The first verse doesn't work at all - it's disjointed, sloppy and unsettling. But then that gorgeous chorus explodes in your ears and you really just don't give a shit. With a bit of editing this could be an international hit. "Let's Dance" is one hell of a hot mess.
It's Alright - 8.5/10
A lot of fans have compared this with Madonna's "Cherish" and they're spot on. Linda's anthem shares the same (sickly) sweet sentiment and unbearably cute production - courtesy of Johan "Kermit" Bobäck. If you love that old cunt's 90s classic (as much as I do), chances are you'll lap this shit up. The cynic in me wanted to hate the song's unabashed hopefulness and optimism but I was won over by the second verse and pretty much smitten by the end of it. "It's Alright" is musical Xanax. Just press play and feel the happiness start to spread.
Perfect Nobody - 7/10
Um, why is this shit the album's 3rd single? Ok that's a bit harsh. "Perfect Nobody" is a pleasant enough ballad - if you ignore the fact that it doesn't really make sense and is more than a little boring. I guess the involvement of Fibes, Oh Fibes! was the selling point but there are at least half a dozen better songs on "Manifest". I guess my problem with it is the chorus. The verses are quite pretty. I love Linda's subtle vocal delivery and the restrained production is nice. However, the chorus is totally overwrought and, more to the point, would you really want to be described as the "perfect nobody" by your lover? I think something got lost in translation...
2 All My Girls - 10/10
"2 All My Girls" featured on my best of 2009 countdown and got its own post late last year. 7 months have passed and Linda's anthem is still on high rotation on my iPod. Max Martin knows his way around a pop tune and this is the most original thing he has put his name to in years. It's big, bold and utterly addictive. And don't even get me started on the video (above). So fucking fierce! Despite the fact "2 All My Girls" barely scraped into the top 50 in Sweden (what do you expect from a nation that snacks on Plopp?), I firmly believe the song would be massive in Australia and the UK. It's tailor made for radio and lesbians would finally have a new anthem to grind to in Newtown. Girls, it's time to move on from "Sexy Bitch"!
Serotonin - 9/10
This is a massive fan favourite and it's easy to see why. Linda re-visits the 90s in all its trashtastic glory. I love the house-y (is that a word?) piano, adore the purposely dated synths and am pretty much sick for the daggy 'woah woahs' in the chorus. If you're going for a retro vibe, you might as well do it properly. And producer Johan Bobäck is clearly a connoisseur of the decade. "Serotonin" is a camp gem but it's more than just an exercise in kitsch. The song holds up as clever piece of pop music and would make a fantastic single. Just imagine the crimes against fashion Linda could commit in the video!
Suicide Girl - 7.5/10
Who else but Linda would pen a catchy pop tune about killing yourself? It sounds gruesome but this is an ironic swipe at attention seeking media whores. I like it - particularly the lyric "took too many pills and dialled 911 and now I'm playing cute in an ambulance!" - but it feels like a bit of a throwback to her last album. That said, it's almost obscenely catchy and Macho Psycho's bubbly production (the guys behind Vanessa Amorosi's "Hazardous album) is a lot of fun. I gave it an extra point for the spoken interlude at the end where Linda disses tourists and admits to being unfriendly.
Pick Up The Pieces - 8.5/10
Break up songs are usually depressing or annoyingly empowering but "Pick Up The Pieces" strikes a nice balance between the two. The verses are refreshingly raw and pathetic ("a broken heart is nothing new") before switching gears with a cute chorus about moving on. It's a bit disjointed and the 90s flavoured production is curious but the song works. I love Linda's voice on this. She doesn't have a huge set of pipes but she knows how to interpret lyrics beautifully. Strike this up as another gem.
Damage - 6.5/10
Linda explores faux urban beats on this slow groove. It reminds me of the album opener ("Choice") - only without the filthy lyrics. I wish the chorus was stronger and the lyrics meander without having very much to say. This is the closest thing to filler on "Manifest". And while "Damage" isn't particularly catchy or memorable, it's still better than two thirds of the shit on Robyn's "Body Talk". Fact.
History (featuring Kleerup) - 10/10
Kleerup is more shameless than Stargate and Ryan Tedder put together when it comes to recycling beats. I swear he's been pushing the shame shit on every diva from Robyn to Cyndi Lauper. The thing is - Andreas Kleerup is pop's most endearing one trick pony. "History" sounds like a cross between Cyndi's "Lay Me Down" and Titiyo's "Longing For Lullabies" but I can't think of universe where that is actually a bad thing. "History" is another icy electro-ballad with pretty lyrics and clinically precise production. And I love it.
Feel So Good (Bonus Track) - 7/10
Now this is just a piss take. Linda sings about bubblegum and demands to know "where the fucking show is". It's musical equivalent of drunken rant complete with eerie backing vocals, strange sound effects and beats straight outta 1997. Weird and more than a little wonderful. Which basically sums up the whole album.
"Manifest" has bombed thus far in Sweden. But I still live in hope that it will be picked up abroad. It doesn't seem right that dirty, old Velvet has a UK record deal - let alone a pointless pro like Gathania or the BWO homos. Linda Sundblad is quality and could really shake things up with this album. Hopefully, she gets a chance to prove that there's more to Sweden than Robyn.Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/search/label/Swedish%20pop Visit pop music records for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection
Dear Kylie, all is forgiven. I thought "Aphrodite" was the worst cover of 2010 but "Body Talk Pt 1" raises ugliness to an artform. They say you shouldn't judge a book (or a CD) by its cover but this is one example where the exterior is unusually reflective of the content. It's cold, clinical, derivative (Sorry Robyn - Debbie Harry did it first way back in 1981) and absolutely desperate to be edgy. Unfortunately, the same goes for the music. Sweden's greatest export since ABBA has well and truly fucked up. "Body Talk Pt 1" isn't terrible but I expect so much more from Robyn and she only delivers the goods on a couple of songs. Not good enough. The very thing that made her different from all the nobodies to emerge from Scandinavia's conveyor belt of bland pop is noticeably absent from this not so hot mess - her heart. Robyn's gift is her ability to deliver an emotional sucker punch, usually camouflaged by killer beats and a catchy chorus. I can't believe the same woman who sang "Be Mine", "O Baby", "Giving You Back", "Blow My Mind" and "With Every Heartbeat" is content recording boring songs about robots and nightclubs. Fingers crossed she delivers the goods on Part 2 because I'd hate to see Robyn end up as washed up and creatively barren as Annie. Here is my review:
Don't Fucking Tell Me What To Do - 1/10
Great title, shame about the song. Robyn basically lists all the things that are pissing her off to some generic beats courtesy of Klas Åhlund (from Teddybears). Robyn loves to mix it up by throwing in the occasional oddity ("Konichiwa Bitches" springs to mind) but they are usually done with a sense of humour that is sadly missing from this deathly boring piece of shit.
Fembot - 4/10
Another song about a fucking robot. How cutting edge! Not only has this theme been done to death recently (by Kostas Kountas, Parralox, Gabriella Cilmi and Robyn herself among many others) - it's also been done infinitely better (see Margaret Berger and Marina & The Diamonds). "Fembot" is a just smug exercise in bad metaphors and irritatingly "hip" production. It's not clever or catchy. Just tired and pointless.
Dancing On My Own - 11/10
Just when I was ready to sell my Robyn collection on Ebay and wash my hands of the stupid Swedish troll for good, she comes up with this. "Dancing On My Own" is easily her best single since "Be Mine" and an early frontrunner for the year's best single. Everything about the Patrick Berger ("Jack U Off" and "Anytime U Like") produced gem is utter perfection. The lyrics are gut wrenching, Robyn actually sings for a change and the gloomy beats rain down with laser-like precision. It's dark and depressing yet simultaneously beautiful and uplifting. I feel every second of this anthem and fully expect it to be massive. "Dancing On My Own" is a very welcome reminder of just how good Robyn can be when she doesn't try to be something she's not. It's just a shame that such a spectacular song is housed on such a lousy album.
Cry When You Get Older - 7/10
Robyn re-visits the 80s on this cute little pop tune. I love the bouncy synths and unusually sweet lyrics ("love hurts when you do it right, you can cry when you get older"). This is the album's most straightforward pop song and should appeal to those of us who have been hanging around since the 90s. I feel that I've been a bit stingy with my 7/10 rating but this song reminds me of the mid-tempo synth pop on Gabriella Cilmi's "Ten" and I'm genuinely shocked to admit that Gabi did it better. Which makes me want to grab the nearest razor. Anyway, this is a smart choice for a future single.
Dancehall Queen - 8/10
When this leaked a couple of weeks ago along with "Fembot" and "None Of Dem", many fans dismissed it as the worst of the bunch. I totally disagree. "Dancehall Queen" is a bit of a grower but it's genuinely creative and innovative. I love how Diplo has re-created the raw and organic sound of reggae/dancehall music using synths and electronic beats. The song shouldn't work at all but it's strangely hypnotic and ultimately very catchy. It also the perfect vehicle for Robyn's fuck you attitude. I love her swagger on this. With any luck by the time Part 3 drops, there will be enough good material for one decent album.
None Of Dem - 6/10
This is probably the biggest disappointment on "Body Talk Pt 1". I love Röyksopp but they clearly don't know how to bring the best out of Robyn - as they previously proved on "The Girl & The Robot". "None Of Dem" isn't bad. It's just adequate filler. The production is epic but the song doesn't cover any new ground. Robyn just sings/talks about how hot she is (stop laughing!), while someone forgot to write a chorus. I'm sure the cool crowd will be uploading this as their new ring tone as I type. The rest of us will be too busy pressing 'skip'.
Hang With Me - 6/10
One of the most disturbing things about "Body Talk Pt 1" is just how little Robyn has evolved as an artist since 2005. This admittedly cute acoustic number is virtually interchangeable with "Eclipse" or "Robotboy". It's nice to actually hear some instruments and the lyrics are suitably pretty but it's all been done before and done considerably better.
Jag Vet en Dejlig Rosa - 1/10
Sanna Nielsen called and wants her act back.
"Body Talk Pt 1" is released in the UK on the 14th of June. As yet there is no Australian release date but Modular already have it on their release schedule, so it will be hitting local stores around the same time. I'm off to listen to "My Truth" on repeat to wash away the taste of this aural turd.Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/search/label/Swedish%20pop Visit pop music records for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection
To all of my dear readers in healthy, loving relationships - happy Valentine's Day. Now, fuck off because this post is dedicated to all the single ladies out there! I was originally going to make an anti-Valentine's Day playlist and spent hours listening to lesbian singer-songwriters moan about broken hearts and their impending spinsterhood but it all got a bit depressing. I thought I'd lighten the mood by blasting some Eurotrash and stumbled across a song so accurate in its depiction of modern day romance that I just had to post it. Elin Lanto's "Love Made Me Stupid" speaks the truth. Like for realz. It perfectly captures love's ability to chew you up and spit you out, while still keeping things light and fluffy thanks to its Hi-NRG production and catchy, if devastating, chorus. The Swedish diva has been on my radar since 2008's poptastic "Speak N Spell" and I'm yet to be disappointed. I'd love to get my hands on her debut album ("One") but that fucker is harder to find than Heidi Montag's dignity. Anyway, check out these lyrics:
Love made me stupid Why does it do this? Before I met you everything was just fine And now I am falling apart It's killing my heart Again and again and again
I think Elin and I have been dating the same guys! The film clip is an equally classy affair. How do these Swedish nobodies manage to throw together videos that put most American and English divas to shame? I love the part where she wears a fish bowl on her head and fondles the statue. Now that's what I call art!
Linda Sundblad's stunning new anthem has been all over the web for the past couple of weeks with good reason. "To All My Girls" is the kind of edgy yet relentlessly catchy Swedish pop music that Robyn used to make before she turned into a "serious artiste" and started churning out shit like this. I've had a soft spot for Linda since the glory days of Lambretta (does anyone else remember the band's floptastic attempt to crack Australia in 2002 with "Bimbo"?) but I was underwhelmed by her debut solo album. It was a little too cool for its own good - something she has definitely rectified with her latest release. As much as I love "To All My Girls", I think I'm even more obsessed with the film clip than the song. Despite the diva's eerie and unsettling resemblance to Portia De Rossi, this is a cinematic masterpiece. The 90s choreography puts MC Hammer to shame, Linda manages to dance without wearing a top (or bra for that matter) and somehow rocks a pair of American flag boxing shorts and leopard skin print poo catchers. Respect! With Agnes and Medina currently flying the Scandipop flag in Australia, surely it's only a matter of time before someone snaps up this hot bitch?
Jonah is all over the blogs at the moment - and with good reason. The openly gay Swede is a much needed breath of fresh air. Unlike the other cookie cutter pop stars being churned out of Scandinavia, Jonah hasn't had a personality bypass. He's often loud, sometimes bitchy and always staggeringly honest. Oh and did I mention that he can sing? Jonah has big plans for the second half of 2009. There's a highly anticipated man-on-man duet on the way as well as new solo material and a tour. Unfortunately, the duet is still tightly under wraps, so I couldn't really get the dirt on that. To make matters worse, Rob and Peibols had already asked all there is to know about his career and new music in fabulous interviews on Don't Stop The Pop and Ambiente G respectively. So what's a self-respecting gay to do when he has an international sex symbol all to himself and nothing new and interesting to ask? Talk dirty, of course! This interview won't win me any journalism awards but it's definitely one of my favourites. Keep an eye out for Jonah. I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot more of him on these pages before the year is out.
Hi Jonah, welcome to Pop Trash! I'm told your latest single is a duet with another man. Can you tell us who your singing partner is? Are you guys singing to each other or is it a non-sexual man on man duet? It's still a secret who will join me on the duet. The song is an up-lifting dance anthem that makes you want to dance, party and get high on love. And of course it's about fear, which makes it a gay anthem as well since all gay men including my self, constantly walk around with some kind of emotional disorder making us fear everything that could be good in life. Hahaha!
When and where is your stunning anthem going to be released? Is there a nude video to accompany it? In the beginning of this autumn. There will not be an nude video for this one but beware - my other new release"Welcome To My World"we have got very dirty plans considering the visuals! As one of the few openly gay pop stars, do you feel it's harder to break through into the mainstream? Has it adversely affected your career? Sure, probably it has "behind the scenes", but not so much that I know of... But there have been contracts - and we're talking big ones here - that I refused to sign because it includes paragraphs that don't let me "be gay". I'm sorry but that totally doesn't work for me. If I'm gonna go out and bang a girl, I would rather it be because I'm desperate and out of sexy guys to fuck than because it's in my contract!
What do you think about gay pop stars like Will Young who sing about girls? Is it a necessary evil or a cop out? Well, everybody can do exactly what they want to.. but.. ahhh.. I dunno.. It just sounds weird to me. I mean I'm a great actor and an extraordinaire performer. Give me a role and I act it. Give me a scene and I'll play it. But when it comes to being myself, giving my audience a part of my heart I want it to be pure.
I'm going to get in trouble for saying this but Swedish pop music generally turns me off because the singers come across as soulless robots. What's your opinion of the Swedish pop scene? Who are you favourite artists? I totally agree on one point. So much sounds the same and the productions are so good that it becomes totally soulless and empty. We have great voices in Sweden and fabulous producers. But not so many great performers. I mean, where's our Robbie? Our Kylie?! I'm so happy for Agnes right now, starting to make it big. I think she'll grow with that. She has the voice and the looks and the right people around her. Now it's only time for her to get the rest. Hmm otherwise... Swedish artists that have gone international... I'm getting bored with Robyn at the moment but at the same time I think she's probably our most talented pop export. I love Adrian Lux right now. Have you seen hislatest video?
That clip is AMAZING! Now let's get controversial. Is Carola Häggkvist a homophobic cunt? Hahahha Why?! Because she finds homosexuals weird!? Well then I'm an even bigger homophobic cunt! No, to be honest. She's absolutely not homophobic but - let me put it this way - she's not so smart either. I could talk about Carola for hours so don't get me started!
Now this shit is GAY!
I loved your cover of "I Am What I Am" (above). It's closely associated with a number of big gay icons. Which tragic gay divas do you admire? Oh that oldie was my first single in Sweden. It was the official song of Stockholm Pride that year and I still love the song in a strange way. It's so ubergay. I mean not even BRUNO would have done it today! Anyhow, divas I admire: I cannot think of any right now, maybe... and even if I don't wanna let it out. Madonna is one of my big role models. Not always because of her music and definitely not when it comes to her shows anymore... but businesswise she's no 1. She's totally ruthless when it comes to getting fame and she has her mind on PR and Media like nobody else. From her first daring steps on the club scene in NYC until now...
Speaking of Bruno, have you seen the movie? If so, did you find it funny or offensive? I found it strangely romantic... OMG. That move really stirred up emotions, huh? I'm totally fed up with all those political arrogant stupid activists trying to ruin every moment of fun in our lives. I mean if they want to make a difference please focus on something else then a stupid movie. I love it and I'm proud of it!
Oh let's play "Would You Hit It?" I'll name a celebrity and you have to say if you'd fuck him/her/it!
- Erik Hassle Hmmm NO!
- RuPaul Maybe. I have a weird hetero perspective on trannies and I think they are hot in a strange kinda way. When I go out I love being surrounded by drag queens.
- Seth Rogen BORING!
- La Toya No way! (rude!)
- Jose Galisteo Yes, please. I already have plans for him!
This was fun!!! Give me more names!
I'll send you over some more names later! By the way, my Swedish friendTommiehas been high and dry for months. He's a bit unbalanced but he puts out for Vodka. Can I hook you guys up? Hmmm if he is Swedish his chances are minimal. I probably already done everyone worth doing in Sweden. Those 5 or six guys and a tranny, I mean! Hahaha.
I understand you've been single for years. What do you look for in guys? What turns you off? This is probably the trickiest question so far. Years? I think it's decades. I don't think I'm able too FEEL at all anymore. But hey... let's not give up hope totally! I've changed my "type" in the last two years after spending so much of my time in Miami and Paris. Before I wanted the "Ken doll" type, like Ricky Martin and well polished dudes. Now I'm really into tattoos and muscles these days.
If I look at the guys that left me heartbroken they're all dark haired, really goodlooking ones, fit but not with too much muscles (I'll send you some pics Mike to see what you think *lol*). If I looked at the ones I left heartbroken they all look different, tough hahaha. And I'm not gonna say like Lady GaGa, even if that what everyone is expecting me to say, big cocks! I look for charisma. He's got to be down to earth, have a sense of humour, looks and most important: passionate guys with goals in life always turn me on. If he's a party guy or a home boy doesn't matter.
What turns me off? I need independent guys but with a huge heart. Guys without any ambitions and bad taste in clothes - GET OUT OF MY WAY!
Can you recommend any good porn? You now what?! I never looked at porn until recently. Before January this year I wasn't interested at all but then I foundDamien Crosse. Jesus! Porn has never been so great. I wanna marry him. Until then I'll keep myself happy with watching his movies!
You've spent most of last year travelling. What's your favourite city, who has the best gay scene and where are the best hookers? NYC is my favorite city. And Paris. Bangkok has the funniest gay clubs. Miami is my second home so everything there is so familiar to me which makes it easy and to chill out there. There's not many things better than spending new year until end of February in Miami. I totally love it! Barcelona has the best gay scene tough... over all. Best shopping is probably Milan and New York. For relaxing and meditation I'd go to Sicily or some of the islands outside Thailand. I've never been to Australia. Hmm, maybe we could arrange that?!
Well my door is always open! So, what's next for Jonah? Are we ever going to get an album? Sure! Just be patient! First you'll get brand new singles. One will be the theme song for the album and the upcoming tour ("Welcome To My World") and the other one will be the duet. The plan is to follow this with an EP during mid autumn. Album release in the end of 2009... kinda!
Thanks for the chat, can't wait to hear your new stuff! Bye!
I don't often use the word beautiful to describe pop music. Adjectives like catchy, fun and cute usually seem more appropriate but there is something undeniably gorgeous about Sally Shapiro's latest offering. Dreamy synths collide with icy electro beats on this breathtaking collection of 80s inspired pop tunes. "My Guilty Pleasure" is already a clear front runner for my album of the year. It revives and breathes new life into the Italo-disco genre with an authenticity that is startling. Fans will revel in song after song of languid pop perfection. The production is particularly exquisite and perfectly showcases the wistful tone of Sally's voice. As much as I love the music, I'm equally impressed with Sally's approach to her career. She is the anti-pop star. Instead of turning up to the opening of an envelope and desperately jumping from trend to trend like most of her contemporaries, Sally has a real job and just makes music she is passionate about on the weekends. It's scary to think what she could do if she really put her mind to it! I was lucky enough to interview Sally recently and asked her about her low key approach to pop stardom, the Annie comparisons as well as her favourite Swedish takeaway food! Check it out.
1. Sally, in the past you have said that you're not interested in being a pop star. Is it the fame that turns you off or the superficiality (or something else entirely)? Mostly that I don't like standing on stage, and I think it's impossible being a pop star without ever standing on stage. Also I don't like travelling so much, and late work hours. Doing art for a living would probably also make me stressed since you have to create despite being inspired, and I think my inspiration would be lost then. Also, being a pop-star and doing it for a living would probably make it easy to mix up fame with self worth, and I wouldn't want that to happen. So, I prefer to have a normal job and a normal life and singing as a hobby.
2. How did you meet Johan Agebjörn? He's an amazing producer. Is it true he choose the name Sally Shapiro? We were working at the same office back in 2001. But it took until 2004 when we discovered our common taste in 80s disco and in 2006 we started making music together. He suggested the name Sally Shapiro for the project but we chose it together.
3. "Miracle" and "Love In July" beautifully revive the sound of 80s Italo-disco. Are you a big fan of that genre? Yes!
4. Your new album is called "My Guilty Pleasure". What are some of your personal guilty pleasures? In a lot of situations 80s disco is still a guilty pleasure for me, and many others, I think. A lot of people like it but don't want to admit it. I discovered Mylène Farmer because my roommate by accident had forgotten the CD in the CD player in the kitchen. She hadn't told anyone that she liked her.
5. What can we expect from the album? Does it sound similar to the gorgeous "Disco Romance"? It's similar in that it's a romantic pop disco album. But the production is a bit more varied.
6. What music did you listen to growing up? Mostly Swedish 80s pop/disco artists like Lili & Sussie, Lena Philipsson and a lot of Eurovision Song Contest songs. Later on, indie pop music.
7. Who are your favourite singers now? Suzanne Vega, Marit Bergman and still Mylène Farmer.
8. I believe you have never performed live. Why is that? I'm shy and I don't like standing on stage. I tried with a few DJ gigs but it felt awkward. I don't like the idea of touring so much either, I'm not into travelling and working late in the evening. I prefer to have a normal life with a normal job and the music as a hobby.
9. People often liken you to Annie, which I think is rude because you are so much better. What do you make of the comparison? I can understand the comparison since we both have a taste for disco and we both have quite light singing voices. But there are a lot of differences, Annie is a real artist, making a living on it and performing live. I am just recording songs in the weekends sometimes. Annie is a lot more famous than I and she deserves it.
10. Your remix CDs were brilliant and I believe you're a bit of a DJ yourself. What dance songs can you recommend to us at the moment? Sorry - one of the reasons I quit DJing is because I'm terribly bad at checking out new music...
11. You have a strong cult following around the world. Are you surprised to have fans as far away as Australia (like me)? I'm surprised by the relative success of this project, compared to what we thought it would become - we mainly thought some disco nerds would like it. However, it seems to be mostly spread on the Internet, which is a global thing, so why not Australia.
12. Would you prefer to eat a burger from, Max or Sibylla's? Probably a veggie burger from Sibylla. I like that small town feeling.
"My Guilty Pleasure" is released on the 25th of August and comes very, very highly recommended! Check out details about the release and score a free mp3 of the album's lead single "Miracle" on Sally's website. Check out her latest release, the sublime "Love In July", below. Surely this is the video of the year?
I was introduced to Tom Zacharias' infamous 1975 smut opus "Belinda" a couple of weeks ago and I'm still listening to it on repeat. Originally recorded in Swedish, the album was later translated into English with the sole intent of selling it in the classified sections of Hustler and Playboy - which is not particularly surprising given songs like "Nice Cocks", "Gay Club" and "The Hooker". Those gems are audio heroin for a pop trash addict but there's one track I can't seem to enjoy for the simple reason that it reminds me of Madonna. Seriously when I hear this tune the cover of "Hard Candy" immediately flashes before my eyes and images of Madonna's sinewy old biceps haunt my dreams. The lyrics are even more Madge-tastic given the recent leak of the musical turd doubling as her new single. Anyway, misery loves company, so I thought I'd share my pain by streaming:
An Ode To Madonna
Please note - you may need to press the button a couple of times before the song plays. Tom Zacharias' stunning pop/punk/porn album is now available to download from iTunes. It's highly recommended for sluts and perverts of all persuasions!Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/search/label/Swedish%20pop Visit pop music records for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection
Sometimes I get a bit carried away with the modern music scene and forget the whole reason I started this blog - to celebrate the glittering underbelly of pop. Two songs that screams POP TRASH in capital letters are Britt Ekland's stunning disco flop "Do It To Me (Once More With Feeling)" and its fabulous B-side "Private Party". From the hilarious cover to the cheap and tawdry lyrics, these sublime anthems represent everything I love about music. They're camp, utterly irreverent and come with a nude foldout poster! Britt's pop career might have only lasted for the one single but she sure did go out in a blaze of glory.
Until recently I had no idea that Britt ever dabbled in music. Like most people, I only knew her as a Bond girl and general media whore. I should have guessed that the Swedish bombshell would have been sucked into the disco craze like every other starlet with a shred of notoriety in the 1970s. And as far as novelty disco anthems go, "Do It To Me (Once More With Feeling)" is surprisingly accomplished. The production - courtesy of Joel Diamond - is vibrant and the chorus is seriously catchy. I love the spoken breakdown in French towards the end and the classy lyrics are an endless source of joy. Admittedly, Britt can barely speak English let alone carry a tune but her vocal incompetence just makes the proceedings even more fabulous. Listen to this hot mess here.
As much as I adore "Do It To Me (Once More With Feeling)", the B-side is even better. "Private Party" is basically a four and half minute party invitation with some of the cutest lyrics in disco history. I particularly love it when Britt purrs "it's a private party and not everyone can come, you gotta know the in-crowd if you want to join the fun!" The song also benefits from a great brass section and more prominent backing vocalists. It's a shame this wasn't the A-side but (given the cover) they were obviously hoping sex would sell and this gem is more camp than sleazy. Listen to "Private Party" below:
Private Party
Unfortunately for Britt, the single was a massive flop and she never recorded another one. It's probably for the best. The world obviously wasn't ready for a 37 year old nude pop star!
John from Pop Music Notes recently wrote a great post about the age old practice of overhauling music videos for different markets. This has been going on since the dawn of the MTV generation and shows no sign of letting up. John asked for memorable examples and I named Robyn's horrible UK remake of "Handle Me" as the prime example of how not to do it but I could have just as easily listed September's dreadful update of "Cry For You" (please remember that I'm talking about the video - not the song, which I adore). Almost a year has passed since that tragedy was unleashed on unsuspecting pop fans and September has finally found the time to re-work her "Can't Get Over" film clip to coincide with the song's impending UK release. Compare the Swedish original (here) with the new version above. Happily, this time the makeover is actually a significant improvement!
I know I'm in the minority on this. Most of September's fans have railed against the cheesy sci-fi theme and hilarious special effects but I love it and think it's a trash classic in the making. The new version has spaceships, a couple of robots and an array of tacky costumes that would make Melissa Tkautz green with envy. It's like an ultra cheap version of Kylie's "Can't Get You Out Of My Head"! The original, on the other hand, was a disjointed mess that went absolutely nowhere. I will concede that Petra looked significantly better in the Swedish version (there's some serious Benjamin Buttons shit going on in the UK re-make!) but all things considered, this bright and colourful visual journey is a much better fit to what is basically a very fluffy pop song.
Speaking of the music, I love the new remix. Does anyone else think they've added a cheeky sample over the intro? It's hardly original but it works and the remix manages to beef up the production, which previously bordered on the insipid. "Can't Get Over" has never been one of my favourite tracks from "Dancing Shoes" and I'm slightly concerned for its chart prospects. I have my fingers crossed that lightning strikes twice and September rides that fabulous spaceship to the top of the pops! "Can't Get Over" is released in the UK on the 9th of March and I'm told it will more than likely get an Australian release under the newly restructured Central Station Records. I'll keep you posted.
Note: Scandipop recently conducted an interesting and insightful interview with the Swedish diva. Check it out here.
The original Swedish cover - The new artwork is yet to be released
One of the most exciting developments on the Australian music scene since I've been away is the unexpected success of September's "Cry For You". For those of us who have been following her career for years, it's almost surreal to see Petra (her real name) in the upper reaches of the ARIA chart - particularly after Robyn's dismal local showing. I know it's unfair to compare them but I've always thought of September as the Swedish Kylie to Robyn's Madonna. She's less pretentious and more fun. She's also not taken quite as seriously as her more successful counterpart, which is a shame because September has produced more than her fair share of pop gems over the years - the majority of which are included on her forthcoming Australian debut album.
"September" is a veritable greatest hits package, combining the best tracks from her last two Swedish albums - "In Orbit" and "Dancing Shoes". Her older hits are well represented (the fabulous "Looking For Love" and sublime "Satellites") along with the highlights from her recent output ("Cry For You" and "Can't Get Over"). I'm also pleased to see September's cheerful death anthems make the cut ("R.I.P.", "Flowers On The Grave" and "Until I Die") and even more thrilled by the inclusion of "Midnight Heartache" (still love that sample!) and "Because I Love You" (my favourite track from "Dancing Shoes"). The only disappointment is the glaring omission of "It Doesn't Matter", which would have been a far better choice than the insipid "Sound Memory" or the downright shit "Freaking Out". However, it's only a minor complaint when you consider the bonus remix and five video clips. Here's the full tracklisting:
1. Cry For You 2. Can't Get Over 3. Satellite 4. Looking For Love 5. Cry For You (Original Clip)
The album will be released on the 15th of November, nicely timed to coincide with September's first Australian tour (she's performing at Sydney's Home nightclub on the 9th of November - more information here). In other September news, the follow up single to "Cry For You" will be a freshly remixed version of "Can't Get Over" - complete with new remixes from hot local djs.Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/search/label/Swedish%20pop Visit pop music records for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection
There aren't too many acts I would leave my hospital bed to go and see but I literally did just that for Isabel Guzman, discharging myself from Charing Cross A&E at 6pm to make it to the concert on time - complete with hospital wristband and ECG tags still attached! While perhaps not the wisest decision, there was no way I was going to miss the Swedish sensation's UK debut. From the moment I heard "Love Song" on Rob's brilliant Don't Stop The Pop way back in July 2007, I've been completely smitten. I hate to think how much time Rob and I have spent dissecting Isabel's brilliant demos and planning her future world domination. Needless to say, the opportunity to see the woman strut her stuff at Pop Justice Live was positively irresistible and she did not disappoint. Isabel was completely fucking AMAZING. Sadly, the same can't be said about the other acts on the bill.
Antigone - doing Australia proud
I don't want to waste too much time writing about the rest of the line up because, quite frankly, they were all shit. 15 year old Charli XCX displayed no discernible talent apart from the ability to roll around on a table with her legs in the air. The next performer to hit the stage was my much hyped compatriot Antigone, who rocked up looking like Ronald McDonald's banged up love child. The girl definitely knows how to work a crowd but her voice was shaky and none of her other tracks live up to the promise of "More Man Than Man", which she memorably sang to a blow-up doll lying on an ironing board. Kudos though for dragging Pop Justice Live further down into the gutter. I was actually looking forward to the third act. I saw a Red Blooded Women showcase a couple of months ago and was quite impressed with the girls but they weren't up to scratch last night. The highlight was Candy complaining of a mouth ulcer between songs. Enough said.
After listening to the dregs of the pop world ply their trade for two hours, Isabel's UK debut couldn't come quickly enough. Mercifully, it was worth the wait. From the moment Isabel took to the stage with her fantastic (and very hot!) three piece band, it was immediately clear that we were about to witness something special. The set opened with a stunning new track called "There Must Be Something", which perfectly showcased Isabel's impressive pipes and her knack for writing an insanely catchy chorus. The song has hit written all over it. Next up was Isabel's UK debut "Mysterious". I really like the studio version (check out my review) but the band breathed new life into the track. It sounded darker and heavier - with no trace of "My Sherona" to be heard! Speaking of re-worked tunes, "All In Your Head" has also been given a complete makeover. I wasn't a huge fan of the original version but the new edit packs one hell of a punch.
If I had to choose a highlight of the evening it would be Isabel's exquisite rendition of "Love Song" - without a doubt THE best unreleased pop anthem of recent years. I'm sure I've listened to the track at least once a day for the past 15 months, so finally hearing it performed live (with Rob, no less!) was utterly magical. If the electric response from the audience is any indication, "Love Song" has the potential to be absolutely massive. One of the most interesting aspects of the show was the extent to which previously leaked songs have been refined and improved. I loved "The First Time" when Isabel briefly posted it on her Myspace several months ago but the version she performed on Monday night was in a completely different league. Imagine a cross between 80s Madonna and Dannii circa "Neon Nights" and you get some indication of the track's brilliance. The final song was an edgy dance anthem called "In The Heat Of The Night", which expertly displayed Isabel's versatility and crazy dance moves. In fact, the Swedish diva was a revelation from beginning to end. Isabel is deceptively tiny but she has real presence and a killer set of pipes. It doesn't hurt that she's also gorgeous and an absolute sweetheart! Consider the UK well and truly rocked.
Isabel Guzman first came to my attention last year when Robpop championed "Love Song" on the inimitable Don't Stop The Pop. I'm usually pretty immune to Swedish pop music but one listen to that magnificent tune was all I needed to jump aboard Isabel's already crowded bandwagon! "Love Song" was one of the true gems of 2007 and it's follow-up, "Wrapped Up In Plastic", was an even more delectable pop treat. I've been eagerly awaiting new material from Ms Guzman ever since, so it's a bit of an understatement to say that I jumped at the chance to review her new EP. "Kill The Boy" is a cracking 5 track introduction to Isabel's hugely original take on pop music. Pop Justice is calling it the "EP of the year" but don't let that put you off. Unlike most of the music they hype, Isabel is actually quite good and "Kill The Boy" more than cements her place as the Swedish diva to watch in 2008. Here's my track by track review:
Mysterious - 8.5/10
It's clear from the very first song that Isabel's sound has evolved considerably over the past year. The exquisite mid-tempo electro-pop of her breakthrough material has given way to a sleek dance sound. "Mysterious" is an expertly judged club anthem with enough crossover pop appeal for mainstream radio. I love the way the first verse is built around "My Sharona" and Isabel's knack for quirky lyrics is still very much apparent. Rhyming "heroin" with "Mickey Finn" is a particularly classy touch! This is dance-pop of the highest calibre.
Kill The Boy - 10/10
The title track is favourite cut on the EP by quite a margin. I've been playing "Kill The Boy" on repeat for the past couple of weeks and I still can't get enough of it. The song mines the same melancholy vein of pop gold as "Love Song" and "Wrapped Up In Plastic", which I firmly believe is Isabel's niche. I can imagine Robyn or September singing something like "Mysterious" but I think the bittersweet subtlety of "Kill The Boy" is beyond either of them. The wonderfully literate lyrics are imbued with a remarkable softness by Isabel's sweet voice, while the mid-tempo electro beats are calibrated with military precision. The verse beginning "when the world is cold as ice" could be my favourite pop moment of 2008 thus far. Fingers crossed this gem appears on Isabel's forthcoming debut album.
And The Beat Goes - 5/10
I'm all for Isabel displaying her versatility but the forced craziness of "And The Beat Goes" sounds very derivative to my ears. The use of trumpet and trombone is a quirky touch but "And The Beat Goes" wouldn't sound out of place on Britney's latest album and I don't mean that as a compliment. In fact, many a diva has wandered down this well worn path before - a fairly tired call to the dancefloor. Counting over the beat in Spanish doesn't make it inventive either, just slightly more embarrassing that it already was. Entirely forgettable.
Love Song (Acoustic Version) - 7/10
The original version of "Love Song" is a modern pop classic but this acoustic version is a bit too lifeless for my liking. Isabel's voice is sublime but did she record this in the subway? The background noise is louder than the guitar! Pleasant but the original version would have been vastly preferable.
Mysterious (Attie-Tude Remix) - 8/10
A fabulous dance remix that would set any club on fire. I can only imagine what kind of magic a cutting edge DJ could work on quality material like this.
"Kill The Boy" is released in Sweden on the 14th of May. European readers can order it through CDON. Unfortunately they don't ship to Australia. Hopefully, it wont be long until Isabel is snapped up by a major label and gets an international distribution deal. If she keeps on churning out gems like this, it can only be a matter of time. For more details check out Isabel's Myspace and website.Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/search/label/Swedish%20pop Visit pop music records for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection
Praise 
