MAY 2009

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JANUARY 27, 2009

The Past, The Present And The Future

Again we are way behind and therefore it's about time to round up some things that have happened or are currently happening. There are so many things going on that I'm bound to forget something, but let's get going anyway..

Burning Hearts

Burning Hearts consists of Le Futur Pompiste's Jessika Rapo and Cats On Fire's Henry Ojala and therefore everyone is expecting great things and it certainly seems that everyone will also get these great things. Their debut album Aboa Sleeping is due out on February 10, but you can already order it from their label. This particular record label is no other than the legendary indie pop label Shelflife Records.

Burning Hearts Myspace
Shelflife Records Website

Cats On Fire

11th of march will be a beautiful day, becauce it is the release date of Cats On Fire's second album Our Temperance Movement. It will be released by Johanna Kustannus and you can already listen to two excellent songs from the album on their myspace and download one from their website

Cats On Fire Website
Cats On Fire at myspace

Samae Koskinen

Samae Koskinen's new album Elossa will hit the record stores and your heart on the 4th of february. The early reviews have been really praising and there's no doubt that it will a marvellous album once again. If you are impatient and can't wait til you can buy it, you can listen the whole album on his myspace at the moment.

Samae Koskinen Website
Samae Koskinen at myspace

Damn Seagulls

Hunting Season is also around the corner, but as a peaceful man I hope you will only hunt the local record store in order to find a copy of Damn Seagulls' third album. All the reviews haven't been that great so far, but I don't have many complaints. It's a third great album in a row.

Damn Seagulls Website
Damn Seagulls at myspace



The Rollstons

The Rollstons are back on the playground and ready to charm you with a new album Gauguin's Trunk due out on february 25th.

The Rollstons at myspace

Wojciech

February 25 seem to be a wonderful day, because also Wojciech's new album Monstrolento sees the light on this particular day. You can already listen to a couple of new Wojciech songs on their myspace.

Wojciech at myspace

So far this entry has been mostly abut The Present and The Future, but let's not forget The Past or Shangri-La's might get angry.

Viola

Viola's latest release Melancholydisco 2 was released in late december and contains four new songs and six remixes of their old songs. I'm a loser and don't understand the point of remixes, but even I needed to buy this because of the new Viola originals and it was a good decision making on my part because the new songs are good. And if you are more openminded than me, you have six more reasons to buy this.

Viola Website

Lockman

Lockman's Turn Out The Lights EP was released back in december 17th by Plastic Passion.

Lockman at myspace
Lockman Website





Nopat

What else. Well Nopat is getting their act together and will hit the stage at Flavour Of The Month club in april. There's a couple of demos on their myspace. Go and listen to yourself what these boys (who have previously played in groups such as Leaky Soles, Red Carpet etc) are up to nowadays.

Nopat at myspace

I think that sums up most of the things that has happened or is happening. If I forgot something obvious and important, I'll add it later.



DECEMBER 13, 2008

Onechord.net's album of the year is..


OCTOBER 14, 2008

First great news from Artisokka's camp. The band is about to release their second album Sea Bed on 1st of november. There are already few songs on their new myspace so why I are you still here. Excellent songs I think.

Artisokka at myspace
Artisokka Website

Egotrippi's new album Maailmanloppua odotellessa was released last week and it sounds pretty impressive. Perhaps it is finally time for me to buy my first Egotrippi album. I know the other album would have been worth it also, but for some reason I just haven't bought them. I admire this new album because it seems that they've just created a really warm and peaceful album without thinking too much about things like hit potential and trendiness. At least that's what it sounds like on myspace.


Egotrippi at myspace
Egotrippi Website


And last but not least. I already mentioned this at the forum and at the blog, but I say it again. The Soft Rabbit has a new wonderful demo song on his myspace.

The Soft Rabbit at myspace



OCTOBER 1, 2008

Eadweard Muybridge has written new songs and has released a record called Jauha, mylly! that you can download for free. This isn't actually news, because apparently it's been on his myspace since the summer, but I just noticed it there myself. So my apologies for not mentioning this wonderful gem back in the summer, but it's better later than never and all that.. because this is really fabulous music. This is a great folk record and deserves to be released "officially". I would definitely buy it and the label who will release this will definitely get one of those imaginary onechord.net culture awards.

Eadweard Muybridge at myspace


New Jolly Jumpers album Fantom Zone will be released today 1st of october, 2008. It's probably one of the albums of the year. I didn't take the opportunity to listen the album on their myspace so I don't know for sure. A new Jolly Jumpers release is always an event and therefore I wanted to wait until I have the record in my hands.

Jolly Jumpers at myspace
Jolly Jumpers Website





That's it for now. Don't forget those Tapes and Kiki Pau albums that were released last week.


SEPTEMBER 19, 2008

I know it might come as a shock, but these bits of news are actually news and not something that happened three months ago. Let's kick off things with Dirty Fingernails. It's a brother / sister duo who are originally from Kajaani, but nowadays live in London. Their first single Bruno is now out on new label Northern Swing. You can download this single for free on the label's website and from their myspace you'll find also a music video and a documentary.

Dirty Fingernails at myspace
Nothern Swing Website

Another important bit of news is that Mr Janne Laurila is working on a solo album due to be released sometime next year on Ranka Recordings. You can already hear two demos on his new myspace page. Janne Laurila is also playing live at Bar Kuka, Turku on this saturday.

Janne Laurila at myspace

And last but not least. The Everglades have a new great single You Can Be My Radio / Stranger out and available. You can download both tracks from their website or visit their myspace.

The Everglades website
The Everglades at myspace

Oh and don't forget those upcoming albums from Tapes and Kiki Pau. Both should be out on 24th of September if I'm not mistaken. New Jolly Jumpers is also on the horizon. Out on 1th of october, but you can hear the whole album on their myspace starting sometime next week.



SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

Flavour Of The Month 10 Years

Wonderful Flavour Of The Month Club turns 10 this friday at Pikku-Torre, Turku. Headline of the evening is the excellent swedish pop band Mellowmen (who also play at Belly, Helsinki on thursday) and earlier visits to the stage will be made by the finest finnish troubadours Samae Koskinen and The Soft Rabbit. It will be a truly great event that you just shouldn't miss. Anyone of those would be easily worth the ridicilously small 4 € entry fee by themselves and now you get all three. Showtime at 10 pm, so be there on time. Otherwise you might miss the rabbit and that would be a huge loss.

Mellowmen at myspace
The Soft Rabbit at myspace
Samae Koskinen at myspace


News from the past vol 2

Howdy. Yours truly has again been neglecting this website. Therefore it's again to gather some old news. Some actually new news might be in there as well. I apologize if forget something worth mentioning. It's hard to remember what happened two months ago.

Let's start with friday's FOTM guest Mr. Samae Koskinen. His new single Hevonen is available as a digital download and you can find the places to get it from his website. I'm an old materialistic horse and I haven't learn these new tricks and therefore I have not yet heard the single. I think it's still safe to say that it's a wonderful song. And I can tell you that the concert by Samae Koskinen & taikabändi at indie-iltamat was absolutely fantastic.

Moving on but not very far. Aloha brothers and sisters, it's time to get those tapes rolling and say warm welcome to Mr. Jukka Salminen who is back with his second Tapes album entitled Aloha. You'll have to wait this one until september 24, but meanwhile you can listen to some of the new tracks at his myspace.

It seems that we still can't get away from Tampere, because while we are here we really should listen to the beautiful country sounds by Hi-Lo & In Between. Their debut album White Whale was released by Rocket Records on 20th of august and I'm definitely going to buy that one based on these two myspace songs. I'm liking this a lot and hey if a band picks their name from an Townes Van Zandt album, they've certainly earned my love and my money.

Yeah, I love this country thing, but I would like to train my rock poses. Oh well, let's rock then. Highly-rated Kiki Pau comes from Helsinki and their debut album titled Let's Rock will hit the stores on 24th of september. This one will be released by Pyramid / Johanna Kustannus and you can listen to the first single Poses on their myspace. Sounds bloody good to me and I think you will agree with me if you are into any kind of indie rock.

Now we are going to do like the others do and pick the last train to clarksv.. no wait.. Turku and we are also going to keep this rock thing going on. Agent Kooper's new EP which is suprisingly titled Like The Others Do was released in july by Fast Freddie Productions. The title track is available for you to listen to on their myspace.

Is that all. I think it was. Except that we here at onechord still love Petri Nakari and therefore we end this news entry by saying that you really should check out The Wonderminers myspace. These are great songs. You might have heard them before, but because the name and myspace address changed I thought I should mention it again.


JUNE 23, 2008

News from the past

Time to round up what has happened during the last few months, because I've been a lazy boy and haven't updated in ages. Let's start with thee monsters. The biggest thing for me has been the second album Summer Challenge by the ever lovely Goodnight Monsters. It's certainly my favourite finnish album of the year so far and might even be the favourite all countries considered. It's such an enjoy to listen to it. A very versatile pop record as well. Names like Beach Boys, BMX Bandits and Daryll-Ann comes to mind on few occasions, but mostly I just keep thinking about Goodnight Monsters and how great they've become. Summer Challenge will easily receive full five hearts, if I ever manage to review it.

Another big album release has been King Of All The Animals. This is actually Pepe Trouble from the Tigerbombs with loads of wonderful guests like TV Smith, Samae Koskinen, Janne Laurila, Astrid Swan, Nick Triani, Tapes.. The album Paper Beats Rock was released back in may and there's also a cool music video available on their myspace.

Those two have been the most important releases (at least out of the things I know or like), but other great things have also happened. The multicultural pop group The Sininen have recorded some great demos that you can hear on their myspace. A member of the band Giacomo also has another project called Jaakko ja hänen mahtava ukulelensa and has some songs on myspace. I'll advice you to listen to a little tune called Riga. I love it to bits.

"Yeah. That's all great, but I also wanna dance a little, don't you have any disco hits". Well I do. In between playing streetgolf and answering to booty calls, Vaasa's premier popsters and bloody greatest band on these latitudes The Sugarrush have found the time to write summery disco hit for your pleasure. Check out Fame Alkalyne Remix on their myspace. If that just sounded too scary, check out their excellent The Posies cover Chainsmokin in The USA. It's from a huge The Posies Tribute compilation that is also now out and available. Maybe not in finnish shops, but it should be fairly easy to order it from abroad. While we are talking about The Sugarrush, it's also a must to praise The Soft Rabbit. The rabbit is Coma from The Sugarrush and he played his first The Soft Rabbit concert at pikku-torre in the spring. Needless to say that it was oh so brilliant and all six songs were as perfect than those three that you can find from his myspace.

Okay, let's stay at Vaasa for a little longer. The Casbah is a new band that I like a lot. I Want You To Understand and Walking Away are marvellous pop songs. If you like those new bands like The Bishops and Locksley, you might fancy this as well. Now let's leave Vaasa behind for now and move on to Turku. Delicious Orange has released a new EP and is certainly getting better all the time. Bloom is a damn great pop song, if you ask me. Because you don't ask, you should just listen to it on their myspace. There's japanese lyrics as well, so let's hope that this J-Rock hype will turn into J-Powerpop hype one day..

"Hey, where did you put that red carpet. I can't seem to be able to find it". Sorry I can't help you there. I think it has vanished, it's gone, only memories in 3-part harmonies will live on in our hearts. But don't worrye..ryerye. Just click this myspace link and your world becomes brighter, because you will find some great demos from ex-Red Carpet Petri Nakari. And while you are at it, also check out the great new songs from another ex-Red Carpet, mr. Tolbiac.

"Any other troubadours that I should be aware of". Oh, there's obviously Tapes aka Jukka Salminen, but you probably know him already. Anyway, whether you know him or not, you should listen to a couple of his new songs on his myspace. These will feature on his second album due out hopefully before the end of the year.

I think that somehow sums it all up. It's again 3.30 am, so It's more than likely that I forgot something really obvious. In case I did forget, I'll add it later. On final bit of news, one of my favourite bands in Finland and in the world for that matter Cats On Fire signed a record deal with Johanna Kustannus and their second album is due out in the first quarter of 2009. The band also recently played at NYC popfest and you can find some good videos from their concert at youtube. Like this take on Mesmer and Reason for example.



MARCH 26, 2008

Hundred Million Martians

New Hundred Million Martians album Marseille was released today by Plastic Passion. Record release party will be held at Klubi, Turku on 28th of march. Check out full songs from the album on their myspace. Eventhough I haven't heard the full album yet, I'm sure that this one will be a great album.

Hundred Million Martians Website
Hundred Million Martians at myspace






FEBRUARY 29, 2008


Astrid Swan

Astrid Swan's excellent new album Spartan Picnic was released on february 27th by Johanna Kustannus. Samples are available on her website and on her myspace. You can also watch the new music video at youtube.

Astrid Swan Website
Astrid Swan at myspace
As Long As It's Not you -Music video at youtube



FEBRUARY 25, 2008

Daisy

Daisy's new album It's About Time was released on 20th of february by Elements Music. If I had a label and a pop group approached me with an idea of making an album around theme "A Rock Odyssey Through Time And Space" I would say.. go ahead, but I hell won't waste my time and money releasing it. However, if I had own a label and that band had been Daisy, I would have been an ignorant fool. Because these boys have talent and against all odds they make it work perfectly. It's About Time is a truly marvellous pop album. I'm in love.


Daisy Website
Daisy at myspace


Marcus Granfors

Marcus Granfors' (also known as Frankie Magnum) debut album called Heartbeat was released by Nature Sucks Anyway Records on 20th of february. Based on couple of listenings it appears to be a great debut. These Vaasa boys never fail to impress. You can listen to couple of beautiful songs from the album on his myspace.



Marcus Granfors at myspace
Nature Sucks Anyway Website



FEBRUARY 9, 2008

Boomhauer

Boomhauer's new album River Run Deep was released on 6th of february. It's obviously a great album and you can check out samples from the album on their myspace.

Boomhauer concerts:

15.2. Dynamo, Turku, record release party w/ Black Magic Six
14.3. Telakka, Tampere


Boomhauer Website
Boomhauer at myspace

Jarkko Ojakangas

Don't know much about him, but I've liked his myspace songs in the past and today noticed that he has a record out (thanks to desibeli.net for that one, there was a review on their site). The album is called The Big Sleep and it was released in late 2007 by Ylivieska-based label Fade Out Records. I obviously haven't heard it, but based on the two myspace songs, I probably should. Perhaps so should you if you are into things like americana, country and folk.



Jarkko Ojakangas at myspace
Fade Out Records Website



FEBRUARY 2, 2008

Johnny Superhero

Johnny Superhero's new EP Choices has been released by new label called Around Your Neck. It's a bit more quiet and bit more pop than before and that obviously works well for me. Make your own opinion by listening the new songs on their myspace. Oh.. and I still believe Antti has a fantastic voice.

Johnny Superhero at myspace
Johnny Superhero Website




JANUARY 24, 2008

Astrid Swan

Astrid Swan's excellent new album Spartan Picnic will be released in february by Johanna Kustannus. Samples already available on her website and on her myspace. You can also watch the new music video at youtube.

Astrid Swan Website
Astrid Swan at myspace
As Long As It's Not you -Music video at youtube




Daisy

Daisy's new album It's About Time will come out on 20th of february. You can already listen to several excellent songs from the album on their website. I didn't completely fall in love with the debut, but last year's concerts showed that the follow-up might turn out to be something truly wonderful. Based on these myspace songs the album will indeed be something truly wonderful.

Daisy at myspace
Daisy Website




DECEMBER 11, 2007

The Props

The Props released their debut album You Name It on 5th of december. I got it today and it does seem to be a really good album if you are into loud pop music. And I am. There's plenty of songs from the album waiting for you on their myspace.

The Props at myspace





DECEMBER 10, 2007

Captain Cougar

Captain Cougar's debut album Chapters was released on 5th of december by new label Pinetree Records. You can listen to full songs either on their myspace or on their new website. It really is great material. The songs are really beautiful and those female vocals are simply stunning.

Captain Cougar Website
Captain Cougar at myspace




Hundred Million Martians

Hundred Million Martians is about to release their new album Marseille in january 2008. You can already listen to the marvellous first single Passed and even download the b-sides from their myspace. One of the b-sides is a great Stiv Bators cover, but the biggest reason to get excited is the fact that a-side Passed is a marvellous rock song with a killer singalong chorus.

Hundred Million Martians Website
Hundred Million Martians at myspace


Boomhauer

Boomhauer's upcoming album is entitled River Run Deep and will be out in february 2008. There's already two full songs streaming on their myspace.

Boomhauer Website
Boomhauer Myspace





Burning Hearts

I don't know anything about them, but I do know that they have some fantastic pop songs at myspace. Based on "band photos", it seems we know these fine people from Le Futur Pompiste and Cats On Fire. Me loves and I think you might love as well. So go and listen to their wonderful songs..

Burning Hearts at myspace


Nikujaga

Nikujaga is actually a japanese band with no japanese members, but the reason to mention them at onechord.net is that one of the members is actually finnish. So if you are interested to know what Lauri Leskinen (Bookends) was upto during his stay in Japan, check out Nikujaga's myspace. It's good stuff definitely. Think of things like The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand and you might get somewhere close.

Nikujaga at myspace

Joe Algeri

Joe Algeri is australian, but because he is huge in Finland, this information needs to be here as well. As you know, there's no christmas without a new christmas song by Joe Algeri. This year's tune is called Sweet Baby Jesus and you can find it from his website or his myspace. And while you are at it, you might want to download also the old christmas songs (especially I Saw Santa With a Gun) and make yourself a perfect christmas collection CD. You can also find Mr. Algeri's a drunken tribute to Finland called White Snow Of Finland from the same places. This is not a christmas song, but another great track guaranteed to make you smile.

Joe Algeri Website
Joe Algeri at myspace



NOVEMBER 21, 2007

Samettivallankumous

Täällä mies, kuuleeko nainen?, the debut album by Samettivallankumous was released about three weeks ago. So it's certainly about time to mention it. Especially because it happens to be a very good album. You already know the boys from Maryland and Ville Härkönen & Velvet. This time they've changed the language to finnish and have sunk even deeper to country and iskelmä traditions. Very beautiful stuff. Check them out yourself on their myspace page.

Samettivallankumous at myspace
Samettivallankumous Website

 

Koria Kitten Riot

Koria Kitten Riot is the solo project of Johnny Superhero's Antti. An EP will be released early in 2008 by Heippa Records. There are two songs already at myspace and I really like them. It might turn out to be a really great EP.

Koria Kitten Riot at myspace
Heippa Records Website



OCTOBER 28, 2007

Bridget

New Bridget songs at myspace. I hope they'll find someone to release the album, because they are one of the greatest bands in my world and I still love them as much as I did years ago. The line-up has changed during the years, but the quality of the music hasn't changed. (okay, that might sound cruel, if you take it like that they haven't changed or improved during the years. They have. It's just that the early material like Souffle, Needless, Come On In, Jamie might not be entirely flawless, but in my heart those will always be perfect songs and will always remain one of the key reasons I ended up in this mess..started making onechord.net I mean... It's probably not humanly possible to love songs more than I love those songs. Therefore the quality hasn't changed for me eventhough -for example- jk is nowadays even a better a vocalist as he was back then).

But let's stop this silly praising for the time being. New Bridget songs (and some old ones) now on their myspace. I've already listened them probably more than 10 times. Now it is your turn.

Bridget at myspace



OCTOBER 16, 2007

The Rollstons

The Rollstons is releasing eight new tracks for a voluntary payment. You can choose the price yourself. The songs are from the Song Folks sessions and you'll find the zip-file and payment information from their official website.

The Rollstons Website






Red Carpet

Red Carpet decided to call it a day and broke up. However, they will make one last concert and will release one last single in november. Red Carpet's funeral will take place at Dubrovnik, Helsinki on 28th of november. The supporting act will be my huge favourite Bridget who are finally returning with a new line-up. It should be a night to remember. The end of a wonderful pop group and the new beginning of another wonderful pop group.




Red Carpet at myspace
Bridget at myspace



SEPTEMBER 26, 2007

Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald's album is finally available. Here at onechord.net we totally love the album and it's just so wonderful that it's finally out and available. It's a perfect pop album as far as I'm concerned. A little bit of TFC, Josh Rouse and Mark Kozelek, but mostly importantly a lot of Michael McDonald. Probably the only reason why this might not be onechord.net's album of the year 2007 is that I already rated the cdr version of it as my album of the year 2006. You can buy it directly from Michael's myspace if you don't want to make a trip to the record store. Finally was released by Rhythm Barrel Records and Plastic Passion.


Michael McDonald at myspace

SEPTEMBER 3, 2007

Matador José's debut single has been released by Florida-based indie pop label Cloudberry Records. Format is 3 inch CD-r. You can order it from the label. If you like dreamy pop in the vein of Trembling Blue Stars, you will surely love Matador José. Listen to samples on his myspace

Matador José at myspace
Cloudberry Records at myspace
Cloudberry Records Website




SEPTEMBER 1, 2007

New band section

It's ready and up-to-date. I don't even believe it myself. There are new bands, but I've also removed some old ones. Mostly because I didn't think they were active at the moment. If I'm mistaken I'll put them back later. I suppose it's also possible that I've simply forgotten to add some group. Some big groups like The Crash and Liekki are also currently missing, but might well reappear in the not-so-distant future. I only have a limited amount of time to do this and at this moment in time I just felt that it's wiser to focus on less succesful bands. After all, I don't think onechord can give anything to already widely known groups, but it might help some fairly unknown pop group (well perhaps only in my dreams, but you understand the point). I know the band section could be much better, but right know it will have to do. I just don't have the strength and I don't have the skills to make it any better.

John McGregor

John McGregor is back with a new album called Maa ei oo pimee and it's again a brilliant album. Joki was my album of the year and this new one is also a strong contender for the album of the year. You can read full press release at the new onechord forum.

 

 

 

John McGregor on tour:

la 01.09. Huvila-teltta, Juhlaviikot, Helsinki - Ayon lämppärinä
ke 12.09. Telakka, Tampere
to 13.09. Bar Kino, Pori
ke 26.09. O'Maggies, A-P Klubi, Hämeenlinna
ke 03.10. Liberte, Helsinki


John McGregor at myspace
Maa ei oo pimee press release at the forum



Soft Rabbit

Soft Rabbit is the solo project of Coma (The Sugarrush). No releases available, but there are three wonderful songs available at his myspace. Truly amazing stuff. Check it out now.

Soft Rabbit at myspace





Latebird Markus Nordenstreng

Markus Nordenstreng's new solo album Songs From Red Hill is also now out and available. I've always liked his solo efforts more than The Latebirds albums and therefore expectations are quite high.

Latebird Markus Nordenstreng at myspace

 

Indiaanikesä

Flavour of The Month and Hyvän musiikin klubi gives you a small indie festival. It will be held at Pikku-torre Turku on 7.9-8.9. The headline is australian College Fall whose excellent album Eleven Letters was just released in Finland by Rhythm Barrel Records. Full schedule below. Full press release at the forum.


pe 7.9. klo 21-03
COLLEGE FALL (AUS)
SWEETIES
SIPSI KINGS
HELL CAT
PUSH BUTTON MUSIC
+ FotM & Hyvän musiikin DJ:t
4€

la 8.9. klo 14-16
COLLEGE FALL acoustic
TAPES
vapaa pääsy

la 8.9. n. klo 23-03
Flavour Of The Month & Hyvän musiikin DJ:t
vapaa pääsy

College Fall Website
College Fall at myspace
Sipsi Kings at myspace
Tapes at myspace
Sweeties at myspace
Hell Cat at myspace
Push Button Music at myspace

JUNE 12, 2007

Les Yper Sound 2 year anniversary party


Les Yper Sound club celebrates its 2 year anniversary next friday at Dynamo, Turku. The line-up is brilliant. Cats On Fire from Finland and Days and Johan Hedberg from Sweden. It should be an excellent evening and I'm heartbroken because The Lemonheads hits Finland on the same day and therefore I will miss this party. But if you don't go to Tavastia, go to Dynamo. You all know how perfect Cats on Fire is and that swedish group Days sound bloody amazing. The music should start around 21.30, so be there on time.

Les Yper Sound at myspace






JUNE 5, 2007

One Big Holiday

Summer club One Big Holiday starts tomorrow at Klubi, Turku. Red Carpet and Beacon St. Radiants are on stage (and eventhough it doesn't add more value to the event, yours truly should be playing some records there late in the evening (read: after the Finland-Belgium football game). Anyway, It should be a great event with two wonderful groups sharing the stage. See ya there.

One Big Holiday at klubi Turku:

6.6.2007 Red Carpet & Beacon St. Radiants
4.7.2007 Daisy & Sweeties
1.8.2007 Jadecroon & Starflower

One Big Holiday at myspace


Tink

Tink is back. That is marvellous news. He made three self-released EPs some years ago and I adored all of them. It was quiet for a while, but now Tink will return with a new 5-song EP Northern Hemisphere that will be released 15th of june. There's already two songs from the EP available on his myspace and the songs are just wonderful.

Tink at myspace

The Sininen

The Sininen is italofrenchfinnish pop band from Helsinki. If you need explanation, Giacomo Botta is italian and Philippe Santraine is french, but they both live in Helsinki Finland. They have a couple of songs and a music video available at myspace. I really loved the video. Such a pretty pop song and great vocals by Philippe and Liisa Henriksson. But doesn't Philippe's voice occasionally remind you a lot of Matti Eräsaari. Anyway, this is really adorable music. Check out yourself.

The Sininen at myspace
The Sininen Website


The Sweeties

New The Sweeties EP was released in late may by Aisti Records. It contains two excellent tunes Mayday! and Magazine Lassie. There are also three remix versions. Tigerbombs and Regina have both remixed Mayday! and Magazine Lassie has been remixed by Boys of Scandinavia. Check out samples at myspace.


The Sweeties at myspace



MAY 23, 2007

The Rollstons

The new album by The Rollstons will be released by new label Brunamosse IF today on 23rd of may. The album is called Song Folks and it's again a great album. If you don't take my word for it you can hear the new tunes either on their website or on their myspace. Plus there's also a cool music video at youtube. The release partee will be held at Telakka, Tampere on 25th of may.





The Rollstons Website
The Rollstons at myspace
Very Funny Guy music video at youtube
Brunamosse IF Website

Confirmed The Rollstons concerts:

25 May 2007 Telakka (levynjulkaisukeikka), Tampere
1 Jun 2007 Bar 15, Seinäjoki
9 Jun 2007 Belly, Helsinki
10 Aug 2007 Artturi, Tampere

The Scaramangas

New The Scaramangas album Don't Follow The Weak is also out and available. They are also getting better all the time and desibeli.net for example gave five stars for the album. You can listen to full songs on their myspace.


The Scaramangas Website
The Scaramangas at myspace





MAY 9, 2007

Aksu

Aksu's second album OIOIOI was released today by Poko Records. You can hear full songs from the album on his website.

So far confirmed concerts

18.5. Tampere, Yo-talo
25.5. Turku, Päiväkoti
30.6. Hämeenlinna, Ämyrock
11.8. Tampere, Monsters Of Pop


Aksu Website


Monsters of Pop festival returns

Monsters of Pop will be held at Tampere on the weekend of august 9-11. So far confirmed acts are:

Martin Rev (US)
Pluxus (SWE)
Paavoharju
Sister Flo
The Micragirls
Kukka
Don't Be A Stranger (SWE)
Anssi 8000 & Hot Coke
Islaja
Cats On Fire
The Rollstons
Genzale
Tolbiac
Obi Blanche
Sweeties
Aksu

More information on the festival website.

Monsters of Pop website


APRIL 28, 2007

Ben's Diapers turn 10!

"She was totally into Slayer
And it made me see her differently
I kinda wanted to start to date her
But she'd hate this pop eternally"
Ben's Diapers: Warriorette 1998

That great tune about heavy metal girlfriend was my first encounter with Ben's Diapers. Those were good times and the first popatak signings Ben's Diapers, The Sugarrush, Cartoon Tree were extremely important for this young pop kid at the time. And against all odds now in 2007 they are all still alive and remain very dear to me. Next friday 4th of may Ben's Diapers will celebrate their 10th birthday at Pikku-Torre. It's Flavour of The Month club and they are sharing the stage with Johnny Superhero. It will be fun. Later in may, Ben's Diapers will again fly to Liverpool and play shows at the International Pop Overthrow festival.

Flavour Of The Month esittää
BEN’S DIAPERS 10-vuotisjuhlakeikka
JOHNNY SUPERHERO
+ Flavour Of The Month DJ:t
Pikku-Torre, Yliopistonkatu 30, Turku
pe 4.5. 2007
liput 3€

Ben's Diapers Website
Ben's Diapers at myspace



APRIL 18, 2007

Snow Coloured Kid

Snow Coloured Kid's debut EP is out now on french indie label Anorak Records. It should be a really lovely record. If you don't take my word for it, listen to some Snow Coloured Kid songs on his myspace.

Snow Coloured Kid at myspace
Anorak Records at myspace
Anorak Record Website



Valley Below

Valley Below's debut album Running Rites is also out and available. You can download three full songs from their website.

Valley Below Website






Scarlet's Well plays in Turku

Scarlet's Well (UK) will play at Kerttu, Turku on saturday 5th of may. Scarlet's Well is the new project of Monochrome Set's Bid and this is definitely something to look forward to. Thanks to Cityside and Countryside & Les Yper Sound for making this possible.

Scarlet's Well at myspace
Scarlet's Well Website



APRIL 12, 2007

Sister Flo

New Sister Flo album entitled The Healer was released yesterday by Fullsteam Records. Check out the video Hyvinkää at youtube or their myspace for song samples.

Sister Flo Website
Sister Flo at myspace
Hyvinkää at youtube



The Conquistadors

The Conquistadors album Mil Mascaras was also released yesterday by Elements music and Kinkt Records. You'll find four songs and a music video from their website

The Conquistadors at myspace
The Conquistadors Website



Tigerbombs

I've completely forgotten to mention that new Tigerbombs album Things That Go Boom has been out for a while now. So check out their myspace/website for samples and go to record store after that.

Tigerbombs Website
Tigerbombs at myspace



APRIL 4, 2007

Sweatmaster

Sweatmaster's new album Animal will be released today april 4 2007 by Fullsteam Records. Listen two full songs from it at myspace. It should be an excellent record. I will surely go and buy a copy tomorrow.

Sweatmaster Website
Sweatmaster at myspace



Viola

Then something completely different, but equally great. Viola's new album Wonderabilia will be released today april 4th 2007 by Jupiter. There's one full song available for download on their website.

Viola Website




Minidriver

Minidriver's debut gig is at Flavour of the Month club this thursday. The band is new and their main songwriter is Panu Jaakkola (formerly Ben's Diapers, Mouth Odour, Violafan etc). You can listen to some of their demo songs at myspace. Minidriver will share the stage with Leaky Soles & Tolbiac at Pikku-torre on 5th of april.

Minidriver Website
Minidriver at myspace



MARCH 29, 2007

Sister Flo

Sister Flo's new 7" single Hyvinkää was released on 28th of march by Fullsteam Records. You can watch the music video Hyvinkää at youtube.

Sister Flo Website
Sister Flo at myspace
Hyvinkää at youtube





The Plane Is On Fire (GER)

German band The Plane Is On Fire is on tour in Finland next week and plays four shows with great finnish bands. Check out their myspace for sound samples. The concert dates are:

5.4. tampere @ telakka (+ the sweeties)
6.4. porvoo @ bar mary (free entry!)
7.4. turku @ dynamoklubi (+ goodnight mosters, free entry until 11 p.m.!)
8.4. helsinki @ kuudes linja (+ red carpet, DJs: shoplifter & artfunkel)

The Plane is On Fire Website
The Plane is On Fire at myspace


MARCH 21, 2007

Sweatmaster

If you are sick of pop music, new Sweatmaster single is out and available. Animal 7" was released by Fullsteam records today. You can also pre-order the album from Fullsteam. It will hit the stores on 4th of april. A-side of the single is now on their myspace too. Check it out.


Pre-order the album on Fullsteam Website


Sister Flo

Sister Flo's new single entitled Hyvinkää will be released on 28th of march and the album The Healer will follow on 11th of april. You can now preorder both releases from their record label Fullsteam Records.

Sister Flo Website
Sister Flo at myspace
Pre-order the releases on Fullsteam Website





MARCH 20, 2007

Regina

New Regina album Oi miten suuria voimia will be released on 21st of march by Next Big Thing. Couple songs available at myspace.

Regina Website
Regina at myspace



Regina on Tour

21 Mar Kuudes linja Helsinki
30 Mar Club Thessalonik, Päiväkoti Turku
31 Mar Hang the indie, Yo-talo Tampere
19 Apr Polte-klubi, Vanha Helsinki
28 Apr Korjaamo Helsinki
5 May B-eat-z, 45 Special Oulu
19 May Ladyfest Turku


Montevideo

I've forgotten to mention their excellent music video. You'll find it here:

Montevideo: Come Clean


MARCH 16, 2007

Lodger

Lodger's second full-length How Vulgar was released on 14th of march. You can listen to full songs either on their myspace or EMI's website.

Lodger Website
Lodger at myspace
Lodger at EMI




Aksu

Aksu signed a record deal with Poko Records and his new single "Ei sen niin oo väliä" will be released in april. Aksu's new bass player is Mikko Pykäri (also known from Regina whose second album is out next week, more about that then). You can read all the latest information from Aksu's website. There you can also listen to three brand new Aksu songs.

Aksu Website



MARCH 11, 2007

Wojciech

New Wojciech album Sointula will be released on 14th of march by M.Dulor. You can listen to four songs from the album on their myspace and/or download one tune from the label website. Sounds great again.

Wojciech Website
Wojciech at myspace
M-Dulor Website


Confirmed concerts (these are with Matti Johannes Koivu):

14.03.2007 Tampere - Klubi
15.03.2007 Turku - Klubi
21.03.2007 Jyväskylä - Lutakko

Juni Järvi

Despite the finnish name, Juni Järvi is swedish band/artist. However, their debut album Wherever Thou Art was released also in Finland on march 8th and Juni Järvi will celebrate the release by playing three concerts here. Therefore it's worth a news entry. Especially because this seems to be really good pop music.




Juni Järvi in Finland:

Mar 15 2007 Kuudes Linja Helsinki
Mar 16 2007 Artturi Tampere
Mar 17 2007 Dynamo Turku

Juni Järvi Website
Juni Järvi at myspace

Valley Below

Valley Below will definitely feature in the new band section if I'll ever get it done. Their debut album will be released on 11th of april. There's already some songs available on their website and it does sound really good. Btw, In Gratitude might work well for dear 23-era Posies fans.

Valley Below Website

MARCH 1, 2007

Cosmobile

Cosmobile's debut full-length entitled Travels was released on 28th of february by Jukeboss. You can listen the first single Travels and two other songs from the album either on their website or on their myspace.

 

The band is also on tour. Check out the dates below:

Mar 2 2007 Pikku-Torre Turku
Mar 3 2007 Kuudes Linja Helsinki
Mar 4 2007 Vastavirta Tampere
Mar 7 2007 Ilokivi Jyväskylä
Mar 21 2007 Vanha yo-talo Helsinki
Mar 24 2007 Artturi Tampere

Cosmobile Website
Cosmobile at myspace


Penniless

I don't seem to follow things properly. Today I was reading new Rumba magazine and suddenly noticed that there was a review of new Penniless album. I was shocked and ashamed because I didn't even know that a new Penniless album was out and available. Later I searched for information and can now tell you that an album called The Attraction was released on 21st of february by West Side Fabrication. The first single Messenger was released even before that. It's very likely that you already knew all this and have bought the album. In case you haven't you better watch the music video for Messenger at youtube and listen to the opening track Action! on their myspace. These should convince you that Penniless is still a great band and it's time to go to record store.

Penniless Website
Penniless at myspace
Messenger video at youtube


FEBRUARY 23, 2007

Cats On Fire

Cats On Fire's debut album The Province Complains will be released in february by german indiepop label Marsh-Marigold. I'm not sure about the availability, but I guess you can at least get it from 8raita store. Check out Cats on Fire website for more details. I'm sure it will be available in several good record stores within a couple of weeks. I haven't heard the album yet, but I'm confident that it will be a fantastic album. I'm so excited about finally being able to hear and hold in my hands Cats On Fire's album that I would like to hug everyone.

Record release party will be held at Dynamo Turku on 23rd of february. It's Les Yper Sound Club and the other band of the evening is swedish Kissing Mirrors. The whole thing starts at 9.30 pm, so be there on time. Earlier in the evening, Cats on Fire will play an acoustic set at 8raita record store at 5pm. The band will also be touring around europe in the spring. Here are the dates that have been confirmed so far:

2007-02-23 Les Yper Sound, Dynamo, Turku
2007-03-24 Modena, Italy
2007-03-28 Schaubude, Kiel, Germany
2007-03-29 Roter Salon, Berlin, Germany
2007-03-30 Grüner Jäger, Hamburg, Germany
2007-03-31 Groovestation, Dresden, Germany
2007-04-13 How Does It Feel To Be Loved?, Luminaire, London, UK

Cats On Fire Website
Cats On Fire at myspace
Marsh-Marigold Website


FEBRUARY 21, 2007

Matti Johannes Koivu

Matti Johannes Koivu's second solo effort Kovat Piipussa was already released in early february, but yours truly forgot to mention it. Anyway, now I will mention it. Kovat Piipussa was released by M.Dulor and is now in stores. Check out samples from the album on his myspace.

Matti Johannes Koivu at myspace
Matti Johannes Koivu Website



Some interesting finnish bands

Blackbird

This sounds very promising. Power pop, guitar pop from Vaasa. Good melodies and beatles-influences. I haven't heard more than the myspace samples, so the jury is still out I guess, but I definitely should keep an eye on them.

Blackbird at myspace


Johnny Superhero

New pop group from Turku. Album Finally Nowhere is out and available. You can download the album from their website (it's worth buying too). I personally have kind of mixed feelings about them. It sounds damn good at times, but some of the songs are a bit too rock for me.

Johnny Superhero Website
Johnny Superhero at myspace


Delicious Orange

Finnish band singing in japanese (well in english too). Covering japanese band The Pillows and writing some own songs too. Interesting sidenote is that the band features Kasperi who (if I'm not mistaken) is the boy who jumped on stage at least on couple of posies related gigs. Meaning Ken Stringfellow at Tavastia and The Posies at klubi Turku.

Delicous Orange Website
Delicious Orange at myspace



FEBRUARY 11, 2007

Cosmobile

Cosmobile's new single The Finger is now out and available. Full-length album will follow on 28th of february. Both released by Jukeboss.

Cosmobile Website
Cosmobile at myspace



Eadweard Muybridge

This is wonderful stuff. Eadweard Muybridge is just one finnish guy and he has four songs available at myspace. I'm not very excited about the first one Jauha Mylly Jauha, but all the other three songs are really gorgeous. For example the last song To Tirzah could make a killing if it was released by a label like Drag City. Marvellous voice and rather unique music.

Eadweard Muybridge at myspace

Sidelines

Sidelines has added a new song to their myspace and it is again a really great song. Hopefully they will soon get some releases out and available. They seem to be ready for it.

Sidelines at myspace


FEBRUARY 1, 2007

Snow Coloured Kid

French indiepop label Anorak Records will release Snow Coloured Kid EP in february/march. Which is more than just nice. Listen to samples on Snow Coloured Kid's myspace.

Snow Coloured Kid at myspace
Anorak Records at myspace
Anorak Record Website



JANUARY 30, 2007

Puny

Puny's great new album It Kills You was released few days ago. Check out four songs from the album on their myspace or download the free digital single from their website

Puny Website
Puny at myspace



Underwater Sleeping Society

New Underwater Sleeping Society album will be released tomorrow 31st of january by New Music Community. You can listen two songs from the album on their myspace.

Uwssoc Website
Uwssoc at myspace



The Dance

The Dance released a four song EP entitled Campfire Call Out back in december, but it took me this long to realise how good they actually are. Somehow this disc just got buried in the pile of new CDs and didn't get a proper chance before tonight. Especially the opening track 40 Songs is a great tune, but there's nothing wrong with the rest either. The Dance is a really good young pop band.



The Dance at myspace


JANUARY 29, 2007

New Maps

Tired of all that cute pop music I tend to praise? Why not try New Maps. It is a fairly new band, but the members of the band aren't total strangers to finnish indie freaks. While you are waiting for the next outstanding The Rollstons album, you can and you should get familiar with New Maps as well.

New Maps at myspace

Astrid Swan

This is old news, because it happened in december, but it's definitely worth mentioning here even now. Astrid Swan has signed a record contract with Minty Fresh Records (USA) and her great debut album Poverina will get an US release in early 2007. Now that is really wonderful.




Astrid Swan at myspace
Astrid Swan Website
Minty Fresh Website


JANUARY 26, 2007

Matador Jose

Time to praise Matador Jose again. That latest song Hope I Never Break Your Heart is stunning. I love it a lot. I believe everyone who loves Bobby Wratten's bands (Field Mice, Trembling Blue Stars, Northern Picture Library) should go and listen to it. Well you should listen to it even if you don't know who Bob is, because it's such a great song. Did I already say that I love that song? It's pretty much the best song in my world right now.

Matador Jose at myspace

Topi Saha

More myspace love affairs. As I already mentioned in the blog, I'm kind of addicted to Topi Saha's song Hämeentie 61. Ok, more than just kind of addicted. I seem to listen to it around ten times everyday. Listen to this beautiful piece of music on his myspace.

Topi Saha at myspace


Imaginary Friend

I don't really know anything about them, but I saw this record at 8raita record store and got interested. The album entitled Sister Dear was released in january. Go to their myspace and listen to two beautiful songs from the album.

Imaginary Friend Website
Imaginary Friend at myspace




JANUARY 17, 2007

Laurila

Laurila's debut album Boyhood will be released today on 17th of january by Kinkt Records. It's a great album. There are plenty of gigs coming up as well. You can find the dates on their myspace.

Laurila Website
Laurila at myspace (four songs from the album)




Puny

Puny's new album entitled It Kills You will be out and available on 24th of january, but you can already download the free digital single from their website or listen to more new tracks at myspace.

Puny Website
Puny at myspace




Ville Leinonen

New Ville Leinonen album Hei! will be released today and it must be a gorgeous album. The single Etsin kunnes löydän sun was wonderful (why did I forgot it when I was making the end of the year lists. It should have been there). I'm usually against cover albums, but I'm confident that I will love this one. Ville Leinonen making cover versions of old iskelmätunes sounds perfect to me. The sound samples on the album website sound amazing as well.

Hei! Website


Pocket Knife

Pocket Knife is now at myspace and album should be coming out during 2007. That is like the best news ever. Some songs are available at myspace and on the demoplayer of Bone Voyage Recording Company.

Pocket Knife Website
Bone Voyage's Demoplayer







JANUARY 4, 2007

ultrasport

ultrasport's second album False Start City will be released on 5th of january by Gashopper. You can actually decide how much you want to pay for it. A minimun price is just 1 euro, but hopefully people will pay much more for it. Read more info about it from ultrasport website.

To celebrate the release, there are few concerts coming up. The record release party will be held at Kulttuuritehdas Korjaamo, Helsinki on 6th of january. Entry only with their new album, which you can purchase at the door with the price you decide. On fifth of january ultrasport will play in Turku with the amazing Michael McDonald. All Dates below:

05.01.2007 Turku Flavor of the month @ Pikku Torre
06.01.2007 Helsinki Record release party @ Kulttuuritehdas Korjaamo
22.01.2007 Helsinki @ Kuudes Linja w/ The Martial Arts, The Dance

ultrasport Website
ultrasport at myspace


DECEMBER 20, 2006

Cats on Fire + Vasa Indie Vaudeville II

You can listen to a new Cats On Fire song from their forthcoming debut album on their myspace site.

Cats on Fire will also play a concert in Vaasa during the christmas period. The event is Vasa Indie Vaudeville II and the other artists of the evening are Tiina Kärkinen, Jim Videgård Iida Erickson.

Vasa Indie Vaudeville II

Cats on fire
Jim Videgård (Kulturmaffian)
Tina Kärkinen (Dead Keys)
Iida Erickson
+ DJ Farsan

Doo-Bop Club, Vaasa, December the 27th, 4 €, 20:00-01:00

Cats on Fire Website
Cats on Fire at myspace

Baby Sweetcorn

New Baby Sweetcorn album New Low was released on 15th of december by Karkia Mistika and it is a really good album. This might work really well even for those who were not that excited about the previous piano album Ghosts & Sunsets. Sound samples at myspace.

 

Baby Sweetcorn Website
Baby Sweetcorn at myspace


DECEMBER 8, 2006

Michael McDonald

I've already praised Michael McDonald's solo album Finally in the blog section, but this album definitely deserves a news entry as well. I hope I can soon make another news entry that tells that the album has been released officially. Currently Michael is looking for some label to release the album.

I consider myself lucky, because Michael was so kind that he send me a copy already. Now my biggest problem is to decide whether this will be onechord's album of the year 2006 or onechord's album of the year 2007 when it will officially come out. Okay, I'm not 100% sure will it be either, but this definitely is among the top three new records I've heard in 2006. I just love every second of it. It's such a warm and beautiful pop album.

Michael McDonald at myspace
Album review at desibeli.net
interview at desibeli.net


Treeball

Treeball have released their second album of 2006. The new one entitled I Dream of Eclectic Sheep is available as free mp3 download. You'll find the songs and the cover art from their website. It is a really good album too. So if you are worried that it might contain just some not-that-good leftovers, you can stop it now and go and download the songs.




Treeball Website
Treeball at myspace


ultrasport

ultrasport's second album False Start City will be released on 5th of january by Gashopper. The weirdest thing is that you can choose how much you want to pay for the album. Minimun price is just 1 euro, but I do hope people will pay much more for it, because I'm sure it will be brilliant. Four songs from the album have been on their myspace for a long time already. Check em out if you haven't already.



ultrasport Website
ultrasport at myspace

Laurila

Laurila's debut album entitled Boyhood is out on 17th of january. You can already check out four great tunes from the album on their myspace.

Laurila Website
Laurila at myspace


Baby Sweetcorn

New Baby Sweetcorn album New Low will be released on 18th of december by Karkia Mistika Records. The title track of the album is available as an mp3 single on their website. Their myspace contains even more songs from the upcoming album. The new songs are excellent.




Baby Sweetcorn Website
Baby Sweetcorn at myspace




Ethel in finnish

Ethel Suspense has changed it's language to finnish. Two new songs are on their myspace and website. Still sounding really good..

Ethel Website
Ethel at myspace






OCTOBER 31, 2006

Cheerleaders United

New Cheerleaders United album out on 6th of november. It contains ten new tracks and will be released by Plastic Passion. Listen to samples at myspace.

Cheerleaders United Website
Cheerleaders United at myspace




Mikael H & Some Siberians

Mikael H's new album Back from Serbia will be released on 8th of november by Helmi Levyt. Release party will be held at ravintola Kirja on 4th of november. Listen samples at myspace.

Mikael H Website
Mikael H at myspace




Baby Sweetcorn

New Baby Sweetcorn album entitled New Low will be released this fall. I don't know the release date, but you can already listen to some really good songs from the album at their myspace.

Baby Sweetcorn Website
Baby Sweetcorn at myspace




OCTOBER 19, 2006

I Was a Teenage Satan Worshipper

Minialbum Bees & Honey was released on 18th of october by Indie Jones. Listen to songs either at myspace or at mikseri.net.

(also noticed that the link to their onechord-page seem to have vanished or did I just forgot to add the link when I added them to band section. Well I'll add the link soon.)



I Was a Teenage Satan Worshipper Website
I Was a Teenage Satan Worshipper at myspace
I Was a Teenage Satan Worshipper at mikseri

OCTOBER 16, 2006

Jon Auer touring in Finland

Mr. Jon Auer will play four shows in finland. This is something that shouldn't be missed. His band The Posies is the greatest band ever for me and his first solo album Songs from the Year of Our Demise might be the album of the year. The album will get an european release in october. Which is marvellous, because it should be available everywhere. The good or bad news is that the european release will contain three new songs. The good part being the new Jon Auer songs and the bad thing being that the ones who already bought the US version need to think is it worth it to buy another copy of the album. Anyway, the tour dates are below:

09.11. Klubi, Tampere
10.11. Dynamo, Turku
11.11. Bar 68, Jyväskylä
12.11. Tavastia, Helsinki


Jon Auer Website
Jon Auer at myspace


Pipas to Finland

Wonderful Pipas is coming to Finland in late november. Marsu on Paras is behind this all and the support act will be the wonderful Harry Hunks. The place is semifinal and date is most likely 22nd of november (Pipas myspace says its 21st, but Harry Hunks website and Semifinal website says its 22nd).

Pipas Website
Pipas at myspace
Harry Hunks at myspace



OCTOBER 2, 2006

ultrasport

ultrasport in Sweden. Three shows later this week. Check out the dates and places below. And as mentioned before, there are four killer songs from the upcoming album on their myspace.








05.10.2006 Göteborg
Cosy Den @ Kulturhuset Underjorden
Brahegatan 11

06.10.2006 Lund
Klubb Indigo @ Blekingska Nation
Måsvägen 11
- with Cats on fire

07.10.2006 Stockholm
Klubb Ace @ Mango
Sveavägen 36

ultrasport Website
ultrasport at myspace

SEPTEMBER 28, 2006

Risto

Risto's new album Aurinko aurinko plaa plaa plaa was released on 26th of september by Fonal Records. Hit the link below and go listen to three full songs from the album.

Risto Website






The Crash

New The Crash album Pony Ride is also out and available. Released on 26th of september by Suomen Musiikki. Sound samples available at myspace.

The Crash Website
The Crash at myspace




T.Toiviainen & Treble

I'm not sure how long this have been available, but I bought it last week and I think it's just gorgeous. T. Toiviainen used to be singer and songwriter in a band called Kukka. This is different kind of stuff. Sounds like prettier (and sane) version of Risto. Just excellent. This is a mini-album that contains 8 songs. Released by Helmi-levyt that seems to be a really great label.

Helmi-Levyt Website





SEPTEMBER 24, 2006

New The Rollstons, Sister Flo, Mikael H and Matador Jose songs at myspace

Yeah, well that already says it all. Click the links below to find new great songs from these bands.

The Rollstons at myspace
Sister Flo at myspace
Mikael H at myspace
Matador Jose at myspace

Kim Curly Band

Kim Curly's EP Different Promises is out now. You can hear the songs at their myspace. It's really good stuff.

Kim Curly band Website
Kim Curly at myspace







Ninetynine (aus) to Finland

Australian indie-electronica-pop group Ninetynine is touring in finland in october. If Society will also release their album Worlds of Population, Worlds of Space, Worlds of Robots here in Finland.

Fri Oct 13th Tampere, Vastavirta (/w Echo Is Your Love
Sat Oct 14th Helsinki, Semifinal (/w Gris)
Sun Oct 15th Turku, TVO (/w Echo Is Your Love)

Ninetynine Website
Ninetynine at myspace
If Society Website

Nynnyklubi

New club in Helsinki. Sounds interesting. Great pop music and interesting guests. See the poster here. Chorus is behind this greatness.

Chorus website




SEPTEMBER 14, 2006

ultrasport

ultrasport has recorded their second album entitled False Start City. Their myspace now contains four treasures from the upcoming album. It's little different than before, but the level of greatness remains the same. It's wonderful stuff. Check it out yourself.


ultrasport Website
ultrasport at myspace





Jolly Jumpers

New Jolly Jumpers album Mobile Babylon hits the stores on 15th of september. It should again be a marvellous effort. Myspace holds two tasters. Great material. Kind of scary to see them at myspace though. First Jolly Jumpers website, now Jolly Jumpers at myspace. Finland winning the eurovision is nothing compared to this. I guess the world as we know it is over. But if Jolly Jumpers gets more popular, it's only a great thing. One of the best bands there is and I will surely buy the album as soon as I find it.

Jolly Jumpers Website
Jolly Jumpers at myspace

Supernova Crush

New Supernova Crush release, an EP entitled Graceland Sessions is coming out soon on Money Laundry. You can hear the songs on their myspace. Definitely the best stuff I've heard from them. If you like power pop that actually has power, you should give them a chance.

Supernova Crush at myspace





SEPTEMBER 9, 2006

Beacon St. Radiants

New Beacon St. Radiants single Your Heart / Stay is now out on Killer Robot Records. You can listen both songs on their myspace. Great material again. Your Heart being like Where You Been -era Dino Jr while Stay is a beautiful country tune.

Beacon St. Radiants Website
Beacon St. Radiants at myspace


Kevin

New Kevin album Bad Dream Stone Mystery is out next wednesday 13th of September. Listen four full songs on their myspace.

Kevin Website
Kevin at myspace





SEPTEMBER 2, 2006

Puny

Puny's new album is coming out later this year on Aisti Records. You can check out two great songs from the album on their myspace

Puny at myspace
Puny Website



The Lucksmiths in Finland 4.9.2006

A reminder. The Lucksmiths will play in Finland on 4th of september at Semifinal, Helsinki. Supports will be Fred Astereo (AUS) and ultrasport (FIN). Doors will open at 7pm and playing starts at 8 pm. Tickets 8 euros. Huge thanks to Marsu on Paras for making this possible. One of the world's best indie pop bands is playing here in Finland. This is something that just shouldn't be missed. See you there.







AUGUST 30, 2006

White Town to Dynamo, Turku

White Town will play at dynamo, Turku on 8th of september. Wonderful Les Yper Sound club is responsible for this. Hurray to them. After all, people who've been #1 on british single chart do not play in Dynamo very often. I believe everyone remembers the big hit "Your Woman", but of course Jyoti Mishra has written lots of other great songs. He has also just finished a new White Town album.

The support act of the evening is the wonderful finnish group Goodnight Monsters.

08.09.2006
Les Yper Sound Club
White Town (uk)
Goodnight Monsters
Dynamo, Turku


White Town Website


Underwater Sleeping Society

New Underwater Sleeping Society EP entitled Lotus is now out and available. You can listen to the opening track Silence Teaches You How To Sing on their myspace.

Underwater Sleeping Society Website
Underwater Sleeping Society at myspace





AUGUST 28, 2006

The Royal Piss

The Royal Piss is a new band from Vaasa. The people behind it are not newcomers though. Ove Ritola (Graceskul) and Andy J Prinkkilä (The Sugarrush) have been making great music for a long time. The music of The Royal Piss is different than their other bands, but equally great. They name stuff like Dino Jr, Swervedriver, My Bloody Valentine and Ride as their influences. So that might give you some kind of clue. But the best thing is just to go to their myspace and listen three full songs from their marvellous EP. It's out on Nature Sucks Anyway Records.

The Royal Piss at myspace
The Royal Piss Website


Flavour of the Month Club's birthday party and autumn launch

Flavour of the Month celebrates its eight birthday next friday 1.9.2006 at Pikku-Torre, Turku. The artists of the evening are:

College Fall from Australia and finnish bands New Maps, Starflower and Tapes. Everyone already knows the greatness of Tapes and Starflower so maybe I only say something about the other two bands this time.

New Maps comes from Tampere and share some members with The Rollstons. At least the brothers of light I assume. Their first concert, but knowing the boys it should be a great one.

College Fall is an australian band that I know nothing about. But I think I don't need to know anything. Just listening to the two songs on their myspace makes me convinced that I love them. Beautiful stuff. Too bad I will miss the concert, but surely need to get someone to buy me the Demonstrations EP, because the songs are that great.

Soundclips:

College Fall at myspace
Tapes at myspace
Starflower at myspace

In a nutshell:

Flavour Of The Month presents
COLLEGE FALL (AUS)
NEW MAPS
STARFLOWER
TAPES
+ Flavour Of The Month DJ:t
pe 1.9. 2006 klo 21-03
Pikku-Torre, Yliopistonkatu 30, Turku
liput 4€



AUGUST 4, 2006


The Lucksmiths to Finland

Like all indie pop fans already know, The Lucksmiths will play in Finland on 4th of september at Semifinal, Helsinki. Supports will be Fred Astereo (AUS) and ultrasport (FIN). Doors will open at 7pm and playing starts at 8 pm. Tickets 8 euros. Huge thanks to Marsu on Paras for making this possible. One of the world's best indie pop bands is playing here in Finland. This is something that just shouldn't be missed. I'm not sure will I be able to get there because work might be a problem, but will surely cry for a month If I can't get there. I will also make another news entry about this when the date gets closer.

Starflower

This comes few days early but I won't be able to update next week, because I will already be in Turku waiting eagerly for their concert. Anyway, the great news is that Starflower's debut album Moment in the Sun will be released on 7th of august by excellent swedish indie label Music is My Girlfriend. The band will also be making few shows to celebrate the release. The following dates are so far confirmed:

Fri 11.8.2006 Päiväkoti, Turku
Thu 24.8.2006 Bar Kino, Pori
Fri 1.9.2006 Pikku-Torre, Turku, Flavour Of The Month
Sat 7.10.2006 Semifinal, Helsinki, Club Limousine
Sat 21.10.2006 Club19, Pori

Starflower Website
Starflower at myspace
Music Is My Girlfriend Website
Music Is My Girlfriend at myspace


Monsters of Pop Festival

Monsters of Pop Festival will be held at Tampere next week 10.8-12.8.2006. Places are Yo-Talo and Artturi. The schedule is below. Find more information from the festival website at monstersofpop.net.

Torstai 10.8.

Artturi:
klo 19 Tapes
klo 20 Bruce Plays Bruce
klo 21 Ville Leinonen

Yo-Talo:
klo 23.00 Magenta Skycode
klo 00.00 Samae Koskinen ja Hänen Taikayhtyeensä
klo 01.00 Liekki

Perjantai 11.8.

Artturi:
klo 19 Digitaalimiehet
klo 20 Risto & Joose
klo 21 Custom Drummer

Yo-Talo:
klo 23.00 Tv-Resistori
klo 00.00 Rättö ja Lehtisalo
klo 01.00 Le Sport (swe)

Lauantai 12.8.

Artturi:
klo 19 I Was A Teenage Satan Worshipper
klo 20 Regina
klo 21 Most Valuable Players (swe)

Yo-Talo:
klo 23.00 Boys Of Scandinavia

JULY 22, 2006

Michael McDonald

This is something I should have done a long time ago. I mean praise the solo work of Michael McDonald. This american who lives in Finland plays in Treeball and Montevideo, but also writes solo material. And his solo material is wonderful. Something truly remarkable. Something that might get five hearts rating at onechord.net if there was a release out and available for me to review. Four songs are available at myspace. They are all marvellous and beautiful pop tunes.

Michael McDonald at myspace


JULY 17, 2006

The Phonies

Double D Records will release both albums by The Phonies in the US. Now that is great and just what America needs. Both albums are just brilliant and Gran Tourettes is still my favourite finnish album of the year. Double D records have also just released tribute albums to Elliot Smith and Superdrage that might interest some of you. Click the links below if you want more information.

Double D Records
Double D Records at myspace
The Phonies Website
The Phonies at myspace

Starflower

Starflower's debut album Moment in the Sun will be released on 7th of august by excellent swedish indie label Music is My Girlfriend. You can already download the single Dance Till Morning Light from the label's website

Starflower Website
Starflower at myspace
Music Is My Girlfriend Website
Music Is My Girlfriend at myspace






JUNE 29, 2006

Cats On Fire (again)

Cats on Fire's new EP Draw in the Reins has now been released by swedish label Fraction Discs (Hurray for them!). It contains one new song and songs from that earlier Seelonce Mayday demo (and these songs really needed to be released officially because they are really amazing). They will also play a concert at Dynamo, Turku on the 14th of july before going on a small tour to sweden later in july/august. They say that It's probably their last concert in Turku for a while, so perhaps yours truly should do the right thing and finally drag himself to their concert. I still haven't seen this wonderful band live and that is a huge crime.

Cats on Fire Website
Cats on Fire at myspace
Fraction Discs Website



JUNE 9, 2006

Cats On Fire

Cats on Fire has signed an album deal with German indie label Marsh-Marigold Records. Now that is wonderful news. Finally things are looking great for them. They totally deserve it.

Cats on Fire Website
Cats on Fite at myspace





JUNE 8, 2006

Brightboy

Brigthboy's debut album Love For the Streets was released on 7th of june by Helsinki Music Company. Might be too trendy for the die-hard indie wankers (like me), but try to realise that the songs are actually really good and it's only a great thing if such melodic pop music fills the airways.



Brightboy Website
Brightboy at myspace



MAY 27, 2006

Matador Jose

I don't really know much about Matador Jose. It's a one man project and he has only completed one song so far. However, this song is on his myspace and because I really adore it I wanted to share my excitement with others. So click the link below to hear a really lovely home recorded indiepop song.

Matador Jose at myspace


MAY 19, 2006

Ben's Diapers, The Sugarrush and Electric Crayon Set going to IPO Liverpool

International Pop Overthrow is the most well-known powerpop festival in the wold. It has been held several times in the states and during the last few years it has arrived to Liverpool as well. Last year finnish bands Ben's Diapers and Cartoon Tree were playing at the festival in Liverpool. IPO Liverpool 2006 will be held between may 24th and may 29th and there are again finnish bands involved in this great event. Ben's Diapers will return and this year also The Sugarrush and Electric Crayon Set will be going there.

Ben's Diapers at IPO
May 28 Lennon's, Liverpool, (showtime 5 PM)
May 29 the Cavern Club, (showtime 10 PM)

The Sugarrush at IPO
May 27 The Attic, Accrington (I guess this not IPO)
May 28 The Cavern Club, Liverpool
May 29 The Cavern Pub, Liverpool

Electric Crayon Set at IPO
May 25 Lennon´s, Liverpool
May 26 The Cavern Club, Liverpool

Ben's Diapers Website
The Sugarrush Website
The Sugarrush at myspace
Electric Crayon Set at myspace
International Pop Overthrow Website

MAY 17, 2006

Laurila

Laurila is obviously Janne Laurila's new band. This former Office Building frontman is still in great shape, but don't expect same kind of music. There's no six-minute long tearjerkers, but the music is still equally fabulous. Just highly melodic guitar pop with plenty of rock. Do we call that powerpop? Maybe. At least one thing is certain. The songs are damn good.

Laurila's first release is self-titled EP. It was released by Kinkt Records on 17th of may. You can hear the songs on their myspace or download one song from the minisite of the release.

Laurila Website
EP Minisite
Kinkt Records Website

Starflower

Kinkt Records is a great new label that is releasing stuff from wonderful finnish pop bands. We definitely need more labels like Kinkt. Thankfully small swedish labels have come to the rescue. Last news entry mentioned that swedish Fraction Discs will release Cats On Fire EP. But that is not all. There are some great news concerning Starflower. Their album has been ready for a while and they've been looking for some label to release it. Now they've found one and it's a swedish label called Music is My Girlfriend. There's not yet news about the exact release date, but sometime during the summer I believe. Really looking forward to it, because it must be a great album. The label has some other great bands as well, so Starflower are in good company.

Starflower Website
Starflower at myspace
Music is My Girlfriend Website


MAY 13, 2006

Cats On Fire

Finally. The best news ever. Let's all salute swedish label Fraction Discs, because they will officially release Cats on Fire ep. The ep will contain one new song Draw in the Reins and all those amazing tunes from that Seelonce Mayday demo that really deserved to be released officially. There's not yet news about the release date, but this already made my day. Thank you Cats on Fire. Thank you Fraction Discs.

Cats on Fire Website
Fraction Discs Website

MAY 9, 2006

Captain Cougar

Captain Cougar is a new indiepop / folk band from Jyväskylä. You can hear some of their songs either at myspace or on their little website. You simply need to listen to the song Good to Know, because it's so incredibly beautiful.

Captain Cougar Website
Captain Cougar at myspace




New pop club Schöne Welle (+Pia Fraus to Finland)

Schöne Welle is a new indie club in Helsinki. The first club evening will take place on 20th of may at Dubrovnik. The artists are Pia Fraus from Estonia and Le Futur Pompiste. Swedish Action Biker will be the dj of the evening so it should be a great event. Pia Fraus will also play at Les Yper Sound club the day earlier. That is another excellent indiepop club that takes plays every month at Dynamo, Turku.

Schöne Welle at myspace
Les Yper Sound at myspace


APRIL 26, 2006

Lemonator

Lemonator's new album At the Presence of Great Beauty will be released by Spinefarm today. The album is just amazingly beautiful. Not much to do with power pop anymore, but instead there are several heavenly beautiful and orchestrated pop songs. It could be even their finest album ever. Those first eight songs just leave me totally speechless. It's all so gorgeous, well crafted, well arranged and oh so beautiful. Did I already mention that it's all very beautiful? It's so beautiful that it even bothers me when they finally start banging those chords on the 9th song Heart Burns (which is not a bad song, just more rockin'). Anyway, I love this album. I admit that I had some doubts before hearing this, but they are all gone. The highest peaks of the album (Will I ever Found out, Not Like the Rest, Guardian Maria, A Lonesome Dream etc) are so great that it is almost unreal. It's very possible that I need to write yet another five hearts review... At least the first eight songs of the album deserve all the hearts, kisses and hugs in the world..

Lemonator Website
Lemonator at myspace (four songs from the new album)


APRIL 11, 2006

Treeball

Treeball's third album Liars in Love will be released on 12th of april by Kinkt Records. The album is inspired by american author Richard Yates. "We decided to make a record that was cohesive in it's content, focussed on one subject. Richard Yates' books are full of charachters who are quite tragic, who once had a lot going on for themselves, but always seem on the brink of domestic disaster. The voices on Liars In Love are expressing similar feelings" says Treeball's frontman Nick Triani.

You can hear four songs from the album on their myspace. Their label has also launched a minisite where you can download the full song entitled Let Me Out of Here. I've not heard the album yet, but based on those songs it could very well be their finest album. And if you want to hear some great duets and vocal interplay, then this album is a must for you. Nick & Astrid sing so well together.. (and well I admit that because I'm oh so overly romantic boy the fact they are a couple in real life as well makes it even more moving and adorable.)

Treeball on tour:

Apr 14 2006
Club Continental, Dynamo, Turku (with Kevin, Bookends)

Apr 19 2006
Semifinal Helsinki

May 4 2006
Kuudes Linja, Helsinki (with Mummypowder & Laurila)

May 10 2006
Telakka, Tampere (with Laurila)

Treeball websites:

Treeball Website
Treeball at myspace
Liars in Love minisite

APRIL 9, 2006

Joose Keskitalo

Joose Keskitalo's second album Kaupungit puristuvat puristimissa came out last month on Helmi-levyt. This trubadour doesn't play pop music, but I bought the album from Jyrock and I think it's a great record. So therefore wanted to notify people about this album too. If you are tired of those pop songs about girls, try this and you'll get some lo-fi folk with gospel, blues and a bit of country.



APRIL 7, 2006

Montevideo

Montevideo's longwaited debut album entitled Comes Clean was released by Stupido Records on 5th of april. They've also started their own myspace where you can hear some full songs from the album.

Montevideo Website
Montevideo at myspace

Echo Is Your Love

Echo is Your Love's fourth album Humansize will be released on 3rd of may in five different countries (Finland, Germany, United States, England, Australia). Their finnish label If Society already offers two full songs from the upcoming album for you to listen. Echo Is Your Love will also go on a US tour soon after the release with Atlanta-based Blame Game. Check more information about the tour and the album on their website


Echo is Your Love Website
If Society Website

Peace Song mp3
Step in Step Aside mp3

Drowsy

Drowsy's second album Snow On Moss On Stone was released last month by british label Fat Cat Records. Drowsy (aka Mauri Heikkinen) seem to get ridiculously low amount of media interest in Finland eventhough he has now two beautiful albums out on a highly respected label that also releases records from Animal Collective and Vashti Bunyan for example. I don't think that matters much to him, but he definitely deserves more. So if you are into things like 60's acid folk, Smog and Syd Barrett, you have a treat waiting for you. You can hear several clips on the album on the label's website.

Drowsy at Fat Cat Records
Snow on Moss on Stone information at Fat Cat Records


Lowlife Rock'n'roll Philosophers

Also this one was released last month. I got it today and the first reaction is very positive. I was a bit worried that it might be a bit too "artrock-ish" for me, but that is not the case at all. Very beautiful soundscapes, hypnotic and haunting moods, and simply good songs. Maybe a little like Seattle's Sky Cries Mary. The album is out on Seeker and you'll find a player from their website that introduces some songs from this new album entitled Violent Calm.

Lowlife Rock'n'Roll Philosophers Website








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