QueenofCoolmusic

I moved...

2011-12-26T20:32:00.000+01:00

Hello music lovers.
Queenofcoolmusicblog moved to http://queenofcoolmusic.wordpress.com/

Find me here in the future and tune into great music that will hopefully inspire you.

Love, Martine

Housewarming sneak peak

2011-10-07T22:52:00.002+02:00

I'm playing for my friends tomorrow in my house. Here is a sneak peak of different dishes I will be serving in the early evening before dancing takes over.

Sneak peak

2011-08-22T22:50:00.004+02:00

I'm djing at a wedding on Saturday. I don't want to reveal the whole playlist, because there needs to be some surprises in between... but here is a little sneak peak of what I WILL be playing:

Danish DJ Awards

2011-04-27T21:40:00.001+02:00

Sunday I had the opportunity to attend the biggest award show in Denmark, the Danish DJ Awards. I got tickets for the VIP lounge so not only did I spend the night dancing to Danish dance music, but I was also viewing and partying with Danish celebs (which was fun for the night, but not something I normally enjoy doing). The music was dance, I particularly enjoyed a visit down memory lane when hearing an updated modern version of the late 80's hit Kasper Winding's "Sjæl i flammer". Other noteworthy performances was Kato with Johnson, Clemens, Ida Corr and Camille Jones, who partied up the place and made people clap and dance, Electric Lady Lab, Lucy Love, and of course RebekkaMaria who sparkled with wonderful dancers, an amazing blue outfit with huge feathers, singing a remixed version of "Soul to my soul" from her debut album. I compiled a little playlist with songs from the show here:

Sobbin' 80's

2011-04-24T17:37:00.000+02:00

I just concluded Sobbin' 80's week on my A Song A Day group on Facebook. Celebrating the feel good tear in soft tunes. Here is the playlist. Happy saxin'.

The search for a song.. when you have nothing to go by

2011-04-09T12:38:00.003+02:00

Yesterday a good friend of mine called me up to sing me a song, that was stuck in his head. He couldn't remember the lyrics (which is understandable, because this is a song where you really don't know what they are singing.) I knew instantly the song he was thinking of, but couldn't remember the title, the bandname or the lyrics either. And then embarked 24 hours of search on both our accounts to dig up this song. I think most of us can relate to the feeling you have, when a song is stuck in your head, and you can't find rest until you 1) find out the info on this song 2) find it on youtube and 3) hear it.

My search started in the 90's eurodance scene, where it was very popular. I recalled the popular dance compilations in the mid 90's so I wiki'ed that, unsuccessfully. Both my friend and I were certain that it most have been from around 1995-1996, so I tried to find list of eurodance songs from that time. Unsuccessfully. However I did find a lot of hidden gems that I have forgotten or surpressed, but since eurodance has made such a comeback and have completely taken over the popular teenpopmusic scene in the US, I was actually able to enjoy some of these gems this time around. (Well.. at least for a quick listen. And it gave me the idea to put some on my dj setlist this summer, because surely this is way cooler than the new Britney Album and Chris Brown and Usher going eurodance.)

Moving on from those lists, I went onto wider compilations of the 90's without any luck. I asked my friend, "What can you remember from the lyrics, because all I can remember is something like 'umm in the light of it..'" but he agreed, and said "yes, something in the likes of ' mmm the lightning agin, the light of scooba'". He also remembered the music video with an African dude going into a record store (which turned out to be incorrect.)

Finally this morning, I found it on a list of top 200 greatest dance jam song of the 90's. And here it is:

Here's the scoop of the song:

It was recorded in 1992 by Nightcrawlers, a house music group project from Scotland. It was an international success in 1995. It was released in remixed versions in 2003 and 2007, and finally Bob Sinclair used it in his remix version of Rihanna's "Don't stop the music" (try around 4:00). Later Pitbull sampled the song in 2009 in "Hotel Room Service".

RebekkaMaria & Hymns of Nineveh

2011-04-05T20:45:00.002+02:00

About six months ago Hymns of Nineveh joined forces with RebekkaMaria at a very intimate concert. Tickets were sold out instantly. At this concert, they played a very beautiful, slow version of Oh Solitude from RebekkaMaria'a recent album "Sister Sortie". To celebrate the Hymns of Nineveh tour where RebekkaMaria also will be playing, this single is now available for streaming online. Enjoy below.

Oh Solitude (RebekkaMaria & Hymns From Nineveh duo live) by RebekkaMaria

View snippets of the concert here:

RebekkaMaria + Hymns From Nineveh // At My Place from At My Place on Vimeo.

Angus & Julia Stone: I'm not yours

2011-04-05T20:17:00.000+02:00

I can't get enough of Angus & Julia Stone's recent album: Down the way. Especially the sorrowful and sad song I'm not yours. Enjoy below.

Kanye: Five reasons why you should quit hatin' and start lovin'

2011-03-17T11:49:00.001+01:00

Usually people get a little surprised when I tell them I enjoy rap. I mean, I'm not exactly the stereotype you would consider having Lil Wayne, Jay Z, Ice T, L.O.C., Dr. Dre etc. on the ipod. I am a white, 32 year old female Scandinavian brunette, and English is not my native language, making it sometimes a bit difficult to follow along the lyrics. But what I mostly fall for when hearing rap, is firstly a good beat, and then I pick up phrases hear and there. But Kanye West revolutionized rap for me, because he samples great soul songs (and I love a good soul theme), I can actually hear what he is rapping, and he doesn't rap about the stereotype sex, drugs and "hoes", licking somebody's lollipop, getting caught in Compton and being thrown in jail, escaping police and what-have-we-not, but his lyrics contain an ironic twist, and are relatable.

Duly noted, Kanye West has put himself into sticky situations, commenting and saying outrageous things, controversies in the media, revealing a not so appealing personality, most notibly, appearing on stage at the European MTV awards show in 2006, when Justice won best video, and stressed that he thought that it was unfair that he didnt win. And later in 2009, at the MTV video music awards show he stole the mic from Taylor Swift winning for Best Female Video, and said that he think Beyonce should had won. This really threw people over the edge.

History is filled with tactless musicians, my two favorite ones are: In the mid eighties, an elder Serge Gainsbourg told a young fresh Whitney Houston that she was beautiful and that he would very much like to f+++ her. And off media, in 2004, Dave Matthews Band's tour bus dumped 800 pounds of human waste off a bridge, off Chicago River... onto heads of people aboard an architectual tour boat.

Either way, Kanye West's personality has closed off many people's curiousity to explore his musical talent. And that is a shame. If you are not aquanted with his music, his wonderful soul samples intwined, I will be delighted to show you my five favorites, and at the same time five reasons why you should start loving his music - if you know his music.. I hope you will enjoy this visit.

Reason 1. Through the Wire
In 2004 Kanye West released his debut album at the same time embarked upon his college album trilogy. The debut album was different from the dominent topics of the genre at the time, and dealt with self-consciousness, family and personal struggles such as recovering from a near fatal car crash that left his jaw shattered. The jaw had to be wired shut and two weeks after being admitted to the hospital, he recorded the song Through the Wire, with his jaw still wired shut.
Through the Wire can be found on the album The College Dropout.

The College Dropout also features the very wonderful sleek slow jams and soul singers tribute "Slow Jamz", the completely ironic "The New Workout Plan" that ironically tells a tale about how many girls have followed Kanye's Workout Plan, and how this have changed their lives, the very nice soul sample beats of "All Falls Down", "Get Em High", "Family Business" and "Never Let me Down" and the critical praised "Jesus Walks".

Reason 2. Gold Digger.
On Gold Digger, Jamie Foxx features, and many mistakenly think that Kanye West wrote the song and got a hold of Foxx after being featured as Ray Charles in the award winning movie "Ray". However the song was actually recorded, long before "Ray" was developed. I love the song Gold Digger. It has a great beat, and this is actually a rap song, where I think lyrics are brilliant and excellent executed. Gold Digger is about a man who marries a woman that manipulates him for financial gain.
Gold Digger can be found on the album Late Registration.

Late Registration also features the wonderful James Bond sampling on "Diamonds From Sierra Leone", more soul samplings on "Gone", "Addiction" and "Touch the Sky", and hilarious skits about Kanye West joining a fraternity, where the main regulation is that you HAVE to be broke.

Reason 3. Flashing Lights
Kanye West's third album Graduation is filled with great songs. Such as the Daft Punk sample "Stronger", the slow intro "Good Morning", more soul samplings with "Everything I am" and "I Wonder" and the great "Good Life".
However I LOVE Flashing Lights. The down-tempo of it and the beat. That's all.
Flashing Lights can be found on the album Graduation.

Reason 4. Welcome to Heartbreak.
On the fourth album 808s & Heartbreak Kanye West took a drastic turn and made a bold gesture. Rather than rapping, Kanye West sings on the album containing themes like loneliness, heartbreak and love, inspired by his private life where his mother died and breaking off an engagement. The album is heavy on auto tune, and even though I am not into that, I still think the albums lyrical content is beautiful. "Welcome to Heartbreak" soon became one of my favorite Kanye West songs of all time, simply because the lyrics continously gets me in tears, stressed further with the deep sorrowful contrabass. I'd never think that a rap artist would get me there, but I'm there everytime on this song.
Welcome to Heartbreak is featured on 808s & Heartbreak.

808s & Heartbreak also features the popular "Heartless", "Love Lockdown" and "Paranoid". If you are like me and are having a hard time with autotune, start with Welcome to Heartbreak, and then dwell in the lyrics of this album.

Reason 5: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Since I havent explored his recently released fifth studio album throughly yet, I will not call out one single. But name several songs. The album retells Roald Dahls rework of Cinderella on the grand "Dark Fantasy", has several great soul samplings, such as on "Gorgeous" and "Devil in a new dress", and has nice hooks on "Runaway", "Power" and the coming up smash hit "All of the lights."

The Bomb!! The extensive guide to 25 of Madonna's hidden gems

2011-03-09T16:43:00.002+01:00

So you are familiar with Madonna and so what. You have danced to "Hung Up" and "Music" and you sing a long to the oldies Like a Virgin and Like a Prayer. Being a huge Madonna fan myself, I have followed her music career and loved her music since I was ten... and then I even came in late in the game. Her music career contains a magnitude of treasures that never really made it out to the public, and I have found my favorites to guide you through. So here are the remixes, the live versions, the singles that stayed on the albums and some that never even made it to the studioalbums. Enjoy.

1. I love New York (Rock Demo).
When "I love New York" was first introduced, it wasnt as the disco version, most people would associate it with, as found on the Confessions album. It played in the documentary "I'm going to tell you a secret" and was included on the album. I love this version because it is so rocky and rough instead of the more clean disco version.
I love New York (Rock demo) can be found on "I'm going to tell you a secret".

2. Drowned World/Substitute for love.
This single never really made it to the wide masses and I wonder why. It made a huge impact on me when I first heard it. The opening song for the studio album "Ray of light", it made a clear distinction in tune and lyrics that Madonna previously never before had made.
Drowned World/Substitute for Love can be found on "Ray of Light".

3. Push.
This is just a smashing single, and I wonder why it was never released.
Push can be found on "Confessions of a dancefloor".

4. Sanctuary.
It took me many listenings before I fell in love with this song. But when I did, I fell hard. It is so weird, mysterious, and have a great beat.
Sanctuary can be found on "Bedtime Stories".

5. Easy Ride.
This is a wonderful ballad that is completely overlooked, and has driven me to tears several times because it is so relatable (at least to me...).
Easy Ride can be found on "American Life".

6. I want you.
I think this is a cool song, mostly because I was a teenager in the trip hop age, and I think the collaboration with Massive Attack on this tune is soooo goood!!.
I want you can be found on "Something to Remember".

7. Angel.
Now this tune is pure naive and eighties. And I have loved it since I was eleven. So it had to be on this list. So shush.
Angel can be found on "Like a Virgin".

8. Spotlight.
This is Madonna's version of Katy Perry's Firework. (Or rather more than likely the other way around.) It is a great eighties dance tune that never made it outside the remix album.
Spotlight can be found on "You can Dance".

9. and 10. Sorry remix and Sorry (Pet shop boys remix).
The first is a dub prelude and the second is a collaboration with Pet Shop Boys. Both were played on the Confessions Tour, and I love the way a song, that was popular enough on its own was reinvented.
Both songs can be found on "The Confessions Tour".

11. Heartbeat
I love this song, and when I heard it on the album "Hard Candy" I was certain this would be a smashing single. Yet it was never released.
Heartbeat can be found on "Hard Candy".

12. Erotica from Confessions Tour.
Now before you chew my head off because of the bad rep and bad associations that comes with Madonna and "Erotica" (if you are old enough to remember) let me just say that this version took me by surprise. Talk about a reinvention of a very questionable and for many, not very good song. This is disco-rized and dubbed and very very nice. She even added better lyrics to the song.
This version of Erotica can be found on "The Confessions Tour".

13. Forbidden Love.
I love this song, which is a tribute to her song "Forbidden Love" from Bedtimes Stories. (See below).
Forbidden Love can be found on "Confessions on a dancefloor".

14. Physical Attraction.
This is truly a golden oldie. One of the oldiest oldies in fact. It never made it as a single, however in my head it is a widely known song (or maybe its just in my head.) Nevertheless I would like to include it on the list, because it is pure eighties and very cool.
Physcial Attraction can be found on "Madonna".

15. She's not me.
I love this tune, and mostly because of the lyrics, but also because it has a sassy beat.
She's not me can be found on "Hard Candy".

16. Gambler.
Again and again I ask myself, why was this song never a hit in the eighties? It is the bomb! It was never released on any of her albums.
Gambler can be found on the soundtrack for the movie "Vision Quest".

17. Burning Up, 12'' Mix.
This is another oldie, however I like this slightly different version than the one that can be found on the studio album, because its less rocky and more disco, which I think suits the song more.
You have to dig around to find this version of Burning Up. Try a single with Physical Attraction on the b-side.

18. Nobody Knows Me.
This song is another peculiar product. But I love the weirdness of it.
Nobody Knows Me can be found on "American Life".

19. Music Inferno.
So everybody knows Music, and everybody has danced to it. But this tune takes it and mixes it with a sound of old disco tunes and her own old tunes. Very lovely.
Music Inferno can be found on "The Confessions Tour".

20. The Look of Love.
When I was eleven and I was sitting in the back seat of my parents car and we were driving late at night, I would always play this song in my walkman. It was mysterious like "the dark night" to me. Loved it ever since.
The Look of Love can be found on the soundtrack to "Who's that Girl".

21. Inside of Me.
One of the best songs on her much overlooked studio album Bedtime Stories. It has a trip hop beat that I like.
Inside of Me can be found on "Bedtime Stories".

22. Susan MacLeod/ Into the Groove
This is an example of how you can take one of the best dance songs ever (Into the Groove) and mix it with one the worst instruments ever (backpipes) and make it cool.
Susan MacLeod/ Into the Groove can be found on "I'm going to tell you a secret".

23. Candy Perfume Girl.
Love this tune, the lyrics are great and it never made it as a single.
Candy Perfume Girl can be found on "Ray of Light".

24. Lucky Star Confessions Tour.
Ok so I know I have referred to the Confessions Tour Album a lot, but it is indeed brilliant because it is reinventing many of her classics. Lucky Star being one of them, which fits in perfectly with the disco tunes.
Lucky Star can be found on "The Confessions Tour".

25. Forbidden Love.
This is the original that I referred to above. The song made a big impact on me, especially when during the song she whispers loudly "rejection".
Forbidden Love can be found on "Bedtime Stories".

Skull Tape - Whip My Hair (Drowning In Blood)(Willow Smith Cover)

2011-01-17T15:02:00.000+01:00

Just stumbled across this rock cover of Willow Smith: Whip my hair...

Skull Tape - Whip My Hair (Drowning In Blood)(Willow Smith Cover)

2010: The year in popular music

2010-12-31T13:11:00.001+01:00

Now that the year is closing, here is a round-up on the year in popular music.

Robyn: In 2010 Robyn cemented her name is the queen of pop. Sending out no more than three albums filled with great tracks such as Indestructible, Dancing on my own, Fembot and Hang with me.

Marina and the Diamonds: Marina and the Diamonds made her debut in February, after tons of hype through blogs and other websites. Much anticipated.

Jason Derulo: Nobody could escape Jason Derulo. With several hits he pestered the radio stations firstly all over America and then Europe.

Train: Train hit the charts with Hey soul sister.

Mumford and Sons: Mumford and Sons hit the British charts and cemented their name, also in Denmark.

Pendulum: Watercolour turned out as a master hit in UK and Australia.

Vinnie Who: charted in Denmark over spring and summer with firstly What you got is mine and secondly the remedy. Confused everybody whether it was a female or male singer.

Lady Antebellum: Need you now took over America and then Europe, which is very rare for a country song in this digital beat continent.

Eminem feat Rihanna: Love the way you lie. Surprised with the uncommon mix of Rihanna and Eminem, secondly the violent video. But the song stayed on top of charts. Later Rihanna released a softer version of the same song feat Eminem. Watch the cutest parody here and listen to Rihannas softer version here

Katy Perry: Once again Katy Perry dominated the radio stations for a summer, first with a California gurls with Snoop Dog and second with Teenage Dream. With at later release of her second album, that got her a nomination for a grammy award as the album of the year, although receiving mixing reviews.

Rebekkamaria. In early 2010 Rebekkamaria released her second album in Denmakr (earlier with the alias AsinRebekkamaria) receiving criticial acclaim.

Fallulah: Fallulah took over Denmark with Lay my head and bridges, debuting early in the year.

Melissa Horn: Melissa Horn came to play in 2010. She is a story of musical streaming going well. Receiving massive attention through Spotify gaining a wider audience.

Lady Gaga: Lady Gaga continued engaging the charts with another run (like 2009) with scoring two top spots as well as walking away with 8 awards at the MTV vmas. She also released the more than nine minutes long music video for the song Telephone, featuring Beyonce, linking to movies such as Thelma and Louise and Kill Bill.

Stromae: Alors On Danse. Totally took over the charts in Europe this summer, and became one of the summer anthems for 2010.

M.I.A: made another controversy when releasing her video to Born Free, featuring a group of US soldiers who invade a town and hunt down readheads to be massacred in the desert. She also released MAYA. Link to XXXO.

CoverWeeks

2010-12-19T16:17:00.001+01:00

i just completed CoverWeeks, on my facebook music group: A song a day. What usually is just one week, or six days, was extended to two fun weeks of great and the worst out there in cover versions. My own personal favorites from the two weeks are Nostalgia 77 feat Alice Russell covering The White Stripes "Seven Nation Army", Placebo covering the Kate Bush classic "Running up that hill" and the Bird and the Bee making an insane low key and sexy cover of Rihanna's "Don't stop the music". For the full blowout and some bonus tracks, here is the complete playlist. Havent joined the A song a day revolution yet? What are you waiting for?

Florence and the Machine

2010-12-18T22:57:00.000+01:00

Well I'm sure you have heard "Dog days are over" blasting from the radiospeakers or maybe sneaked in several movie soundtracks. Even though the debut album was released a year and a half ago, in June 09, it seems that it has only been within the last six months "Dog days are over" has been playing here and there on the radio etc. I must admit that I have enjoyed the album in the background, but I havent been listening to it intensively, except for the mad wicked song "Drumming Song". All that changed when I was doing dishes and listening it loud in my head phones. The album is actually really good. I especially enjoy "Howl" and "Blinding", which I have killed on repeat, doing dishes, biking, in the shower. Love them!! If you havent discovered "Lungs" yet, give it a listen. Here are my two new favorites:

Cheesy90LoveWeek

2010-12-09T21:36:00.001+01:00

Last week I celebrated the cheesy love songs of the 90's on my facebook group a song a day. You can view and listen to the entire playlist right here. Feel free to join the A song a day revolution right here.

Melissa Horn

2010-12-09T21:00:00.000+01:00

I just realised that I have never blogged about Melissa Horn, even though I have loved her with a passion this year. I have had the great priviledge of experiencing her live twice, and she is so captivating. She can with her little fragile voice silence a huge audience, and you can almost hear a needle drop. Being just 23, her lyrics shows increadible depth, and you honestly feel like she had a therapy session with you and then wrote your story afterwards. Melissa Horn is one of the artists who sprung out of the Scandinavian Spotify generation, generating popularity through free streaming. Here are some of her songs.

Oh Land EP

2010-10-31T23:35:00.000+01:00

Today I have been listening to Oh Land EP over and over while studying. It is such a gem!!!! I especially adore "White Nights" that I have been waiting with anticipation on a recording ever since I saw her perform it in Submarine Sessions. (If you havent seen it: view it here), the recording turned out so much better that I had hoped for. There are numerous videos and versions out there, here are three different versions you can choose from, all very different. First is the album version, second is a live performance and third is a... well watch it and see....

1) White Nights album version

2) White Nights Live Performance

3) White Nights Big Ugly Yellow Couch

White Nights by Oh Land from Big Ugly Yellow Couch on Vimeo.

The EP includes all great songs and I am very fond of all of them in each way. Today I have had White Nights in my ipod on headphones on repeat and singing out loud. And while biking I enjoyed, for me, the sad song, Rainbow.

Willow Smith: Whip my hair

2010-10-20T14:53:00.000+02:00

Everybody is talking about Willow Smith this week, after the video of "Whip my hair" has been released. What is so mentionworthy of this video? Well first of all the girl sounds like Rihanna in the making. Second of all she headbangs the s... out of her hair in this video. Third, she is nine. See for yourself here:

The Ting Tings: We're not the same

2010-10-15T15:08:00.000+02:00

The Ting Tings brand new single from upcoming album Kunst, just landed in my inbox, revealing an edgier sound from the group. The previous single from Kunst, Hands, was more electronic. I didn't expect The Ting Tings to be this rock inspired. I think I need to listen to it over the weekend to get a more feel into it. The single is displayed in Tommy Hilfiger's new ad campaign for the LOUD scent and you can listen to some of the single here:

Kill Screen Music: Us the Two-Headed Horse

2010-10-14T23:40:00.000+02:00

Danish Kill Screen Music just released their debut album, which is rock with an electronic twist. Even though you can tell that most of the plays are made on a computer, as is tradition in the Danish rock scene, I love how the electronic is embraced like a deep Depeche Mode sound. The single Traffic was aired on Danish radio this spring, but I love the first track The Sand Is Washing Us Away, the XX inspired sound in the track Breathing and the playful Echoes Will Die.

Below is The Sand Is Washing Us Away:

Hang with me - Robyn vs. Paola

2010-10-04T21:45:00.000+02:00

Robyn gave us a little appetizer of Hang with me on Body Talk pt 1 in an acoutic version followed by the full electronic one in Body Talk pt. 2. And I think she did a great job. Hang with me is actually a cover version of Swedish Paola who released it in 2002. And at that time it was a really nice little song, but I think Robyn managed to take to song up a notch into appropriatly the sound of 2010.

Here are the two version:

Robyn:

Paola:

Twin Sister: Vampires with Dreaming Kids & Color Your Life

2010-10-04T21:21:00.000+02:00

I am really enjoying Twin Sisters two eps these days: Vampires with Dreaming Kids & Color Your Life. I love the deep adventurous mysterious universe is presented to me, without it being too experimental. I love that can actually sing a long on the sublime fun "Lady daydream". Another track I enjoy is "Dry Hump", that somehow reminds me of a cross between Sufjan Stevens and Fever Ray. Perfect for a night time drive, or riding through the city on your bike at night. The two eps "Vampires..." were both released in September. Check out their stuff on their own blog.

Below is Lady Daydream:

Dry Hump:

Ting Tings: Hands

2010-10-03T10:37:00.000+02:00

I can't get enough of this these days. Instant boost!! The Ting Tings are set to release their second album "Kunst" sometime this fall. To get more Ting Tings check out That's not my name and Great DJ

Mark Ronson: Bang Bang Bang

2010-08-27T16:12:00.000+02:00

New sounds from Mark Ronson are in!!!!! I think I need to listen to it a couple of times before it gets under my skin.
View video here

This is Head

2010-08-24T03:14:00.000+02:00

On Thursday Swedish This is Head released a downloadable Adam Lundberg remix of 0011 on their website. This is a tune that is made of dreamers and imagination, and is not a mainstream crowd pleaser. However it is a very beautiful. This is Head's website is full of great gems and remix downloads, and I can especially recommend the sassy dancegroove Kasper Bjorke Remix found here.

Donkeyboy: Sometimes

2010-08-24T02:58:00.000+02:00

Have been going absolutely crazy over this 80's tunes this summer. I know I am little late, since the Norwegians went crazy over Donkeyboy a year ago. But better late than never!!! Enjoy!

Eliza Doolittle: Pack up

2010-07-24T04:37:00.001+02:00

This tune just brings a huge smile to my face. The 22 year old British singer-songwriter is hitting the UK charts this summer with this song that is from her just-released album "Eliza Doolittle". Give it a spin!!

View the official video here

Admiral Radley: I heart California

2010-07-16T20:00:00.001+02:00

Just came across this album that was released just a couple of days ago. Admiral Radley is Granddaddy's Jason Lytle and Aaron Burtch. The album has a lot of diversity to it, but to my own liking is the downtempo songs like Ghosts of Syllabus and Lonesome Co. To listen to the entire album click here

or enjoy an acoustic peak from youtube below:

Don't forget to become a member of my group on Facebook, A Song A Day

Welcome to Animalweek

2010-06-13T14:29:00.000+02:00

the "A Song a Day" revolution has just embarked on another great week of tunes. This week's theme is Animals. Follow the group and join the revolution here

See exclusive sneekpeaks of the week to come right below:

Retroweek

2010-06-12T12:13:00.000+02:00

Here's the playlist for retroweek, just press play and listen....

Join the "A song a day" revolution

2010-06-08T12:42:00.000+02:00

Every day requires a song. Join me in the fun when I explore music through a theme each week presenting a song every day to go with that theme. A collected update will also be notified every week.
Join the facebook group by clicking here

Blip: Retro week

2010-06-06T11:26:00.001+02:00

Great retro sounds have been popping up everywhere the recent years. I love how the sound is a mix of old and a spin of new. I always carry retro tunes with me when I dj or whenever I am entertaining people.
The newest album of retro tunes to be recommended is The Black Keys: Brothers, Gin Wigmore: Holy smoke, and Sharon Jones & The Dap kings: I learned the hard way. This week starting today I will be presenting a retro song each day through blips on twitter. Tune in right here on my twitter page and follow the link to enjoy a new retro song every day.

The Black Keys: Tighten Up.

Gin Wigmore: I do

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings: Without a heart

Great dancetunes for this summer

2010-06-06T10:59:00.000+02:00

I have been doing a little pop-digging, and found some great dancetunes to play this summer.

1. Lady Gaga Vs Ace Of Base & Kalomira - Return Of Alejandro (Robin Skouteris Mix)
This is one of the more succesfull mash-ups I have heard in a while. It contains a mash-up between Lady Gaga, Ace of Base and Kalomira.

2. Madonna: Dance 2Night [Bray's back 85 remix]
This is rather a fun remix project. Experimenting with Madonna's album "Hard Candy", the remix project tried to get a tune back resembling an 80's sound. I think this song in particular did a good job, meshing the two decades.

3. M.I.A: Xxxo
M.I.A. is releasing her new album in July and I can't wait. This is an album to anticipate and look forward to this summer. She is one of the more interesting artists out there, and I love how it always take time and many listens to really get into her music. Her first single from the upcoming album is "Xxxo". It took me a couple of listens to get hooked. By then, I was hooked.

4. Robyn: Fembot
Swedish Robyn is also releasing a new album, "Body talk pt. 1" a little week from now. Fembots have feelings too....

5. Rox: I don't believe
In an entirely different genre than the previously more electronic bits, Rox is bringing retro on the dancefloor, from her upcoming album: Memoirs.

Eurovision song contest

2010-05-29T08:59:00.002+02:00

Tonight is Eurovision song contest, and even though I know it is completely faux pas to say this if you are a musiclover, I love to watch it. Throughout the years it is increasingly reflecting political, cultural and georgraphical situations in Europe. i love the cultural and musical diversity, reflecting how many cultures Europe consists of, and I love that every year I can get to watch a show and yell laugh and diss the performances, and mostly complain about the Russian mob countries coming to take over the show. It is a full blown two-three hour laugh of wacked out crazy bad performances, with bad costumes or the lack hereoff (semi nude women) bad choreography.
Here are some of the worst this year:

This song is from Armenia, and I am wondering whether it has a hidden message. I am sure it is not an apricot stone in her hand that needs watering??? I am surprised that Armenia would let a song like this with a blatant message like Madonna's "secret" pass the country lines:

This song is from Georgia, and I got so distracted by the horrific strangeling choreography that completely took over the song. And has nothing to do with the song.

This song is from Slovenia. Is this a joke?

I suspect this song, from Germany will win tonight:

Even though it could be cool if Denmark won:

Jonathan Johansson

2010-05-29T08:40:00.000+02:00

The smooth Swedish Jonathan Johansson, is slowly taking Denmark by storm. And I love, love his album.
From Tears for Fears cover "Everybody wants to rule the world" to upbeat and slow, and I have to use the word smooth again, sounds. Seeing him live is a very interesting experience and to be recommended. Otherwise just pop his album in the player and cruise the city.
Here is a few of my faves:

The Heavy: How do you like me now?

2010-05-06T12:30:00.001+02:00

I just enjoy this cool tune!! This song was exposed in the Kia's Sorento commercial and aired during the 2010 Super Bowl. Definitely to be featured on my next set list.

Kerli: Love is dead

2010-05-06T12:27:00.000+02:00

Look out Evanescence and Lacuna Coil! Estonian Kerli is coming up. Although her album is from 2008, her "Love is dead" is resurrecting with music awards across Europe, and is starting to take over American MTV. Enjoy it here!

See the some of the best of Evanescence and the Italian band that inspired them, Lacuna Coil by clicking on the bandnames.

Plan B: She said

2010-05-06T12:18:00.000+02:00

The British rapper, Plan B is slowly creeping up on radiostations across Europe. I love the combination of retrosounds and distinct british rap.

Sia: We are born

2010-05-06T12:08:00.000+02:00

Australian Sia is about to give birth to her new album, "We are born", in the beginning of June.
Heard a couple of sneakpeaks from it, and it is a killer on the dancefloor. Can't wait to pop it on the cd player and drive around this summer.

Here is a couple of songs from it:

Clap your hands

You've changed

Sea Wolf: The Violet hour

2010-05-06T12:03:00.000+02:00

Just enjoyed this in my ears yesterday on my way home from school. Enjoy!

RebekkaMaria live performance

2010-04-15T12:18:00.000+02:00

I can't get enough of RebekkaMarias new album "Sister Sortie". Here is a video of her performing Corollaceous live this weekend.

Fallulah: Hold your horses

2010-03-28T18:20:00.000+02:00

I can't get enough of Fallulahs new album "The black cat neighbourhood". Check out her very moving performance in submarine sessions here.

And enjoy Bridges below:

Goldfrapp

2010-03-28T10:45:00.001+02:00

Despite really really bad reviews I am really enjoying the new album "Head first" from Goldfrapp. I have been a fan of Goldfrapp for a while, especially their album supernature won me over with the sublime songs Ride a white horse (see buttom of page) , Ooh la la and Lovely 2 C U.

"Head first" is a much lighter and slightly easier "work" done by Goldfrapp, but I enjoy the joie de vivre in the sound, and reminds me a little of Roisin Murphy's excellent album "Overpowered." So far my favorites on the album is "Head first", "Voicething", "I wanna life" and "Rocket". Perfect for biking through the city.

I could only find Rocket to post for you but check out Goldfrapp's own website to get snippets from the album.

The Xx: Islands

2010-03-22T16:27:00.001+01:00

Love this tune. I have had forever on my ipod, but i just really listened to it intently on Saturday night. Here is a live session clip for you.

Keren Ann: In your back

2010-03-14T13:19:00.001+01:00

This is an oldie, but very lovely. Her whole album is great!

You need flowers I need flora

2010-02-10T20:37:00.001+01:00

Love the new single from Rebekkamaria. Can't wait until her new album comes out in March. Meanwhile you can enjoy her new video right here.

Hello Fallulah!!

2010-02-06T10:41:00.000+01:00

This girl is the bomb! Already been playing on the Danish national radio since fall with "I lay my head", I have been really anticipating her release this upcoming Monday. Love her sound! She just got an amazing review in Danish music magazine Gaffa (5 out of 6 stars) and you can check her out and stream some of her music here.

White Pony: K-town stomp

2010-02-02T16:18:00.001+01:00

I absolutely can't wait for the white pony release on feb 8th. I especially enjoy their cover of the hip hop classic by Dirty Old Bastard "shimmy shimmy ya" that so far hasn't been released to my great dissapointment. Back in the early fall I got acquainted with this song and was dying to play it in one of my djsets, but couldn't get a hold of it anywhere. Meanwhile before the release I've also been enjoying playing "Down at Jimmies".

You can stream their entire album here: Stream white pony: K-town stomp

Broken Bells

2010-01-19T16:31:00.000+01:00

I was recently introduced to this band, who is a product of a collaboration between Danger mouse and James Mercer. I really like Danger Mouse, loved his recent thing with Sparklehorse, but Broken Bells is definitely also very cool. So far they have only one single out, the high road.

Listen to it here:

DJing

2009-12-17T14:13:00.000+01:00

Tonight I'm Dj'ing at the DDK christmas lunch, and I'm really excited because I get to DJ to a new crowd that is not familiar with my stuff. which means I can bring out all my old classics.
My Dj sets has this year been centered around the themes nu & old disco, hints of motown, bollywood, dancehall and "hints of michael jackson"(which means that i haven't played michael jackson, only remix stuff, bands covering him or referring to him in their music).
But tonight I will also bring out my old brazil theme, and my single classics that can guarantee any guy to join the ladies on the dancefloor.

Here's a great tune I will play tonight:

Gotye: Heart's a mess

2009-12-01T21:31:00.000+01:00

Adore!

The Lights: Drive my soul

2009-12-01T21:05:00.000+01:00

Well I've been enjoying this tune for more than a year now, so I thought I'd introduce it. Maybe you have heard this little Canadian before, she is getting popular with the song "Savior".(See sidebar for a link to a live performance.)
Here's the lovely "Drive my soul"

Fever Ray: Concrete Walls

2009-12-01T20:58:00.001+01:00

Deep, dark, wonderful. To be listened to extremely loud, alone in darkness.

Like this!

2009-12-01T20:32:00.002+01:00

Listen to Hero Horns together with RebekkaMaria in a submarine. The sound is nice. Love the song.

See video; Hero Horns: Handcuffs, here

Miike Snow: Silvia

2009-11-22T21:14:00.000+01:00

I can't get enough of Miike Snow. I saw them live in concert on Friday night and it was so inspiring to just see them work on stage.

This is Silvia:

Mr Hudson: Knew we were trouble

2009-11-02T17:36:00.000+01:00

Lovely!

Old Stevie Nicks Interview

2009-10-07T17:25:00.001+02:00

Somehow I managed to started listening to Fleetwood Mac these last couple of days and also rekindleing my love for Stevie Nicks. My favorite songs are "Stand back", "beauty and the beast" and "edge of seventeen". In my quest for finding these songs for you to listen to I stumbled across and old interview with Stevie Nicks where she talks about her and Lindsey Buckingham before they were famous and how they used to struggle to make the rent, and her story into Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac are really mainstream but they did release really interesting tunes like "Caroline", "Tusk" and "Never going back". Below you can see Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks perform "Never going back." Dig the guitar!

Lenka

2009-10-07T17:16:00.000+02:00

Lenka is an Australian singer-songwriter mostly famous for her song: "the show". Today I was listening to her album and started thinking how much she sounds like Lily Allen. Her lyrics are not as political or as provocative as Lily Allen.

The following video is really neat i think. It reminds me of a Danish children's show from when I was a kid.

Lady Sovereign pulling a M.I.A stunt?

2009-08-20T10:47:00.000+02:00

Lady Sovereign's recent single shows a remarkable change in her usual releases. The first time I heard "I got you dancing" I didn't recognize her at all. In fact I was very surprised when I learned that it was Lady Sovereign. "I got you dancing" is a really cool sound, but it sounds to me like a try to get in the same league as M.I.A and Santogold. So "I got you dancing" - sad mistake at being a M.I.A copycat or clever move into coolqueenbeat realm? You be the judge:

Lady Sovereign: I got you dancing:

M.I.A : Pull up the People:

Miike Snow

2009-08-10T08:41:00.001+02:00

This weekend a friend of mine drew my attention to Swedish band Miike Snow. Already getting airplay with their soon-to-be smashhit "Animal", Miike Snow has the similar sound of a soft Hot Chip. For me it was love at first listen, especially the song: "Song of no one". Listen to it here

Miike Snow consist of Andrew Wyatt and the guys behind producing team Bloodshy & Avant who has produced smashhits like Britney Spears' "Piece of me" and "Toxic" and songs from Madonnas "Confessions on a dancefloor".

Jump on the "Animal" train with the video below:

Get free downloads of Miike Snow remixes and Miike Snow mash-ups with Vampire Weekend and Passion Pit from their recordlabel here

On my Ipod in June

2009-06-23T01:42:00.001+02:00

This is a list of songs playing in my ipod this June:
(rightclick to open and listen to song in another window)

Paloma Faith: Stone Cold Sober

Nephew: D.T.A.P

Bertie Blackman: Heart

Passion Pit: Sleepyhead

Addeboy vs. Cliff: Beep my beep

Florence and the machine: Rabbit Heart

Jooks: Hun vil ha en rapper

The Gossip: Heavy Cross

Bat for Lashes: Daniel

Martha Wainwright: B.M.F.A

The Pierces: Boring

Melody Club: Girls don't always wanna have fun

The Flaming Lips: Borderline

Chairlift: Bruises

Bertie Blackman: Heart

2009-06-23T01:37:00.000+02:00

This is a very peculiar song, but I like the intrigate rhytm combined with the upbeat festive tune. Enjoy.

Bat for lashes: Daniel

2009-05-22T16:56:00.000+02:00

Love this tune. Love her new album "Two Suns" altogether. Love the dreamy mystic tune combined with lyrics that speak of love that may be lost but never forgotten.

Addeboy vs. Cliff: Beep my Beep

2009-05-21T14:34:00.000+02:00

Love this tune. Definitely to play at my next party.

The Pierces: Boring

2009-05-21T14:32:00.000+02:00

Love the Pierces. Ever since I heard "three wishes" and "secret" I have been an addict. AND they are from Birmingham, Alabama :-D. Some of you might have noticed "boy in a rock and roll band" that I have had on my ringtone for ages. Here is the awesome ironic Boring:

Spring tunes

2009-04-30T21:00:00.000+02:00

Here are some tunes I have listened to this spring:

Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Runaway

2009-04-30T20:05:00.001+02:00

From their new, and may I just add, excellent, album, "It's Blitz!", "Runaway" is just a fantastic song. I really like their older stuff but they have softened up a bit, and it's still very very fine. "Runaway" is definitely a new favorite song of mine.

Maria Timm: Dirty Place

2009-04-07T13:07:00.000+02:00

I just love this song. It had to grow on me though. But now I listen to it every morning while biking through Copenhagen. What an amazing way to begin the day. I have previously listened to Maria Timm's voice in the band Marybell Katastrophy, but now she has made a little side solo project. She just came out with an album, but here is the video of Dirty Place for your pleasure:

Approaching Easter: Is Europe ready for Flo Rida's resurrection tecnique?

2009-04-03T17:09:00.001+02:00

Hitting the charts in US these days is Flo Rida's brand new single: Sugar. And just like his previous one, I'm sure that every teenager and mainstream enthusiast will devour it.

I anticipate that this single also will be a hit among preteens and teenagers in Europe. Just as Flo Rida used samplings from 80's hit Dead or Alive: "You spin me Right Round" in his monster hit "Right Round", Flo Rida has brought a European hit machine from the 90's back to life. But is Europe - and especially the adult mainstream audience - ready for Italian Eiffel 65's "Blue (da ba dee)" not even a decade later?

My bet is: SURE! Just as Europe were ready for yet another round of Moldavian O-zone: "Dragostea Din Tei" just five years later through T.I. and Rihanna:"Live your life".

I'm certain that every teenager that didn't get to experience the music in the 90's will just love Flo Rida's 10 steps to resurrecting the European dance chart.

As for me, don't mind if I skip this holiday. To me, it sounds more like an exorcism than the beauty of a resurrected beloved.

For your pleasure or discomfort you can enjoy both the original "Blue" and "Sugar" below.

Sia: Buttons (CSS remix)

2009-04-01T15:43:00.000+02:00

This Australian singer/songwriter has been worked over by CSS, and they have made an amazing remix, to drool over, or maybe to just shake a little rumple.

Fever Ray

2009-03-05T15:23:00.000+01:00

Fever Ray is a side-project from Swedish Karin Dreijer Andersson who is also known as one half of the brother-sister duo The Knife, who is known in the more mainstream circle for the song "Heartbeats" that Jose Gonzales covered. You may also know her as the singer in the excellent "What else is there" by Royksopp. The side-project just landed in the stores with the album: "Fever Ray". Here is an absolutely beautiful song, "Keep the streets empty for me":

If you don't know "What else is there", your ears will love this candy:

Asteroid Galaxy Tour

2009-02-03T21:47:00.001+01:00

This Danish band is just the bomb. A band definitely to keep an eye on. Already celebrating their popularity across the borders in the US (getting played and praised on the smash series "Gossip Girl") and Australia (on the air charts) DK just started noticing them. Although their single "Around the Bend" is good, I also really like "The Sun Ain't Shining No more". Below you can enjoy both.

Lampshade vs. Nikolaj Nørlund

2008-11-30T22:29:00.003+01:00

When it comes to covers I can't get enough. Eg. I love the new compilation: "Hollywood mon amour" which includes great covers of cool moviesongs from the 80's. Also I love the new Seal album which is filled with grand soul and all covers. Some times it just work. I Dk a new compilation just came out containing great dane classics called "Kender du det" - referring to Søren Kragh Jacobsens great classic. On the album is also a new version of "Den støjende tid" which was made by what I think is a genius, the great Nikolaj Nørlund. It is a very melancholic song based one of poems by the late popular cult author Michael Strunge. The new song is very different, not as melancholic but I would still like to draw attention to it. I think Lampshade did a great job, but I think I would miss the melancholic tone from Nikolaj Nørlund. What do you think?

Lampshades cover

The original by Nikolaj Nørlund

Little Joy

2008-11-23T12:17:00.000+01:00

Little Joy is an american rock band, and it is a sideproject from The Strokes' Fabrizio Moretti. They just came out with their debut album "Little joy". The tunes are really cool and reminds me a lot of the Bees. Also it has a sixty rock sound to it. Very cool. View their myspace page here to listen:

http://www.myspace.com/littlejoymusic

and see an unplugged video here:

Discovering the new soul theme

2008-11-20T10:54:00.000+01:00

During the last couple of years the old school soul has taken a revival in the new music. Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Adele and many others have taken the soul and incorporated it into their sound. Now, more and more musicians have done the same, leaving a bunch of different choices when wanting to experience the new soul. I have compiled a playlist of the different varieties for your pleasure and overlook. Happy new soul-hunting.

Oh Land

2008-11-19T10:33:00.001+01:00

I recently discovered "Oh land" who just came out with her debut album. Her songs are wonderfully weird and creative, and her voice is amazing. I cant wait to buy her album. Meanwhile you can check her and her music out on myspace:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=130048683

And also check out this video where she plays an unplugged mellow version of her song: "Heavy eyes".

Queen of Cool ratings. Best songs of october 2008

2008-11-19T10:27:00.000+01:00

Welcome to my music blog

2008-11-19T10:15:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone.

Welcome to my musicblog. This blog is dedicated to bring great music out to the public. Get inspired. Listen and rejoice. I hope you will enjoy my site.