CALIFORNIA SNOW STORY
CD
Close To The Ocean
Letterbox
California Snow Story are a Scottish-based band, formed in 2002 by David Skirving. David was a founder member of Glasgow band Camera Obscura. He wrote several songs and played lead guitar on their first three releases (“Park and Ride”, “Your Sound” and “Rare UK Bird”). He also wrote guitar parts for the “Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi” album and played several shows with Camera Obscura between 1997 and 1999, including the legendary Bowlie Weekender festival. California Snow Story first released music on the much-loved Shelflife label in 2002 and have had a rather fluid line up. After a lengthy break, David began recording again in 2005 and was joined in 2006 by singer Sandra Belda Martínez. Sandra was previously the vocalist in the highly rated Valencia-based duo Superété. Superété recorded music in Spain in 2001/2002 and played frequently in Valencia and Barcelona in 2003 and 2004. With help from Madoka Fukushima on keyboards and Alan Skirving on drums, California Snow Story have recorded their first full-length release “Close To The Ocean”. Tracklist: “Begin Again”, “My Life Is Only A Daydream”, “Future Perfect”, “Suddenly Everything Happens”, “Consolation Song”, “Brook Lune “, “A New Light To Guide You”, “Wishing Well”, “You Set The Scene” and “Once An Ocean”.
145 SEK
CAMERA OBSCURA
CDS
If Looks Could Kill
Elefant
"If Looks Could Kill" is the third song taken as a single from the highly praised third album by Camera Obscura, an album composed of melodic pop jewels from the first to the very last song. Along with the title track, destined to be danced to death in the best pop music clubs due to its unstoppable Motown beat and the Phil Spector-esque sound, the CD-single format includes two new, previously unreleased tracks: "Hands Up Baby" (a duet written and sung by Kenny McKeeve with Tracyanne Campbell's vocal counterpoint, recorded during the same Swedish sessions as the album, which shows the couple as a Scottish version of Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra on a cloudy day) and the very recent song called "Alaska", a new track that was recorded on the last weekend of October by Paul Savage (The Delgados).
55 SEK
CAMERA OBSCURA
CDS
Lets Get Out Of This Country
Elefant
"Let's Get Out Of This Country" is the title track on Camera Obscura’s third album, and is also the main song on this single. A sunny, classic pop song which, as the rest of the album, was recorded in Sweden under the production of Jari Haapalainen. Along with this song, the CD-single features two new tracks: "Lemon Juice And Paper Cuts" and "Return To Send Her".
55 SEK
CAMERA OBSCURA
CDS
Lloyd, I´m Ready To Be Heartbroken
Elefant
The first single out from the new Camera Obscura album, "Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken", is a country soul track with a fantastic ending part where Tracyanne manages to sing up to six choruses! As for the exclusive B-sides, "Phil And Don" is a country duet with great guitar work and some harmonica thrown in for good luck. And "Roman Holiday" has a bossanova beat and a vibraphone arrangement that give it the perfect stylish touch for a song too good to be just a B-side. If these are their B-sides, imagine how good is the album! Tracklist: “Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken”, “Phil And Don”, “Roman Holiday” and “Vídeo Clip (I Love My Jean)”.
55 SEK
CAMERA OBSCURA
7"
Lloyd, I´m Ready To Be Heartbroken
Elefant
The first single out from the new Camera Obscura album, "Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken", is a country soul track with a fantastic ending part where Tracyanne manages to sing up to six choruses! On the 7" vinyl release of "Lloyd, I'm ready to be heartbroken" the exclusive B-side is "I Can't Stay Mad At You" (a cover version of country singer Skeeter Davis): a drum-less melody with great vocal harmonies and beautiful keyboard arrangements. Tracklist: “Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken” and "I Can't Stay Mad At You".
45 SEK
CAMERA OBSCURA
7"
Tears For Affairs
Elefant
"Tears For Affairs" is the fourth song taken as a single from “Let’s Get Out Of This Country”, the highly praised third album by Camera Obscura. Along with the title track, the 7” single an exclusive, previously unreleased b-side: a cover version of ABBA’s classic "Super Trouper".
45 SEK
CAMERA OBSCURA
CDS
Tears For Affairs
Elefant
"Tears For Affairs" is the fourth song taken as a single from the highly praised third album by Camera Obscura. Along with the title track, the CD-single format includes one new, previously unreleased track: "The last song", as well as a brand new video of “Lloyd, I´m ready to be heartbroken”, directed by Victoria Bergsman (The Concretes, Taken By Trees) and filmed by Blair Young, the man behind most of the band’s videos; the clip features artwork by François Marry, French designer and musician living in England.
50 SEK
CARS CAN BE BLUE
CD
All The Stuff We Do
Happy Happy Birthday To Me
US pop duo Nate Mitchell and Becky Brooks, better known as Cars Can Be Blue, plays simple, fun, catchy songs that combine bubblegum pop with a satirical, sometimes even naughty sense of humour. Think Dressy Bessy with Sarah Silverman singing, Tullycraft meets Adam Sandler, Beat Happening meets Tenacious D. Tracklist: “I Like”, “Used To Think”, “Perm Guy”, “Dating Batman”, “Car Is Out”, “Motorboat”, “Hey Hippie”, “TMNT”, “She Needs It”, “Do You Remember?”, “Abortion”, “Retarded Retard”, “Dirty Song”, “(You're A) Bitch”, “Bike Shop”, “You're So Cute”, “The Pincher”, “D In The P”, “Do You Want It? (The SEX, I Mean)” and “Theme”.
125 SEK
CARS CAN BE BLUE
CD
Doubly Unbeatable
Happy Happy Birthday To Me
”Doubly Unbeatable” is the second album from US pop duo Nate Mitchell and Becky Brooks, better known as Cars Can Be Blue. Simple, fun, catchy songs that combine bubblegum pop with a satirical, sometimes even naughty sense of humour. Think Dressy Bessy with Sarah Silverman singing, Tullycraft meets Adam Sandler, Beat Happening meets Tenacious D. Tracklist: “Sun Blows Up”, “Coat Tails”, “Eyeballs”, “Hope You’re Hurting”, “Pretty Special”, “I Wish I”, “Ribbon”, “Flipped Around”, “Cycle Of Violence”, “You’re On Drugs”, “Just Because”, “I Think It’s A...”, “So Cheap”, “Merch Song”, “Bend That Rad” and “Seem’s We’re Breaking Up”.
125 SEK
THE CAT´S MIAOW
CD
Songs For Girls To Sing
Library
Excellent compilation of this highly influential Australian indiepop/twee group from the early-mid 90’s. “Songs For Girls To Sing” compiles all of The Cat’s Miaow singles, split singles and compilation tracks. 36 tracks! Tracklist: “Hollow Inside”, “Make A Wish”, “Light The Beacon”, “Not Like I Was Doing Anything”, “Note On The Table”, “Baby I Love You”, “You Know It's True”, “Seventeen”, “What Time Is It There?”, “I Can't Sleep Thinking You Hate Me”, “I Fall To Pieces”, “Let Me Brush The Hair From Your Face”, “Portland, Oregon”, “One Of Us Is In The Wrong Place”, “Stay”, “Smitten”, “Right Back...”, “Do You Think It Will Snow Tonight?”, “The Others Way”, “Shoot The Moon”, “Firefly”, “Barney & Me”, “Millions Of Tiny Lights”, “LA International Airport”, “If Things Had Been Different”, “Crying”, “Don't Worry, This Isn't About You”, “Nothing Can Stop Us”, “Peut-Etre Que Rien Jamais”, “Laisses-Moi Froler Les Cheveux De Ton Visage”, “Revant De Toi”, “Troisieme Etage”, “Nothing Can Stop Us”, “Crying”, “Third Floor Fire Escape View” and “Let It Flow”. Highly recommended!
125 SEK
CATS ON FIRE
CD
Dealing In Antiques
Johanna Kustannus
An excellent 20 track compilation gathering all the songs from Cats On Fire’s two (since long out of print) 7” singles on Elva, the “Draw In The Reins” CDEP on our own Fraction Discs label and “The Hague” from “Matinée Grand Prix”, together with six songs that are previously unreleased (including a cover of White Town’s mega hit “Your Woman”). Anyone who’ve listened and fancied Cats On Fire’s two albums should really give this collection a listen, because this is very much the early history of a Great Pop Band that has hold on to their musical ideas throughout the years - and made fabulous songs from the very start! Tracklist “Your Woman”, “Poor Students Dream Of Marx”, “Never Land Here”, “Crooked Paper Clip”, “Something Happened”, “On His Right Side”, “Don’t Say It Could Be Worse”, “My Friend In A Comfortable Chair”, “You Will Find Me Where You Left Me”, “Solid Work”, “Higher Grounds”, “They Produced A Girl”, “Honey Your Baby”, “The Smell Of An Artist”, “Your Treasure”, “The Cold Hands Of Great Men”, “Draw In The Reins”, “Happiness Is Chemistry”, “Stars” and “The Hague”. Highly recommended!
135 SEK
CATS ON FIRE
CDEP
Draw In The Reins
Fraction Discs
When we first saw the Finnish quartet Cats On Fire enter the stage on a beautiful summer’s day in Malmö two years ago, we realized in the blink of an eye that their music does not conform. A classic guitar pop ensemble, they carry on a tradition born in the english 80’s indie scene, where beautifully chiseled chords and jangling guitars join lyrics that do not fear to tackle the important issues of our time. Vocalist and songwriter Mattias Björkas’ lyrics don’t attempt to flee seriousness, at the same time they bring a refreshing sense of dark humour. Along with tunes that have the ability to stick in one’s mind Cats On Fire represent that intelligent kind of pop music we believe many, many people have been anxiously awaiting. Tracklist: “Draw In The Reins”, “Higher Grounds”, “The Smell Of An Artist”, “The Cold Hands Of Great Men” and “Never Land Here”.
35 SEK
CATS ON FIRE
CD
Our Temperance Movement
Johanna Kustannus
“Our Temperance Movement” is the second album from Cats On Fire. And there’s no need talking about the “difficult second album”, because our favourites from Finland have advanced their sound and expression within the regions of what we’re used to hear from them. And why shouldn’t they, because when it comes to jangly guitar pop with smart lyrics, in their game they’re quite unbeatable! Take parts of The Smiths, One Thousand Violins and Happydeadmen, throw in a sparkling Felt guitarist on top, add a warmer, more intimate production and you get the idea... Or maybe like this: Cats On Fire has made another excellent album! How about that!? Tracklist: “Horoscope”, “Lay Down Your Arms”, “Letters From A Voyage To Sweden”, “Never Sell The House”, “The Steady Pace”, “Tears In Your Cup”, “Garden Lights”, “The Borders Of This Land”, “Our Days In The Sun” and “Fabric”. Highly recommended!
140 SEK
CATS ON FIRE
CD
The Province Complains
Marsh-Marigold
“The Province Complains”, the debut album by Cats On Fire, is here at last! This Finnish quartet may not need an introduction by now, after two 7” singles on Elva and a CDEP on our own humble label the rumour has been spread around the globe: one of the finest contemporary pop bands comes from Finland. This album is yet another proof of their ability to write classic and intelligent guitar pop songs, where influences can be found in the brittish 80’s indie scene, with bands like The Smiths and Felt, as well as in 60’s pop icons The Kinks. Highly recommended! Tracklist: ”I Am The White-Mantled King”, “Astray”, “Higher Grounds”, “Heat And Romance”, “Born Again Christian”, “The Smell Of An Artist”, “Chain Of Saints”, “Mesmer And Reason”, “If You Must Tell Him”, “The Sharp End Of A Season”, “Draw In The Reins” and “End Of Straight Street”.
135 SEK
CATWALK
7"
Past Afar
YAY!
Second single from this three-piece guitar pop act from Oxnard, California. Their sound is quite close to the poppier bands of the C86/indiepop scene in the 80’s England. “Past Afar” contains three classic and shimmering guitar pop songs that show that this band is just getting better and better! Comes with a Catwalk poster. Tracklist: ”Past Afar”, ”Comely” and ”Can’t Believe”. Highly recommended!
50 SEK
CAUSE CO-MOTION!
12"
Because Because Because
Slumberland
Hot on the heels of their critically-lauded singles collection, “It's Time!”, Cause Co-Motion! have hit the studio to bring you their latest installment of earnest DIY pop in the form of this fab six song 12” EP entitled “Because Because Because”. Over the last few years Cause Co- Motion! have made quite a name for themselves as purveyors of crash- pop of the finest quality, blending 60s garage impulses with Messthetic-inflected post-punk and the scrappy end of the 80s indie scene, as exemplified by groups like Television Personalities, Beat Happening and The Pastels. “Because Because Because” begins a new chapter in the Cause Co-Motion! story. Committed to tape in the course of a day spent with Gary Olson of The Ladybug Transistor at his Marlborough Farms studio, this EP balances the band’s frenetic attack with a more open approach to arrangements and space. The songs are all top-drawer too, and we fully expect the driving “Leave It All” and the Buddy Holly-esque “You Lose” to take their places in the Cause Co-Motion! pantheon of future classics. Fired by a love of classic pop and a punkish devotion to short songs, eager tempos and enthusiasm-over-technique, Cause Co-Motion! have busted out of their native Brooklyn to garner a world-wide fanbase and critical acclaim. “Because Because Because” is further proof of their mastery of exuberant, hooky garage pop, a ten minute blast of racket, reverb and energy that’s as timeless as it is perfectly of-the-moment. All copies come housed in a hand-painted and silkscreened jacket. Tracklist: “And You Wonder”, “Is What You Say What You Mean?”, “It's Time!”, “Because Because Because”, “Leave It All” and “You Lose”.
65 SEK
CAUSE CO-MOTION!
7"
I Lie Awake
Slumberland
Following a series of increasingly rad singles on labels like What's Yr Rupture? and the band's own Can’t Cope, Cause Co-Motion! bring their patented reverb-happy pop to Slumberland in the form of the “I Lie Awake” EP, and it just fits like a glove. A blazing chaos of jangle, clatter, and thump - busted strings and broken hearts. Hummable tunes to scratch that TVPs/Pastels/Comet Gain itch, with more than a dash of 14 Iced Bears and Desperate Bicycles in there too. Sounding for all the world like dispatches from a future Messthetics comp, there are three doses of pure DIY pop pleasure, straight from the garage to your ears, feet and heart. If you liked previous classics like “This Time Next Year” and “Take A Look” then you will love the “I Lie Awake” EP. Tracklist: “I Lie Awake”, “You Don’t Say” and “Cry For Attention”.
40 SEK
CAUSE CO-MOTION!
CD
It´s Time!
Slumberland
Cause Co-Motion! have spent the last three years releasing a series of increasingly rad singles on What's Yr Rupture?, Cape Shok, Can't Cope and finally Slumberland. Their sound is a blazing chaos of jangle, clatter, and thump - busted strings and broken hearts. Hummable tunes to scratch that TVPs/Pastels/Comet Gain itch, with more than a dash of 14 Iced Bears and Desperate Bicycles in there too. Using reverb as a weapon, Cause Co-Motion! have honed their hyperactive sound into a formidable DIY pop lexicon. Dig their new language. It's Time! is a compilation of these fine singles. The 14 songs race by in barely over 20 minutes, the compressed rush of melody, tunes and crash-bang energy perfectly mirroring the hormonal frenzy of adolescence and young adulthood. Tracklist: “Only Fades Away”, “Baby Don't Do It”, “This Just Won't Last”, “This Time Next Year”, “Take A Look”, “Which Way Is Up?”, “Falling Again”, “Don't You Know?”, “Say What You Feel”, “When Will It Finally End?”, “Who's Gonna Care?”, “I Lie Awake”, “You Don't Say” and “Cry For Attention”.
140 SEK
THE CAVALCADE and BOA CONSTRICTOR
CDEP
Meet You In The Rain
Cloudberry
Two tracks each from The Cavalcade and Boa Constrictor. The Cavalcade is, according to the sleeve note, “a romantic indiepop band from a rainswept town in the north of England. Inspired by Felt, The Clientele and all the Sarah records band, they provide the perfect soundtrack for wandering deserted city streets in the rain”. This is truly a great new English indiepop band that you’ll hear more from! Boa Constrictor is an indiepop quintet (a six-piece at the time of the recording of these two songs) from Borås, Sweden that took their name from a Magnetic Fields song. Melodic, upbeat and slightly Camera Obscura-influenced pop. Tracklist: The Cavalcade “Meet You in the Rain” and “Voices”. Boa Constrictor “Out Of Nothing” and “Kollektivliv”.
55 SEK
CÉLESTE
CDEP
The Colder Insight EP
Firestation
Four track CDEP, released in 1998, from Swedish one-man band Céleste. This quite unknown band made sunny, 60’s tinged and lovely arranged guitar pop in the same style as countrymen Eggstone and Seashells. On this EP singer and songwriter Jonas Mann were assisted by Jari Haapalainen (Bear Quartet, Mary-Go-Round), Rodrigo Caminero, Jiri Novak (Cinnamon) and Erik Domellöf (Seashells). Tracklist: ”Colder Inside”, ”I Don’t Think You Can Cry”, “Holiday On Ice” and “Sunny Side Of The Moon”.
40 SEK
CELESTIAL
CD
Crystal Heights
Lavender/Music Is My Girlfriend
Finally it’s here - the anticipated second album from Celestial. The album is filled with beautiful pieces of dreamy pop, jangly guitars, ace melodies and vocals from heaven. We believe this release will be loved by those who appreciate the essence of Creation and Sarah Records, Swedish pop, The Field Mice, Ride, Trembling Blue Stars, My Favorite, Language of Flowers and Camera Obscura. The wonderful vocals on the recordings belong to Malin Dahlberg (Douglas Heart, Laurel Music, We Are Soldiers We Have Guns) and Ulrika Nymark (Northern Fields). While first album “Dream On” draw resemblance to C86, JAMC or a sunkissed Ride the new album shows a band changing towards a slightly cleaner soundscape still cherishing their old 7” singles. “You only dream about yesterdays. There and back again, there and back again…”. Tracklist: “Preston Park”, “Warm Against The Cold”, “Forever Whispers Secrets To Me”, “Love Always Comes To Those Who Waits”, “Crystal Heights”, “How Does It Feel?”, “Lonely Boulevard”, “Try To Understand” and “Hope, You Know”. Highly recommended!
75 SEK
CHAMPAGNE RIOT
CDEP
Paris And I
Shelflife
CDEP + 7”. You needn’t be out of touch with contemporary music or a nostalgic remnant of some other, long-past era to suspect that pop has, by and large, lost its sense of romance. Not only in terms of its willingness to lyrically explore the lexicon of love without the escape clause of postmodern irony, but the romance of unashamedly grand and eccentric gestures – the inherent romance of outsiders seeking to gently subvert the pop song, reconstructing it as something familiar yet foreign, classicist yet newfangled. Think of the Human League’s “Dare!”, ostensibly a collection of love songs made to sound like science fiction; or New Order’s plainspoken anti-poetry couched in synthetic symphonies that were the very antithesis of the everyday. It is this largely abandoned idea of the velvet melody in the robotic glove to which Champagne Riot aspires. And with its debut EP, “Paris and I”, you hear it realized. Tracklist CDEP: “Scandinavian Warfare”, “Music To My Ears”, “I Dream About You At Night” and “Before We Wave Goodbye”. Tracklist 7”: “Heroes Of Our Time” and “Blank Moon Rising”.
120 SEK
CHAMPAGNE RIOT
7"
Paris And I
Shelflife
CDEP + 7”. You needn’t be out of touch with contemporary music or a nostalgic remnant of some other, long-past era to suspect that pop has, by and large, lost its sense of romance. Not only in terms of its willingness to lyrically explore the lexicon of love without the escape clause of postmodern irony, but the romance of unashamedly grand and eccentric gestures – the inherent romance of outsiders seeking to gently subvert the pop song, reconstructing it as something familiar yet foreign, classicist yet newfangled. Think of the Human League’s “Dare!”, ostensibly a collection of love songs made to sound like science fiction; or New Order’s plainspoken anti-poetry couched in synthetic symphonies that were the very antithesis of the everyday. It is this largely abandoned idea of the velvet melody in the robotic glove to which Champagne Riot aspires. And with its debut EP, “Paris and I”, you hear it realized. Tracklist CDEP: “Scandinavian Warfare”, “Music To My Ears”, “I Dream About You At Night” and “Before We Wave Goodbye”. Tracklist 7”: “Heroes Of Our Time” and “Blank Moon Rising”.
120 SEK
THE CHAMPAGNE SOCIALISTS
7"
Blue Genes
Slumberland
LA-based musician Devon Williams has been making quite a name for himself over the last few years, splitting time between working with folk/performance band Lavender Diamond, playing with up-and-coming power-pop sensations The Champagne Socialists and all the while developing and recording his own baroque pop songs under his own name. Ably abetted by friends Allen Bleye and Greg Arnold, Williams spent a year and a half painstakingly piecing together a beautiful, coherent set of songs to form one very unique album. The fruit of this labour was the brilliant album “Carefree”, released in 2008 on Ba Da Bing. Demonstrating a knack for crafting timeless pop that’s equal parts Brill Building and Topanga Canyon, Williams hearkened back to great songwriters like Nilsson, Chilton, Downes and Westerberg. Buoyed by Wall of Sound production, economical arrangements and a wealth of 12-string jangle, “Carefree” is a perfect pop record in the truest sense, a record bursting with melody that rewards repeated listens. Now we’re quite excited to welcome Devon to the Slumberland family with this excellent new single, a taster for his upcoming Slumberland album. “Sufferer” adds a bit of new wave flavor to the mix, the chorused and reverb-laden guitars reminiscent of mid-period Cure or perhaps the power-pop of Tommy Keene or Let’s Active. The tune is another Williams future-classic, instantly memorable and charming with its driving elegance. “Who Cares About Forever” also impresses, a slow-dance simmer with a wonderful melody and soaring, spare guitar jangle. Both songs reinforce Williams’ status as one of our finest song-writers and arrangers, and are ample evidence that his next album will be something quite special indeed. Tracklist: “Blue Genes” and “Young Runaways”.
40 SEK
THE CHESTERFIELDS
CD
Electric Guitars In Their Hearts
Cherry Red
The Chesterfields were formed in 1984 in deepest Dorset, UK and signed to Bristol's Subway Organisation label. This 27 track best of compilation is the first to cover the whole of the band’s career. After having 4 Independent chart hit singles, including the highly rated “Ask Johnny Dee”, their debut album “Kettle” was released in 1987 and two more albums, “Westward Ho!” and “Crocodile Tears” followed over the next two years. “Electric Guitars In Their Hearts” also features a previously unreleased version of “Glad For You”, with Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey), Clare Mactaggart (Portishead) and Andy Strickland (The Loft). This compilation is perfect for admirers of English jangly guitar pop from the 80’s! Tracklist: “Shame About The Rain”, “Completely And Utterly”, “Ask Johnny Dee”, “Sweet Revenge”, “Best Of Friends”, “Two Girls And A Treehouse”, “Nose Out Of Joint”, “Love Mountain”, “Oh Mr Wilson”, “What's Your Perversion”, “Pop Anarchy”, “Sob Sob Story”, “Everything A Boy Could Ever Need”, “Goodbye Goodbye”, “Last Train To Yeovil”, “Let It Go”, “Lunchtime For The Wild Youth”, “Alison Wait”, “Blame”, “Male Bimbo”, “Fool Is A Man”, “Down By The Wishing Pool”, “Glad For You”, “Fountain Of Youth”, “Hangover Eve”, “Something Happening” and “The Berlin Walk”.
135 SEK
CHIN CHIN
LP
Sound Of The Westway
Slumberland/Mississippi
Chin Chin were an all-female Swiss band who were inspired by punk to pick up instruments in 1982 and form a band, and whose influences were taken from inside and outside punk: The Clash, The Ramones, X-Ray Spex, Blondie, Generation X, Siouxsie & The Banshees, David Bowie, Motown, 1960s girl groups and glam rock bands like T-Rex and Slade. In 1984 they took the rare step of forming their own label, Farmer Records (along with fellow punks SOZZ), and released their first single, the now legendary "We Don't Wanna Be Prisoners”. “Sound Of The Westway” is a brilliant mix of punk-informed crunch and buoyant pop melody that shows Chin Chin to be true pioneers of DIY noisy pop. Their combination of punk ethic, fuzz guitars and bubblegum pop was also gaining traction in the UK with the nascent C86 scene, and Chin Chin fit right in next to groups like Shop Assistants, The Rosehips and The Fizzbombs. Tracklist: “Dark Days”, “My Guy”, “Never Surrender”, “Even If It's A Lie”, “Jungle of Fear”, “Why Am I So Lonely?”, “Room of Sadness”, “War”, “Love Song”, “Proud Soldiers”, “Stay With Me”, “Dead Life”, “Why Am I So Lonely II” and “Da Doo Ron Ron/My Boy Lollipop”.
135 SEK
THE CLEAN
CD
Unknown Country
Flying Nun
The Clean is a highly influental indie band formed in Dunedin, New Zealand in 1978 and was an early part of the Flying Nun stable of acts (along with The Bats, The Chills, Sneaky Feelings and more). Although they released several chart-topping singles in their native country, the Clean are a little-known cult band outside of New Zealand, although their influence is surprisingly far-reaching. They became a staple of college radio in the 1980s, Stephen Malkmus of Pavement cites them as a major influence, and the band’s droney 80’s output is a direct forerunner of bands such as Yo La Tengo and Camper Van Beethoven. “Unknown Country” was released by Flying Nun in 1996. Tracklist: “Wipe Me, I'm Lucky”, “Champagne & Misery”, “Changing Your Head”, “Balkans”, “Clutch”, “Franz Kafka At The Zoo”, “Whisk”, “Indigo Blue”, “Chumpy”, “Get The Liquid”, “Happy Lil’ Fella”, “Tweezer”, “Rope”, “Twist Top”, “Cooking Water”, “Valley Cab”, “Wall Walk” and “Balkans”.
120 SEK
THE CLIENTELE
7"
Since K Got Over Me
Pointy
Three-track 7” single with the title track taken from The Clientele’s third album “Strange Geometry”. The flipside’s “Devil Got My Woman” and “I Believe It” are exclusive for this single.
45 SEK
CLUB 8
CDEP
Jesus, Walk With Me
Labrador
Club 8’s critically acclaimed album ”The Boy Who Couldn’t Stop Dreaming” is pop music at it’s most profound, and the most personal, honest and beloved song in the whole collection spells “Jesus, Walk With Me”. The title track is backed up by four brilliant, exclusive tracks - two brand new songs and remixes by Jimahl and new Labrador signees The Sound Of Arrows. Tracklist: “Jesus, Walk With Me”, “What I'm Dreaming Of Is Something I Could Have”, “Take Me Home”, “Jesus, Walk With Me (The Sound Of Arrows Remix)” and “Jesus, Walk With Me (Jimahl Remix)”.
40 SEK
CLUB 8
CD
Nouvelle
Siesta
Second edition of Club 8’s first album, now including the three tracks from their since long out of print single “Me Too”. “Nouvelle” is a charming debut album that combines jangly pop influences like The Smiths and Felt with a latin breeze. Tracklist: “Blue Skies”, “Don´T Be Gone”, “Breakdown”, “She Never Calls Me”, “Loveaffair”, “Sunday Afternoon”, “Those Charming Men”, “All Dressed Up And Shy”, “I Guess I Was Wrong”, “Look Out! “, “Mee To”, “Girlfriend” and “Before I Came”.
140 SEK
CLUB 8
CD
Spring Came, Rain Fell
Labrador
”Spring Came, Rain Fell” is the fourth album by the beloved Swedish pop duo Club 8. With infuences from dub, c86, triphop and bossa nova this is their most diverse album - and at the same time - one of their finest. Sheer pop and melancholia in a beautiful mix! This 2008 reissue CD contains five bonus tracks – all the tracks from the “Summer Songs” CDEP. Tracklist: “We're Simple Minds”, “Spring Came, Rain Fell”, “Spring Song”, “Close To Me”, “Baby, I'm Not Sure If This Is Love”, “The Chance I Deserve”, “I Give Up Too “, “Friends And Lovers”, “Teenage Life”, “Karen Song”, “The Girl With The Northern Soul Collection”, “We Set Ourselves Free”, “Things We Share”, “Mornings”, “You And Me”, “Don't Stop The Night” and “Sounds From The Gulfstream”.
135 SEK
CLUB 8
CD
The Boy Who Couldn´t Stop Dreaming
Labrador
Club 8 returns in the grandest of ways with their sophomore sixth album. "The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Dreaming" is pop music at its most profound, balancing perfectly between sunshine and melancholia. Twelve songs that’ll make you sing along about death while dreaming of summer days. A glorious return to say the least! Tracklist: ”Jesus, Walk With Me”, “Whatever You Want”, “Football Kids”, “Hopes And Dreams”, “Everything Goes”, “Heaven”, “When I Come Around”, “Leave The North”, “In The Morning”, “Sometimes”, “Where Birds Dont Fly” and “The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Dreaming”.
135 SEK
CLUB 8
LP
The Boy Who Couldn´t Stop Dreaming
Labrador
Club 8 returns in the grandest of ways with their sophomore sixth album. "The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Dreaming" is pop music at its most profound, balancing perfectly between sunshine and melancholia. Twelve songs that’ll make you sing along about death while dreaming of summer days. A glorious return to say the least! Tracklist: ”Jesus, Walk With Me”, “Whatever You Want”, “Football Kids”, “Hopes And Dreams”, “Everything Goes”, “Heaven”, “When I Come Around”, “Leave The North”, “In The Morning”, “Sometimes”, “Where Birds Dont Fly” and “The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Dreaming”.
145 SEK
CLUB 8
LP
The People´s Record
Labrador
Club 8 has travelled to Brazil for inspiration, bought records made in the 70’s in Western Africa, used a percussion player from Cuba and hooked up with producer Jari Haapalainen (The Concretes, Camera Obscura, Ed Harcourt). The result is unique mix of Swedish pop melodies and African rhythms - undoubtedly one of the most unique, captivating and catchiest pop records of the year! Tracklist: “Western Hospitality”, “Isn’t That Great?”, “Shape Up!”, “Dancing With The Mentally Ill”, “My Pessimistic Heart”, “Back To A”, “Like Me”, “Be Mad, Get Ill, Be Still”, “We’re All Going To Die” and “The People Speak”.
140 SEK
CLUB 8
CD
The People´s Record
Labrador
Club 8 has travelled to Brazil for inspiration, bought records made in the 70’s in Western Africa, used a percussion player from Cuba and hooked up with producer Jari Haapalainen (The Concretes, Camera Obscura, Ed Harcourt). The result is unique mix of Swedish pop melodies and African rhythms - undoubtedly one of the most unique, captivating and catchiest pop records of the year! Tracklist: “Western Hospitality”, “Isn’t That Great?”, “Shape Up!”, “Dancing With The Mentally Ill”, “My Pessimistic Heart”, “Back To A”, “Like Me”, “Be Mad, Get Ill, Be Still”, “We’re All Going To Die” and “The People Speak”.
140 SEK
COCOANUT GROOVE
LP
Madeleine Street
Fridlyst
LP + CDR. Finally here! “Madeleine Street” is possibly the most longed-for Swedish album this year. After the gorgeous 7” single “The End Of The Summer On Bookbinder Road” on Phonic Kidnapping earlier this year, the debut album on Swedish label Fridlyst is here! These ten songs, written and arranged by Olov Antonsson, is really a perfect rendition of the 60’s sunshine pop and baroque pop, with a bit of folk thrown in ...and at the same time an original piece of art. “Madeleine Street” is an elegantly produced album, each song is given its appropriate orchestration where the pop explosions are mixed with the unbarked and heartfelt songs with picking guitars and strings. Comes with a CDR of the album. Tracklist: “The End Of The Summer On Bookbinder Road”, “Walking To Madeleine Street”, “Hummin'”, “The Castle”, “Shadow”, “I Wanted You To Step Into My World”, “Lately”, “The Looking Glass”, “A Dream Of Two Summers” and “Madeleine Street”. Highly recommended!
135 SEK
COCOANUT GROOVE
7"
The End Of The Summer On Bookbinder Road
Phonic Kidnapping
Fabulous and highly anticipated debut single by Cocoanut Groove! If you’re into 60’s sunshine pop you’re most probably thrilled by the band name (taken from the amazing Roger Nichols & The Small Circle Of Friends album) even before you’ve heard the tunes... And you’ll be rewarded, these songs written and arranged by Olov Antonsson are wonderful pop songs where the title track is a modern sunshine pop hit with its delicate baroque sound and Olovs haunting vocals on top. Like The Left Banke, The Clientele and The Smoke joined their forces under an avenue of birches... or just like a great pop song! Tracklist: “The End Of The Summer On Bookbinder Road” and “Shadow”. Highly recommended!
45 SEK
COMET GAIN
CD
Broken Record Prayers
Milou Studios
”Broken Record Prayers” is the anticipated compilation from the UK pop legends Comet Gain. This CD is a “collection of A & B sides, session tracks and stray dogs recorded 1998-2008” and a perfect introduction to this influential band, who’ve gained so many devoted fans with their soulful pop music with its roots and influences in 60’s soul, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, punk and 80’s guitar pop like TVP’s and Biff Bang Pow!. Tracklist: “Jack Nance Hair”, “You Can Hide Your Love Forever”, “Young Lions”, “If I Had A Soul”, “Brothers Off The Block”, “Beautiful Despair”, “Love Without Lies”, “Hard Times”, “If You Ever Walk Out Of My Life”, “Books Of California”, “Look At You Now (You're Crying)”, “Mainlining Mystery”, “Asleep On The Snow”, “Beatnik”, “He Walked By Nite”, “Orwell Liberty Dance”, “Emotion Pictures”, “Tighten Up!”, “Germ Of Youth Part Ii” and “Record Prayer”.
140 SEK
COMET GAIN
7"
Love Without Lies
Twee As Fuck/What´s Your Rupture?
“Love Without Lies” is classic “Realistes”-era skronk-soul (but this time with added POP! catchiness) and with a chorus that’ll instantly take up residence in your head. Anyone not yet privy to Comet Gain’s awesome majesty should prepare themselves for a blast of northern-soul inspired punka-rama-lama that’ll be setting fire to all the most discerning indie dance floors over the coming months. Together with the wonderfully evocative ballad “Books Of California” on the other side, this hand-crafted and beautifully packaged 7” only release is the first fruit of London indiepop club Twee As Fuck’s newly-minted record label in collaboration with New York’s What’s Your Rupture?.
55 SEK
THE COMPANY and THE HERMIT CRABS
7"
Searching For The Now Vol 1
Slumberland
Slumberland kicks off its new split single series in grand fashion with this double-header. The Company features Roy Moller and Stevie Jackson and rock an infectious brand of glam-happy 70s pop, while The Hermit Crabs will win you over with their sweet folk pop. It's an all-Glasgow show for Volume 1, and a rousing start to the series. Tracklist: The Company Presents Roy Moller “Join The Dots” and The Hermit Crabs “Flaxen-Haired Boy”.
45 SEK
COMPUTE
CD
This
Distortion Girl
After a string of various EP releases over the last couple of years it’s finally time for the debut album by Ulrika Mild, Göteborg’s queen of synthpop, a k a Compute. Anyone familiar with the synthpop sounds and old skool computer game blips from Compute’s past also knows that her songwriting and sound just keep improving and improving with every new release. With this one Compute is taking another leap, the catchiness of the pop melodies is completed by a darker and more distorted sound, bringing to mind elecronic acts such as Virna Lindt, Broadcast and (later) Action Biker. Still, there’s a distinct core of love for the contagious synth pop melodies of the 80’s. This, of course, means that there’s a lot of need for dancing and banging those drums while enjoying This! Tracklist: ”Reminds Me Of You”, “All The Things I Swore I’d Never Be”, “Rushing, Slowing Down”, “All Walk By”, “A Matter Of Patience”, “Over And Over”, “Words”, “Better Ways” and “The Dream”.
100 SEK
THE CONSULTANTS
CD
Work From Home
Shelflife
Info on this item coming soon.
125 SEK
ROBERT COOPER
7"
Fireworks At Noon
Library
“Fireworks At Noon” is the lovely debut single by Robert Cooper (The Sugargliders, The Earthmen, Pencil Tin, The Steinbecks) . Two tracks of breezy and sunshiny pop for lovers of fine Aussie pop, Burt Bacharach and Saint Etienne. Tracklist: “Fireworks At Noon” and “Hole”.
35 SEK
THE CRABAPPLES
7"
Crabapples For Change
Slumberland
Inspired equally by ‘78-’79 punk (Buzzcocks, Swell Maps) and ‘80s and ‘90s pop (This Poison!, Television Personalities, Boyracer, Sportique), The Crabapples were a tough little Bay Area four-piece that exploded briefly on the scene a few years back. Loud but melodic, their specialty was short, catchy tunes played with sloppy abandon. Live shows clocked in at around 15 minutes and this 4-song EP is an ideal keepsake of The Crabapples effervescent charms. From the mod-ish pogo of “Quality (Not Quantity)” to the angular “The Earnest Young Man Song” to the full-on near-hardcore of “Crabapples For Change,” this great EP rushes along in a breathless blur, fuelled by lager, explosive tunes and a love of great pop. Featuring members of The Frenchmen and Black Tambourine. Tracklist“Quality (Not Quantity)”, “Crabapples For Change”, “London Belongs To Me, Pt 2” and “All The Earnest Young Men”.
40 SEK
THE CRAYON FIELDS
CD
Animal Bells
Chapter
Animal Bells is an unruffled, dreamy pop masterpiece from this young Melbourne quartet, 12 minor key pop masterpieces filled with soaring harmonies and ringing 12 string guitar. Think the Zombies, Byrds and Beach Boys, but also think the peculiar genius of singer/guitarist Geoff O’Connor who has deft and idiosyncratic touch all his own. Tracklist: “Choir Of Tiny Boys”, “Would It Be So Strange”, “Living So Well”, “Potholes”, “Back, Front, Side, Low, High”, “Composed”, “Helicopters”, “Lovely Time”, “Impossible Things”, “Do It First”, “Midnight” and “Drains”.
145 SEK
CRYSTAL STILTS
CD
Alight Of Night
Slumberland
Following on from their great EP on Woodsist and a summer of packed shows and increasing anticipation is “Alight Of Night”, an album that more than delivers on the promise of their early singles. So what’s it like, you ask? There is a definite flavour of Velvet Underground to be had, but Crystal Stilts’ spectral avant-garage also takes in such far-flung references as: the spooked 60s Texas psych of 13th Floor Elevators and Red Crayola, the gothic blues/punk howl of Gun Club, the dark, experimental DIYism of early Flying Nun/Xpressway groups Pin Group and Plagal Grind, and a post-punk minimalism that brings to mind early Rough Trade and Factory releases. There is definitely a strong pop element as well, with the buzzsaw bubblegum of early Mary Chain b-sides and Meat Whiplash coming to mind. These are all just rough points of reference, though – “Alight Of Night” is far more than just the sum of the bands influences. From the twang ’n’ echo of “Crystal Stilts” to the primal pop stomp of “Prismatic Room” and the lovely jangle of “Shattered Shine”, the band always adds something extra and unique to the mix, whether it’s a fleeting dash of harmonica, a hypnotic organ line or just an amazing guitar sound. There is a unity of purpose at work here, a special mood conjured by the sounds, production and sequence of songs that lifts this album into the realm of the classics, and reveals new twists and turns on each listen. Like all great albums, every piece just sits in exactly the right place, each song builds on the last and by the end you couldn’t imagine changing anything about it at all. Eerily familiar but totally now, “Alight Of Night” is a brilliantly haunting slice of rock primitivism. Tracklist: “The Dazzled”, ”Crystal Stilts”, ”Graveyard Orbit”, ”Prismatic Room”, ”The Sinking”, ”Departure”, ”Shattered Shine”, ”Verdant Gaze”, ”Bright Night”, ”Spiral Transit” and ”The City In The Sea”.
140 SEK
CRYSTAL STILTS
LP
Alight Of Night
Slumberland
Following on from their great EP on Woodsist and a summer of packed shows and increasing anticipation is “Alight Of Night”, an album that more than delivers on the promise of their early singles. So what’s it like, you ask? There is a definite flavour of Velvet Underground to be had, but Crystal Stilts’ spectral avant-garage also takes in such far-flung references as: the spooked 60s Texas psych of 13th Floor Elevators and Red Crayola, the gothic blues/punk howl of Gun Club, the dark, experimental DIYism of early Flying Nun/Xpressway groups Pin Group and Plagal Grind, and a post-punk minimalism that brings to mind early Rough Trade and Factory releases. There is definitely a strong pop element as well, with the buzzsaw bubblegum of early Mary Chain b-sides and Meat Whiplash coming to mind. These are all just rough points of reference, though – “Alight Of Night” is far more than just the sum of the bands influences. From the twang ’n’ echo of “Crystal Stilts” to the primal pop stomp of “Prismatic Room” and the lovely jangle of “Shattered Shine”, the band always adds something extra and unique to the mix, whether it’s a fleeting dash of harmonica, a hypnotic organ line or just an amazing guitar sound. There is a unity of purpose at work here, a special mood conjured by the sounds, production and sequence of songs that lifts this album into the realm of the classics, and reveals new twists and turns on each listen. Like all great albums, every piece just sits in exactly the right place, each song builds on the last and by the end you couldn’t imagine changing anything about it at all. Eerily familiar but totally now, “Alight Of Night” is a brilliantly haunting slice of rock primitivism. Tracklist: “The Dazzled”, ”Crystal Stilts”, ”Graveyard Orbit”, ”Prismatic Room”, ”The Sinking”, ”Departure”, ”Shattered Shine”, ”Verdant Gaze”, ”Bright Night”, ”Spiral Transit” and ”The City In The Sea”.
140 SEK
CRYSTAL STILTS
7"
Love Is A Wave
Slumberland
Crystal Stilts burst out of Brooklyn in 2008 to become one of the most talked about bands in years. Perfecting a sound that ably mixes post-punk gloom with classic 60s pop & garage, Suicide-ish 50s buzz/twang and a dash of 80s jangle, Crystal Stilts capped the year with the release of their amazing debut album, “Alight Of Night”. Rightly recognized as one of the best albums of the year, “Alight Of Night” won rave reviews all over the place. Tours with Vivian Girls and Love Is All only added to the excitement, building anticipation for Crystal Stilts’ next record. This ace single features two brand-new songs not to be found on their album. “Love Is A Wave” is a firm favorite of the band’s live show, a perfect two-minute pop nugget in the best punk rock tradition. Fired by an insistent fast-strummed riff, an eager beat and barely-contained feedback, “Love Is A Wave” is an instant classic that stands tall with tunes like “Never Understand” and “I Heard Her Call My Name” in the noise-pop pantheon. B-side “Sugarbaby” is no slouch either, sounding for all the world like The Clean if they had been produced by Lee Hazlewood back in Arizona in the late 50s. With a spookily evocative keyboard line, breathless backing vocals and undistorted twang, “Sugarbaby” could be from 1959, or 1969, or 1989. But it’s pure 2009, and another great example of how Crystal Stilts have managed to mine rock’s past and create something entirely new and crucial for today. Tracklist: “Love Is A Wave” and “Sugarbaby”.
45 SEK