Scandanavia

 

 

Christian: Diablo Swing Orchestra, Pandora's Pinata.

The Swede's have a prolific history in jazz and heavy metal, and, I presume, aren't too shabby at opera either. DSO blend these ingredients together with high energy balkan gypsy madness and set the musical Moulinex to 11. Their first album was a revelation, the second a solid sophomore, but this, the third, manages to mature the concept to produce a winning combination of excellently written songs in an album that provides the whole endeavour more diversity and a stronger narrative.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2mZVOd0jWY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi6LcEA0CxY

 

Tim: New Trio, Elmo.

Moving on to Finland and home of the pianist Liro Rantala. Reasons it's worth listening to:

- It's fucking weird but great fun with amazing piano playing.
- Really great tunes.
- The beat boxer guy is phenomenal.
- The guitar player is obviously mad.

http://youtu.be/5bdSfmYdJ8o

http://youtu.be/FuW3X9wk50Y

Terezka: Of Monsters and Men, My Head is an Animal.

Iceland goes all folk pop on us. Nice stuff.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imgImaBleNw

Ivan: Einojuhani Rautavaara, Symphony No. 8.

From our only corresponding member: Providing a more cerebral balance to proceedings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3UxjUB8MTI

David: Jens Lekman, Night Falls Over Kortedala.

Finally, back with the Swedes who also have a prolific history of creating saccharine pop  that goes viral - gotta love the quirky laissez faire vocal delivery.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dmq3GXsMcHM