I would like to take my time to wish all my readers a merry Christmas. This is one thing which unites us both sides of the pond, the Christian traditions, that is.
I've actually never been to the states, so I don't know about what goes on there Christmas time, but Churchgoing in Sweden, where I'm at, is in a steady decline.
Myself, I belong to the Evangelical-Lutheran Church which used to be the state Church, meaning you was born into the Church and for centuries, it was obligatory to be a member and no other congregation were legal. Back in those days, Churches were full of worshippers, today, I am, as a confessing Christian, something of an odd guy out. I pray several times a day, morning prayer, evening prayer, meal prayer at every meal and if there's something I'm grateful for or if I want something good to happen to my neighbor, I turn to God. I know this is no silly thing, cos God usually replies, not with words, I don't have the benefit of direct communication in that sense, but in the sense things usually turn out alright. I also try to go to Church on every Sunday and major festivals. Usually, we're about 20 people, most of the others twice my age and that in a town of 30000 inhabitants with only one parish! No wonder people think I'm strange!
I think the reason behind this is, besides from the massive atheist propaganda in popular culture, the fact that people in Europe have a welfare state and as a labour man, I'm proud of that welfare state. The problem isn't the welfare, but the fact that people don't connect the fact that they have plenty and that the plenty has been given to them by a reason. They buy the satanic lie that they are their own benefactor and don't need to thank God for their blessings, nor share with Christ's minor brethren!
But why am I writing this?
Because I want to turn the tide and get rid of this thing called "xmas" or "holiday season" and put Christ back in Christmas!
Atheists in this country usually turn to the argument that Christmas really is a pagan festival of winter solstice and what we really celebrate is that light comes back to the world. So what? Isn't the important thing that Christ, who is the light of the world WAS born into this world? Days are unimportant, what's important is that Christ is alive and loves us.
So, again, I say, let's put Christ back in Christmas. What we have to celebrate is something beautiful and just as we let Christ's light shine through us when we love our neighbor or give thanks to our heavenly Father, let's make everyday Christmas! Let's live in unity with our neighbors and keep that charitable spirit all over the year and be our brother's keepers!
Christmas is a beautiful celebration, let's not forget the "Christ" in it and turn it into an orgy of consumption and commercialism!
So let's pray for a good Christmas for everyone and that we can turn the satanic tide in Sweden, as well as elsewhere and make as many people as possible believers when Christ returns triumphantly!
Merry Christmas to all my readers and your families!
Sunday, 23 December 2012
Saturday, 22 December 2012
Hacienda Brothers, "What's wrong with right"
/ ARTIST: Hacienda Brothers / TITLE: "What's wrong with right" / GENRÉ: Western Soul / LABEL: Proper Records / FORMAT: CD /
Country music has always adapted to some extent to popular music of the times it's in. I'm no fan of Taylor Swift's latest hit, but just like some old timers tomorrow won't simply hear a watered down country version of Avril Lavigne, but a genius, I am sure country purists at the time thought western swing was sacrilege, cos it didn't sound like the Carter family, whereas Willie Nelson, who is seen as one of the most "true" names in country music of today, did a brilliant western swing album the other year.
This record is a strange being, it has adapted to a sound that is far from modern. What you get is "western soul", a 60's Motown soul version of country.
I, as one who likes both soul and country could deem this record useless, but I won't. These geezers are soulful, fact is that they're the best white soul artists I've heard, far more soulful than Dexy's Midnight Runners.
It might sound strange to record soulful numbers with steel guitars, accordions and a southern brogue, but it's actually a stroke of genius, cos soul music and country music has a lot in common. Both genrés are often about heartaches and blue moods and The Hacienda Brothers manage to combine this into excellence.
There is not much more to say. A good, but in no way a perfect record. If you like country and if you like soul, you'll like this record. It's a good little gem of a CD and I would recommend everyone to get this.
Country music has always adapted to some extent to popular music of the times it's in. I'm no fan of Taylor Swift's latest hit, but just like some old timers tomorrow won't simply hear a watered down country version of Avril Lavigne, but a genius, I am sure country purists at the time thought western swing was sacrilege, cos it didn't sound like the Carter family, whereas Willie Nelson, who is seen as one of the most "true" names in country music of today, did a brilliant western swing album the other year.
This record is a strange being, it has adapted to a sound that is far from modern. What you get is "western soul", a 60's Motown soul version of country.
I, as one who likes both soul and country could deem this record useless, but I won't. These geezers are soulful, fact is that they're the best white soul artists I've heard, far more soulful than Dexy's Midnight Runners.
It might sound strange to record soulful numbers with steel guitars, accordions and a southern brogue, but it's actually a stroke of genius, cos soul music and country music has a lot in common. Both genrés are often about heartaches and blue moods and The Hacienda Brothers manage to combine this into excellence.
There is not much more to say. A good, but in no way a perfect record. If you like country and if you like soul, you'll like this record. It's a good little gem of a CD and I would recommend everyone to get this.
I'll give it 78,8% in rate of satisfaction.
Film: "G.I. Blues"
/ TITLE: "G.I. Blues" / GENRÉ: Drama / FORMAT: DVD /
For starters, this film was made with full cooperation with the US Armed forces and at times it feels like a recruitment film more obvious than the Rihanna flick. Some might have a problem with this and to some extent, I agree with that worrying, cos war is no funny stuff. Still, I respect anyone willing to lay down his life for his friends and family, as the gospel says, no one has bigger love than anyone willing to do so.
The other thing, as this is an Elvis film, is that it's full of music and at times, you feel like watching a Bollywood movie. I don't mind, though, together with Hank Williams sr, Townes van Zandt and to some extent Wille Nelson, Elvis remains one of the best musicians ever and in his genré, he's still the king. No one has ever made better rock & roll than he did. In fact, the reason I bought DVD was not cos of the plot, but cos of the chance to hear him sing.
The plot, then?
Well, Elvis plays a young southern army man stationed in Germany and goes under the name "Tulsa 'Tulse' MacLean" and together with a few mates of his, he plans to start a night club in Oklahoma when he returns back home from European service. Only problem is that they need money to do so and they decide to make a bet.
In Frankfurt am Main, there is a place called Café Europa, where a young and stunning redhead dancer called "Lili" performs. She is sexy as feck, but cold like an iceberg on the inside. No man has ever taken her home. Our heroes raise 300 dollars to bet that Tulse can get lonely with her for a full night. At first, Tulse refuses, but he's talked in to it and after performing a song at Café Europa, he starts to melt Lili's heart and follow her home, but it gets an abrupt end when he discovers she has a room mate.
Anyway, they go on a date the next day and feelings start to arise. I'm sure you can guess what happens later. Tulse gets a bad conscience for seducing a woman he starts to fall in love with and things get complicated.
To be honest, most of the acting isn't that good and to today's audience, I'm sure it stands out as a bit schmalzy. Still, it's a decent flick and it's packed with good music. The funny thing is that according to the film makers, German gals are crazy about US troops, but there is no indecency, no filth and Lili never strips.
For starters, this film was made with full cooperation with the US Armed forces and at times it feels like a recruitment film more obvious than the Rihanna flick. Some might have a problem with this and to some extent, I agree with that worrying, cos war is no funny stuff. Still, I respect anyone willing to lay down his life for his friends and family, as the gospel says, no one has bigger love than anyone willing to do so.
The other thing, as this is an Elvis film, is that it's full of music and at times, you feel like watching a Bollywood movie. I don't mind, though, together with Hank Williams sr, Townes van Zandt and to some extent Wille Nelson, Elvis remains one of the best musicians ever and in his genré, he's still the king. No one has ever made better rock & roll than he did. In fact, the reason I bought DVD was not cos of the plot, but cos of the chance to hear him sing.
The plot, then?
Well, Elvis plays a young southern army man stationed in Germany and goes under the name "Tulsa 'Tulse' MacLean" and together with a few mates of his, he plans to start a night club in Oklahoma when he returns back home from European service. Only problem is that they need money to do so and they decide to make a bet.
In Frankfurt am Main, there is a place called Café Europa, where a young and stunning redhead dancer called "Lili" performs. She is sexy as feck, but cold like an iceberg on the inside. No man has ever taken her home. Our heroes raise 300 dollars to bet that Tulse can get lonely with her for a full night. At first, Tulse refuses, but he's talked in to it and after performing a song at Café Europa, he starts to melt Lili's heart and follow her home, but it gets an abrupt end when he discovers she has a room mate.
Anyway, they go on a date the next day and feelings start to arise. I'm sure you can guess what happens later. Tulse gets a bad conscience for seducing a woman he starts to fall in love with and things get complicated.
To be honest, most of the acting isn't that good and to today's audience, I'm sure it stands out as a bit schmalzy. Still, it's a decent flick and it's packed with good music. The funny thing is that according to the film makers, German gals are crazy about US troops, but there is no indecency, no filth and Lili never strips.
As I said, a good flick, not the best Elvis film I've ever seen, but decent. I'll give it 68,4% in rate of satisfaction.
Saturday, 15 December 2012
Various Artists, "Hear my back door slam"
/ ARTIST: Various Artists / TITLE: "Hear my back door slam" / GENRÉ: Blues / LABEL: Bakhåll / FORMAT: CD /
Before I start writing this review I must come clean, I like blues, but it's one of the many genrés of music I like that I know the least of, being a newcomer to the genré. Something which can only be blamed on the Eslöv City blues festival that has sparked an interest in the genré for me.
To me and all newcomers, this is a wonderful compilation put out by a Swedish record label called "Bakhåll" and I couldn't resist buying it, not only cos I want to support the scene in Sweden and the fact that it was ridiculously cheap, it cost me about €5, no, cos what you get here is the perfect introduction to the genré.
On this little darling, you get 20 of the best known American blues singers doing some of their best numbers. BB King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Robert Johnson, they're all here. Then add the fact that you get a good little brochure with facts about the performers that is highly welcomed for people like me, people who consider starting a blues record collection. The brochure is in Swedish, though, which might make it less usable for non-Swedes.
Why should one buy a compilation of blues then? You get a load of different styles of blues, some with bands and some just an acoustic guitar on them, "but doesn't all blues tunes sound the same?", my punk and skinhead mates ask me. No, they don't, they all bring the performers soul into the music which make every number stand out. Even if you're not a blues die-hard, you should respect the legacy of the genré. Most tunes on this compilation comes from the 50's and sure, not much groundbreaking has been done since then, but blues has gone on, through r&b, to influence everything from rockabilly over the mod music of the 60's to punk. There's a straight lineage of influence from that time till the present.
As I said, this record makes one want to start a collection of blues vinyl. Every tune on this album is a killer! The tunes, apart from those of the superstars of the genré that stand out are the tunes of JB Lenoir and Jimmy Reed, both of whom I'll check out more stuff by.
Before I start writing this review I must come clean, I like blues, but it's one of the many genrés of music I like that I know the least of, being a newcomer to the genré. Something which can only be blamed on the Eslöv City blues festival that has sparked an interest in the genré for me.
To me and all newcomers, this is a wonderful compilation put out by a Swedish record label called "Bakhåll" and I couldn't resist buying it, not only cos I want to support the scene in Sweden and the fact that it was ridiculously cheap, it cost me about €5, no, cos what you get here is the perfect introduction to the genré.
On this little darling, you get 20 of the best known American blues singers doing some of their best numbers. BB King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Robert Johnson, they're all here. Then add the fact that you get a good little brochure with facts about the performers that is highly welcomed for people like me, people who consider starting a blues record collection. The brochure is in Swedish, though, which might make it less usable for non-Swedes.
Why should one buy a compilation of blues then? You get a load of different styles of blues, some with bands and some just an acoustic guitar on them, "but doesn't all blues tunes sound the same?", my punk and skinhead mates ask me. No, they don't, they all bring the performers soul into the music which make every number stand out. Even if you're not a blues die-hard, you should respect the legacy of the genré. Most tunes on this compilation comes from the 50's and sure, not much groundbreaking has been done since then, but blues has gone on, through r&b, to influence everything from rockabilly over the mod music of the 60's to punk. There's a straight lineage of influence from that time till the present.
As I said, this record makes one want to start a collection of blues vinyl. Every tune on this album is a killer! The tunes, apart from those of the superstars of the genré that stand out are the tunes of JB Lenoir and Jimmy Reed, both of whom I'll check out more stuff by.
I really liked this compilations and it get a bloomin 96,7% in rate of satisfaction
Saturday, 27 October 2012
Day two of the festival
I saw three acts today, whereof the middle one was the best and everyone else faded in comparison. Therefore, I start with them.
The second band I saw was Black River Bluesman & Bad Moon Hudson and, as I hinted above, was blown away.
This duo, guitar and drums, like the White Stripes, only better, played a modern version of blues, like Danko Jones, only better. They had a brutal sound to them, very raw and primitive guitarplay, a much needed kick up the arsehole of hippies who play endless guitar solos. To that, add a vocalist who sounds like count Dracula and could easily find employment in a psychobilly band. There's not much to say, they were simply brilliant. I think they come very close to the feel of blues ages ago, the same spirit that you could experience in clubs in Chicago when the migrants from the south had a day off and would go out clubbing. I think. I wasn't there, in Chicago, that is.
I had always thought that us from Skåne, the south of Sweden, that is, had the best voices for singing blues and the right feeling in us, but I must admitt, theese Finns come a long way close to excellence.
The third act I caught was John Primer & CPH Slim Band. Primer has worked with Muddy Waters and received Grammy nominations, which make him a legend. One could argue that what he played was blues by the numbers and a bit boring, but then again, the best gig I've ever been to was with the Warriors in Oslo ten years ago or so and I wasn't disappointed because they played numbers like Working class kids or Violence in our minds. If you've helped to define the genré of music you play, then you're entitled to go down memory lane.
It was a perfect gig in some respects, a real crowd pleaser, still, as an amateur in the blues field, I wasn't really that satisfied. I would have wanted something that stood out from the classical stuff.
The first act I caught today was also the weakest. YO Combinations played a mix of blues with funk and southern rock. I liked it a bit, but not that much. They played a lot of covers and two of their own numbers, their own being their weakest.
Apart from that, there was nothing wrong with their craftsmanship. They know how to handle their instruments, I really liked the guitarplay at times.
The second band I saw was Black River Bluesman & Bad Moon Hudson and, as I hinted above, was blown away.
This duo, guitar and drums, like the White Stripes, only better, played a modern version of blues, like Danko Jones, only better. They had a brutal sound to them, very raw and primitive guitarplay, a much needed kick up the arsehole of hippies who play endless guitar solos. To that, add a vocalist who sounds like count Dracula and could easily find employment in a psychobilly band. There's not much to say, they were simply brilliant. I think they come very close to the feel of blues ages ago, the same spirit that you could experience in clubs in Chicago when the migrants from the south had a day off and would go out clubbing. I think. I wasn't there, in Chicago, that is.
I had always thought that us from Skåne, the south of Sweden, that is, had the best voices for singing blues and the right feeling in us, but I must admitt, theese Finns come a long way close to excellence.
Black River Bluesman & Bad Moon Hudson's gig was one of the best I've experienced, all categories included. 90,2% in rate of satisfaction.
The third act I caught was John Primer & CPH Slim Band. Primer has worked with Muddy Waters and received Grammy nominations, which make him a legend. One could argue that what he played was blues by the numbers and a bit boring, but then again, the best gig I've ever been to was with the Warriors in Oslo ten years ago or so and I wasn't disappointed because they played numbers like Working class kids or Violence in our minds. If you've helped to define the genré of music you play, then you're entitled to go down memory lane.
It was a perfect gig in some respects, a real crowd pleaser, still, as an amateur in the blues field, I wasn't really that satisfied. I would have wanted something that stood out from the classical stuff.
78,3% in rate of satisfaction.
The first act I caught today was also the weakest. YO Combinations played a mix of blues with funk and southern rock. I liked it a bit, but not that much. They played a lot of covers and two of their own numbers, their own being their weakest.
Apart from that, there was nothing wrong with their craftsmanship. They know how to handle their instruments, I really liked the guitarplay at times.
58,3% in rate of satisfaction.
Day one of the festival
So, I went to the Eslöv city blues festival yesterday and I got tickets for tonight's show as well.
I am not really that into blues. I like it, but it's not a passion. It is however, the basic foundation of all African-American music and as this blog is about American culture, I think it's ok to review it here.
Friday's show started with two short plays by a free theatre group. I saw the first one and was not really that convinced it had something to do with blues, so when I discovered there was a geezer sitting in the café room playing electric guitar, harmonica and singing, I decided to give him a listen instead of watching the second play. I think his name was Christian, but I ain't too sure. I really liked his music, though. I think it had a country feeling to it's bluesiness and I got thinking along the terms of Townes van Zandt, even though this bloke first of all wasn't as good as Townes and, secondly, had his own sound. I really liked his guitar playing though.
As the clock approached 9 pm, the headliners of the night entered stage, The Big Bang Group. This group celebrated their 25th anniversary as a band this year an had, for that purpose, invited a lot of mates from throughout their career that they had enjoyed playing with. There was a few oldies, like vocalist and harmonica playing Bill Öhrström, as well as young vocalist Susanne Eriksson. All their guests were hugely talented though and even if I really liked Erikssons singing, it's unfair to say that one was better than the other.
Credit must also go out to guitarist of the day, Mange. The usual guitarist of the band had called in sick yesterday and just a few hours before the gig, they had called Mange and asked if he wanted to play with them as a stand-in and he agreed.
Together, they made one heck of a show! The basics of all the music was blues, but the band and their guests then went on picnics in jazz, as well as r&b/soul. I really liked the r&b-ish stuff. Sure, I can listen to a bit of jazz, as well, but I have a soft spot for r&B and soul, there's no denying that!
One of the highlights of the show was the Fats Domino tune Blueberry hill. Ulf Johansson Werre, who sang it, made a real crowd pleaser of a scat-singing at the end of it, which he evloved into a "Jojk", a Lapplandian singing style, that is.
Some tunes were in English and some in Swedish, but they were all good!
I enjoyed myself thuroughly throughout the show yesterday and am looking forward to tonight's show. Not sure I'll watch all of it, as I must get up early and go to church in the morning, but I'm really pleased that my little town can arrange a good festival like this one.
I am not really that into blues. I like it, but it's not a passion. It is however, the basic foundation of all African-American music and as this blog is about American culture, I think it's ok to review it here.
Friday's show started with two short plays by a free theatre group. I saw the first one and was not really that convinced it had something to do with blues, so when I discovered there was a geezer sitting in the café room playing electric guitar, harmonica and singing, I decided to give him a listen instead of watching the second play. I think his name was Christian, but I ain't too sure. I really liked his music, though. I think it had a country feeling to it's bluesiness and I got thinking along the terms of Townes van Zandt, even though this bloke first of all wasn't as good as Townes and, secondly, had his own sound. I really liked his guitar playing though.
As the clock approached 9 pm, the headliners of the night entered stage, The Big Bang Group. This group celebrated their 25th anniversary as a band this year an had, for that purpose, invited a lot of mates from throughout their career that they had enjoyed playing with. There was a few oldies, like vocalist and harmonica playing Bill Öhrström, as well as young vocalist Susanne Eriksson. All their guests were hugely talented though and even if I really liked Erikssons singing, it's unfair to say that one was better than the other.
Credit must also go out to guitarist of the day, Mange. The usual guitarist of the band had called in sick yesterday and just a few hours before the gig, they had called Mange and asked if he wanted to play with them as a stand-in and he agreed.
Together, they made one heck of a show! The basics of all the music was blues, but the band and their guests then went on picnics in jazz, as well as r&b/soul. I really liked the r&b-ish stuff. Sure, I can listen to a bit of jazz, as well, but I have a soft spot for r&B and soul, there's no denying that!
One of the highlights of the show was the Fats Domino tune Blueberry hill. Ulf Johansson Werre, who sang it, made a real crowd pleaser of a scat-singing at the end of it, which he evloved into a "Jojk", a Lapplandian singing style, that is.
Some tunes were in English and some in Swedish, but they were all good!
I enjoyed myself thuroughly throughout the show yesterday and am looking forward to tonight's show. Not sure I'll watch all of it, as I must get up early and go to church in the morning, but I'm really pleased that my little town can arrange a good festival like this one.
Big Bang Group made one heck of a great show and gets 81,3% in rate of satisfaction!
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
The Eslöv city blues festival
Just reminding people of the Eslöv city blues festival.
Programme in English avaiable here!
I went last year and had a blast, watching the band Cajun Peppar, was reason enough to go and I believe this year will great as well. I've naturally got my tickets for it.
So, if you're in the area in late October and would like to catch some good blues acts, come to the festival!
Programme in English avaiable here!
I went last year and had a blast, watching the band Cajun Peppar, was reason enough to go and I believe this year will great as well. I've naturally got my tickets for it.
So, if you're in the area in late October and would like to catch some good blues acts, come to the festival!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)