I Know I've missed some out but we'll come back to them I promise...Sweden

Looptroop-The Struggle Continues

I bumped into Hives lead singer Pele today in a supermarket, they're over here doing some promo for the new stuff, a very nice gentleman he was too. It just so happens that Looptroop are label mates of the Hives, both are on Burning Heart in Sweden. I first heard of Looptroop around 98-99 and picked up a couple of 12"s they put out which I thoroughly enjoyed. I didn't pick up on the fact they were Swedish for quite a while though, heir Swedish-American drawl could completely fool some but if you know you can pick it out. Anyway I went to see them around 2000 when I was studying, the place was empty, I guess no-one really knew who they were, my friend and I got blind drunk and took over the dance floor. From what I remember they were great, the whole thing was great-I'm pretty sure it wasn't just the alcohol. However, I also did something pretty embarrassing, Looptroop, you see look like this, the guy with the dreads and long beard is called Promoe and I think I pissed him right off by yanking at his beard hard a couple of times-the thing is I was so drunk I thought it was fake, so that is why I probably won't go and see Looptroop again. You should, just don't tug on any beards. I really like Looptroop's attitude they've been going for a good few years now and have gained a following touring the world, you get the impression these guys work hard and they've got 'in it for the music' written all over them. You can buy the album this is taken from here. Promoe has also released solo stuff pick it up at Wu-Tal.


Holland

ADHD ft Spike-Beng Je Hoofd

More European Hip-hop this time in the mother tongue, but with this track it's all about the beats. The title translates as 'Bang Your Head' and you probably will be, it's based around heavy guitar riffs that make you almost want to stomp your feet as yell as banging your head though I'd imagine you'd look pretty silly. When I was looking for info on the guy/band I came across this totally unrelated to the guys that did this but it is interesting and involves hip hop. I don't really know much else about them other than this song appears to be available as a polyphonic ring tone just about everywhere in Europe. And no, I'm not counting that as a plus point.


Russia

Leningrad-Crucified

Notorious Russians are two words that just sound so right together. Anyway this lot are notorious in Russia at least for outraging people with their lyrics, which unless you speak Russian are lost. But the lead singer is like an even more crazed Tom Waits, growling and gurning at the same time. I really like bizarre music like this mainly because I don't understand it so it maintains its mystery. You can buy the album For Millions.




England


The Long Blondes-Long Blonde

Elastica meets Franz Ferdinand? yeah maybe. The Long Blondes are another band out of the Angular Records camp, whose compilation is out now-buy it!. They are pretty catchy and sneaking up on the music scene poised to take it by storm-hopefully.


Before I go I must mention the lovely and wonderful people at Heavy who have been sprinkling their Sumosonic compilation magic all over the place including me. I'm sure you've heard about it on other blogs by now, but here's a little reminder, join up and receive one every month. They really are well thought out comps including tracks from Hot Chip, Bloc Party, Sixtoo and a multitude of other great acts every month. Sometimes they even include a DVD, you want more? You're sick.


Right I've got to get some sleep off to Glastonbury tomorrow, back next week. To anyone going please help me pray it doesn't turn into a mud bath.