Happy Fucking Valentine's!

To all of my dear readers in healthy, loving relationships - happy Valentine's Day. Now, fuck off because this post is dedicated to all the single ladies out there! I was originally going to make an anti-Valentine's Day playlist and spent hours listening to lesbian singer-songwriters moan about broken hearts and their impending spinsterhood but it all got a bit depressing. I thought I'd lighten the mood by blasting some Eurotrash and stumbled across a song so accurate in its depiction of modern day romance that I just had to post it. Elin Lanto's "Love Made Me Stupid" speaks the truth. Like for realz. It perfectly captures love's ability to chew you up and spit you out, while still keeping things light and fluffy thanks to its Hi-NRG production and catchy, if devastating, chorus. The Swedish diva has been on my radar since 2008's poptastic "Speak N Spell" and I'm yet to be disappointed. I'd love to get my hands on her debut album ("One") but that fucker is harder to find than Heidi Montag's dignity. Anyway, check out these lyrics:

Love made me stupid
Why does it do this?
Before I met you everything was just fine
And now I am falling apart
It's killing my heart
Again and again and again

I think Elin and I have been dating the same guys! The film clip is an equally classy affair. How do these Swedish nobodies manage to throw together videos that put most American and English divas to shame? I love the part where she wears a fish bowl on her head and fondles the statue. Now that's what I call art!

Hammer Time With Linda Sundblad

Linda Sundblad's stunning new anthem has been all over the web for the past couple of weeks with good reason. "To All My Girls" is the kind of edgy yet relentlessly catchy Swedish pop music that Robyn used to make before she turned into a "serious artiste" and started churning out shit like this. I've had a soft spot for Linda since the glory days of Lambretta (does anyone else remember the band's floptastic attempt to crack Australia in 2002 with "Bimbo"?) but I was underwhelmed by her debut solo album. It was a little too cool for its own good - something she has definitely rectified with her latest release. As much as I love "To All My Girls", I think I'm even more obsessed with the film clip than the song. Despite the diva's eerie and unsettling resemblance to Portia De Rossi, this is a cinematic masterpiece. The 90s choreography puts MC Hammer to shame, Linda manages to dance without wearing a top (or bra for that matter) and somehow rocks a pair of American flag boxing shorts and leopard skin print poo catchers. Respect! With Agnes and Medina currently flying the Scandipop flag in Australia, surely it's only a matter of time before someone snaps up this hot bitch?

Sexy Times With Jonah

Jonah is all over the blogs at the moment - and with good reason. The openly gay Swede is a much needed breath of fresh air. Unlike the other cookie cutter pop stars being churned out of Scandinavia, Jonah hasn't had a personality bypass. He's often loud, sometimes bitchy and always staggeringly honest. Oh and did I mention that he can sing? Jonah has big plans for the second half of 2009. There's a highly anticipated man-on-man duet on the way as well as new solo material and a tour. Unfortunately, the duet is still tightly under wraps, so I couldn't really get the dirt on that. To make matters worse, Rob and Peibols had already asked all there is to know about his career and new music in fabulous interviews on Don't Stop The Pop and Ambiente G respectively. So what's a self-respecting gay to do when he has an international sex symbol all to himself and nothing new and interesting to ask? Talk dirty, of course! This interview won't win me any journalism awards but it's definitely one of my favourites. Keep an eye out for Jonah. I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot more of him on these pages before the year is out.

Hi Jonah, welcome to Pop Trash! I'm told your latest single is a duet with another man. Can you tell us who your singing partner is? Are you guys singing to each other or is it a non-sexual man on man duet?
It's still a secret who will join me on the duet. The song is an up-lifting dance anthem that makes you want to dance, party and get high on love. And of course it's about fear, which makes it a gay anthem as well since all gay men including my self, constantly walk around with some kind of emotional disorder making us fear everything that could be good in life. Hahaha!

When and where is your stunning anthem going to be released? Is there a nude video to accompany it?
In the beginning of this autumn. There will not be an nude video for this one but beware - my other new release "Welcome To My World" we have got very dirty plans considering the visuals!

As one of the few openly gay pop stars, do you feel it's harder to break through into the mainstream? Has it adversely affected your career?
Sure, probably it has "behind the scenes", but not so much that I know of... But there have been contracts - and we're talking big ones here - that I refused to sign because it includes paragraphs that don't let me "be gay". I'm sorry but that totally doesn't work for me. If I'm gonna go out and bang a girl, I would rather it be because I'm desperate and out of sexy guys to fuck than because it's in my contract!

What do you think about gay pop stars like Will Young who sing about girls? Is it a necessary evil or a cop out?
Well, everybody can do exactly what they want to.. but.. ahhh.. I dunno.. It just sounds weird to me. I mean I'm a great actor and an extraordinaire performer. Give me a role and I act it. Give me a scene and I'll play it. But when it comes to being myself, giving my audience a part of my heart I want it to be pure.

I'm going to get in trouble for saying this but Swedish pop music generally turns me off because the singers come across as soulless robots. What's your opinion of the Swedish pop scene? Who are you favourite artists?
I totally agree on one point. So much sounds the same and the productions are so good that it becomes totally soulless and empty. We have great voices in Sweden and fabulous producers. But not so many great performers. I mean, where's our Robbie? Our Kylie?! I'm so happy for Agnes right now, starting to make it big. I think she'll grow with that. She has the voice and the looks and the right people around her. Now it's only time for her to get the rest. Hmm otherwise... Swedish artists that have gone international... I'm getting bored with Robyn at the moment but at the same time I think she's probably our most talented pop export. I love Adrian Lux right now. Have you seen his latest video?

That clip is AMAZING! Now let's get controversial. Is Carola Häggkvist a homophobic cunt?
Hahahha Why?! Because she finds homosexuals weird!? Well then I'm an even bigger homophobic cunt! No, to be honest. She's absolutely not homophobic but - let me put it this way - she's not so smart either. I could talk about Carola for hours so don't get me started!

Now this shit is GAY!

I loved your cover of "I Am What I Am" (above). It's closely associated with a number of big gay icons. Which tragic gay divas do you admire?
Oh that oldie was my first single in Sweden. It was the official song of Stockholm Pride that year and I still love the song in a strange way. It's so ubergay. I mean not even BRUNO would have done it today! Anyhow, divas I admire: I cannot think of any right now, maybe... and even if I don't wanna let it out. Madonna is one of my big role models. Not always because of her music and definitely not when it comes to her shows anymore... but businesswise she's no 1. She's totally ruthless when it comes to getting fame and she has her mind on PR and Media like nobody else. From her first daring steps on the club scene in NYC until now...

Speaking of Bruno, have you seen the movie? If so, did you find it funny or offensive? I found it strangely romantic...
OMG. That move really stirred up emotions, huh? I'm totally fed up with all those political arrogant stupid activists trying to ruin every moment of fun in our lives. I mean if they want to make a difference please focus on something else then a stupid movie. I love it and I'm proud of it!

Oh let's play "Would You Hit It?" I'll name a celebrity and you have to say if you'd fuck him/her/it!

- Erik Hassle Hmmm NO!

- RuPaul Maybe. I have a weird hetero perspective on trannies and I think they are hot in a strange kinda way. When I go out I love being surrounded by drag queens.

- Seth Rogen BORING!

- La Toya No way! (rude!)

- Jose Galisteo Yes, please. I already have plans for him!

This was fun!!! Give me more names!

I'll send you over some more names later! By the way, my Swedish friend Tommie has been high and dry for months. He's a bit unbalanced but he puts out for Vodka. Can I hook you guys up?
Hmmm if he is Swedish his chances are minimal. I probably already done everyone worth doing in Sweden. Those 5 or six guys and a tranny, I mean! Hahaha.

I understand you've been single for years. What do you look for in guys? What turns you off?
This is probably the trickiest question so far. Years? I think it's decades. I don't think I'm able too FEEL at all anymore. But hey... let's not give up hope totally! I've changed my "type" in the last two years after spending so much of my time in Miami and Paris. Before I wanted the "Ken doll" type, like Ricky Martin and well polished dudes. Now I'm really into tattoos and muscles these days.

If I look at the guys that left me heartbroken they're all dark haired, really goodlooking ones, fit but not with too much muscles (I'll send you some pics Mike to see what you think *lol*). If I looked at the ones I left heartbroken they all look different, tough hahaha. And I'm not gonna say like Lady GaGa, even if that what everyone is expecting me to say, big cocks! I look for charisma. He's got to be down to earth, have a sense of humour, looks and most important: passionate guys with goals in life always turn me on. If he's a party guy or a home boy doesn't matter.

What turns me off? I need independent guys but with a huge heart. Guys without any ambitions and bad taste in clothes - GET OUT OF MY WAY!

Can you recommend any good porn?
You now what?! I never looked at porn until recently. Before January this year I wasn't interested at all but then I found Damien Crosse. Jesus! Porn has never been so great. I wanna marry him. Until then I'll keep myself happy with watching his movies!

You've spent most of last year travelling. What's your favourite city, who has the best gay scene and where are the best hookers?
NYC is my favorite city. And Paris. Bangkok has the funniest gay clubs. Miami is my second home so everything there is so familiar to me which makes it easy and to chill out there. There's not many things better than spending new year until end of February in Miami. I totally love it!
Barcelona has the best gay scene tough... over all. Best shopping is probably Milan and New York. For relaxing and meditation I'd go to Sicily or some of the islands outside Thailand. I've never been to Australia. Hmm, maybe we could arrange that?!

Well my door is always open! So, what's next for Jonah? Are we ever going to get an album?
Sure! Just be patient! First you'll get brand new singles. One will be the theme song for the album and the upcoming tour ("Welcome To My World") and the other one will be the duet.
The plan is to follow this with an EP during mid autumn. Album release in the end of 2009... kinda!

Thanks for the chat, can't wait to hear your new stuff!
Bye!

12 Questions With Sally Shapiro

I don't often use the word beautiful to describe pop music. Adjectives like catchy, fun and cute usually seem more appropriate but there is something undeniably gorgeous about Sally Shapiro's latest offering. Dreamy synths collide with icy electro beats on this breathtaking collection of 80s inspired pop tunes. "My Guilty Pleasure" is already a clear front runner for my album of the year. It revives and breathes new life into the Italo-disco genre with an authenticity that is startling. Fans will revel in song after song of languid pop perfection. The production is particularly exquisite and perfectly showcases the wistful tone of Sally's voice. As much as I love the music, I'm equally impressed with Sally's approach to her career. She is the anti-pop star. Instead of turning up to the opening of an envelope and desperately jumping from trend to trend like most of her contemporaries, Sally has a real job and just makes music she is passionate about on the weekends. It's scary to think what she could do if she really put her mind to it! I was lucky enough to interview Sally recently and asked her about her low key approach to pop stardom, the Annie comparisons as well as her favourite Swedish takeaway food! Check it out.

1. Sally, in the past you have said that you're not interested in being a pop star. Is it the fame that turns you off or the superficiality (or something else entirely)?
Mostly that I don't like standing on stage, and I think it's impossible being a pop star without ever standing on stage. Also I don't like travelling so much, and late work hours. Doing art for a living would probably also make me stressed since you have to create despite being inspired, and I think my inspiration would be lost then. Also, being a pop-star and doing it for a living would probably make it easy to mix up fame with self worth, and I wouldn't want that to happen. So, I prefer to have a normal job and a normal life and singing as a hobby.

2. How did you meet Johan Agebjörn? He's an amazing producer. Is it true he choose the name Sally Shapiro?
We were working at the same office back in 2001. But it took until 2004 when we discovered our common taste in 80s disco and in 2006 we started making music together. He suggested the name Sally Shapiro for the project but we chose it together.

3. "Miracle" and "Love In July" beautifully revive the sound of 80s Italo-disco. Are you a big fan of that genre?
Yes!

4. Your new album is called "My Guilty Pleasure". What are some of your personal guilty pleasures?
In a lot of situations 80s disco is still a guilty pleasure for me, and many others, I think. A lot of people like it but don't want to admit it. I discovered Mylène Farmer because my roommate by accident had forgotten the CD in the CD player in the kitchen. She hadn't told anyone that she liked her.

5. What can we expect from the album? Does it sound similar to the gorgeous "Disco Romance"?
It's similar in that it's a romantic pop disco album. But the production is a bit more varied.

6. What music did you listen to growing up?
Mostly Swedish 80s pop/disco artists like Lili & Sussie, Lena Philipsson and a lot of Eurovision Song Contest songs. Later on, indie pop music.

7. Who are your favourite singers now?
Suzanne Vega, Marit Bergman and still Mylène Farmer.

8. I believe you have never performed live. Why is that?
I'm shy and I don't like standing on stage. I tried with a few DJ gigs but it felt awkward. I don't like the idea of touring so much either, I'm not into travelling and working late in the evening. I prefer to have a normal life with a normal job and the music as a hobby.

9. People often liken you to Annie, which I think is rude because you are so much better. What do you make of the comparison?
I can understand the comparison since we both have a taste for disco and we both have quite light singing voices. But there are a lot of differences, Annie is a real artist, making a living on it and performing live. I am just recording songs in the weekends sometimes. Annie is a lot more famous than I and she deserves it.

10. Your remix CDs were brilliant and I believe you're a bit of a DJ yourself. What dance songs can you recommend to us at the moment?
Sorry - one of the reasons I quit DJing is because I'm terribly bad at checking out new music...

11. You have a strong cult following around the world. Are you surprised to have fans as far away as Australia (like me)?
I'm surprised by the relative success of this project, compared to what we thought it would become - we mainly thought some disco nerds would like it. However, it seems to be mostly spread on the Internet, which is a global thing, so why not Australia.

12. Would you prefer to eat a burger from, Max or Sibylla's?
Probably a veggie burger from Sibylla. I like that small town feeling.

"My Guilty Pleasure" is released on the 25th of August and comes very, very highly recommended! Check out details about the release and score a free mp3 of the album's lead single "Miracle" on Sally's website. Check out her latest release, the sublime "Love In July", below. Surely this is the video of the year?

An Ode To Madonna

I was introduced to Tom Zacharias' infamous 1975 smut opus "Belinda" a couple of weeks ago and I'm still listening to it on repeat. Originally recorded in Swedish, the album was later translated into English with the sole intent of selling it in the classified sections of Hustler and Playboy - which is not particularly surprising given songs like "Nice Cocks", "Gay Club" and "The Hooker". Those gems are audio heroin for a pop trash addict but there's one track I can't seem to enjoy for the simple reason that it reminds me of Madonna. Seriously when I hear this tune the cover of "Hard Candy" immediately flashes before my eyes and images of Madonna's sinewy old biceps haunt my dreams. The lyrics are even more Madge-tastic given the recent leak of the musical turd doubling as her new single. Anyway, misery loves company, so I thought I'd share my pain by streaming:

An Ode To Madonna


Please note - you may need to press the button a couple of times before the song plays. Tom Zacharias' stunning pop/punk/porn album is now available to download from iTunes. It's highly recommended for sluts and perverts of all persuasions!

Britt Ekland's Private Party

Sometimes I get a bit carried away with the modern music scene and forget the whole reason I started this blog - to celebrate the glittering underbelly of pop. Two songs that screams POP TRASH in capital letters are Britt Ekland's stunning disco flop "Do It To Me (Once More With Feeling)" and its fabulous B-side "Private Party". From the hilarious cover to the cheap and tawdry lyrics, these sublime anthems represent everything I love about music. They're camp, utterly irreverent and come with a nude foldout poster! Britt's pop career might have only lasted for the one single but she sure did go out in a blaze of glory.

Until recently I had no idea that Britt ever dabbled in music. Like most people, I only knew her as a Bond girl and general media whore. I should have guessed that the Swedish bombshell would have been sucked into the disco craze like every other starlet with a shred of notoriety in the 1970s. And as far as novelty disco anthems go, "Do It To Me (Once More With Feeling)" is surprisingly accomplished. The production - courtesy of Joel Diamond - is vibrant and the chorus is seriously catchy. I love the spoken breakdown in French towards the end and the classy lyrics are an endless source of joy. Admittedly, Britt can barely speak English let alone carry a tune but her vocal incompetence just makes the proceedings even more fabulous. Listen to this hot mess here.

As much as I adore "Do It To Me (Once More With Feeling)", the B-side is even better. "Private Party" is basically a four and half minute party invitation with some of the cutest lyrics in disco history. I particularly love it when Britt purrs "it's a private party and not everyone can come, you gotta know the in-crowd if you want to join the fun!" The song also benefits from a great brass section and more prominent backing vocalists. It's a shame this wasn't the A-side but (given the cover) they were obviously hoping sex would sell and this gem is more camp than sleazy. Listen to "Private Party" below:

Private Party


Unfortunately for Britt, the single was a massive flop and she never recorded another one. It's probably for the best. The world obviously wasn't ready for a 37 year old nude pop star!

September's Trashtastic UK Makeover

John from Pop Music Notes recently wrote a great post about the age old practice of overhauling music videos for different markets. This has been going on since the dawn of the MTV generation and shows no sign of letting up. John asked for memorable examples and I named Robyn's horrible UK remake of "Handle Me" as the prime example of how not to do it but I could have just as easily listed September's dreadful update of "Cry For You" (please remember that I'm talking about the video - not the song, which I adore). Almost a year has passed since that tragedy was unleashed on unsuspecting pop fans and September has finally found the time to re-work her "Can't Get Over" film clip to coincide with the song's impending UK release. Compare the Swedish original (here) with the new version above. Happily, this time the makeover is actually a significant improvement!

I know I'm in the minority on this. Most of September's fans have railed against the cheesy sci-fi theme and hilarious special effects but I love it and think it's a trash classic in the making. The new version has spaceships, a couple of robots and an array of tacky costumes that would make Melissa Tkautz green with envy. It's like an ultra cheap version of Kylie's "Can't Get You Out Of My Head"! The original, on the other hand, was a disjointed mess that went absolutely nowhere. I will concede that Petra looked significantly better in the Swedish version (there's some serious Benjamin Buttons shit going on in the UK re-make!) but all things considered, this bright and colourful visual journey is a much better fit to what is basically a very fluffy pop song.

Speaking of the music, I love the new remix. Does anyone else think they've added a cheeky sample over the intro? It's hardly original but it works and the remix manages to beef up the production, which previously bordered on the insipid. "Can't Get Over" has never been one of my favourite tracks from "Dancing Shoes" and I'm slightly concerned for its chart prospects. I have my fingers crossed that lightning strikes twice and September rides that fabulous spaceship to the top of the pops! "Can't Get Over" is released in the UK on the 9th of March and I'm told it will more than likely get an Australian release under the newly restructured Central Station Records. I'll keep you posted.

Note: Scandipop recently conducted an interesting and insightful interview with the Swedish diva. Check it out here.

The original Swedish cover - The new artwork is yet to be released

September - The Album

One of the most exciting developments on the Australian music scene since I've been away is the unexpected success of September's "Cry For You". For those of us who have been following her career for years, it's almost surreal to see Petra (her real name) in the upper reaches of the ARIA chart - particularly after Robyn's dismal local showing. I know it's unfair to compare them but I've always thought of September as the Swedish Kylie to Robyn's Madonna. She's less pretentious and more fun. She's also not taken quite as seriously as her more successful counterpart, which is a shame because September has produced more than her fair share of pop gems over the years - the majority of which are included on her forthcoming Australian debut album.

"September" is a veritable greatest hits package, combining the best tracks from her last two Swedish albums - "In Orbit" and "Dancing Shoes". Her older hits are well represented (the fabulous "Looking For Love" and sublime "Satellites") along with the highlights from her recent output ("Cry For You" and "Can't Get Over"). I'm also pleased to see September's cheerful death anthems make the cut ("R.I.P.", "Flowers On The Grave" and "Until I Die") and even more thrilled by the inclusion of "Midnight Heartache" (still love that sample!) and "Because I Love You" (my favourite track from "Dancing Shoes"). The only disappointment is the glaring omission of "It Doesn't Matter", which would have been a far better choice than the insipid "Sound Memory" or the downright shit "Freaking Out". However, it's only a minor complaint when you consider the bonus remix and five video clips. Here's the full tracklisting:

1. Satellites
2. Cry For You
3. Can't Get Over
4. Because I Love You
5. Sad Song
6. Looking For Love
7. Flowers On The Grave
8. Until I Die
9. Freaking Out
10. Taboo
11. Candy Love
12. Midnight Heartache
13. Sound Memory
14. Follow Me
15. R.I.P

BONUS

16. Cry For You (Candlelight Edit)

VIDEOS

1. Cry For You
2. Can't Get Over
3. Satellite
4. Looking For Love
5. Cry For You (Original Clip)

The album will be released on the 15th of November, nicely timed to coincide with September's first Australian tour (she's performing at Sydney's Home nightclub on the 9th of November - more information here). In other September news, the follow up single to "Cry For You" will be a freshly remixed version of "Can't Get Over" - complete with new remixes from hot local djs.

Isabel Guzman's UK Debut

There aren't too many acts I would leave my hospital bed to go and see but I literally did just that for Isabel Guzman, discharging myself from Charing Cross A&E at 6pm to make it to the concert on time - complete with hospital wristband and ECG tags still attached! While perhaps not the wisest decision, there was no way I was going to miss the Swedish sensation's UK debut. From the moment I heard "Love Song" on Rob's brilliant Don't Stop The Pop way back in July 2007, I've been completely smitten. I hate to think how much time Rob and I have spent dissecting Isabel's brilliant demos and planning her future world domination. Needless to say, the opportunity to see the woman strut her stuff at Pop Justice Live was positively irresistible and she did not disappoint. Isabel was completely fucking AMAZING. Sadly, the same can't be said about the other acts on the bill.

Antigone - doing Australia proud

I don't want to waste too much time writing about the rest of the line up because, quite frankly, they were all shit. 15 year old Charli XCX displayed no discernible talent apart from the ability to roll around on a table with her legs in the air. The next performer to hit the stage was my much hyped compatriot Antigone, who rocked up looking like Ronald McDonald's banged up love child. The girl definitely knows how to work a crowd but her voice was shaky and none of her other tracks live up to the promise of "More Man Than Man", which she memorably sang to a blow-up doll lying on an ironing board. Kudos though for dragging Pop Justice Live further down into the gutter. I was actually looking forward to the third act. I saw a Red Blooded Women showcase a couple of months ago and was quite impressed with the girls but they weren't up to scratch last night. The highlight was Candy complaining of a mouth ulcer between songs. Enough said.


After listening to the dregs of the pop world ply their trade for two hours, Isabel's UK debut couldn't come quickly enough. Mercifully, it was worth the wait. From the moment Isabel took to the stage with her fantastic (and very hot!) three piece band, it was immediately clear that we were about to witness something special. The set opened with a stunning new track called "There Must Be Something", which perfectly showcased Isabel's impressive pipes and her knack for writing an insanely catchy chorus. The song has hit written all over it. Next up was Isabel's UK debut "Mysterious". I really like the studio version (check out my review) but the band breathed new life into the track. It sounded darker and heavier - with no trace of "My Sherona" to be heard! Speaking of re-worked tunes, "All In Your Head" has also been given a complete makeover. I wasn't a huge fan of the original version but the new edit packs one hell of a punch.


If I had to choose a highlight of the evening it would be Isabel's exquisite rendition of "Love Song" - without a doubt THE best unreleased pop anthem of recent years. I'm sure I've listened to the track at least once a day for the past 15 months, so finally hearing it performed live (with Rob, no less!) was utterly magical. If the electric response from the audience is any indication, "Love Song" has the potential to be absolutely massive. One of the most interesting aspects of the show was the extent to which previously leaked songs have been refined and improved. I loved "The First Time" when Isabel briefly posted it on her Myspace several months ago but the version she performed on Monday night was in a completely different league. Imagine a cross between 80s Madonna and Dannii circa "Neon Nights" and you get some indication of the track's brilliance. The final song was an edgy dance anthem called "In The Heat Of The Night", which expertly displayed Isabel's versatility and crazy dance moves. In fact, the Swedish diva was a revelation from beginning to end. Isabel is deceptively tiny but she has real presence and a killer set of pipes. It doesn't hurt that she's also gorgeous and an absolute sweetheart! Consider the UK well and truly rocked.

Isabel Guzman - Kill The Boy EP

Isabel Guzman first came to my attention last year when Robpop championed "Love Song" on the inimitable Don't Stop The Pop. I'm usually pretty immune to Swedish pop music but one listen to that magnificent tune was all I needed to jump aboard Isabel's already crowded bandwagon! "Love Song" was one of the true gems of 2007 and it's follow-up, "Wrapped Up In Plastic", was an even more delectable pop treat. I've been eagerly awaiting new material from Ms Guzman ever since, so it's a bit of an understatement to say that I jumped at the chance to review her new EP. "Kill The Boy" is a cracking 5 track introduction to Isabel's hugely original take on pop music. Pop Justice is calling it the "EP of the year" but don't let that put you off. Unlike most of the music they hype, Isabel is actually quite good and "Kill The Boy" more than cements her place as the Swedish diva to watch in 2008. Here's my track by track review:

Mysterious - 8.5/10

It's clear from the very first song that Isabel's sound has evolved considerably over the past year. The exquisite mid-tempo electro-pop of her breakthrough material has given way to a sleek dance sound. "Mysterious" is an expertly judged club anthem with enough crossover pop appeal for mainstream radio. I love the way the first verse is built around "My Sharona" and Isabel's knack for quirky lyrics is still very much apparent. Rhyming "heroin" with "Mickey Finn" is a particularly classy touch! This is dance-pop of the highest calibre.

Kill The Boy - 10/10

The title track is favourite cut on the EP by quite a margin. I've been playing "Kill The Boy" on repeat for the past couple of weeks and I still can't get enough of it. The song mines the same melancholy vein of pop gold as "Love Song" and "Wrapped Up In Plastic", which I firmly believe is Isabel's niche. I can imagine Robyn or September singing something like "Mysterious" but I think the bittersweet subtlety of "Kill The Boy" is beyond either of them. The wonderfully literate lyrics are imbued with a remarkable softness by Isabel's sweet voice, while the mid-tempo electro beats are calibrated with military precision. The verse beginning "when the world is cold as ice" could be my favourite pop moment of 2008 thus far. Fingers crossed this gem appears on Isabel's forthcoming debut album.

And The Beat Goes - 5/10

I'm all for Isabel displaying her versatility but the forced craziness of "And The Beat Goes" sounds very derivative to my ears. The use of trumpet and trombone is a quirky touch but "And The Beat Goes" wouldn't sound out of place on Britney's latest album and I don't mean that as a compliment. In fact, many a diva has wandered down this well worn path before - a fairly tired call to the dancefloor. Counting over the beat in Spanish doesn't make it inventive either, just slightly more embarrassing that it already was. Entirely forgettable.

Love Song (Acoustic Version) - 7/10

The original version of "Love Song" is a modern pop classic but this acoustic version is a bit too lifeless for my liking. Isabel's voice is sublime but did she record this in the subway? The background noise is louder than the guitar! Pleasant but the original version would have been vastly preferable.

Mysterious (Attie-Tude Remix) - 8/10

A fabulous dance remix that would set any club on fire. I can only imagine what kind of magic a cutting edge DJ could work on quality material like this.

"Kill The Boy" is released in Sweden on the 14th of May. European readers can order it through CDON. Unfortunately they don't ship to Australia. Hopefully, it wont be long until Isabel is snapped up by a major label and gets an international distribution deal. If she keeps on churning out gems like this, it can only be a matter of time. For more details check out Isabel's Myspace and website.

U-Turn (Burn Motherfucker Burn)

Valentine's Day is a cruel and unusual punishment for those getting over a bad relationship. Since kicking my ex-boyfriend to the curb, I've bounced from one loser to the next. I'm sure there are some decent men left in Sydney but I'm damned if I can find them among the fetishists, drug dealers and "straight acting" bi-guys littering the scene. Excuse my rant but it's hard to get excited about a day that celebrates romance when you know you're going to end up a barren, old spinster like Kylie! I can deal with the loved up couples and the knowledge that the only cock I'll be getting my hands on tonight is my own but hearing sappy love songs on the radio all day is more than I can stand. Thankfully there is a perfect antidote to the schmaltzy ballads in the form of Samantha Malmgren's stunning "U Turn".

"U Turn" was recommended to me by the lovely Poster Girl, who correctly assumed that Samantha's classy anthem would be right up my alley! As far as I'm concerned, the demure Ms Malmgren is the most fabulous diva to emerge from Sweden since my beloved Bionda. After crashing out of Swedish Idol, Sam followed the well worn road of many a tragic diva and got her kit off for a men's magazine (in her case, the charmingly titled "Slitz"). Samantha's raunchy image resulted in a record deal and she is currently shaking up the Swedish pop scene with her breathtaking debut single. "U Turn" is an attitude laden pop gem. I love the foulmouthed chorus ("burn, motherfucker, burn"!) and Sam's emotionless delivery. Apart from helping the bitter and disenchanted through Valentine's Day, "U Turn" also happens the best workout song I've heard in ages. That pumping dance beat makes me want to move! The video is particularly amusing - Sam discovers her boyfriend cheating on her so she takes up boxing, prances around in a leather bodysuit and heads to his house with a samurai sword. The big finale is ambiguous but I think she takes that cheating scumbag out!

I have no idea if "U-Turn" was a hit - or has even been officially released in Sweden - but apparently Samantha is promoting the song at erotic festivals held by "Slitz" magazine! This fierce bitch had better hurry up and release an album. I'm hooked! Many thanks to Poster Girl for sharing this musical triumph with me.

Retro Robyn Remixes

With the international release of Robyn's sublime self-titled album inching ever closer, Blogland is working itself into an absolute Robyn frenzy. Leaked tracks are flooding the internet and Bloggers are falling over themselves to pay tribute to Sweden's Queen of Pop. While there is no disputing the brilliance of Robyn's recent output, I think it is high time that her older material received some loving! I worshipped Robyn when she first exploded on to the pop scene back in the mid-90s and I purchased all of her Australian singles. Here are a selection of remixes from four of Robyn's earliest singles. Time has not been kind to a couple of them but the majority hold up nicely. It is also very interesting to note that many of Robyn's early remixes were heavily influenced by R'n'B, providing a glance at the fabulous Konichiwa Bitch of the future.

Do You Really Want Me

"Do You Really Want Me" was one of the first singles to be lifted from "Robyn Is Here" internationally. It was never as successful as "Show Me Love" or "Do You Know (What It Takes)" but the song is an early indication of Robyn's phenomenal songwriting talent. And then, there is the glorious cover! Poor Robyn looks like she should be pushing a pram around a housing estate. I love it! The single contains two remixes, neither of which improve on the radio edit. The QD3 Remix Edit transforms the song into a slow groove, while the So Groovy Mix stays pretty close to original but includes additional lyrics.


Show Me Love

"Show Me Love" is one of Robyn's signature tunes and one of the true pop gems of the 90s. The song not only launched Robyn's career but also marked Max Martin's emergence as one of the premier pop producers of the 90s. It seems strange that one of Robyn's most poptastic songs received such an urban re-working in the form of the QD3 Fat Boy Remix Ft. O.C. & Rahzel. The song is almost unidentifiable with completely new lyrics, a hot spoken interlude and a couple of guest rappers. The biggest shock is that the R'n'B makeover works an absolute treat and holds up remarkably well. This is very highly recommended for lovers of faux R'n'B pop!

If the idea of guest rappers makes you queasy, then focus on the Backroom Extended Club Mix. This is a fabulous, straightforward club remix that will get any backroom pumping!

Do You Know (What It Takes)

"Do You Know (What It Takes)" was Robyn's other big international hit. The song represents one of the best urban/pop hybrids of the mid-90s and remains something of a 90s classic. Unlike "Show Me Love", an urban makeover seemed like a logical step for "Do You Know (What It Takes)". Bizarrely, it doesn't work quite as well as the urban "Show Me Love" remix. Nevertheless, the Allstar Main & Rap version is an interesting experiment. The Paradise Garage Mix is a more traditional remix and much more to my liking.

Electric

"Electric" was the last Robyn single I purchased before re-discovering her a couple of years ago. I remember "Electric" being popular in Germany when I was living there. I'm still confused why the song was not released internationally. The song is stunning and boasts some truly exceptional production. The crackling sound of electricity gets me everytime. I find it surprising that such an innovative song would have such dull remixes. The Mad Professor Shocking Mix might be trippy under the influence of the right drugs but is otherwise fairly mundane. The Patric Berger Alchemist Remix is more exciting but takes a long time to get going. However, you have to love the trannylicious single cover!