My name is Melinda Blombäck and I am thirty-something, Swedish but currently living in England. As a part-time student, weekend sales-assistant and full time mum of three kids I live a busy life. My interests in fashion, music and good reading help to remain my sanity. In this blog I will write about things that excite me; like new music, interesting fashion and cool people. Hope you enjoy it!
Going Unplugged!
On Wednesday the 26th I was at Alibi Tom's gig in Stockholm, Sweden. Their venue for the evening was "Bara Unplugged", which means "Just Unplugged" in English. It is a perfect little place for intimate and acoustic sessions where the audience is listening while they are eating, drinking or chatting.
I had heard rumors that the band's new upcoming album is a little different from their previous album "Scrapbook", and I agree; there is definitely a different sound going on! Bearing in mind that it was an acoustic gig, it still sounded new and different.
I like.
The soft and melancholic music of the band is not easy listening music. Instead it demands your attention and the reward for your attention is beautiful well played music with a sentimental tone.
The new material makes me think of Band of Horses with the harmonies going on, and Sigur Ros for the soft melancholic sound.
Still, Alibi Tom sounds like no one else. They have their own unique sound, which is quite good enough in my opinion.
A sanctified atmosphere
Written by Melinda Blombäck
Monday, 21 September 2009 14:46
Sometimes it is nice with something different. In a world where most things are superficial and stressed it can be a nice feeling to sit down and listen to something which manage to create some peace in a crazy world.
Something like David Åhlenfrom Stockholm, Sweden. His new album "We sprout in thy soil" is something unique with an extremly quiet, beautiful worship with a sacred note. His music is quiet, but, still breathes passion.
I am pretty sure not everyone are going to like him or his music. I am not even sure I like his music sometimes... His slow singing can sound more like whining and maybe even boring. He is little bit like a "Marmite person"; either you love him or hate him.
But, if you are looking for a antidote for feeling stressed and want some peace with a meaning, listen to the album.
Live is so much better!
Written by Melinda Blombäck
Tuesday, 14 July 2009 12:03
Why is it that music is so much better live? Or, shall I say why is it that most music is better performed live... The opportunity to see a band live for the first time is always exciting, but, can also be slightly scary. There are concerts that have made me appreciate an artist more and that have just left me in a happy state of bliss.
However... Some performances leave you with a empty feeling and big sense of dissapointment because the brilliance you thought was a band or artist was instead som slick producing and editing. The point is that a song that you have heard being played on the radio should be so much better live and totally different. Not the other way around.
When I think of live music that can be classified as good, they earn the ephitet for many different reasons; it can be because they are amazing musicians and have brilliant songs that are performed really well, lyrics that are brought to life with a performance, extreme scene presence and so on ,but, most of the times it is because they just have something; they have "it". With their performances they manage to communicate whatever they want to communicate and for a few moments we are in total sync. And that is an amazing feeling that can only be experienced live.
Yes, it is finally that time of year, you are again aloud to wear flip flops, have bbq:s and show your white legs: it's summertime!
It is easy to get into nice summer mood if the sun is shining outside and you are sitting with a melting ice cream in your hand, but let us not forget that it is not always the case in the summer. Even if we desperately try to block it out, there are always cold and rainy day in the summer too. Days that makes you feel all miserable and...cold...
But fear not, there is a way which can make you feel all summery even the most miserable day: summer songs! Songs that suddenly makes yoou feel like you are driving your car with the windows down while blasting the music out really loud, or transport you to the images of a summery beach. These tunes include classics like: "One Summer" with Daryl Braithwaite, "Summer of 69" with Bryan Adams and "Summertimes" with Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy. They even have the word summer in their title, just to help you get into summer mode....
This summer there are maybe not so many songs with the word summer in the title... but... we know they are going to be played a lot on the radio anyway and be the songs of summer 2009. The strong contenders are Kanye West and Keri Hilson with "Knock you down", Daniel Merriweather with his song "Red" and Friendly Fires with "Jump into the pool". Friendly Fires must be the closest contenders of having a "proper" summer song since their song is featuring a swimming pool!
So, happy summer to every one and enjoy it while it lasts. I will anyway.
Last Updated on Friday, 19 June 2009 09:32
Art ♥ Music= True
Written by Melinda Blombäck
Tuesday, 05 May 2009 13:35
Art and Music is an intresting combination. I know that music can be seen as an artform in itself, but I am talking more about creative art and when it is mixed with music.
Like with the group Bat for Lashes for an example. The group consists of the Natasha Khan who uses her creativity on many levels. She writes sleek music, designs nice things and uses visual art in her concerts. Her performances might sometimes border on the little kooky side, but at least she is different and does not take herself too serious. She is entertaining and talented in heaps, which you can't say about everyone.
Another nice way to combine art and music is T-shirts with music prints. There are loads to choose from, but one of my favourite websites, (except Leonise.co.uk of course!), is Sugarbullet. There you can find your old favourite prints but with a new touch. Simply a nice way of combining music and art.
Melinda
My name is Melinda Blombäck and I am thirty-something, Swedish but currently living in England. As a part-time student, weekend sales-assistant and full time mum of three kids I live a busy life. My interests in fashion, music and good reading help to remain my sanity. In this blog I will write about things that excite me; like new music, interesting fashion and cool people. Hope you enjoy it! 
