Tag: i was a king

Last Week’s Jams (2.24 – 2.28)

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Pretty solid wee of new music last week, and we got to as much as our time allowed. We even managed to start getting some of our SXSW coverage together, as the festival is somehow just over the horizon; RayRay got an interview up with Population II you should check out. We even got back on some album stream coverage, making sure to have the homies in Constant Follower and Daily Worker up there. We continue as the one-site hype machine for Sharp Pins Radio DDR reissue, but there some of my favorite acts also returned with their own new jams to grab us, like Dumb Things and Jetstream Pony. I even jumped on the Sports Team train with their latest single. Get into it below.

Best Wishes – A Shortcut To I Was a King

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It seems like as long as we’ve been running this site we’ve been covering the work of I Was a King, and for those that weren’t there along the way, they’ve announced a compilation that’s the perfect introductory collection for those that haven’t quite whet their power-pop whistle with these greats. The band have worked with legends like Robyn Hitchcock, Sufjan Stevens and Norman Blake…to name a few. For me, the fascination has always been the gentle roll of Frode’s voice; there’s this intimacy that’s met by a certain almost pastoral nature, almost as if its a sort of wisened sage whispering to you. Honestly, if you ever wished to be transported to a place of happiness, “Lighthouse” is a great place to being; you can find it on the group’s Slow Century LP too. Once you’ve dipped your toes into the storied history of this great act, be sure to order a copy of Best Wishes – A Shortcut to I Was a King…dropping on March 7th.

I Was a King Share Brand New Single

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It’s Friday, and there’s nothing better than wrapping yourself up in a blanket of melodic pop, such as Norway’s I Was a King offer on their latest single. Frode and Anna Lise are the absolute stars here, with the light jangling and tinkering piano lurking quietly in the background; they’re clearly hanging out in the song, with the piano sparkling in its work, though they, too, are in awe of the majestic powers of the vocal work this go round. A forlorn bit of guitar slides in between the cracks, all of it giving this textured blend of classic power pop that confirms our belief that I Was a King is one of the best power-pop acts around. We’ve been promised there will be more new music from the group as the year goes forward, so more great Friday news!

Colored Lights Share Ashes Single

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You’d have to go back years and years to find out when I first feel for Frome Strostad’s songwriting; he first came to my attention with I Was a King, but has played with folks like Peter Buck of REM and Norman Blake of Teenage Fanclub. After dropping a new I Was a King LP, he’s now focused on another project, Colored Lights. Today there’s a light folk pop jangler coming from the band, and I can’t help but to swoon at the gentle nature here; you feel as if you’re gently being caressed, like being lulled to sleep by a beautiful lullaby. The musicianship behind is perfect as well, texturizing the track so as to maximize every bend and jangle in the songwriting. Colored Lights release their self-titled LP on September 22nd via Bobo Integral.

Colored Lights Share Stabbing Clouds Single

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Frode Stromstad is really putting his songwriting into overdrive, having fairly recently released an I Was a King LP…now he’s got his new project Colored Lights set for their debut LP. When you press play, you’re instantly greeted by this groovy pulse, setting up this steady backbone for the track to ride upon. Frode’s vocals take on these fantastical notes, hitting tones somewhere between nostalgic yearning and futuristic hope; his performance is definitely one of the selling points of this track. Mixing up tidbits of psych and power pop, you’re going to definitely hear sprinkles of all your favorite genres coming in from the latest Colored Lights single; they drop their self-titled debut on August 22nd via Bobo Integral.

Introducing Colored Lights

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Over the past dozen years or so, I’ve been covering the music of Frode Stromstad, one of the key songwriters in I Was a King/The No Ones. Today, news came our way that Frode has a new project titled Colored Lights, and we’re more than happy to share the first little taste of what’s in store. Personally, I can’t escape the familiarity of Frode’s voice; it seems to sit perfectly in this song, like a small little boat casually resting atop the water as the song ripples through your speakers. Emotional impact is almost immediate, matching up the light strum and percussion with Stromstad’s voice…and then it’s gone, fading away with a gentle bit of noise exploration. The band will release their self-titled LP via Bobo Integral on September 22nd.

Last Week’s Jams, Today (10.24 – 10.28)

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It’s strange. Last week, I was complaining that the tunes were drying up as its nearing the end of the year. And here we are, RayRay and I getting a solid 20 songs up, plus interviews and coverage of Levitation. Guess we crushed it, along with our friend JWagner, who gave us some solid Babe Rainbow coverage. Personally, of all the tracks I loved last week, that Heather Trost tune is just a flat out star; I need ya’ll to get behind me on this! Our Aussie friends in Deuce also dropped us a new ditty, plus we got a new Tubs announcement out there. Tune in and let us know what you’re loving.

Friday Album Streams: Ribbon Stage, the Smashing Times, Junior Boys + More

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Lots of albums dropping just in time to make the year end lists, and here’s my favorites that came our way this week. I mean, we’ve already raved and raved about Ribbon Stage, which actually came out last week, but I was late on that game. Plus, I Was a King and the Smashing Times both have new records out that should be on their way to my house. No need for much to do, but here’s our faves.

Junior Boys – Waiting Game

I Was a King – Follow Me Home


The Smashing Times – Bloom (Meritorio Records)

Ribbon Stage – Hit with the Most (K Records)

Dazy – Outofbody

Last Week’s Jams, Today (10.17 – 10.21)

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In a week where tons was going on, we hit it fairly harder than I remember. We ran a preview of Levitation (kicking off this week) by catching up with La Femme, plus we learned how to make a sweet acai bowl with Ribbon Stage. Dropped a few brand new tunes from folks like The Living Pins and Elizabeth, plus through out some encouraging album streams from Melby, Twain and more. This is a great way to catch up on all those tunes we ran, and maybe jump back in time and look at our interviews. Or, just turn it up and rock it out, cuz you know, Monday.

I Was a King Share Growing Wild Video

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A few weeks back we covered this great song from the forthcoming I Was a King LP, and now, I feel its in your best interest to remind you of the song’s powers by sharing their fresh new video. The last time I praised the band for maybe taking a step outside the expectations of power-pop, but this go round, let’s highlight Anne Lise Frokedal. Her stunning performance here should come as no surprise if you’ve listened to her solo work as Frokedal; I suggest checking out How We Made It. The more time I spend with this song, the more I’m almost frightened by how incredible it is. You should go grab one of the last remaining copies of Follow Me Home!

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