She was alone on a big stage. A small woman with a big voice. And we all stood still and quiet cause we didn't want to miss any of the words. She was Regina Spektor and we were the audience of the Way Out West festival in Göteborg. Regina has one of the pop worlds most fantastic voices, and she's written one of the most beautiful love songs ever, Samson. Now she's back with a new album, the first single is called Laughing With, a beautiful piano song which has caused some debate concerning what it is about, is it against atheists, is it critique of people who make fun of religion? Maybe the signature hicklimn on youtube says it best:
essentially a critique on people rather than a claim on the existence or non-existence of god. It's just commenting on the fact that it's very easy to dismiss god when you don't really need him.
Between the 24th of February and 1st of March The Noise Pop festival is hosting shows in San Francisco. The Airport Line has picked out some bands which you might want to see in case you happen to be in the city during these days.
Ra Ra Riot - Made one of the best cds of last year, popmusic in the same vain as The Shins, Cut Copy and New Pornographers, very nice indeed. http://www.myspace.com/rarariot For a free download of the remix of their song Ghost Under Rocks made by Passion Pit, go here: http://stereogum.com/archives/mp3/new-ra-ra-riot-ghost-under-rocks-passion-pit-remix_048181.html
St. Vincent - Arty singer with a very unique style, a bit similar to Regina Spektor with a mean guitarr, her song Marry Me is really sweet, an artist for people looking for creative female role models. Some of her stuff is a bit too much out there for my taste, but I am but a conservative Swede. http://www.myspace.com/stvincent
French Kicks - Their album Swimming is a bit weirdly produced, but the song Love In The Ruins is fantastic with it's Jens Lekman banjo and melancolic dreamy feeling. http://www.myspace.com/frenchkicks
Antony And The Johnsons - Seems a bit expensive, but given that he has maybe the most unique and powerful voices in modern pop history, it might be a concert to look into. A truly unique artist that some people hate, some call pretentious, but most people love, and probably cry to when they are alone. http://www.myspace.com/antonyandthejohnsons Here he plays his most famous song Hope There's Someone:
