The Listen

QUESTION:  What are things that come from Sweden?

Ok, I have something to admit.  I need to get this off my chest.  Friends…I’m in love.  And it’s not just the "I think I’m in love, yet it will only last a short 2 weeks and then I will be on to the next thing" kinda love…this is "true, unconditional, can’t live without it" kinda love.  Who is this mysterious lover you ask?  Well it is actually a group of poppy, suspender wearing, shaggy haired, glorious sounding swedes who call themselves the Shout Out Louds.  Their new cd "Howl Howl Gaff Gaff" makes me want to make sweet sweet love to this entire band! 

I was lucky enough to see the Shout Out Louds open for The Dears last night @ the El Rey in Los Angeles.  This is when I truly fell HARD for this band.  They have something for everybody.  Consisting of 4 tall,  tight black pant wearing(except for the drummer in tight white pants) adorable guys, and one super hot blonde for the all the guys to drool over.  The sweet, happy sounds that came from the stage made me dance, sing, and just be really really happy.  Almost in a Stellastarr* singing "My Coco" sorta way(for those who don’t know, this is insanely good).   The guys are really energetic, stomping their feet, singing intensely the tributes to their homeland, love, and sometimes band members birthdays.  I predict this band will be selling out their own shows very soon, but check ‘em out at smaller venues now, while you can. 

If you missed ‘em this time don’t stress, it looks like the Shout Out Louds will be back this summer touring with Kings of Leon and Secret Machines.  Mark your calenders. 

07/22/2005 Wiltern LG
Kings of Leon / Secret Machines / Shout Out Louds
Los Angeles, CA

If you haven’t heard this deliciousness yet you can stream the entire Shout Out Louds album via VH1 here.

While on the topic of sweet sounding Swedes, I remembered another group  that I wanted to mention… 

I have been listening to the Moonbabies a bunch lately.  These guys are all sunshine and rainbows.  Listen to their tunes @ myspace here .  Watch their video for this ridiculously good song "Sun AM" here.   You won’t be able to get it out of your head.   

Torr has also recently recommended the Swedish band Swoon. 

Then I started thinking, so many good bands come from Sweden, how can I find out my next favorite Swedish band.    Check out these links… 

Ultimate Swedish Band List

Rocket 95.3 The Rock Home of Stokholm               

Hello! Surprise!:  A Guide to Swedish Pop Music

Swedes Please – Who knew there was a blog just dedicated to swedish bands. I love it! 

These bands sound nothing like The Swedish Chef, but since we are talking of all great things from Sweden, how could we leave him out???  Listen to the Swedish Chef theme song here.  "Børk! Børk! Børk!" 

You can also change your dialect to "Swedish Chef" here. 

Read our site in "Swedish Chef" dialect here.  This is super funny.