For those interested in European travel, I just learned of a lovely piece of architecture for if you're ever in the northern countries. It's called the Øresundsbron, or the Öresund Bridge. This bridge (and tunnel) is just a little under 5 miles long and connects Malmö, Sweden (the 3rd largest city in Sweden) and Copenhagen, Denmark crossing the Öresund strait. The bridge-tunnel is a combined rail system and four lane highway featuring an unpopulated artificial island named Peberholm being used as a biological experiment of sorts. And you don't even need a passport!
Malmö
Copenhagen
Seriously, once you get over there it seems like everything is within reach!
Happy 2009, friends! It's been awhile since we (I) here at oh! how silly have written. Well, I wouldn't be quite cliche enough of a blogger if I didn't do the obligatory top albums of 2008 list, now would I? Here are my top 5:
5. Lykke Li - Youth Novel
I first heard Lykke Li when a friend sat me down and made me listen to her this summer. Upon hearing her voice I thought "Oh great, another indie Swede with a peculiar voice who's going to grace Pitchfork's Best New Music page" and dismissed her immediately. What a jerk, right? Later, when her songs would come on at random I found myself asking "who is this?" and really getting into the music. Her voice grew on me as well. This album is fantastic, and I now admit that I was wrong (except I was right about the Pitchfork thing). Lykke - 1, Sarah - 0.
4. Russian Circles - Station
When I saw Russian Circles open for fellow Chicago band Pelican, they blew my mind. Upon the release of their second album Station, they already had a following. Think post-rock meets metal and melody.
3. Black Mountain - In The Future
How does Canada produce these amazing bands and musicians? I'm going to guess something with the de-criminalization of ma... nevermind. I've heard Black Mountain's latest played often in between sets at Frankies Inner City and at tattoo shops just the same. Two vocalists (a girl & a guy) switch on and off for this AMAZING psychedelic rock band. Some ominous tracks, a couple super indie, and a lot of rocking out (to sound as Wayne Campbell as possible).
2. Foals - Antidotes
I don't know how to talk about this band. Dance-punk or math rock? Maybe. Catchy as hell? Yes. The guitar is super distinctive, the entire album is a cohesive working machine, and they make me want to dance. That's all I can think of and it probably doesn't make much sense. Do yourself a favor and just listen!!
1. Ratatat - LP3
One of my favorite bands since their self-titled 2004 debut. Most of you know this band already, and if you don't I'd recommend the entire discography. I've heard complaints, but LP3 did not let me down at all. Nice work, dudes.
**Honorable Mentions: Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours, Man Man - Rabbit Habits, The Mae Shi - HLLLYH
I apologize for the Foreigner reference in the subject line, but I couldn't help myself. I've recently learned of the Ice Hotels that you can visit around the world. They are reconstructed every year; the one in Sweden is my favorite. Good thing, Absolut comes from this country, and I like my martinis extra chilled.
Cozy Accomodations...
Get married in an ice chapel.
Ice Discotheque! Could you really have a group of people dancing in here, though?
