Fredstuff.com » marina and the diamonds http://fredstuff.com/blog Hi. I'm Fred. I live in Stockholm, Sweden. I like: Music, TV, Gadgets, Technology and the Webs. I also like to try out new things on the web and when I do I will write about it here. I've been blogging since 2005, mostly in Swedish. This is my first all English blog - Welcome! Fri, 18 May 2012 18:50:33 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Final Post About Marinas Electra Heart http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/final-post-about-marinas-electra-heart http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/final-post-about-marinas-electra-heart#comments Thu, 03 May 2012 19:06:47 +0000 Fred http://fredstuff.com/blog/?p=26763

Click here to view the embedded video.

Marina talking about her new album track by track part 1.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Marina talking about her new album track by track part 2.

I’m really fed up with Marina at this point — it’s been a bit too much lately with the whole pre-album release PR (she kind of masters PR at this point) and different acoustic versions of several tracks. I’m just full, like you’d be after a really good meal.

I had a listen to the new album and it shines in parts but the overall product is dare I say it… not top notch. I know it’s supposed to be plastic and a bit superficial but that makes it sound and feel really bland. The two tracks I really like are “Lies” and “Teen Idle”; they both remind me of olden Marina, the olden Marina that I loved so dearly. I think I’ll just go back to her earlier stuff.

So, about the two videos on top on this post; have a listen to Marina as she talks about each track on the new album and say it with me: “We love you Marina but we hope you go back to basics on your next album, you excel at that and this guy Fred likes it the way you sounded in the olden days!”.

Don’t be mad at me Marina.

Update, May 17:

Click here to view the embedded video.

PART 5: “SU-BARBIE-A”. Yup, it’s now come to part 5 of the Electra Heart videos. I’m not going to do another Marina post, I’ll just update existing posts when new material is released. Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess…

Links:
Official | Last.fm | MySpace | Electra Heart Blog | Discogs

]]> http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/final-post-about-marinas-electra-heart/feed 0 Marina And The Diamonds – Starring Role Acoustic http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/marina-and-the-diamonds-starring-role-acoustic http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/marina-and-the-diamonds-starring-role-acoustic#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:05:43 +0000 Fred http://fredstuff.com/blog/?p=26215

Click here to view the embedded video.

I was really about to quit posting about Marina — it’s been a bit much lately with all the different versions and stuff. But I can’t stop, it’s too good. This video is currently unlisted at YouTube so you are one of the first to see it (if you choose to click “play” that is).

Links:
Official | Last.fm | MySpace | Electra Heart Blog | Discogs

]]> http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/marina-and-the-diamonds-starring-role-acoustic/feed 0 Marina And The Diamonds – Lies Acoustic http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/marina-and-the-diamonds-lies-acoustic http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/marina-and-the-diamonds-lies-acoustic#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:21:17 +0000 Fred http://fredstuff.com/blog/?p=25707

Click here to view the embedded video.

This performance was first uploaded to YouTube by another user and not Marina. So, I waited until she uploaded it herself — that way I can be sure it’ll stay up and not be taken down due to copyright infringement. I’m not even sure I have heard this version yet — good thing I’m posting it, Increases the chances of me listening to it!

Links:
Official | Last.fm | MySpace | Electra Heart Blog | Discogs

]]> http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/marina-and-the-diamonds-lies-acoustic/feed 0 Marina And The Diamonds – Homewrecker Acoustic http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/marina-and-the-diamonds-homewrecker-acoustic http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/marina-and-the-diamonds-homewrecker-acoustic#comments Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:38:57 +0000 Fred http://fredstuff.com/blog/?p=25003

Click here to view the embedded video.

I don’t even know anymore. This video might be more suited in the Electra Heart post. New videos, acoustic versions — it’s all over the place. Anyway, good performance from Marina in this one.

Links:
Official | Last.fm | MySpace | Electra Heart Blog | Discogs

]]> http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/marina-and-the-diamonds-homewrecker-acoustic/feed 0 Video: Marina And The Diamonds – Primadonna http://fredstuff.com/blog/music-video/video-marina-and-the-diamonds-primadonna http://fredstuff.com/blog/music-video/video-marina-and-the-diamonds-primadonna#comments Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:16:49 +0000 Fred http://fredstuff.com/blog/?p=23966

Click here to view the embedded video.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand here it is, “Primadonna”. Just uploaded to YouTube — only 301 views so far. I don’t know just yet what to make of the track. I really like parts of it but the “Viva La Vida” parts are bugging me somewhat. But all in all it’s a good track and I will surely play it in my next DJ set. No doubt about it.

UPDATE: Acoustic performance posted March 19:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Bonus:
Get the track “Homewrecker” for free at Marinas Site.

Links:
Official | Last.fm | MySpace | Electra Heart Blog | Discogs

]]> http://fredstuff.com/blog/music-video/video-marina-and-the-diamonds-primadonna/feed 0 Sunday Night http://fredstuff.com/blog/editorial/sunday-night http://fredstuff.com/blog/editorial/sunday-night#comments Sun, 11 Mar 2012 18:50:45 +0000 Fred http://fredstuff.com/blog/?p=23839
I was out DJing with my friend Jonas this Friday night. It was fun. Here are some of the tracks we played:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Magick Wands – “Space”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Trust – “Sulk” (Single Edit Stream)

Click here to view the embedded video.

The War on Drugs – “Baby Missiles”

I watched the train wreck known as the “Melodifestivalen” or The Eurovision Song Contest in English. It was the Swedish finals and I think the best entry came out the winner. Congrats to Loreen and her “Euphoria”.


I found something I wanted to take a picture of and I took a picture of it without thinking about what anyone else might think about me doing it. It felt good. There have been way to many missed opportunities of good photographs on my end. If someone sees me crouching over something lying on the ground with my iPhone in hand, well — that’s just me taking a damn good picture. I want to end this nonsense of me feeling like a fool for doing something that gives me pleasure. I’m sure some of you understand, the rest of you; congratulations!

At this moment I’m trying to out do my noisy neighbor by playing Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)” really loud. I hope he/she gets the message.

When I’m done with this post I plan on watching The Artist [2011] or Wuthering Heights [2011] — I haven’t decided yet. And I’m waiting for a new video from Marina and the Diamonds — she just tweeted about a premiere coming up. Nice. I guess it’s the track “Primadonna” (rel. tomorrow March 12) that sounds a bit like Coldplays “Viva La Vida”. BTW, Marina was here in Stockholm (she might still be here) last night watching the “Melodifestivalen” at the Warner offices.

That’s about it for now, have a nice end of the weekend!

]]> http://fredstuff.com/blog/editorial/sunday-night/feed 0 Music: Marina And The Diamonds – Homewrecker http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/music-marina-and-the-diamonds-homewrecker http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/music-marina-and-the-diamonds-homewrecker#comments Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:45:35 +0000 Fred http://fredstuff.com/blog/?p=22939

Click here to view the embedded video.

Brand new track/”video” from Marina. Only 303 views on YouTube as of yet. I really don’t know what to think of this track. I like the talking parts — others have mentioned Madonna and The Pet Shop Boys here — but the other main part of the track, weeeeeeell, I really don’t know. Anyway, it’s a new track from marinas upcoming album and that means I have to post it. I might change my mind about this track in a while — I’ve been known to do just that before…

Links:
Official | Last.fm | MySpace | Electra Heart Blog | Discogs

]]> http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/music-marina-and-the-diamonds-homewrecker/feed 0 Marina And The Diamonds – Starring Role DEMO http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/marina-and-the-diamonds-starring-role-demo http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/marina-and-the-diamonds-starring-role-demo#comments Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:26:06 +0000 Fred http://fredstuff.com/blog/?p=9670

Click here to view the embedded video.

A new demo from Marina that was posted on YouTube yesterday. I like it — it kind of reminds me of ABBA, don’t know why, don’t care. This is the only info on YouTube: “Demo from my 2nd album, “Electra Heart”. Spread the ?..” (the “?” is supposed to be a heart symbol). Nothing on the Electra Heart blog either, just a bunch of pictures. Now I’m eagerly awaiting PART 3 of three three part video thing, I wonder when it’ll show up. I urged her on Twitter but she’s ignoring me. Haha.

Links:
Official | Last.fm | MySpace | Electra Heart Blog | Discogs

]]> http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/marina-and-the-diamonds-starring-role-demo/feed 0 Marina and the Diamonds – Electra Heart http://fredstuff.com/blog/music-video/marina-and-the-diamonds-electra-heart http://fredstuff.com/blog/music-video/marina-and-the-diamonds-electra-heart#comments Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:58:37 +0000 Fred http://fredstuff.com/blog/?p=7590
OK. Marina has some new stuff that’s hitting the blogs. I refrained from reading anything anyone has to say about Marinas latest work. I’m trying to form my own opinion without diluting it. First off, she has created a form of semi-alter ego called “Electra Heart” who is supposed to embody the American Dream. Blond wig; transformation complete. Second, she made a track (Radioactive) that’s super duper commercial, trancy synths and all. As far as I can tell the Electra Heart story is supposed to be told in three parts but the story so far regarding this character is very vague and also a bit confusing and unclear. Here are the first two — the third will be added here when it’s available.

PART 1: FEAR AND LOATHING

Click here to view the embedded video.


PART 2: RADIOACTIVE

Click here to view the embedded video.


PART 3: THE ACHETYPES

Click here to view the embedded video.


PART 4: PRIMADONNA

Click here to view the embedded video.

Part 1 is much better than Part 2 and I hope that Part 2 is a one-off in terms of album material. I mean, why go for a über-commercial sound and not making the best of it? It’s clear that she wants to reach a wider audience with this track — but I don’t believe it’s good enough. Radioactive is such a leap in style compared to earlier Marina, it’s simply not a logical step — it’s just a huge unbridled flirt with current mainstream production trends. Now, I DO like trancy synths — but the ones in Radioactive just doesn’t cut it in my ears. If I had been in charge they would have had longer sustain and decay, they are too stabby in this track. Maybe a bit to technical for most people but that’s how I tick and how I listen to music. When I posted Part 1 on my Facebook wall the day the video was released I got just one comment on it. A friend asked: “What is this shit?” My repy was something along the lines of “Something that will hopefully, eventually get better”. So, at this point I’m hoping the upcoming track “Part 3″ will be more like the classic Marina stuff we all like. Better yet, have Max Martin write some tracks; instant hugedom achieved.

Popjustice just did a pretty good interview with Marina where she explains what this new Electra Heart character is all about. Unsurprisingly, also a bit confusing.

UPDATE, October 4, 2011: Oh, who am I kidding, Radioactive is a good track — it’s Marina dammit.

UPDATE, December 5, 2011: Added the third video in the trilogy (are there even more videos to come?). I guess I was expecting a bit more from this track — if you can even call it a track. Anyway, this post is now complete!

UPDATE, March 12, 2012: Added the video for part 4: “Primadonna”.

Links:
Official | Last.fm | MySpace | Electra Heart Blog | Discogs

]]> http://fredstuff.com/blog/music-video/marina-and-the-diamonds-electra-heart/feed 0 Marina And The Diamonds In Stockholm http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/marina-and-the-diamonds-in-stockholm http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/marina-and-the-diamonds-in-stockholm#comments Sat, 06 Mar 2010 22:01:58 +0000 Fred http://fredstuff.com/blog/?p=521
Yup. I got an invite to a Marina and the Diamonds showcase from Warner Music Scandinavia. The exclusive gig was yesterday night at a location called Södra Bar in the South side of Stockholm. The place was totally packed and Marina was surprised that many people showed up. She’s traveling around Europe and the States to promote The Family Jewels album together with two guys, one on keyboard and one on (electric) bass. They performed, I don’t remember — five or six tracks including Numb, Hollywood and Obsessions. I knew it was going to be good, and it was. When she left the stage I said “thank you” and she said “thank you” back. Luckily no one else heard since I told her when she passed by, haha.

OK, it’s time to include the mighty WordPress Audio Player in this blog, first track out is Marinas “Hollywood” recorded live on my iPhone last night.

Seems to work just fine, doesn’t it? I love WordPress.

Next up is a video I shot with my trusty Panasonic HD cam. The track is “Numb”.

Click here to view the embedded video.


Jerry, a guy I almost know (Hi Jerry!) shot the track “Obsessions” with his camera.

Click here to view the embedded video.


I took some photos but the lack of a flash on the iPhone made them really weak (I’m sad to say). But, I’m providing audio AND video – not bad, huh?

What about the album then, what do I think about it? Well, I’m not that into it actually. I think the album version of “Hollywood” is, how should I put it — wrong? The video version is better, I think it’s the extra verse in the beginning that ruins it. The tracks on the album are all good, no doubt about that but I don’t understand why she didn’t include the track “Starlight” from her rather large catalog of great songs. I love that track. I still listen to her older, previous stuff, maybe I’m used to her songs being a bit less polished than those on the album, I think she’s better when it’s more raw and not overly produced.

A woman from the record company said Marina will be coming back to Sweden in August playing the Way Out West festival in Gothenburg. Looking forward to it, I’ve never been to WoW — I might go there.

Links:
Official | Last.fm | MySpace | Electra Heart Blog | Discogs

]]> http://fredstuff.com/blog/music/marina-and-the-diamonds-in-stockholm/feed 0