Something old can be something new. And something to answer last week's riddle.

This week in my musical life was a seven-day sojourn of sifting through my CD collection in an effort to re-acquaint myself with some old friends I'd lost touch with.

The funny thing with writing about music is that with new bands, new material and new shows popping up on a daily basis... it seems I have a tendency to be overwhelmed with a sense of what's coming up next, and unfortunately some favorites get temporarily buried in the shuffle.

I was almost equally overwhelmed by the amount of records and CDs I'd nearly forgotten I owned. It was staggering.

Among my favorite (re)discoveries was a cd called The World Is Saved by Scandinavian songstress Stina Nordenstam. Released in 2004, it is my something old AND something new for this post.


Stina is a haunting talent in many senses. The thematics of The World Is Saved are mellow, somber and quietly brooding. Her voice is superb and the arranging skills are reminiscent of Feist. At times Stina can be heard as an elegant precursor to current ingenues like Cat Power. Considering I bought it on a whim one day while shopping if memory serves, I'd say its one of my most enjoyable random purchases.

If you indeed like the sampling below, I'd also suggest going out to find a copy of the Parliament Square Remix by The Knife.

Get on with Your Life
Winter Killing
Parliament Square

And now, as promised.... The answer to our fun game of "Guess That Playlist" last week.

Major kudos to El Jefe for being the Hardiest Hardy Boy by guessing Erik Appelwick (bassist of Tapes 'n Tapes) as our mystery playlister. Something tells me your Minneapolis roots helped you with this one Mr. Jefe.


Erik Appelwick, for those of you who are not familiar, is essentially the Kevin Bacon of the Minneapolis music scene; any two bands can be connected by using his career as a conduit. Suffice to say... he gets around. No, not that way. Or maybe. I honestly don't know. I make reference exclusively to his musical philandering.

The man of a million and one musical projects may have recently found his stride taking over bass duties with Tapes 'n Tapes after producing the band's stellar debut The Loon, but his story begins long before he became a Brother Tapes.

He has been a staple on the Minneapolis music scene for some time with success as a member of a deliciously poppy outfit, The Hopefuls (referenced in clue 3 from last week), and equally ear-pleasing Alva Star. In his own right, Appelwick is also an accomplished producer, having lent his skills to a number of bands such as Fitzgerald and White Light Riot.

My affinity for Appelwick's work began well before Clell Tickle threatened me with bodily harm if I didn't blog glowingly about Tapes 'n Tapes.
But alas, the purpose of this post is to shine more light on my favorite Appelwick project, his solo moniker... Vicious Vicious. Sincerest apologies to Mr. Tickle.

I would be seriously remised if I didn't suggest getting your mitts on a copy of either VV release, the debut Blood and Clover (2003) or follow up Don't Look So Surprised (2005). Both efforts shine a different light on Appelwick's formidable talents. No, he's not just that guy who plays bass in Tapes 'n Tapes, take one listen to Shake That Ass on the Dancefloor, and you'll see he's also a clever and witty songwriter.

By all accounts, Appelwick would appear to be a relatively uncomplicated guy. Our conversation started with the dreaded task put forth for him to describe himself. He was not quite sure how to answer the question. "I'm a normal guy. I prefer summer to winter," he says perceivably half joking and perhaps all uncomfortable. He finally settles on, "I'm a laid back guy."

Through our interview I would say his simple self-assessment prevails. In fact, the only real sensitivity I feel throughout our conversation is when I ask a question I ask everyone because of the variety of answers it spawns, from the quietly contemplative to the downright incited.

"If you were made to choose, which would you rather: a good show review or a bad album review?"

"WHAT?" His voice jumps. He sounds shocked I would even ask the question. "I'd like all good reviews." Fair enough.

When asked about his particular influences, he is reluctant to name names specifically. "My inspiration generally comes internally, or things that are happening in my own life." When listening to either Blood and Clover or Don't Look So Surprised, you best see his point. Both offerings are personal and reflective, while still maintaining a wittiness and playful quality.

Perhaps the most enjoyable element of listening to a Vicious Vicious record, and what makes Appelwick such a relatable songwriter, is the honesty conveyed in hypothesizing that he might be just thinking out loud to better acquaint himself with the goings on of his life through his music. As a listener you're privy to this internal voice, like the soliloquy of a play, an auditory "voyeur" as the dramatis personae of his scenes unfold at his feet. It can be easy to construe this about many musicians, but there is an ease and effortlessness with which he accomplishes this that makes it genuine and not smarmy or self-indulgent.

While winding things up I settle on one final question, which opens up the most formidable part of the conversation. I ask what his plans are for the upcoming year. He eventually says that while recording new material for and touring with Tapes 'n Tapes, that he is also set to begin recording a new Vicious Vicious album. "It will be a departure I think. A good departure."

He finally also has plans to tour with Vicious Vicious, something he's been hoping for, but not as of yet been able to do (mainly because of the grim realities of touring sans booking agent).

In the mean time, while you're chomping at the bit to see Vicious Vicious in concert, delight in the fact that Tapes 'n Tapes might be coming to a town near you in the spring, having just announced new tour dates here.

Shake That Ass on the Dancefloor
+ Myspace

**I must caveat this post by saying that since I did this interview, my laptop crashed and I lost all my bloody notes. Assy. I've tried to reconstruct the jist of the conversation through the shitteous notes I wrote by hand. Note to self: buy a digital recorder...**

Yours Independently,
CA