March 2009/March 2010: Salem's album anniversaries

I don't know if you will agree with me or not, but this has been the quickest year ever! It feels like no time has passed since the release of "Ignore This", one year ago this week. Of course it was also the week leading up to that Melodifestivalen final! (By the way, are any of you PS readers out there watching this year's contest?)

The memories of March 2010 are still fresh in my mind: the excitement and anticipation of going to Gothenburg (to see Salem for the second time), and the frustrating wait for the album to drop through my letterbox. It was also the month in which I wrote more Planet Salem posts than any other in the history of this blog.

March has been a very important month for Salem fans, as it was in this month in 2009 that "Astronaut" was released. Back then...there was the excitement and anticipation of going to Gothenburg in April (to see Salem for the first time) and the frustrating wait for the album to drop through my letterbox :)

So it feels pretty strange that this year (and particularly this time of year) that there's no album and no trip to Sweden. It all feels a bit empty somehow, particularly as there won't be much to write about on this blog between now and August, but I've got plenty of things to keep me occupied during Planet Salem's break...notably my other blogs EuropeCrazy and EuropeCrazy's Random Ramblings so check them out!

By the way...at the moment, "This Is Who I Am" is at no. 122 and "Ignore This" is at no.135 in the Swedish iTunes album chart, whilst in the singles chart Salem and Josephine's version of "I'm So Happy" is at no.115.

Before I go, I just want to say thanks again to all of you for supporting this blog - and to you, Salem, I hope you have a happy and relaxing break over the next few months and that you get the inspiration you need for your next musical adventure, whenever that may be! And of course Planet Salem will be here for that next exciting chapter of the Salem Al Fakir story. :)

"Ignore This" goes gold! / "4 O'Clock" - new single!

Just been over to http://www.salemalfakir.com/ and got the good news that "Ignore This" has now gone gold! Yes, the album has now sold enough to get Salem a nice gold disc so well done Salem!! Grattis! You are our golden boy :)))

And of course well done everyone who has bought a copy of the album, and if you haven't bought it yet then what are you waiting for.....buy it now!!

Salem has also confirmed on his official site today that "4 O'Clock" will be the follow-up single to "Keep On Walking" and will be released digitally on 17th May.

What will the next single be?

I was just wondering what will be the next single to be released from "Ignore This", as the follow-up to "Keep On Walking"??

I reckon it will be between "4 O'Clock", "Virgin Mary", "Brooklyn Sun" and "I'm So Happy". Any (or all) of these songs would be a perfect choice for a single.

Planet Salem readers: what song would you like to see released next?

"Ignore This" : my review

Sorry for the delay, but here is my review at last - hope you like it ;)

Almost a year to the day since Salem Al Fakir released his second album, the criminally underrated "Astronaut", here comes album no. 3, delivered in remarkably quick time - but given Salem’s continually prolific and creative musical nature then this isn’t such a surprise after all.

When you make the commitment to becoming a Salem Al Fakir fan, you sign up for a journey which is full of surprises at every twist and turn, and you leave any preconceptions behind. So we arrive at the latest stop on the journey, "Ignore This" Of course Salem’s music is completely unclassifiable but if you were to compare his three albums so far, you might say that "This Is Who I Am" was the soulful, 70s-influenced one, "Astronaut" was the rockier, 80s one, and "Ignore This"? The electronic one, and despite the fact that he doesn’t listen to current/recent music, it’s possibly his most contemporary collection yet.

But that’s only scratching the surface - the thirteen tracks on this CD are as diverse as ever in their musical arrangements. I’d say it was an album with one foot in the past and one foot in the future, as I feel that one of Salem’s many strengths is the way that he uses influences from the past to craft his music into something genuinely original, that you haven’t heard before.

In its musical layout "Ignore This" takes us back to "This Is Who I Am": it begins with a short instrumental track, and there are two other instrumental interludes along the way.

Here is my track-by-track review.

Track 1: "The Song I Never Wrote"
An electronic, chilled-out, spacey introduction to the album, and in a similar style to "Begin" which heralded the arrival of "This Is Who I Am", three years ago. There’s not really much else I can say about this, it’s short and sweet!

Track 2: "4 O’Clock"
"Get on up on your feet to the love store/Hey bubbles, wanna smell the candy?"

Salem is particularly gifted when it comes to producing strong melodic songs and this is one of the best on the album. It’s commercial and radio-friendly, with an anthemic ‘here we go again’ chorus, an irresistible, almost calypso-styled rhythm. The feel of the song reminded me a little of "New Song" by Howard Jones (if you are old enough to remember that!).

If you thought the lyrics on "Astronaut" were a significant improvement on his debut, then one of the most significant aspects of "Ignore This" is Salem’s significant development as a lyricist, and his ability to tell a story through his songs. "4 O’Clock" clearly demonstrates the more playful side of Salem, and it’s a very good way to kick off the album.

Track 3: "Virgin Mary"
"Didn’t wanna be around when it all fell down/So lucky I got out in time"

Already a firm favourite with fans and bloggers, this is perhaps one of Salem’s most accessible songs in a long time. Very personal lyrics about love-gone-wrong set to catchy, insistent keyboard beats. The first time I heard this, the keyboard-riff sounded very familiar and then it struck me - it’s like a speeded up "This Is Who I Am" (and thanks also to my friend Fredrik for also pointing this out). Extremely catchy, high energy song, and one of the best on the album. Possible future single?

Track 4: "Red Rock"
"Heroes, low life grinders/Everyone’s invited"

This is the song where Salem has gone all Kanye West on us (!) with vocoded vocals throughout (so I’m glad when I got the lyrics so I could see what he was singing). This wasn’t originally one of my favourite songs when I heard the album at first, but it has really grown on me and I think it’s one of the most musically ambitious songs - and when the pulsating beats erupt into that big symphonic chorus (courtesy of Salem’s big brother Ayman, guesting on French horn) it becomes pretty fabulous. But then I also love that moment at about 2:45 into the song when it all subsides and begins to wind down too!

Track 5: "Keep On Walking"
"I was aiming for the sky/Ended up flat on the ground/But once again the sun is rising..."

The first song that Salem wrote for the album, and which came out of a very dark time for him. But it is also extremely hopeful and uplifting too, in a way that seems to come naturally to him. It’s full of heart and soul, and everything about this song just completely grabs your emotions and doesn’t let go. And that, for me is probably what Salem Al Fakir is all about: his natural ability to reach out and connect with people.

Musically, it is Salem at his absolute best: piano, strings, synths and just overflowing with emotion. And what a fabulous singer he is, he can convey so many different emotions within his songs. No wonder everyone loves him now - it’s no surprise ;))

Of course, in an ideal world, he would have won Melodifestivalen, but for me he will always be 2010’s true winner, as he has emerged from the contest with his credibility intact and a whole new audience who completely love his music. Job done.

Track 6: "This Is For"
"I wanna ask questions till your ear falls off"

Perhaps musically and lyrically the toughest song on the album: words that taunt and torture from beginning to end. Initially I was shocked and surprised by the vengeful tone of the lyrics, but they seem to fit with the urgency of the music and the vocoded chorus which gives way to an instrumental fadeout. It may be uncharacteristic for Salem, but it works. The result is insistent and irresistible, (if initially slightly disturbing!) Someone must have really annoyed him....!.

Track 7: "Part Of It"
"Skewed faces and scary eyes/I dare you to take a step outside"

This is a song full of contrasts. Dark lyrical themes mixed with an almost hymn-like chorus, with backing vocals provided by Sami Al Fakir and Linn Segolson. This is maybe not as instant as some of the other songs on the album, but it is proof of Salem’s effortless ability to produce any musical style - in this case a magnificent choral piece.

Track 8: "Brooklyn Sun"
"I would trade away the stars and moon/if you came, came, came back soon, my darker days would all be done"

For me, this is the best track on the album (apart from the now-classic "Keep On Walking" of course) and possibly one of the loveliest songs that I’ve ever had the good fortune to hear. "Brooklyn Sun" is a moving and beautiful song, with simple instrumentation, which still manages after all this time to send a shiver up my spine and puts a lump in my throat. Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, with a sense of longing that most songwriters would do anything for....

One significant change I’ve noted on "Ignore This" is that it’s also the first time that Salem has shared any songwriting credits - in the case of "Brooklyn Sun" it’s the appropriately Brooklyn-based American singer/songwriter Nate Campany (check him out at www.myspace.com/natecampany)
　
Track 9: "Don’t Wanna Talk About It"
Another musical interlude, this time in bonkers-techno mode. It stops and starts and then goes into hyperspace (!) I remember someone on Twitter comparing this to Mr Oizo: I understand where they’re coming from!

Track 10: "Bloody Breakfast"
"Make your own path or keep on living two steps behind"

Some telling lyrics which I would interpret as Salem’s take on the nature of fame, however this musically experimental song could probably be interpreted in many ways? This may be one of the most underrated tracks on the album, but became a firm favourite for me very quickly. The "ooooooooo" chorus is original and different, the musical arrangement won’t let you go, and it has some reassuringly warm moments though - "are you a saint or a sinner? Mm-hmm" is just soooooo Salem :))))

Track 11: "Split My Personality"
"I’m disgusted with myself/can’t be trusted"

Another co-written song, this time with the very talented Linn Segolson, whom I previously wrote about on Planet Salem two years ago - http://planetsalem.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-linn-segolson-video-footage-on.html

Musically I’d describe this as probably the most contemporary/recent sounding track - you could imagine the backing track on a Coldplay or Killers album, but what as ever sets it apart is Salem’s unique, distinctive, touching voice, singing some regretful lyrics agains the muscular musical background. I think this will work very well in a live context.

Track 12: "Cowboys and Dinosaurs"
Final instrumental interlude, with a sweet, lullaby quality. Premiered at Salem's Berwaldhallen shows at the end of 2009.

Track 13: "I’m So Happy"
"I'm so happy cause you are gone"

We’ve known long enough about Salem’s natural melodic ability, but this time he’s thrown in a distinctive lyrical twist which initially shocked and surprised me. However, the result is one of the strongest tracks on the album, which turns into a massive singalong, and which will, for sure, be one of the biggest songs in Salem’s live concerts this year. I can’t get this song out of my head...!

So, does "Ignore This" live up to expectations? Yes - of course it does! It’s the album that Salem wanted and needed to make, on the next step of his musical journey. It’s adventurous, daring, different, and special....in other words, Salem Al Fakir.

"Ignore This"? Impossible to do so.

"Keep On Walking" all over Swedish radio....

I was listening to a lot of Swedish radio on Saturday - P3, Mix Megapol and Rix FM - and I heard "Keep On Walking" so many times, which made me extremely happy indeed.

And of course I've had "Ignore This" on repeated play at home - review to follow on Planet Salem very soon - I am completely loving this album. Completely.

Good times! My CD has finally arrived!

Yes, my copy of "Ignore This" finally arrived today! So I am finally getting to hear all the songs in full for the first time - and of course I can't stop playing it. I will post my review on Saturday as I'm going to really get into the songs before writing my review.

What I will say is that from what I've heard so far, it's a stunning and varied collection of songs and from looking at the lyrics, it's very clear that Salem has continued to develop as a very clever lyricist. Apart from the obvious "Keep On Walking" and "Brooklyn Sun", my favourite songs at the moment are "Virgin Mary", "4 O'Clock", and the extremely catchy "I'm So Happy", I can't get that tune out of my head and I think it will be a massive singalong at his concerts this year.

By the way, thanks to everyone who's already voted in my "favourite track" poll. If you haven't voted yet then please do so!!

Daily round-up, 17.03.2010

Finally....."Keep On Walking" is at no. 1 in the Swedish iTunes singles chart, taking over the top spot from Anna Bergendahl's "This Is My Life". About time too!!

The song actually appears twice in the chart as the album version is at no. 10.

In the album chart, "Ignore This" is still at no. 2 behind the Melodifestivalen CD compilation; whilst "Astronaut" is at no. 29 and "This Is Who I Am" at no. 40.

And yes, you've guessed it, another day has passed and I still don't have my copy of "Ignore This". Has anyone else experienced problems with their delivery from CDON? They are usually much quicker than this - deliveries from Sweden to the UK usually only take 4 days but it has been 8 days now.....

A couple more press reviews of "Ignore This"

Jens Höglin in Dagbladet: "the productive multiinstrumentalist is back ...with both feet first into more electronic sound landscapes...it sounds as if electronic instruments and production have been prioritised over songwriting". The reviewer does however praise "Keep On Walking", "Brooklyn Sun" and "Virgin Mary", but on the whole describes this as Salem's weakest collection of songs so far.

http://dagbladet.se/kulturnoje/musik/1.1880139-salem-al-fakir-ignore-this-


Sara Lundvall, Vasterbottens Folkblad awards 4 stars: "Al Fakir has invested in a more electronic sound...probably he will lose some fans used to the more accessible radio pon, but for those of us who appreciate this musical development raises an additional dimension of respect for this talented musician. This new trail is absolutely the way to go for Salem Al Fakir. New "difficult" Salem shows a different depth and an interesting darkness"

http://www.folkbladet.nu/?p=169547

Swedish media roundup, Thursday 11.03.2010

Firstly, an interview which gives a fascinating insight into the business of Salem's music... http://www.e24.se/lifestyle/kultur/salem-al-fakir-berattar-om-ekonomin-kring-sin-musik_1913875.e24

A brief article from Chic magazine (which will be in the shops this week) and some nice pictures from Salem's photoshoot...
http://chic.se/salem-al-fakir-jag-grater-som-ett-barn/

Album Reviews

Erik Süss in Arbetarbladet awards three stars and says that "I'm So Happy" is the album's strongest track. Review at http://arbetarbladet.se/noje/recensioner/paskiva/1.1875724-salem-al-fakir

Anders Tapola in Smålandsposten awards 3 stars and says: "the multi-talented musician has this time literally thrown out all the instruments of the studio...but it is still ultimately a bit too cold and clinical, among all the ones and zeros...clearly the best track is "Keep On Walking". A brain worm impossible to get out of my head right now". http://www.smp.se/noje_o_kultur/skivor/veckans-skivor-(1817073).gm

A Norwegian review now - Rune Slyngstad at fvn.no awards 3 stars: "He has not completely lost his grip on writing and performing delicate and sophisticated pop....but the album is uneven...Salem Al Fakir has lost a bit of freshness, style and elegance and his grip on the good tunes that he had before". Review at http://www.fvn.no/kultur/musikk/musikkanmeldelser/article747370.ece

Delivery is on its way...

For all you digital-downloaders out there, you will already have your copy of "Ignore This". Whilst I like my digital downloads too, I'm one of those old-school music fans who will always prefer to own a CD (or for many years before that, a vinyl album!). So you won't be surprised to know that I pre-ordered my CD copy of "Ignore This" a couple of weeks ago, as I mentioned in a previous post here.

Anyway I checked my inbox tonight and there was an email from CDON to let me know that delivery is on its way!

It's almost a year since I was saying the same thing on this blog about "Astronaut" - it has been such a quick year, hasn't it! Hopefully I should have my copy of "Ignore This" by the weekend and I'll review it soon after I receive it.

Of course you lucky Swedish people won't have to wait too long: the CD is in the shops tomorrow!

"Ignore This" album reviews round-up

Nojesguiden gives the album a very positive review at http://nojesguiden.se/recensioner/musik/salem-al-fakir-ignore : I particularly liked this part of the review - "It's probably time to give up the search for logic in this man's career, and instead note that this is by far his best album. But it would feel like he would surpass it in a trice".

Jan Gradvall's review for DI Weekend (http://gradvall.se/artiklar.asp?entry_id=597has mixed feelings: "...Salem Al Fakir's third album is better than his second, the flop "Astronaut", but without being in the vicinity of his first. He demonstrates a temperament he has not shown before: a couple of texts are remarkably violent. But musically, he still sounds like a combination of Stevie Wonder and Professor Balthazar"...."Salem Al Fakir really needs an equal producer who has no respect for "Genius at work" sign outside the studio door, but will step in and force him to kill the darlings and edit and focus."

Eva-Lisa Wallin, for Dalarnas Tidningar likes "Ignore This" very much: "Salem Al Fakir is not playing it safe...'Ignore This' becomes difficult to ignore...this is springy, fresh, and varied...music that demands my ears. I hope that Salem Al Fakir continues to stand out in the crowd". Her favourite tracks are "Virgin Mary" and "Split My Personality" The review is at http://www.dt.se/noje/skivor/article600902.ece

Going on to the subject of "Keep On Walking" - yes of course there is a certain song contest coming up ! - I found this in a feature on the excellent Poplight (Melodifestivalen blog). I thought it was one of the loveliest descriptions that I have read in a long time - the writer Jenny Staaf completely summed up the way I feel about the song.

"I lose time and place when I hear this. I totally sucked in and never want that song to end. I am concerned by all Salem says to me, it feels like every word has been added for an important reason. ...I love this contribution! If the song were a dish, I’d cook it every day. Thousand plus points that Salem’s written his own contribution as well - so it works in my book. Win Salem, win!"

I think we would all agree with that.

"Ignore This" digital release day roundup!

Firstly, here's the link to buy "Ignore This" at Swedish iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/se/album/ignore-this-bonus-track-version/id356056140

Media appearances:

Salem had a day of non-stop promotion today, beginning at Rix FM where he appeared on the Rix MorronZoo breakfast show. Go to http://www.rixfm.com/program/rix-morronzoo/2010/03/08/mandagen-den-8-mars then click 'ljudklipp' then a new window will appear on screen. If you then enter 'Salem Al Fakir' into the search box you will find clips from this morning's show.

You can also find a picture of Salem and the MorronZoo presenters at his 'Keep On Walking' blog on Aftonbladet: http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/salemalfakir

Then it was onto Expressen TV's XL Live for a particularly lovely live performance of "Brooklyn Sun". Here it is, courtesy of Expressen TV:



And Salem even had the time to chat on MSN today!

Salem will be on NRJ's breakfast show tomorrow at 07:30 so don't miss it.

Album Reviews:

Poplight has a three-star review of "Ignore This" at http://poplight.zitiz.se/blogg/hofverberg/salem-al-fakir-ignore

News updates:

I'm trying to bring as much news and as many links as I can this week, however I can only apologise if I can't publish all of these until the evening - as I'm not allowed access to Facebook/YouTube/MySpace/any video sites from my computer at work.

In the meantime remember to keep checking Salem's official site, MySpace (which has a nice new redesign), Twitter and Facebook for regular updates on Salem's big week!

Salem at Bengans, Stockholm on Wednesday 10.03.10

As mentioned in a previous post, Salem will be at Bengans in Stockholm this coming Wednesday - I can now confirm that he'll be appearing there at 5.00 pm.

"Ignore This" preview clips and download now available on ICA's download shop

Go to http://ica.shop2download.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/TShop.woa/wa/PSShop/MusicCollection?id=1783172494 where you can hear some short clips of all the tracks on "Ignore This" and you can also download the tracks in full.

There is also a link on that page to a competition where you can win tickets to Salem's Berns show in Stockholm in May, and a chance to meet Salem - which is a fantastic prize, so good luck to everyone entering this contest!

Aftonbladet's review of "Ignore This"

Jenny Seth has written a three-star review of "Ignore This" in which she selects "Split My Personality" as one of the best tracks - she also comments that is a very appropriate title as this album yet again demonstrates Salem's musical versatility.

If you want to read the review go to http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/article6722107.ab

"Ignore This" review in Expressen

Expressen has a review of "Ignore This" at http://www.expressen.se/noje/recensioner/skivor/1.1906204/salem-al-fakir-ignore-this

The reviewer gives the album three stars and notes the change in Salem's musical style in a more electronic direction, and picks out "Virgin Mary" and "Brooklyn Sun" as two of the best tracks. However the reviewer's favourite track is "Keep On Walking" even if they note that Salem sings the chorus nine times in three minutes :)

I've ordered my copy of "Ignore This" tonight....!

Very excited - only 12 days to go till the CD release of the album, so I finally ordered my CD copy from CDON tonight :))))

Anyway here are some links to where you can order the album....

CDON: http://cdon.se/musik/al_fakir_salem/ignore_this-8299134
Bengans: https://www.bengans.se/popup/salem_ignore/se.aspx
Ginza: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=17449
Megastore: http://www.megastore.se/template/next%2CProduct.vm?itemid=2185406&banid=14848&source=1300

And here are some links to where you can buy your copy of the "Keep On Walking" single....

CDON: http://cdon.se/musik/al_fakir_salem/ignore_this-8299134
Bengans: https://www.bengans.se/popup/salem_ignore/se.aspx
Ginza: http://www.ginza.se/Product/Product.aspx?Identifier=17449
Megastore: http://www.megastore.se/template/next%2CProduct.vm?itemid=2185406&banid=14848&source=1300

"Ignore This" will be available for download at Amazon UK!

Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ignore-This/dp/B0038RADFE/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1266688098&sr=8-8

For a brief period there were very short clips of the album tracks but these have now been removed, but here's what I thought anyway ....

On first hearing of the clips, it certainly sounds very different from anything that we have heard before. But then, if you are a Salem fan then you will be used to that by now! There is no end to his musical diversity: and there are many different musical styles on this album which, as predicted, has a synth-pop feel.

On first listen....

1. "The Song I Never Wrote": 58-second long synth-based instrumental, recalling "Begin" from "This Is Who I Am".

2. "4 O'Clock" - A synth-driven story of a sleepless night, with a triumphant chorus.

3. "Virgin Mary" - oh I really like this! Uplifting synth-driven pop song with a lively chorus - I really want to hear more of this song and I think it will be one of my favourites.

4. "Red Rock" - driving synth/techno beat with vocoder-vocals. Don't know how this will go?

5. "Keep On Walking" - Melodifestivalen 2010 entry. Win or lose, it has already reached classic status and won Salem so many, many new fans.

6. "This Is For" - very different sound for Salem, driven by an unusual urgency and almost-vocoded synth beats.

7. "Part Of It" - I think this will also become one of my favourite songs on this album - "I dare you to take a step outside...."

8. "Brooklyn Sun" - already a classic. A totally beautiful song, no more, no less. I would have preferred an orchestral-arrangement on this but there is a nice echoey production and a layered chorus, and that is enough for me.

9. "Don't Wanna Talk About It" - frenzied techno-instrumental. Someone on Twitter compared this to Mr Oizo: good description.

10. "Bloody Breakfast" - "let them all have a sniff and taste"....I'm intrigued by this, and I want to hear more of it. Another strongly synth-influenced song.

11. "Split My Personality" - a bit more serious, synth-driven song which I'm really keen to hear more of.

12. "Cowboys and Dinosaurs" - a mix of acoustic guitars and synth-strings. Very dream-like: probably this album's answer to "Hymn" or "Purple Lady".

13. "I'm So Happy" - it sounds like "old" Salem - the song has a very happy and uplifting vibe, with the 'la-la-las"....I really, really, really want to hear more of this!

All in all, a very different (and more contemporary) sound for Salem - I like it!

If you were lucky enough to hear the clips, let me know what you think!

"Ignore This": tracklisting revealed!

Here is the tracklisting for Salem's third album "Ignore This" which is released in three weeks time!

01. The Song I Never Wrote

02. 4 O'clock

03. Virgin Mary

04. Red Rock

05. Keep On Walking

06. This Is For

07. Part Of It

08. Brooklyn Sun

09. Don't Wanna Talk About It

10. Bloodybreakfast

11. Split My Personality

12. Cowboys And Dinosaurs

13. I'm So Happy


Some very interesting titles here: we're all familiar with '"4 O'Clock" and "Brooklyn Sun" and of course "Keep On Walking" but I haven't heard any of the other songs.... This is very different from "Astronaut" where most of the songs had been played live for a few months before the album's release and I knew almost all of them.

The countdown is on....it's only three weeks until the release of the album and of course I am so excited! If you're following Salem on Facebook and Twitter you'll know that he is currently rehearsing in the studio, doing interviews and all the last-minute preparation before the album is released.

"Ignore This" - third album on the way!!

VERY EXCITING BREAKING NEWS! Just got some information that Salem will release his third album "Ignore This" in March.

(Of course we will not be ignoring it!!!!)

According to a press release issued today by EMI (I hope this translation is ok!) "Ignore This" is the result of 'a creative autumn, where Salem has returned to the playfulness of his debut album and does what he wants. The new album reflects enormous progress and while the sweeping melodies, rhythmic grooves and captivating harmonies remain, there is a more pulsating synthpop sound. At the same time Salem Al Fakir doesn't compromise what has made him one of Sweden's most successful artists: grand melodies, moments of sheer silence and a spring in his step - all are elements of Salem Al Fakir's incomparable ability to provide unique, engaging pop music with piercing, emotive hooks. Anyone who can't wait until March for the physical or digital album just needs to wait until the 6th February, when Salem's "Keep On Walking" will be the most welcome entry in Melodifestivalen's first heat'.

It sounds like an intriguing mix of 'old' and 'new' Salem - and if his 'Backseat' collaboration with Staygold is anything to go by, then Salem's new electronic sound will be an absolute winner, whilst keeping all the aspects of his music which we know and love, which were perfectly described in the above press release.

Salem is of course one of the most creative and prolific musicians of his generation, and I'm sure this new album will provide another window into Salem's fabulous musical world. With his forthcoming Melodifestivalen appearance it has been excellent timing to release this album which will then reach a much wider audience, many of whom will have seen him on Melodifestivalen and maybe weren't aware of his music previously.

(Interestingly, this third album sees our favourite singer billed once again as 'Salem Al Fakir' rather than 'Salem'....)

The digital version of "Ignore This" will be out on 8th March and the physical version will be in the shops on 10th March. Here is the album cover!

I don't have a tracklisting as yet, and apart from the first single to be released ("Keep On Walking" of course) I don't know which other tracks will feature but would hope that "Brooklyn Sun" will be there. (That orchestral-version at Berwaldhallen was just so beautiful....)