"Keep On Walking" is still at no. 1 in the iTunes chart - and "Ignore This" is still no.2 in the albums list.
Found this Norwegian review of "Ignore This" at the Studvest.no website: http://studvest.no/kultur.php?seksjon=anmeldelser&art_id=12598
An excellent review of "Ignore This" on the always-excellent #1 Hits From Another Planet blog...http://alienhits.blogspot.com/2010/03/track-by-track-salem-al-fakir-ignore.html
Salem appeared on Swedish P3 radio today: http://www.sr.se/webbradio/webbradio.asp?type=db&Id=2264523&BroadcastDate=&IsBlock= (again, would anyone be able to translate?)
Meanwhile Salem will be back on SVT's "Gomorron Sverige" tomorrow at 8.50 am for an interview, along with his brother Sami. Remember to tune in (or catch it later on SVT Play).
http://svt.se/gomorronsverige
Thursday, 18 March 2010
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!!
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!!
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
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.....
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.....
Translation of Salem's interview on SVT's "Gomorron Sverige"
I thought you'd like to read this excellent translation (by Eva Jonson, a good friend of this blog!) of Salem's interview when he appeared on "Gomorron Sverige" on Monday 15th March.
The interview provides a very interesting insight into Salem's views about appearing in Melodifestivalen....
Interviewer (Mikael Leijnegard): Hi Salem!
Salem: Hi, g’day, good morning!
M: No one took great notice when Salem Al Fakir as a teenager toured in Russia as a violinist and was celebrated as a wonder child wherever he went. Here, he later became famous as a pop-singer, you might say, and has in that way over the years proved that whether the auditorium is nobby or folksy, he hits it big! Second place in Melodifestivalen!
S: Right!
M: That’s a success, wouldn’t you say?
S: Yeah, it was quite nice ... Success? Oh yes, a fantastic success! From my point of view; unbelievable success.
M: So, congratulations!
S: Thanks, thanks a lot. It was quite fun, actually.
M: The way you were leading during this dramatic voting procedure; that lead just got bigger and bigger as the international jury points were handed out. We have some pics of this ... Were you starting to think about victory?
S: Not at all, as a matter of fact. I handle things with calm. And I had a feeling the jury would choose me as their winner.
M: Is that so?
S: I have a thing with juries ... and it has always been that way, the times I have ended up in these kinds of situations the jury tends to like ... so yeah, at that point I felt that ’yeah, maybe this could go somewhere’. But then again I felt and I knew that Anna would carry this thing, via ... You know, all this has become such an extended process – I’m in it for the first time, so I haven’t seen what it’s been like before, but now I really got to ... And you know, people make up their minds long in advance, you notice that.
M: You think so? Why?
S: Absolutely, I think so. We are being fed with ... it’s all so very surveiled. And it’s all about this thing during these weeks, the big folk festival. So I believe people are living inside it, thinking about it and have sorted things out quite early on. So I think ... go on.
M: But after all the viewers’ votes, all except the last and biggest mass, had been given out you were still in the lead – quite a big lead.
S: Right.
M: So it wasn’t only the jury that liked you.
S: Exactly, and that was so cool, it was fantastic. For me this is all incredibly exciting! I have a Facebook page, a fan page, which grew by over 5,000 persons in one day. So I have seen the amount of people who support me and who have liked what I do, and have given me so many kind words ... so absolutely, the people wanted me to be there as well! And that makes me very happy.
M: I met Bert Karlsson (Swedish schlager mogul, my comment) right after the final, and he said at once: ’Salem should have won!’ And that says something about this song that maybe, at first listen, was a bit ’special’ in this context ... how popular and block-busting it can become. How does that feel?
S: It feels great. I look at all this as an experiment, in the way that ... I believe that it’s the ones that make music, those who are in my position ... that is to some extent where you can show what people DO want. There has been a bit of a bias there, well, not a bias but at least another angle; that you ’should give the people what they want’. But now, all of a sudden, one can prove that maybe I can give them something they maybe didn’t know they wanted! It works that way, too! And I find that quite interesting, because as long as you have trust in people’s prudence – and not the other way around – I think you can do all sorts of things, and make your music just the way you want it, and still get some people to listen to it. I think it’s all very, very exciting.
M: We have to listen to the song .. Remind ourselves.
S: Yes, you are very welcome to do so.
M: How did you make this song? How ... what inspired you?
S: Inspired? Well ... this one was actually written on a guitar, a three-stringed guitar, so things always spring out of other, different stuff ... [Salem watching tv] Wow, it’s really good-looking with the ... this is fun, I haven’t seen this before!
M: You haven’t?
S: Well, I have seen it from the first time, but not yet from this Saturday.
M: It’s really nice. Good TV!
S: Good that it worked out so well. ..... This one is actually the first song I wrote for my new album. Now I find it more interesting, because it was the first song I wrote for that one, so there is a whole story to look at ... and to listen to. You will get more answers then.
M: It’s exciting that this one – the first track – has become such a ... I mean, you will make money on this song!
S: Well, that’s ... yes. That is how I live. Others live differently. I always have to think very far ahead, too. I might make money on a song now, but that’s because right now things are going well. In half a year, suddenly nothing’s happening. So you always have to think a lot further ahead.
M: Speaking of which; how do you follow up on this enormous attention that Melodifestivalen means? And the fact that you went as far as second place in the final?
S: I don’t have to follow up on anything just for the sake of it. I’ve had a life before Melodifestivalen, a life that has been very good and heading upwards somewhere. This has absolutely been a ’broadening’ thing for me, to be able to reach out to the same people as before but even wider and at the same time bigger. So I really don’t have to do more than play on! And then it’s up to them to come and watch me If you put it that way. So, I don’t really have to do anything more, because what I do there is just me. And I was invited as just myself. So I don’t feel any demands, and I find that rather comfortable. I can continue doing what I should do ...
M: That sounds unbelievably nice.
S: Yes, absolutely. ... Why make things difficult, I think?
M: Certainly. But there are many who have a big entourage just standing there waiting, ’now we’re going on a PR venture’ ...
S: [somewhat confused, not answering the question?:)] Mhm. Yes, definitely.
M: So, when are you heading out on a tour in Russia with the violin, then?
S: Well, this is how it was ... I started touring at 13 years old, around that time it became a bit more professional, and then I ended up in Russia just twice ... so there were no massive touring in Russia, just to clear this up! So I don’t think I’ll be going there, especially not with my violin, maybe I’ll go there playing something else, in that case.
M: I’m sure you’ll have good chances of doing that after this, since Melodifestivalen is gigantic in Russia. So, congrats, and have fun on your tour and playing. See you around.
S: Thank you very much. Yes, absolutely.
Thanks again Eva for the translation. And thanks for the mention on Facebook too. Just one thing though, I'm from Scotland, not England :) but I guess I never mentioned that before !!
It looks as if Salem really enjoyed his Melodifestivalen experience. In my view, he has achieved what he set out to do - to reach a wider audience on his own terms, without compromising his musical talent or artistic credibility. Well done Salem!
The interview provides a very interesting insight into Salem's views about appearing in Melodifestivalen....
Interviewer (Mikael Leijnegard): Hi Salem!
Salem: Hi, g’day, good morning!
M: No one took great notice when Salem Al Fakir as a teenager toured in Russia as a violinist and was celebrated as a wonder child wherever he went. Here, he later became famous as a pop-singer, you might say, and has in that way over the years proved that whether the auditorium is nobby or folksy, he hits it big! Second place in Melodifestivalen!
S: Right!
M: That’s a success, wouldn’t you say?
S: Yeah, it was quite nice ... Success? Oh yes, a fantastic success! From my point of view; unbelievable success.
M: So, congratulations!
S: Thanks, thanks a lot. It was quite fun, actually.
M: The way you were leading during this dramatic voting procedure; that lead just got bigger and bigger as the international jury points were handed out. We have some pics of this ... Were you starting to think about victory?
S: Not at all, as a matter of fact. I handle things with calm. And I had a feeling the jury would choose me as their winner.
M: Is that so?
S: I have a thing with juries ... and it has always been that way, the times I have ended up in these kinds of situations the jury tends to like ... so yeah, at that point I felt that ’yeah, maybe this could go somewhere’. But then again I felt and I knew that Anna would carry this thing, via ... You know, all this has become such an extended process – I’m in it for the first time, so I haven’t seen what it’s been like before, but now I really got to ... And you know, people make up their minds long in advance, you notice that.
M: You think so? Why?
S: Absolutely, I think so. We are being fed with ... it’s all so very surveiled. And it’s all about this thing during these weeks, the big folk festival. So I believe people are living inside it, thinking about it and have sorted things out quite early on. So I think ... go on.
M: But after all the viewers’ votes, all except the last and biggest mass, had been given out you were still in the lead – quite a big lead.
S: Right.
M: So it wasn’t only the jury that liked you.
S: Exactly, and that was so cool, it was fantastic. For me this is all incredibly exciting! I have a Facebook page, a fan page, which grew by over 5,000 persons in one day. So I have seen the amount of people who support me and who have liked what I do, and have given me so many kind words ... so absolutely, the people wanted me to be there as well! And that makes me very happy.
M: I met Bert Karlsson (Swedish schlager mogul, my comment) right after the final, and he said at once: ’Salem should have won!’ And that says something about this song that maybe, at first listen, was a bit ’special’ in this context ... how popular and block-busting it can become. How does that feel?
S: It feels great. I look at all this as an experiment, in the way that ... I believe that it’s the ones that make music, those who are in my position ... that is to some extent where you can show what people DO want. There has been a bit of a bias there, well, not a bias but at least another angle; that you ’should give the people what they want’. But now, all of a sudden, one can prove that maybe I can give them something they maybe didn’t know they wanted! It works that way, too! And I find that quite interesting, because as long as you have trust in people’s prudence – and not the other way around – I think you can do all sorts of things, and make your music just the way you want it, and still get some people to listen to it. I think it’s all very, very exciting.
M: We have to listen to the song .. Remind ourselves.
S: Yes, you are very welcome to do so.
M: How did you make this song? How ... what inspired you?
S: Inspired? Well ... this one was actually written on a guitar, a three-stringed guitar, so things always spring out of other, different stuff ... [Salem watching tv] Wow, it’s really good-looking with the ... this is fun, I haven’t seen this before!
M: You haven’t?
S: Well, I have seen it from the first time, but not yet from this Saturday.
M: It’s really nice. Good TV!
S: Good that it worked out so well. ..... This one is actually the first song I wrote for my new album. Now I find it more interesting, because it was the first song I wrote for that one, so there is a whole story to look at ... and to listen to. You will get more answers then.
M: It’s exciting that this one – the first track – has become such a ... I mean, you will make money on this song!
S: Well, that’s ... yes. That is how I live. Others live differently. I always have to think very far ahead, too. I might make money on a song now, but that’s because right now things are going well. In half a year, suddenly nothing’s happening. So you always have to think a lot further ahead.
M: Speaking of which; how do you follow up on this enormous attention that Melodifestivalen means? And the fact that you went as far as second place in the final?
S: I don’t have to follow up on anything just for the sake of it. I’ve had a life before Melodifestivalen, a life that has been very good and heading upwards somewhere. This has absolutely been a ’broadening’ thing for me, to be able to reach out to the same people as before but even wider and at the same time bigger. So I really don’t have to do more than play on! And then it’s up to them to come and watch me If you put it that way. So, I don’t really have to do anything more, because what I do there is just me. And I was invited as just myself. So I don’t feel any demands, and I find that rather comfortable. I can continue doing what I should do ...
M: That sounds unbelievably nice.
S: Yes, absolutely. ... Why make things difficult, I think?
M: Certainly. But there are many who have a big entourage just standing there waiting, ’now we’re going on a PR venture’ ...
S: [somewhat confused, not answering the question?:)] Mhm. Yes, definitely.
M: So, when are you heading out on a tour in Russia with the violin, then?
S: Well, this is how it was ... I started touring at 13 years old, around that time it became a bit more professional, and then I ended up in Russia just twice ... so there were no massive touring in Russia, just to clear this up! So I don’t think I’ll be going there, especially not with my violin, maybe I’ll go there playing something else, in that case.
M: I’m sure you’ll have good chances of doing that after this, since Melodifestivalen is gigantic in Russia. So, congrats, and have fun on your tour and playing. See you around.
S: Thank you very much. Yes, absolutely.
Thanks again Eva for the translation. And thanks for the mention on Facebook too. Just one thing though, I'm from Scotland, not England :) but I guess I never mentioned that before !!
It looks as if Salem really enjoyed his Melodifestivalen experience. In my view, he has achieved what he set out to do - to reach a wider audience on his own terms, without compromising his musical talent or artistic credibility. Well done Salem!
Salem at Bengans, Gothenburg on 24th March!
By popular demand, Salem will be doing a signing session (and also playing a couple of songs, no doubt) at Bengans in Gothenburg on Wednesday 24th March - just two days before his Konserthuset show.
(I won't be able to make this one as I won't be in Gothenburg until Thursday 25th, so you will all have to tell me about it!)
(I won't be able to make this one as I won't be in Gothenburg until Thursday 25th, so you will all have to tell me about it!)
Salem in Falkenberg, 17th July
Another day and another live appearance announced: Salem will play at Bullar & Bång in Falkenberg on Saturday 17th July.
Tickets go on sale on 3rd May.
More information at http://hn.se/kulturnoje/scen/1.762338-salem-al-fakir-debuterar-och-eric-gadd-atervander
Tickets go on sale on 3rd May.
More information at http://hn.se/kulturnoje/scen/1.762338-salem-al-fakir-debuterar-och-eric-gadd-atervander
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Petra Mede Show - TV3
Salem will appear on a forthcoming "Petra Mede Show" on TV3 - check out this photo from the recording which Salem has posted on Facebook tonight!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3863196&l=ad3bfafa68&id=50286022803
And by the way, there are now over 20,000 fans on Facebook - keep it going!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3863196&l=ad3bfafa68&id=50286022803
And by the way, there are now over 20,000 fans on Facebook - keep it going!
Salem returns to Uppsala in August
If you live in or around Uppsala you will be very happy to hear that Salem will be back to play at Katalin in Uppsala on Friday 27th August.
Tickets go on sale on Wednesday 17th March at 09:00 - more information at Ticnet
http://www.ticnet.se/html/evinfo.htmI?CNTX=1967323&l=SE&C=
Tickets go on sale on Wednesday 17th March at 09:00 - more information at Ticnet
http://www.ticnet.se/html/evinfo.htmI?CNTX=1967323&l=SE&C=
Chart update...and beware of imitations!
3 albums in the top 20 on the Swedish iTunes album chart!
2. Ignore This
10. This Is Who I Am
12. Astronaut
Salem songs in Swedish iTunes top 200 tracks chart:
2. Keep On Walking (single)
3. Keep On Walking (album version)
30. Backseat
92. Brooklyn Sun
97. I'm So Happy
105. Good Song (single)
115. Astronaut
126. 4 O'Clock
138. Split My Personality
140. Part of It
142. Red Rock
143. Cowboys & Dinosaurs
171. Good Song (album version)
200. Virgin Mary
One more thing - apparently there are other people on Facebook pretending to be Salem so this is a reminder that if you're looking for Salem on Facebook then you should only go to the following link: www.facebook.com/salemalfakir
Great news - Salem now has almost 20,000 fans on Facebook! More great news - a discussion board has also been added to his Facebook site so this will provide even more interaction between Salem and his growing number of fans.
Just one more personal update - another day has gone by and I still don't have my copy of the CD. Maybe tomorrow???
2. Ignore This
10. This Is Who I Am
12. Astronaut
Salem songs in Swedish iTunes top 200 tracks chart:
2. Keep On Walking (single)
3. Keep On Walking (album version)
30. Backseat
92. Brooklyn Sun
97. I'm So Happy
105. Good Song (single)
115. Astronaut
126. 4 O'Clock
138. Split My Personality
140. Part of It
142. Red Rock
143. Cowboys & Dinosaurs
171. Good Song (album version)
200. Virgin Mary
One more thing - apparently there are other people on Facebook pretending to be Salem so this is a reminder that if you're looking for Salem on Facebook then you should only go to the following link: www.facebook.com/salemalfakir
Great news - Salem now has almost 20,000 fans on Facebook! More great news - a discussion board has also been added to his Facebook site so this will provide even more interaction between Salem and his growing number of fans.
Just one more personal update - another day has gone by and I still don't have my copy of the CD. Maybe tomorrow???
Another couple of live dates announced
It has just been announced today that Salem will play at the KAOS festival which takes place in Mellerud between 30th and 31st July. More information to follow.
Meanwhile if you live in or around Linköping, catch Salem at Platens Bar on Thursday 6th May.
It looks like it's going to be another busy spring and summer for Salem...
Meanwhile if you live in or around Linköping, catch Salem at Platens Bar on Thursday 6th May.
It looks like it's going to be another busy spring and summer for Salem...
Interview at Solo magazine's website
I found a post-Melodifestivalen interview with Salem at the following link: http://solomag.se/2010/03/salem-al-fakir-jag-var-fantastisk/
There is also a very nice picture of Salem in his gorgeous suit which he wore at the final. ;)
He may not have won MF, but if there was a prize for Sweden's best dressed man then he would definitely win it!
There is also a very nice picture of Salem in his gorgeous suit which he wore at the final. ;)
He may not have won MF, but if there was a prize for Sweden's best dressed man then he would definitely win it!
Monday, 15 March 2010
Screencaps from SVT's "Gomorron Sverige" today/Translation wanted!
Once again readers, I need your help! Would anyone be able to translate what Salem said in the interview? (It's at SVT Play: http://svtplay.se/v/1927716/gomorron_sverige/melodifestivaltvaan_salem_al_fakir )
Thanks!
It's Salem-mania in Sweden!!!!
Taking a look at the Swedish iTunes album chart tonight - some amazing news too, as all three of Salem's albums are in the top 20!
"Ignore This" is at no.2, "Astronaut" at no.11 and "This Is Who I Am" is at no.12.
I would strongly recommend that if you've just discovered Salem thanks to Melodifestivalen, that you buy "Astronaut" and "This Is Who I Am" along with "Ignore This". Salem's first two albums are timeless classics which belong in everyone's record collection. If you want to find out some more about them, then (quick plug) check out some of my posts on Planet Salem between 2007 and 2009 when I wrote a lot about both albums.
(and by the way, another day has passed and the postman still hasn't delivered my copy of "Ignore This". I'm getting impatient now.)
"Ignore This" is at no.2, "Astronaut" at no.11 and "This Is Who I Am" is at no.12.
I would strongly recommend that if you've just discovered Salem thanks to Melodifestivalen, that you buy "Astronaut" and "This Is Who I Am" along with "Ignore This". Salem's first two albums are timeless classics which belong in everyone's record collection. If you want to find out some more about them, then (quick plug) check out some of my posts on Planet Salem between 2007 and 2009 when I wrote a lot about both albums.
(and by the way, another day has passed and the postman still hasn't delivered my copy of "Ignore This". I'm getting impatient now.)
Salem's going to Finland!
Good news for Salem's fans in Finland!
It has been announced today that Salem will play at the After Eight Musikcafé in Jakobstad, Finland on Thursday 22 July. More info at http://www.aftereight.fi/
It has been announced today that Salem will play at the After Eight Musikcafé in Jakobstad, Finland on Thursday 22 July. More info at http://www.aftereight.fi/
Link to Expressen.se chat from Friday 12.03.10
I had previously mentioned on here last Friday that Salem would be doing a webchat on Expressen's website - if you want to find out what happened here is the link :
http://www.expressen.se/noje/melodifestivalen2010/1.1915751/salem-al-fakir-jag-kanner-mig-lugn-faktiskt
http://www.expressen.se/noje/melodifestivalen2010/1.1915751/salem-al-fakir-jag-kanner-mig-lugn-faktiskt
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Another record-breaking day!
Remember I said that Planet Salem had the highest number of visitors yesterday since it began?
Well - today that figure has doubled, which makes me feel very happy indeed and encourages me to carry on the good work in promoting Salem Al Fakir's music for a long time to come.
To all first-time visitors: Planet Salem is the first unofficial international fansite for Salem Al Fakir, endorsed and approved by the great man himself. As for me...well, I'm not Swedish and I live in the UK, so I always appreciate any help from my Swedish readers with any translations or news that I may have missed. Whether you are a new fan, or a long-time fan, remember that you are always welcome to leave your comments on any of the posts on this blog - although the main language of the blog is English, comments in Swedish are also very welcome!
One thing is very clear: after Melodifestivalen, everyone loves Salem now!! And now that Melodifestivalen is over, it's time to focus on Salem's new album - "Ignore This". Buy it now!!
P.S. I'm still waiting on the postman delivering my copy....hopefully it should arrive tomorrow :)
Well - today that figure has doubled, which makes me feel very happy indeed and encourages me to carry on the good work in promoting Salem Al Fakir's music for a long time to come.
To all first-time visitors: Planet Salem is the first unofficial international fansite for Salem Al Fakir, endorsed and approved by the great man himself. As for me...well, I'm not Swedish and I live in the UK, so I always appreciate any help from my Swedish readers with any translations or news that I may have missed. Whether you are a new fan, or a long-time fan, remember that you are always welcome to leave your comments on any of the posts on this blog - although the main language of the blog is English, comments in Swedish are also very welcome!
One thing is very clear: after Melodifestivalen, everyone loves Salem now!! And now that Melodifestivalen is over, it's time to focus on Salem's new album - "Ignore This". Buy it now!!
P.S. I'm still waiting on the postman delivering my copy....hopefully it should arrive tomorrow :)
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
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
Charts updates
In the SR P3 Digilistan singles chart, "Keep On Walking" is at no.4, whilst in the iTunes singles chart it's no. 2. "Ignore This" is at no.2 in the iTunes album chart - just behind the Melodifestivalen CD compilation.
Over in Norway, "Keep On Walking" is no.101 (!) in their iTunes singles chart and "Ignore This" is no. 82 in the iTunes album chart.
Over in Norway, "Keep On Walking" is no.101 (!) in their iTunes singles chart and "Ignore This" is no. 82 in the iTunes album chart.
Salem will be on SVT's "Gomorron Sverige" tomorrow morning
Salem will be appearing on "Gomorron Sverige" at approximately 9.43 am tomorrow morning. Remember to tune in then!
Tack så mycket!!!!
Just to let you know that Planet Salem had a record number of visitors on Saturday 13th March 2010 - Melodifestivalen day, so thanks to all of you for visiting.
Let's keep it going!
Let's keep it going!
Saturday, 13 March 2010
I never stopped believing....
I watched Melodifestivalen from beginning to end tonight, and (as a fan) I still can't understand why Salem didn't go to Oslo: after the international juries and Swedish juries vote, Salem was in the lead...until the televote overturned the result and sent Anna Bergendahl as this year's Swedish Eurovision entry.
On behalf of Salem, thanks to each and every one of you who voted, both in Sweden and within the international juries - it's good to know that Salem's talent is appreciated both in Sweden and on the European continent - which particularly pleases me as one of the continuing aims of Planet Salem is to publicise Salem's music both in Sweden and beyond Swedish borders....
On behalf of Salem, thanks to each and every one of you who voted, both in Sweden and within the international juries - it's good to know that Salem's talent is appreciated both in Sweden and on the European continent - which particularly pleases me as one of the continuing aims of Planet Salem is to publicise Salem's music both in Sweden and beyond Swedish borders....
And finally....thank you Salem and your team for all the work that you put into "Keep On Walking" from the beginning to the end of your Melodifestivalen 2010 journey. It will not be forgotten - you have won so many new fans who will continue to follow your career for a long time to come.
Next stop Gothenburg Konserthuset, 26th March - I'll be there, will you? Get along to http://www.gso.se/ to book your tickets - they're selling fast and it won't be long till the show is sold out!!
Go Salem Go! Rösta på Salem ikvall!
Det är dags.
In just over one hour, the 2010 Melodifestivalen final in Stockholm will begin.
Good people of Sweden - tonight you are all part of Team Salem. It's in your hands, to select the best possible entry to represent Sweden at this year's Eurovision Song Contest:
Song no. 8 - "Keep On Walking".
So remember - vote for Salem tonight! Here are the numbers you need to call...
Ring 099 202 08 or SMS 08 to number 72 211 (cost 3,60 kr)
Ring 099 902 08 or SMS 08 to number 72 999 (cost 9,90 kr with 8,50 going to Radiohjälpen)
Salem - you are already a winner, and I am so proud of you.
Lycka till!!!!!!
In just over one hour, the 2010 Melodifestivalen final in Stockholm will begin.
Good people of Sweden - tonight you are all part of Team Salem. It's in your hands, to select the best possible entry to represent Sweden at this year's Eurovision Song Contest:
Song no. 8 - "Keep On Walking".
So remember - vote for Salem tonight! Here are the numbers you need to call...
Ring 099 202 08 or SMS 08 to number 72 211 (cost 3,60 kr)
Ring 099 902 08 or SMS 08 to number 72 999 (cost 9,90 kr with 8,50 going to Radiohjälpen)
Salem - you are already a winner, and I am so proud of you.
Lycka till!!!!!!
"Keep On Walking" no.1 on Swedish Radio's "Tracks" chart!
This is brilliant news!
Remember to vote at http://www.sr.se/cgi-bin/p3/tracks/index.asp?taskid=1 between now and 14:00 on Monday so that "Keep On Walking" can stay at number one!!
Remember to vote at http://www.sr.se/cgi-bin/p3/tracks/index.asp?taskid=1 between now and 14:00 on Monday so that "Keep On Walking" can stay at number one!!
Friday, 12 March 2010
Roundup - Friday 12.03.10
Good feature in Aftonbladet about Volvo, Salem and his passion for cars and driving....
http://www.aftonbladet.se/kampanj/volvo/article6766203.ab
A very interesting interview with Mihail Kazinik - who mentored and taught Salem as a child violinist:http://www.expressen.se/debatt/1.1915007/michail-kazinik-vi-fick-en-popstjarna-till-priset-av-ett-geni
In other news, it's been the final day of rehearsals at Globen. Expressen reported that the major change in Salem's presentation of "Keep On Walking" is that he will now step out from behind his piano, halfway through the song. http://www.expressen.se/noje/melodifestivalen2010/1.1915054/salem-al-fakir-struntar-i-flygeln-i-finalen
Much, much more information tomorrow - Melodifestivalen final day!
http://www.aftonbladet.se/kampanj/volvo/article6766203.ab
A very interesting interview with Mihail Kazinik - who mentored and taught Salem as a child violinist:http://www.expressen.se/debatt/1.1915007/michail-kazinik-vi-fick-en-popstjarna-till-priset-av-ett-geni
In other news, it's been the final day of rehearsals at Globen. Expressen reported that the major change in Salem's presentation of "Keep On Walking" is that he will now step out from behind his piano, halfway through the song. http://www.expressen.se/noje/melodifestivalen2010/1.1915054/salem-al-fakir-struntar-i-flygeln-i-finalen
Much, much more information tomorrow - Melodifestivalen final day!
Thursday, 11 March 2010
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
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
New poll! What's your favourite track on "Ignore This"?
If you remember, following the release of "Astronaut" last year I ran a poll on this site where you could vote for your favourite track.
Well it's poll time once again! It's time for all you lovely Planet Salem readers to have your say and choose your favourite track on "Ignore This". I'll keep the poll running for the next two months so there's plenty of time to vote.
As usual, you can vote for one track, or more...or all of them if you want! :)))
Well it's poll time once again! It's time for all you lovely Planet Salem readers to have your say and choose your favourite track on "Ignore This". I'll keep the poll running for the next two months so there's plenty of time to vote.
As usual, you can vote for one track, or more...or all of them if you want! :)))
Lyrics question?
Can anyone tell me if there are any plans to publish the lyrics of all the "Ignore This" songs at www.salemalfakir.com?
Salem's Expressen webchat tomorrow
Salem will be doing a webchat at www.expressen.se tomorrow afternoon at 1.45 pm.
Salem to appear at Popadelica festival in Huskvarna
Salem has been added to the bill of the Popadelica festival which takes place in Huskvarna Folkets Park on Saturday 1st May. Other artists appearing include The Sounds, Timo Räisänen and Hästpojken.
More information at http://popadelica.se/
More information at http://popadelica.se/
Bengans signing today!
Don't forget that Salem will be at Bengans record store in Drottninggatan in Stockholm at 4.00 pm today for an album signing session!
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Globen rehearsals are underway
Things are going to get even more busy over the next couple of days: the rehearsals for Saturday's final are now underway. Salem is regularly posting pictures from his Melodifestivalen journey in his Facebook photo albums so keep checking this link over the next couple of days as I'm sure that more will be added: http://www.facebook.com/salemalfakir?v=photos
I liked the above photo which I found on Facebook today in Salem's 'mobile uploads' album.(Hope you don't mind me sharing it here, Salem)
It's good to know that Salem's got his own copy of the CD :)) hopefully it shouldn't be too long until mine arrives through my letterbox!
I liked the above photo which I found on Facebook today in Salem's 'mobile uploads' album.(Hope you don't mind me sharing it here, Salem)
It's good to know that Salem's got his own copy of the CD :)) hopefully it shouldn't be too long until mine arrives through my letterbox!
NUMBER ONE!!! GRATTIS SALEM!!!
"Ignore This" is at no.1 in the Swedish iTunes album chart - congratulations! And Salem's new fans are continue to discover his older music too - "Astronaut" is at no.45 and "This Is Who I Am" at no.64.
"Keep On Walking" remains in the no.2 position in the Swedish iTunes singles chart.
Over in Norway's iTunes chart, "Ignore This" is at no. 35. I know that Salem has lots of Norwegian fans too, so I'm glad the album has been released there........Whilst in Finland, the album is at no. 44 on the Finnish iTunes chart....and it's no. 73 in Denmark.
Whilst we're on numbers and statistics - good news today as the total of Salem's Facebook fans went over the 10,000 mark - and I'm sure the numbers will go much, much higher.
"Keep On Walking" remains in the no.2 position in the Swedish iTunes singles chart.
Over in Norway's iTunes chart, "Ignore This" is at no. 35. I know that Salem has lots of Norwegian fans too, so I'm glad the album has been released there........Whilst in Finland, the album is at no. 44 on the Finnish iTunes chart....and it's no. 73 in Denmark.
Whilst we're on numbers and statistics - good news today as the total of Salem's Facebook fans went over the 10,000 mark - and I'm sure the numbers will go much, much higher.
"Ignore This": CD release day round-up!
The big day finally arrived - the "Ignore This" CD is now in the shops and in all good online record stores - of course you can't ignore it, so go out and buy your copy now if you haven't already done so :))
Album Reviews
Anders Jaderup at Sydsvenskan.se awards the album two stars: "...It is not noticeable when he sat at his piano in Melodifestivalen, but "Ignore This" is the disc where Salem Al Fakir discovers electronic pop... his fondness for three decades ago progressive soft rock continues to take place but it's a bit naive to tie the album together with the two predecessors" : http://sydsvenskan.se/kultur-och-nojen/musik/skivrecensioner/article636694/Salem-Al-Fakir-Lekfullheten-overflyglar-allvaret.html
Lisa Appelqvist in Ystads Allehanda awards four stars: "...creates infectious hit songs ... bred with so many incredibly different components, nuances and developments in a single track. In an interview before the Kristianstad gig last winter Salem Al Fakir writes songs that only show up in his head - I would like to sit in there and see it happen....All in all, impossible to ignore".
http://www.ystadsallehanda.se/article/20100310/SKIVOR/703109713/1011/ABONNERA/&/Salem-Al-Fakir--Ignore-this
Uppsala Nya Tidning's Johanna Åberg awards four stars: "...'Ignore This' contains apart from 'Keep on Walking' more cheerful moments such as the almost ridiculously catchy and charming, 'I'm so happy'....but there are more introverted moments... A little of each, or rather a lot of everything is a concept that fits Salem".
http://www2.unt.se/pages/1,1826,MC=5-AV_ID=1024026,00.html
It's four stars from Stefan Thungren in Svenska Dagbladet: "And something has definitely happened...it sounds as if Salem has got his hands on a couple of Giorgio Moroder-soundtracks from the 80s, namely Cat People and Electric Dreams. Adulterated with his great ability for melodies, he manages and updates the genre in an impressive manner.... Although Al Fakir now has the computer as his main instrument, there are a whole series of songs that recalls how he once was. ..the extremely efficient 'Keep on Walking', stands out with its immediacy..'Ignore This' is not Al Fakir's great masterpiece, but it is another piece of the puzzle in place, towards the pop perfection to come."
http://www.svd.se/kulturnoje/musik/ignore-this_4402275.svd
Dagens Nyheter's Johanna Paulsson awards 3 stars: "he has taken steps towards the dance floor.... As a lyricist, he has grown considerably ("Bloody Breakfast") whilst "Keep on Walking" indicates that the drilled classical violinist from Huddinge can still twist up a pop symphony, and "I'm so happy" sounds like an Elton John in disco mood. But in between, he has a bit difficult to decide whether he will be popular or clever inhis new synths sound. Best tracks: "Red Rock", "Split My Personality".
http://www.dn.se/kultur-noje/skivrecensioner/salem-al-fakir-ignore-this-1.1058602
Jessica Rosengren in Norrlandska Socialdemokraten also awards three stars: "The album, which admittedly is both playful and charming, is permeated by a strong electronic sound. Unfortunately, it may dominate too much.. The best tracks are simple and unadorned Brooklyn Sun and Split My Personality that grabs and offers a bit less of the catchy computer sounds".
http://www.nsd.se/noje/nojemusik/artikel.aspx?ArticleId=5232826
Interviews
There's a very entertaining interview with Salem in the lead-up to Melodifestivalen final at QX's website - 19 questions asked, 19 revealing answers! http://www.qx.se/noje/13563/19-fragor-till-salem-al-fakir-infor-helgens-final
Album Reviews
Anders Jaderup at Sydsvenskan.se awards the album two stars: "...It is not noticeable when he sat at his piano in Melodifestivalen, but "Ignore This" is the disc where Salem Al Fakir discovers electronic pop... his fondness for three decades ago progressive soft rock continues to take place but it's a bit naive to tie the album together with the two predecessors" : http://sydsvenskan.se/kultur-och-nojen/musik/skivrecensioner/article636694/Salem-Al-Fakir-Lekfullheten-overflyglar-allvaret.html
Lisa Appelqvist in Ystads Allehanda awards four stars: "...creates infectious hit songs ... bred with so many incredibly different components, nuances and developments in a single track. In an interview before the Kristianstad gig last winter Salem Al Fakir writes songs that only show up in his head - I would like to sit in there and see it happen....All in all, impossible to ignore".
http://www.ystadsallehanda.se/article/20100310/SKIVOR/703109713/1011/ABONNERA/&/Salem-Al-Fakir--Ignore-this
Uppsala Nya Tidning's Johanna Åberg awards four stars: "...'Ignore This' contains apart from 'Keep on Walking' more cheerful moments such as the almost ridiculously catchy and charming, 'I'm so happy'....but there are more introverted moments... A little of each, or rather a lot of everything is a concept that fits Salem".
http://www2.unt.se/pages/1,1826,MC=5-AV_ID=1024026,00.html
It's four stars from Stefan Thungren in Svenska Dagbladet: "And something has definitely happened...it sounds as if Salem has got his hands on a couple of Giorgio Moroder-soundtracks from the 80s, namely Cat People and Electric Dreams. Adulterated with his great ability for melodies, he manages and updates the genre in an impressive manner.... Although Al Fakir now has the computer as his main instrument, there are a whole series of songs that recalls how he once was. ..the extremely efficient 'Keep on Walking', stands out with its immediacy..'Ignore This' is not Al Fakir's great masterpiece, but it is another piece of the puzzle in place, towards the pop perfection to come."
http://www.svd.se/kulturnoje/musik/ignore-this_4402275.svd
Dagens Nyheter's Johanna Paulsson awards 3 stars: "he has taken steps towards the dance floor.... As a lyricist, he has grown considerably ("Bloody Breakfast") whilst "Keep on Walking" indicates that the drilled classical violinist from Huddinge can still twist up a pop symphony, and "I'm so happy" sounds like an Elton John in disco mood. But in between, he has a bit difficult to decide whether he will be popular or clever inhis new synths sound. Best tracks: "Red Rock", "Split My Personality".
http://www.dn.se/kultur-noje/skivrecensioner/salem-al-fakir-ignore-this-1.1058602
Jessica Rosengren in Norrlandska Socialdemokraten also awards three stars: "The album, which admittedly is both playful and charming, is permeated by a strong electronic sound. Unfortunately, it may dominate too much.. The best tracks are simple and unadorned Brooklyn Sun and Split My Personality that grabs and offers a bit less of the catchy computer sounds".
http://www.nsd.se/noje/nojemusik/artikel.aspx?ArticleId=5232826
Interviews
There's a very entertaining interview with Salem in the lead-up to Melodifestivalen final at QX's website - 19 questions asked, 19 revealing answers! http://www.qx.se/noje/13563/19-fragor-till-salem-al-fakir-infor-helgens-final
Sunday 9th May - Extra concert added at Berns
Salem will play an 'all ages' concert at Berns in Stockholm on 9th May. Doors open at 4.00 pm and the show will begin at 5.00 pm. More details and ticket information at http://www1.ticnet.se/PriceTable?eventId=STH21447BER05092
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
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!
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!
Ö-vik slide show!
I thought I would share this with you - it's an excellent YouTube slide show featuring many excellent behind the scenes photographs of Salem taken by Stefan Segolson during the first week of Melodifestivalen in Örnsköldsvik - this is a must-see for all Salem fans. And of course it's soundtracked by the wonderful "Keep On Walking"!
"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.
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.
So what was Salem up to today?
Well, he was interviewed on Knappen and Hakim's show on NRJ...
(picture courtesy of http://www.nrj.se/)
...and he even managed to fit in an Aftonbladet interview and photoshoot....
(photo courtesy of http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/salemalfakir)
(picture courtesy of http://www.nrj.se/)And he also appeared on Vakna med The Voice - here are some nice screencaps for you...
...and he even managed to fit in an Aftonbladet interview and photoshoot....(photo courtesy of http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/salemalfakir)
Important news - change of date for Bengans signing session
There has been a change of date and time for Salem's signing session - it was due to take place tomorrow but has now been moved to Thursday at 4.00 pm.
Remember to get along there and show Salem your support!
Remember to get along there and show Salem your support!
Monday, 8 March 2010
"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!
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!
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Salem was on Nyhetsmorgon today..
You've probably seen it already (either on TV4's website or Salem's official site) but I thought I would share these with you anyway :)
Firstly, a lively and very entertaining performance of "4 O'Clock" with the keyboard parts programmed meaning there was more time for Salem to sing and dance around :))) And handclaps!
And what more can I say about the now-classic "Brooklyn Sun"? It's one of those songs that stops you in your tracks and demands your full attention from beginning to end...and this was a typically touching performance from Salem:
And of course Salem was looking very good today - I just loved the black shirt, the red tie and that slightly unshaven look....!
Firstly, a lively and very entertaining performance of "4 O'Clock" with the keyboard parts programmed meaning there was more time for Salem to sing and dance around :))) And handclaps!
And what more can I say about the now-classic "Brooklyn Sun"? It's one of those songs that stops you in your tracks and demands your full attention from beginning to end...and this was a typically touching performance from Salem:
And of course Salem was looking very good today - I just loved the black shirt, the red tie and that slightly unshaven look....!
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Running order for next Saturday's Melodifestivalen final
1. Darin - You’re Out Of My Life
2. Pernilla Wahlgren - Jag vill om du vågar
3. Andreas Johnson - We Can Work It Out
4. Timoteij - Kom
5 Peter Jöback - Hollow
6. Ola - Unstoppable
7. Jessica Andersson - I Did It For Love
8. Salem Al Fakir - Keep On Walking
9. Anna Bergendahl - This Is My Life
10. Eric Saade - Manboy
OK so now that Andra Chansen is over (I didn't agree with the result as I wanted Alcazar and Pauline or Pain of Salvation to progress to Globen) the final running order for next Saturday's final is now clear.
Looking at the running order, it's a very good draw position for Salem - it would have been nicer if he'd have been drawn last or second from last, but 8th could be a lucky number as he was drawn in 8th position in week one - when he won of course!
I've been a fan and follower of Melodifestivalen for many years and it would be fair to say that there have been better years in the competition: however I also feel that this means that Salem has a better chance than ever of progressing to Oslo, and finally making that big international breakthrough that I have been campaigning for on this blog since it was established at the end of 2007.
EDIT 07.03.10: Last night I posted my comments about the other songs, however I have decided to move this to my other blog EuropeCrazy as I feel this would be more appropriate and would avoid any confusion, in case anyone thought these were Salem's views, when, in fact, they were my own.
2. Pernilla Wahlgren - Jag vill om du vågar
3. Andreas Johnson - We Can Work It Out
4. Timoteij - Kom
5 Peter Jöback - Hollow
6. Ola - Unstoppable
7. Jessica Andersson - I Did It For Love
8. Salem Al Fakir - Keep On Walking
9. Anna Bergendahl - This Is My Life
10. Eric Saade - Manboy
OK so now that Andra Chansen is over (I didn't agree with the result as I wanted Alcazar and Pauline or Pain of Salvation to progress to Globen) the final running order for next Saturday's final is now clear.
Looking at the running order, it's a very good draw position for Salem - it would have been nicer if he'd have been drawn last or second from last, but 8th could be a lucky number as he was drawn in 8th position in week one - when he won of course!
I've been a fan and follower of Melodifestivalen for many years and it would be fair to say that there have been better years in the competition: however I also feel that this means that Salem has a better chance than ever of progressing to Oslo, and finally making that big international breakthrough that I have been campaigning for on this blog since it was established at the end of 2007.
EDIT 07.03.10: Last night I posted my comments about the other songs, however I have decided to move this to my other blog EuropeCrazy as I feel this would be more appropriate and would avoid any confusion, in case anyone thought these were Salem's views, when, in fact, they were my own.
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!
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!
Friday, 5 March 2010
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
If you want to read the review go to http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/article6722107.ab
TV and radio appearances in the next few days!
This Sunday, Salem will appear on "Nyhetsmorgon" on TV4 between 9.00 and 11.00 am Swedish time, when he will be interviewed and will play two songs from "Ignore This". If you won't be able to see the show it should be available later on TV4's website on Sunday: I will post the link then.
Salem will also be on Rix FM's Rix Morron Zoo at 8.15 am on Monday, when he will also play an acoustic song.....and he will also be on NRJ's morning show at 9.00 am.
(info courtesy of Salem's Aftonbladet blog)
It's going to be a very busy week ahead for Salem, with the release of the album and the Melodifestivalen final.
It's also going to be one of the biggest weeks ever on Planet Salem. I will try to bring all the news and reviews that I can find, but if there's anything I've forgotten please let me know!
Salem will also be on Rix FM's Rix Morron Zoo at 8.15 am on Monday, when he will also play an acoustic song.....and he will also be on NRJ's morning show at 9.00 am.
(info courtesy of Salem's Aftonbladet blog)
It's going to be a very busy week ahead for Salem, with the release of the album and the Melodifestivalen final.
It's also going to be one of the biggest weeks ever on Planet Salem. I will try to bring all the news and reviews that I can find, but if there's anything I've forgotten please let me know!
"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 :)
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 :)
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Salem on P3 Fredag tomorrow night
Salem will be a guest on "P3 Fredag" on Swedish Radio tomorrow night at 21:03 Swedish time. Salem will be chatting and playing some of his favourite pre-club tunes. It should be good so remember to tune in.
EDIT 06.03.10: You can hear this week's show at the following link: http://www.sr.se/webbradio/webbradio.asp?type=latestbroadcast&Id=3696&BroadcastDate=&IsBlock=
(Salem is on just after the beginning of the second hour of the show)
EDIT 06.03.10: You can hear this week's show at the following link: http://www.sr.se/webbradio/webbradio.asp?type=latestbroadcast&Id=3696&BroadcastDate=&IsBlock=
(Salem is on just after the beginning of the second hour of the show)
"Ignore This" review (in Finnish) at Plaza.fi
Link:
http://plaza.fi/kaista/musiikki/levyarvostelut/levyarvostelu-salem-al-fakir-ignore-this
Unfortunately Google Translate didn't really make a good job of translating this and I don't understand a word of Finnish....anyway it seemed to be a good review (4 stars).
Can any Finnish-speaking readers help with this translation?
http://plaza.fi/kaista/musiikki/levyarvostelut/levyarvostelu-salem-al-fakir-ignore-this
Unfortunately Google Translate didn't really make a good job of translating this and I don't understand a word of Finnish....anyway it seemed to be a good review (4 stars).
Can any Finnish-speaking readers help with this translation?
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Salem and Nour: the correspondence continues
If you're a listener to Swedish Radio's "Morgonpasset i P3" you will know that Salem is a very regular guest on the show. Last week a correspondence started between Nour El-Refai (another Morgonpasset regular) and Salem: on Friday Salem's reply was revealed and now Nour has replied to Salem's letter. It's all very funny, and very naughty too :)))
Anyway Salem was back on Morgonpasset yesterday, when he wrote his reply to Nour - which will be revealed on Friday. Can't wait to hear it :))
You can check out photos from yesterday's show at the following link,
http://www.sr.se/sida/default.aspx?ProgramID=2024&sida=2 (scroll down and click page numbers until you reach Tuesday's show) where Salem was restyled by those crazy Morgonpasset presenters and here he is, modelling his alternative glittery Melodifestivalen-outfit ...
(picture courtesy of Kasper Nowakowski/SR)"Keep On Walking" no.2 on iTunes today!...(and get your own ringtone!)
1. Excellent news!
2. If you want to get your own 'Keep On Walking' ringtone then http://apps.facebook.com/salem-al-fakir/ is the place to go, where you can find an app to create your own ringtone!
2. If you want to get your own 'Keep On Walking' ringtone then http://apps.facebook.com/salem-al-fakir/ is the place to go, where you can find an app to create your own ringtone!
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
Swedish charts update
After just one day of sales on Swedish iTunes, here are the top 10 selling singles (courtesy of http://www.aftonbladet.se/ As you can see, Salem is at no.6.
1. This Is My Life – Anna Bergendahl
2. You're Out of My Life – Darin
3. Manboy – Eric Saade
4. Kom – Timoteij
5. Hollow – Peter Jöback
6. Keep on Walking – Salem Al Fakir
7. Unstoppable (The Return of Natalie) – Ola
8. Headlines – Alcazar
9. Human Frontier – Neo
10. Jag vill om du vågar – Pernilla Wahlgren
EDIT 02.03.10: Thanks to Maria for the info that "Keep On Walking" is now at no. 3 on the Swedish iTunes singles chart today: http://www.apple.com/euro/itunes/charts/top10songs.html
(Sorry Maria, something went wrong when I was trying to publish your post).
1. This Is My Life – Anna Bergendahl
2. You're Out of My Life – Darin
3. Manboy – Eric Saade
4. Kom – Timoteij
5. Hollow – Peter Jöback
6. Keep on Walking – Salem Al Fakir
7. Unstoppable (The Return of Natalie) – Ola
8. Headlines – Alcazar
9. Human Frontier – Neo
10. Jag vill om du vågar – Pernilla Wahlgren
EDIT 02.03.10: Thanks to Maria for the info that "Keep On Walking" is now at no. 3 on the Swedish iTunes singles chart today: http://www.apple.com/euro/itunes/charts/top10songs.html
(Sorry Maria, something went wrong when I was trying to publish your post).
Monday, 1 March 2010
Other bloggers talking about Salem...
I found this blog post tonight so I thought I would share it with you: http://melodimen.blogspot.com/2010/03/melodifestivalen-2010-keep-on-walking.html
I thought it was very funny and I love their suggestion that if Salem wins Melodifestivalen, the end of the video should be edited to include his winning performance, the ticker-tape and the photographers!
The video also gets a mention at the always excellent Scandipop, which has been very supportive of Salem and 'Keep On Walking' since week 1 of the contest: http://www.scandipop.co.uk/?p=2208
Thanks again to Richard who's also been supporting Salem at Pop Love Dance: http://poplovedance.blogspot.com - he's got a very good singles chart going there, with none other than "Backseat" at no.1 and "Keep On Walking" at no.3 whilst "Astronaut" is at no.9 in his albums list.
If you're blogging about Salem let me know and I'll give you a mention here!
I thought it was very funny and I love their suggestion that if Salem wins Melodifestivalen, the end of the video should be edited to include his winning performance, the ticker-tape and the photographers!
The video also gets a mention at the always excellent Scandipop, which has been very supportive of Salem and 'Keep On Walking' since week 1 of the contest: http://www.scandipop.co.uk/?p=2208
Thanks again to Richard who's also been supporting Salem at Pop Love Dance: http://poplovedance.blogspot.com - he's got a very good singles chart going there, with none other than "Backseat" at no.1 and "Keep On Walking" at no.3 whilst "Astronaut" is at no.9 in his albums list.
If you're blogging about Salem let me know and I'll give you a mention here!
"Keep On Walking" release day roundup!!
You've probably all seen the video (and love it) by now, but in case you haven't - here, finally, is the video for "Keep On Walking". Enjoy!
Salem is the first of this year's Melodifestivalen finalists to release a video - the first and the best of course!
Of course "Keep On Walking" is now officially available for download from today, at http://itunes.apple.com/se/album/keep-on-walking/id354932341?i=354932343&affId=1329024&ign-mpt=uo%3D6
Rix FM also has "Keep On Walking" bubbling under in its nightly Topp 6 Klockan 6 chart - go to the following link and vote for Salem to get him into the chart! http://www.rixfm.com/program/kvallar-med-christian-hedlund/rix-topp-6-klockan-6
Salem did a photoshoot for 'Glamour' and this was posted on his Facebook page today: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3770177&id=50286022803 and also on his Aftonbladet blog: http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/salemalfakir
For those of you who are old enough to remember it the first time round, that look is very "Miami Vice" isn't it :))
Salem is the first of this year's Melodifestivalen finalists to release a video - the first and the best of course!
Of course "Keep On Walking" is now officially available for download from today, at http://itunes.apple.com/se/album/keep-on-walking/id354932341?i=354932343&affId=1329024&ign-mpt=uo%3D6
Rix FM also has "Keep On Walking" bubbling under in its nightly Topp 6 Klockan 6 chart - go to the following link and vote for Salem to get him into the chart! http://www.rixfm.com/program/kvallar-med-christian-hedlund/rix-topp-6-klockan-6
Salem did a photoshoot for 'Glamour' and this was posted on his Facebook page today: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3770177&id=50286022803 and also on his Aftonbladet blog: http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/salemalfakir
For those of you who are old enough to remember it the first time round, that look is very "Miami Vice" isn't it :))
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Video question / Melodifestivalen countdown
Does anyone know if there will be an official video for "Keep On Walking" and if so, when will we get to see it?
EDIT 28.02.10: Yes there is an official video, yes it's now available...and I just want to thank everyone who replied. Isn't it wonderful! There are so many good moments in the video - Salem's Melodifestivalen journey in three minutes - that it would take me too long to list my favourite ones! Anyway it's now available to watch at www.salemalfakir.com.
So... two weeks till the Melodifestivalen final, and 8 of the 10 finalists are now known. Apart from Salem - week 1 winner! - Eric Saade, Ola, Darin, Anna Bergendahl, Peter Jöback, Andreas Johnson, Timoteij have all gone 'direkt till Globen' whilst the two remaining finalists will have to go through next week's Andra Chansen round first.
All of this year's entries are now available to hear at
http://svt.se/2.129088/kolumn_alla_bidrag_klippsymfoni?lid=puff_1908737&lpos=lasMer
(but of course none of them are as good as "Keep On Walking"!!)
EDIT 28.02.10: Yes there is an official video, yes it's now available...and I just want to thank everyone who replied. Isn't it wonderful! There are so many good moments in the video - Salem's Melodifestivalen journey in three minutes - that it would take me too long to list my favourite ones! Anyway it's now available to watch at www.salemalfakir.com.
So... two weeks till the Melodifestivalen final, and 8 of the 10 finalists are now known. Apart from Salem - week 1 winner! - Eric Saade, Ola, Darin, Anna Bergendahl, Peter Jöback, Andreas Johnson, Timoteij have all gone 'direkt till Globen' whilst the two remaining finalists will have to go through next week's Andra Chansen round first.
All of this year's entries are now available to hear at
http://svt.se/2.129088/kolumn_alla_bidrag_klippsymfoni?lid=puff_1908737&lpos=lasMer
(but of course none of them are as good as "Keep On Walking"!!)
Off Beat Band playing Mosebacke, Stockholm tonight
Sorry if I'm a bit late bringing this news, but if you're a fan of some old-school hip hop and you live in and around Stockholm, you can catch the Off Beat Band at the Raw Fusion night at Mosebacke in Stockholm tonight at 10.00 pm.
Friday, 26 February 2010
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
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
Swedish charts update
Unfortunately "Backseat" has now dropped to no.34 in the Sverige Topplistan singles chart.
But we all still love it, don't we!!! I notice that a Facebook fan-group has been set up for Damien Adore - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=325826488197&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=325826488197&ref=ts
But we all still love it, don't we!!! I notice that a Facebook fan-group has been set up for Damien Adore - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=325826488197&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=325826488197&ref=ts
Thursday, 25 February 2010
My Gothenburg countdown: four weeks to go!
Yes, it's only four weeks to go until I fly over to Sweden to see Salem play live at the Gothenburg Konserthuset. Of course I'm really looking forward to my trip, although I just hope that the weather will be warmer and the snow will have gone by then!
(Oh well, even if it is still cold and snowy, it doesn't matter - what matters is seeing Salem again!)
According to the Konserthuset's website, www.gso.se, approximately 20 musicians from the Göteborgs Symfoniker (Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra) will accompany Salem on stage where he will sing and play his own material over two sets.
Tickets are still available (although are selling fast) and you can buy them at the following link: https://sale.se.iticket.com/Sale/ShowRequestedArrangement.iticket?moduleId=10&pBasketTag=977de3be-531b-4d2d-9118-937ac9d14517&clearBasket=0&pCompanyId=3201&pArrangementId=40#top
Of course I bought my tickets a few weeks ago, I'm glad I got them then as most of the seats in the stalls are now sold out!
(Oh well, even if it is still cold and snowy, it doesn't matter - what matters is seeing Salem again!)
According to the Konserthuset's website, www.gso.se, approximately 20 musicians from the Göteborgs Symfoniker (Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra) will accompany Salem on stage where he will sing and play his own material over two sets.
Tickets are still available (although are selling fast) and you can buy them at the following link: https://sale.se.iticket.com/Sale/ShowRequestedArrangement.iticket?moduleId=10&pBasketTag=977de3be-531b-4d2d-9118-937ac9d14517&clearBasket=0&pCompanyId=3201&pArrangementId=40#top
Of course I bought my tickets a few weeks ago, I'm glad I got them then as most of the seats in the stalls are now sold out!
Sunday, 21 February 2010
Swedish charts update
"Backseat" has fallen from no.15 to no.24 in this week's Sverige Topplistan singles chart.
It's good to see that there is a massive buzz on the internet for this very hot track: everyone in blog-land seems to be talking about it at the moment, which is great news. I really believe that it has international hit potential....and of course it's introduced Salem (sorry, I mean Damien Adore!) to a whole new audience.
It's good to see that there is a massive buzz on the internet for this very hot track: everyone in blog-land seems to be talking about it at the moment, which is great news. I really believe that it has international hit potential....and of course it's introduced Salem (sorry, I mean Damien Adore!) to a whole new audience.
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Salem will be back on Morgonpasset this Monday!
Readers of Planet Salem will know that Salem is a regular visitor to the Morgonpasset show on Swedish radio P3 - and he'll be back again on the show on Monday 22nd February.
More information at http://www.sr.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=2024&artikel=3455338 - where you can also find the email address for the show if you want to send in any questions to ask Salem.
More information at http://www.sr.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=2024&artikel=3455338 - where you can also find the email address for the show if you want to send in any questions to ask Salem.
Review of H3FK concert in Visby
Helagotland.se has a review of H3FK's concert which took place on Thursday night in Visby, at the following link: http://www.helagotland.se/noje/artikel.aspx?articleid=5851227
"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!
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!
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Radio Creme Brulee: spreading the word about Salem!
I would like to share this email with you all, which I received just the other day from Pranav who runs the internet radio station Radio Creme Brulee, and which I have kindly been given permission to republish here.
Hi,
I am an internet music radio broadcaster based in Boston (USA). My radio station is called "Radio Creme Brulee" (http://www.radiocremebrulee.com/). It features an eclectic assortment of current pop/rock music from both sides of the Atlantic alongside guilty pleasures, forgotten gems, and radio hits from the 80s, 90s, and 00s. While most of my listeners are based in the US, there is a substantial number of listeners from the France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Germany, Argentina, Costa Rica, Japan, and Spain. My station is licensed by ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. Artists receive royalties based on airplay of their music on my station.
I recently discovered Salem Al Fakir and his music and stumbled on your excellent blog about him recently. Salem does not receive much promotion in the US. Hence, we only recently discovered him and his musical brilliance. His songs, if promoted well in the US, could be modern day classics. He belongs to a rather rare breed of exceptionally talented musicians. Unfortunately, when he released "This is who I am" in 2007, I did not hear about it at all. Hence, as playlist manager, I was unable to give any of the tracks on that album high-rotation airplay. I typically only give tracks that are less than a year old high-rotation airplay. I recently discovered Salem's 2009 album "Astronaut". Despite the album having been released in 2009, it still meets our "less than a year old" requirement for high-rotation airplay. Hence, we just added "One Of The Others" for high-rotation airplay on Radio Creme Brulee. That basically means the track is getting 4-5 plays a day and will continue to do so for at least 2 months.
I will go ahead and add your blog to the list of "Recommended Links" within the next two days. Meanwhile, if you get a chance, please do check out our radio station. To listen, log on to
http://www.radiocremebrulee.com/
We do feature tracks off the "This is who I am" album. There is currently a "radio hold" on the new single "Keep On Walking" until February 27 so we might have to wait a while before it makes its debut on American internet radio. If you have suggestions for the radio station (specific artists, specific songs, or just general recommendations), please feel free to let me know. If and when you hear "One Of The Others" on the station, please click on the "thumbs up" button next to the track on the online radio player. If you like the station, please do let your friends know about it.
Last, but not least, I enjoy your reading your blog on Salem Al Fakir.
Regards,
Pranav
http://www.radiocremebrulee.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Radio-Creme-Brulee/89215179548
Thanks Pranav - much appreciated!! We need more people like you to spread the word, worldwide, about Salem's music.
Hi,
I am an internet music radio broadcaster based in Boston (USA). My radio station is called "Radio Creme Brulee" (http://www.radiocremebrulee.com/). It features an eclectic assortment of current pop/rock music from both sides of the Atlantic alongside guilty pleasures, forgotten gems, and radio hits from the 80s, 90s, and 00s. While most of my listeners are based in the US, there is a substantial number of listeners from the France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Germany, Argentina, Costa Rica, Japan, and Spain. My station is licensed by ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. Artists receive royalties based on airplay of their music on my station.
I recently discovered Salem Al Fakir and his music and stumbled on your excellent blog about him recently. Salem does not receive much promotion in the US. Hence, we only recently discovered him and his musical brilliance. His songs, if promoted well in the US, could be modern day classics. He belongs to a rather rare breed of exceptionally talented musicians. Unfortunately, when he released "This is who I am" in 2007, I did not hear about it at all. Hence, as playlist manager, I was unable to give any of the tracks on that album high-rotation airplay. I typically only give tracks that are less than a year old high-rotation airplay. I recently discovered Salem's 2009 album "Astronaut". Despite the album having been released in 2009, it still meets our "less than a year old" requirement for high-rotation airplay. Hence, we just added "One Of The Others" for high-rotation airplay on Radio Creme Brulee. That basically means the track is getting 4-5 plays a day and will continue to do so for at least 2 months.
I will go ahead and add your blog to the list of "Recommended Links" within the next two days. Meanwhile, if you get a chance, please do check out our radio station. To listen, log on to
http://www.radiocremebrulee.com/
We do feature tracks off the "This is who I am" album. There is currently a "radio hold" on the new single "Keep On Walking" until February 27 so we might have to wait a while before it makes its debut on American internet radio. If you have suggestions for the radio station (specific artists, specific songs, or just general recommendations), please feel free to let me know. If and when you hear "One Of The Others" on the station, please click on the "thumbs up" button next to the track on the online radio player. If you like the station, please do let your friends know about it.
Last, but not least, I enjoy your reading your blog on Salem Al Fakir.
Regards,
Pranav
http://www.radiocremebrulee.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Radio-Creme-Brulee/89215179548
Thanks Pranav - much appreciated!! We need more people like you to spread the word, worldwide, about Salem's music.
Salem's Stockholm signing session!
Salem will be appearing at Bengans record store on Drottninggatan in Stockholm to play a couple of songs and sign copies of "Ignore This". The date will be 10th March - of course that is the same day that "Ignore This" is released on CD.
(The time of Salem's appearance has not been announced yet, but if you keep checking back at Bengans website then it should be announced very soon)
http://www.bengans.se/upcomingartistvisits.aspx?Currency=sek&language=se&
(The time of Salem's appearance has not been announced yet, but if you keep checking back at Bengans website then it should be announced very soon)
http://www.bengans.se/upcomingartistvisits.aspx?Currency=sek&language=se&
Salem at Berns, Stockholm in May
As announced at www.salemalfakir.com today: Salem will play a concert at Berns in Stockholm, on Saturday 8th May 2010: this will be his only Stockholm concert during the spring period so I expect tickets will sell out very quickly. So you'd better hurry and book your tickets at Ticnet! http://www1.ticnet.se/PriceTable?eventId=STH21447BER05081
H3FK concert in Visby - 18.02.10
H3FK will be playing Visby Jazzklubben on Thursday 18th February - and even though he's very busy at the moment, Salem will be appearing with the band, which he has been a member of since 2002. There is an interview with Salem and Mats Karlsson at the following link:
http://www.helagotland.se/noje/artikel.aspx?articleid=5846621
In case any of Salem's many new fans are unfamiliar with H3FK, Salem is a member of this renowned Swedish "world jazz" band in which he plays violin and keyboards. If you are going to the show - remember that Salem will not be playing any of his solo material, but H3FK's music is so diverse and different that if you enjoy world music, you will be in for a treat.
http://www.helagotland.se/noje/artikel.aspx?articleid=5846621
In case any of Salem's many new fans are unfamiliar with H3FK, Salem is a member of this renowned Swedish "world jazz" band in which he plays violin and keyboards. If you are going to the show - remember that Salem will not be playing any of his solo material, but H3FK's music is so diverse and different that if you enjoy world music, you will be in for a treat.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Salem on style...
I have just found this Allt om Stockholm article, where Salem is talking about his style/clothing: http://www.alltomstockholm.se/incoming/article534413.aos
"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.
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.
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Halv Åtta Hos Mig - Grattis Nabil!
One of my favourite British television programmes is "Come Dine With Me" in which a group of people take turns to cook a meal for their fellow dinner guests and mark them out of ten. I didn't know until last night that there was a Swedish version of the show, which is called "Halv Åtta Hos Mig" and is broadcast on TV4.
But what does this have to do with Salem? Well, I just found out yesterday that last week was devoted to parents of famous people in Sweden - and one of the contestants was none other than Salem's father, Nabil Al Fakir! Even better news - he was the week's winner with the highest points total. I watched last Tuesday's show (when Nabil hosted the other dinner guests) on TV4 Play last night and really enjoyed it: I thought Nabil came across as a lovely, friendly person and a very talented cook.
The complete shows from last Wednesday and Thursday are still available to watch at http://www.tv4play.se/hem_och_fritid/halv_atta_hos_mig , unfortunately the Tuesday show hosted by Nabil will no longer be available on the website after tonight (sorry everyone, I wish I could have given you all more notice about this). It was a very enjoyable show too, which featured a couple of clips of Salem and Nassim talking about their father's good cooking :)
There is more about the show at http://www.tv4.se/1.1505383/2010/02/13/vem_blev_tittarnas_favorit_i_halv_atta
If you want to try out Nabil's winning recipes you can find them at http://www.recept.nu/1.305498/2010/02/08/halv_atta_hos_mig
But what does this have to do with Salem? Well, I just found out yesterday that last week was devoted to parents of famous people in Sweden - and one of the contestants was none other than Salem's father, Nabil Al Fakir! Even better news - he was the week's winner with the highest points total. I watched last Tuesday's show (when Nabil hosted the other dinner guests) on TV4 Play last night and really enjoyed it: I thought Nabil came across as a lovely, friendly person and a very talented cook.
The complete shows from last Wednesday and Thursday are still available to watch at http://www.tv4play.se/hem_och_fritid/halv_atta_hos_mig , unfortunately the Tuesday show hosted by Nabil will no longer be available on the website after tonight (sorry everyone, I wish I could have given you all more notice about this). It was a very enjoyable show too, which featured a couple of clips of Salem and Nassim talking about their father's good cooking :)
There is more about the show at http://www.tv4.se/1.1505383/2010/02/13/vem_blev_tittarnas_favorit_i_halv_atta
If you want to try out Nabil's winning recipes you can find them at http://www.recept.nu/1.305498/2010/02/08/halv_atta_hos_mig
Monday, 8 February 2010
Salem's sites update
You probably know already, but here is a reminder anyway :))
If you go to Salem's Facebook page you'll find video clips and lots of photos from Salem's Ö-vik adventure. Salem is now tweeting regularly on Twitter - I don't know how he's got the time to fit everything into a 24 hour day!
Don't forget to check out Salem's official site for updates. And of course keep on visiting Planet Salem :))))
If you go to Salem's Facebook page you'll find video clips and lots of photos from Salem's Ö-vik adventure. Salem is now tweeting regularly on Twitter - I don't know how he's got the time to fit everything into a 24 hour day!
Don't forget to check out Salem's official site for updates. And of course keep on visiting Planet Salem :))))
Salem on SVT's "Gomorron Sverige" 08.02.10
As Salem 'keeps on walking' on his journey from Ö-vik to Globen, Planet Salem will be following him every step of the way! Needless to say there will be lots of TV appearances and interviews between now and then.
On Monday 8th February, Salem was interviewed at 7.45 am on "Gomorron Sverige", SVT's breakfast show. If you missed the interview then, it is available to watch again at http://svtplay.se/v/1879967/gomorron_sverige/salem_al_fakir
I managed to understand some of it, but as usual it would be much appreciated if one of my lovely friends could translate it for me :)))
And as usual, I've been busy with my camera again - here are some screencaps from the show.
You will probably all agree with me that Salem is one of Sweden's best-dressed and most stylish men - he certainly was the most stylish on Melodifestivalen! - and I loved his smart-casual look on this morning show :)
On Monday 8th February, Salem was interviewed at 7.45 am on "Gomorron Sverige", SVT's breakfast show. If you missed the interview then, it is available to watch again at http://svtplay.se/v/1879967/gomorron_sverige/salem_al_fakir
I managed to understand some of it, but as usual it would be much appreciated if one of my lovely friends could translate it for me :)))
And as usual, I've been busy with my camera again - here are some screencaps from the show.
You will probably all agree with me that Salem is one of Sweden's best-dressed and most stylish men - he certainly was the most stylish on Melodifestivalen! - and I loved his smart-casual look on this morning show :)
Sunday, 7 February 2010
The Melodifestivalen-effect
Although we will have to wait a while longer before we can buy "Keep On Walking" (it won't be available until 3rd March) it will be interesting to see if Salem's Melodifestivalen appearance will impact upon sales of his previous albums/singles.
The answer is...yes. Checked the Swedish iTunes albums chart today to find "Astronaut" is at no.12 whilst "This Is Who I Am" is at no. 66.
Meanwhile "Backseat" by Staygold featuring Spank Rock and Damien Adore, is no. 7 in the Swedish iTunes singles chart whilst it was a new entry in the Sverige Topplistan singles chart this week at no.19.
The answer is...yes. Checked the Swedish iTunes albums chart today to find "Astronaut" is at no.12 whilst "This Is Who I Am" is at no. 66.
Meanwhile "Backseat" by Staygold featuring Spank Rock and Damien Adore, is no. 7 in the Swedish iTunes singles chart whilst it was a new entry in the Sverige Topplistan singles chart this week at no.19.
SKÅL!
After the show it was time to party.....I bet there are a lot of very sore heads today :)(Photos courtesy of Dagens Nyheter/Scanpix)
Saturday, 6 February 2010
Welcome....to all new visitors!
Good news! I can confirm that today, 6th February 2010, Planet Salem has received the highest number of visitors since the blog started just over two years ago. If you didn't know about Salem before tonight and have only just discovered him after his Melodifestivalen appearance...then thank you for visiting Planet Salem and you are all very welcome to my blog!
Some information for my new visitors....my name is Laura, I live in the UK and have been a fan of Salem and his music since July 2007. I started Planet Salem in December 2007 and my mission is to spread as much information about Salem Al Fakir and his music because I truly believe that he is the most talented singer/songwriter/musician in the world today.
Over the last two years Planet Salem has developed as a community of appreciation of Salem and his music: you are all welcome to leave comments or send emails anytime you want to discuss anything Salem-related and I'm very happy to chat with you all.
Once again, thanks for visiting. This has been a very good and happy night for all Salem-fans and the celebration goes on.....
SALEM GÅ VIDARE TILL GLOBEN!!!!!!
Some information for my new visitors....my name is Laura, I live in the UK and have been a fan of Salem and his music since July 2007. I started Planet Salem in December 2007 and my mission is to spread as much information about Salem Al Fakir and his music because I truly believe that he is the most talented singer/songwriter/musician in the world today.
Over the last two years Planet Salem has developed as a community of appreciation of Salem and his music: you are all welcome to leave comments or send emails anytime you want to discuss anything Salem-related and I'm very happy to chat with you all.
Once again, thanks for visiting. This has been a very good and happy night for all Salem-fans and the celebration goes on.....
SALEM GÅ VIDARE TILL GLOBEN!!!!!!
SALEM TILL GLOBEN !!!!!
Tack, Salem.
Och tack, Sverige.
You did the right thing and sent Salem to Globen. Tonight I am so happy and can't stop smiling! I thought Salem's performance was terrific, the song is wonderful and this is just one of the happiest nights ever.
Grattis Salem. You deserve it :))
Och tack, Sverige.
You did the right thing and sent Salem to Globen. Tonight I am so happy and can't stop smiling! I thought Salem's performance was terrific, the song is wonderful and this is just one of the happiest nights ever.
Grattis Salem. You deserve it :))
Edit 07.02.10: my full review of last night's contest is over at my other blog EuropeCrazy. Enjoy!
It's almost time for Melodifestivalen - Rösta på Salem ikväll!
In two and a half hours time, the 2010 Melodifestivalen finally gets underway.
It's always a very special competition for me, but this year it's more special than ever. Tonight in Örnsköldsvik, Ola, Jenny Silver, Linda Pritchard, Pain Of Salvation, Anders Ekborg, Jessica Andersson, Frispråkarn will all perform their songs and finally - saving the best till last! - it will be Salem's turn to take to the stage to sing "Keep On Walking" - the best song of the night.
The rules of the contest have changed this year: the song with the most votes will automatically qualify to the final in Globen, Stockholm on 13th March. There will then be a second round of voting for the songs placed second, third, fourth and fifth, whilst the sixth, seventh and eighth placed songs will be eliminated.
The winner of the second round will take the 2nd slot in the final; the second and third placed songs will go to Andra Chansen on 6th March, and the remaining song will be eliminated.
Good people of Sweden - you know what you have to do - VOTE FOR SALEM!
Here are the phone numbers that you need to call tonight (thanks to http://www.salemalfakir.com/ for the info!!)
Om du vill rösta på Salem kan du ringa 099-202 08 eller sms’a 08 till 72111. Om du dessutom vill skänka pengar till Radiohjälpen ringer du nummer 099-902 08 eller sms’ar 08 till nummer 729 99. Det kostar 9,90 kr.
All the best for tonight Salem!
I'm going to watch SVT's webstream tonight - check back later tonight for my thoughts on the show and remember to leave your comments!
It's always a very special competition for me, but this year it's more special than ever. Tonight in Örnsköldsvik, Ola, Jenny Silver, Linda Pritchard, Pain Of Salvation, Anders Ekborg, Jessica Andersson, Frispråkarn will all perform their songs and finally - saving the best till last! - it will be Salem's turn to take to the stage to sing "Keep On Walking" - the best song of the night.
The rules of the contest have changed this year: the song with the most votes will automatically qualify to the final in Globen, Stockholm on 13th March. There will then be a second round of voting for the songs placed second, third, fourth and fifth, whilst the sixth, seventh and eighth placed songs will be eliminated.
The winner of the second round will take the 2nd slot in the final; the second and third placed songs will go to Andra Chansen on 6th March, and the remaining song will be eliminated.
Good people of Sweden - you know what you have to do - VOTE FOR SALEM!
Here are the phone numbers that you need to call tonight (thanks to http://www.salemalfakir.com/ for the info!!)
Om du vill rösta på Salem kan du ringa 099-202 08 eller sms’a 08 till 72111. Om du dessutom vill skänka pengar till Radiohjälpen ringer du nummer 099-902 08 eller sms’ar 08 till nummer 729 99. Det kostar 9,90 kr.
All the best for tonight Salem!
I'm going to watch SVT's webstream tonight - check back later tonight for my thoughts on the show and remember to leave your comments!
Friday, 5 February 2010
But once again the sun is rising....
At last! "Keep On Walking", well 64 seconds of it anyway, is finally available to hear at the following link: http://svtplay.se/v/1870389
Here are my thoughts after just one listen: it's complex, beautifully produced and arranged (as you would always expect a Salem song to be), and completely breathtaking and uplifting and inspirational. Is that enough adjectives for now?
(By the way, I see what some of the reviewers meant by the "Bond" references as it does have the sweeping drama of a Bond theme).
No gimmicks, no distracting dance routines, just the simplicity of a smartly dressed man sitting at a piano singing a beautiful song. (photo above courtesy of SVT)
Utterly fantastic.
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Countdown to Melodifestivalen: 2 days to go
Is everyone as excited as I am about Saturday night????
Apart from this morning's Goteborgs Posten webchat (see previous post) there was the following....
Today there were more rehearsals and a press conference in Ö-vik. Expressen has an interview with Salem at the following link: http://www.expressen.se/noje/melodifestivalen2010/1.1869939/salem-al-fakir-jag-ar-lugn-som-en-porlande-back : I thought this was a very interesting interview indeed, in which Salem states that he remains calm and has everything under control. He describes the performance as taking shape - he'll be sitting at a black piano and there will be some other things happening on stage. Salem says that he feels no pressure as he is his own biggest critic.
About "Keep On Walking", Salem says that this was inspired by his own feelings..."many feel that they are far, far down sometimes and need to get up. There is a help for me and a help to others that there are more who are in the same situation - it's a hopeful song".
Mattias Dahlström (Dagens Nyheter) describes "Keep On Walking" as a 'Beatles pastiche' and wonders if it's maybe too vague to be a Melodifestivalen song....http://www.dn.se/blogg/melodifestivalbloggen2010/2010/02/04/salem-al-fakir-pa-scen-6048
The general view so far based on the press articles and blogs I've read would appear to indicate that "Keep On Walking" is: a catchy song/big arrangement/disappointing/potential radio hit/too good for Melodifestivalen/not right for Melodifestivalen/a grower/too good/not one of his best/too clever/reminiscent of his first album....
What everyone needs to remember is that "Keep On Walking" wasn't specifically written for Melodifestivalen, unlike many of the songs on show over the next four weeks: in that context it will be even more interesting to see how well the song is received by the Swedish voting public.
We and then finally hear the song in full on Saturday night.
In the meantime you can keep up to date with Salem's Ö-vik adventures on Facebook, where there are lots of great new photos too :))) http://www.facebook.com/salemalfakir
Tomorrow: at last we will finally get to hear (a brief clip of) "Keep On Walking" on SVT's website tomorrow afternoon!! (I won't be able to hear it till tomorrow night as I'll be at work, so I'll be counting the hours till I get home....!)
Apart from this morning's Goteborgs Posten webchat (see previous post) there was the following....
Today there were more rehearsals and a press conference in Ö-vik. Expressen has an interview with Salem at the following link: http://www.expressen.se/noje/melodifestivalen2010/1.1869939/salem-al-fakir-jag-ar-lugn-som-en-porlande-back : I thought this was a very interesting interview indeed, in which Salem states that he remains calm and has everything under control. He describes the performance as taking shape - he'll be sitting at a black piano and there will be some other things happening on stage. Salem says that he feels no pressure as he is his own biggest critic.
About "Keep On Walking", Salem says that this was inspired by his own feelings..."many feel that they are far, far down sometimes and need to get up. There is a help for me and a help to others that there are more who are in the same situation - it's a hopeful song".
Mattias Dahlström (Dagens Nyheter) describes "Keep On Walking" as a 'Beatles pastiche' and wonders if it's maybe too vague to be a Melodifestivalen song....http://www.dn.se/blogg/melodifestivalbloggen2010/2010/02/04/salem-al-fakir-pa-scen-6048
The general view so far based on the press articles and blogs I've read would appear to indicate that "Keep On Walking" is: a catchy song/big arrangement/disappointing/potential radio hit/too good for Melodifestivalen/not right for Melodifestivalen/a grower/too good/not one of his best/too clever/reminiscent of his first album....
What everyone needs to remember is that "Keep On Walking" wasn't specifically written for Melodifestivalen, unlike many of the songs on show over the next four weeks: in that context it will be even more interesting to see how well the song is received by the Swedish voting public.
We and then finally hear the song in full on Saturday night.
In the meantime you can keep up to date with Salem's Ö-vik adventures on Facebook, where there are lots of great new photos too :))) http://www.facebook.com/salemalfakir
Tomorrow: at last we will finally get to hear (a brief clip of) "Keep On Walking" on SVT's website tomorrow afternoon!! (I won't be able to hear it till tomorrow night as I'll be at work, so I'll be counting the hours till I get home....!)
Salem's GP webchat, 04.02.2010
Salem had a webchat this morning on GP's website and you can now read it at the following link:
http://www.gp.se/kulturnoje/1.304028-chatten-med-salem-al-fakir
http://www.gp.se/kulturnoje/1.304028-chatten-med-salem-al-fakir
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Countdown to Melodifestivalen - 3 days to go
OK....here's my daily round-up of info.
Salem is blogging for Aftonbladet in Örnsköldsvik: http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/salemalfakir
There will be a webchat on Göteborgs Posten’s website at 11.00 am Swedish time on Thursday. More info at http://www.gp.se/kulturnoje/1.303428-chatta-om-schlager-med-salem-al-fakir
Meanwhile here's what Göteborgs Posten’s blogger says about "Keep On Walking"...http://blogg.gp.se/nojesbloggen/2010/02/03/keep-on-walking-salem-al-fakir/
...and Dagens Nyheter says...http://www.dn.se/blogg/melodifestivalbloggen2010/2010/02/03/latarna-6017
...and here's what Tobbe Ek in Aftonbladet thinks on first hearing......http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/schlagerblogg/2010/02/salem-kor-med-klassiskt-schlagerknep-fram-till-snopligt-slut and then on second hearing...http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/schlagerblogg/2010/02/andra-genomlyssningen
A contemporary Bond-ballad mixed with Mika's falsetto? Overloaded instumentation and production? Interesting....of course it won't be long until we all get to hear the song and make our own minds up.
More MF news tomorrow....
Salem is blogging for Aftonbladet in Örnsköldsvik: http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/salemalfakir
There will be a webchat on Göteborgs Posten’s website at 11.00 am Swedish time on Thursday. More info at http://www.gp.se/kulturnoje/1.303428-chatta-om-schlager-med-salem-al-fakir
Meanwhile here's what Göteborgs Posten’s blogger says about "Keep On Walking"...http://blogg.gp.se/nojesbloggen/2010/02/03/keep-on-walking-salem-al-fakir/
...and Dagens Nyheter says...http://www.dn.se/blogg/melodifestivalbloggen2010/2010/02/03/latarna-6017
...and here's what Tobbe Ek in Aftonbladet thinks on first hearing......http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/schlagerblogg/2010/02/salem-kor-med-klassiskt-schlagerknep-fram-till-snopligt-slut and then on second hearing...http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/schlagerblogg/2010/02/andra-genomlyssningen
A contemporary Bond-ballad mixed with Mika's falsetto? Overloaded instumentation and production? Interesting....of course it won't be long until we all get to hear the song and make our own minds up.
More MF news tomorrow....
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Countdown to Melodifestivalen: 4 days to go
Örnsköldsviks Allehanda reveals a fascinating fact - Salem is the favourite to win on Saturday...according to the other contestants! The newspaper has a new interview with Salem about Melodifestivalen, and some other things too! Link: http://allehanda.se/noje/1.1773976
I discovered a Facebook group which has been set up to support Salem at Melodifestivalen and get him all the way to Globen for the final. The name of the group is self-explanatory - "SALEM AL FAKIR TILL FINAL" so if you're on Facebook then get along there and show your support. You can find it at http://www.facebook.com/pages/SALEM-AL-FAKIR-TILL-FINAL/276454492727
Finally - some BIG news! Salem is now on Twitter and you can find him at www.twitter.com/salemmusic.
I discovered a Facebook group which has been set up to support Salem at Melodifestivalen and get him all the way to Globen for the final. The name of the group is self-explanatory - "SALEM AL FAKIR TILL FINAL" so if you're on Facebook then get along there and show your support. You can find it at http://www.facebook.com/pages/SALEM-AL-FAKIR-TILL-FINAL/276454492727
Finally - some BIG news! Salem is now on Twitter and you can find him at www.twitter.com/salemmusic.
Monday, 1 February 2010
Here we go, here we go again....
Salem appeared on SR's "P4 Extra" on Monday where he was interviewed and there was also an exclusive play of "4 O'Clock" which is one of the tracks which will appear on "Ignore This".
On first listen, I thought it was great - I like the synthpop sound, and it has a very anthemic, singalong chorus which gets stuck in your brain very quickly. Salem's lyrics are just getting better and better too.
If you haven't heard this radio show yet, catch it on Swedish Radio's website: http://www.sr.se/webbradio/webbradio.asp?type=latestbroadcast&Id=2151&BroadcastDate=&IsBlock=
(Salem appears about 25 minutes into the show).
On first listen, I thought it was great - I like the synthpop sound, and it has a very anthemic, singalong chorus which gets stuck in your brain very quickly. Salem's lyrics are just getting better and better too.
If you haven't heard this radio show yet, catch it on Swedish Radio's website: http://www.sr.se/webbradio/webbradio.asp?type=latestbroadcast&Id=2151&BroadcastDate=&IsBlock=
(Salem appears about 25 minutes into the show).
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