My Controversial Music in Intro Maganize

The German Intro Magazine has put Better Than Wages in their latest album poll where they let
other bands, critics and members of the audience listen to various current albums and then ask them to rate them. OK, I came second from last and my music divided the judges drastically but I was in the company of the likes of Vampire Weekend and Spoon. Everyone's supposed to love these guys to pieces by now. Familiarity helps in these situations. But as you can see, people's opinion, even where they locate the music culturally, varies enormously. Maybe it's a good thing.

I used to not give a rats ass about criticism, honestly. I knew what I was doing and I liked it enough to be content and it was so straight-from-the-heart that if it wasn't well received, it did not matter to me. Recently, this feeling has changed. I yearn to be understood. I don't want to be compared to Sheryl Crow. I don't think I am 'middle-of-the-road'. I demand more time from you people. And I like Matt's comment ("I think it's a boy"). Thank you.

More Pics

These two pictures were also taken by Christoph Buckstegen in Haldern, Germany February 4th.

Hair colors and Merch thoughts

So, here is a new German review of Better Than Wages. This one says that my hair has been red as well as black, brown and blond. How do they know? Last time I looked like Pippi L. was in high school...Ok, yes, but I always feel like a blond and still have nightmares about the accidental dark tone from two years ago. I also think that the reviewer is expecting my next album to be about hitting the big three-oh, but to reassure me and my audience: I can still fit one album into my lovely twenties! And I will.

Merchandise thoughts: I have to figure out a way of selling the new and cool t-shirts and boyfriend/wifebeaters from this site. Meanwhile, this is a snippet of what they look like (photo by www.christophbuckstegen.de):

And then there's the VINYL, which is white and you get lyrics too, as well as an extra song (which starts side two). In Germany you can buy this everywhere, in Finland go to Stupido Shop.

Live Review from Haldern

There are more and more reviews appearing in Germany now. It is a little hard for me to know which ones are good...I have not used my German very much (ever).

Here's a live review from Haldern. Let me know if it's no good. I think it is good though. And we had a great time there. I fed a deer some bread at night (her breath was warm). And the bartender made lovely drinks. I asked him if he knows Cats on Fire (he looked like he should) but he said NO.

Feature in Rolling Stone & more

Second month running Better Than Wages appears on the prestigious Critics List in the German Rolling Stone.
There is also an article about me in the newest issue of the mag, as you can see from above!

Here is a great review of the album from Westzeit.

Have good weekend and listen to your heart!

Back from Tour

(Photo by Christoph Buckstegen)

We returned to Finland yesterday. Over two weeks of touring, driving, playing, laughing, very little sleeping...maybe you have read the YLEX-blog I wrote?

Lots of reviews and articles are appearing in Germany. There is an interview in the new Rolling Stone (Germany) and I am still on the critics pics (#12)!
Here are some new links to German press:

Uncle Sally's Net review

Hooked on Music review

Melodiva review

Live review from Schrobenhausen

Westzeit interview

Tage Rönnquist blog and pictures