photographed and painted

photographed and painted, originally uploaded by clara dackenberg.

Black and Pink's December issue

The band I most regret missing live

As a wee pre-teen and early so electronic music fan, it was Aqua and Toy-box at the top of my list. I heard one song from the album searching for info about Aqua, and begged my mom to special order from Denmark via a music store it for me - knowing this music was harmless enough! Although i caught some innuendos and was nervous to have my mother hear all the tracks (lucky for her)- i look back and can't believe how tame and sweet it all was. King of awkward videos, bouncy beats and saccharine vocals...shaped me forever. I still listen to toy box's second album almost weekly, all these theme songs..secret agents, Arabian nights, wizard of oz, any pirates you like. I wish I had seen this band more than any other act. More than Blatz, Crayon, Dolly Parton or Foxdye + the Baron...even more than any of those acts. I envision a stadium full of screaming teenage Danes, Anila and Amir on stage, and me standing there bawling my eyes out. I heard there may be some new tunes out at some point...and hopefully a reunion tour. I will fly to Denmark.

Also, I wanna talk about Aqua a little. I thought Soren Rasted was so cool. I thought he and Lene Should be lovers, and I'm not sure why I thought that. I always used to want eurodance stars to be lovers with each other - an years later, they are! Now I've been in lots of bands and realize it's not all it's cracked up to be! I also had a crush on that musical genius, Soren. When many girls were loving n'sync, backstreet boys and stone cold steve austin, I wanted this guy and this girl:

I did learn recently that Anila changed her name to Aneela. Not a big change, but is it for love of a very special substance that makes toy box sound extra special? Who knows but Aneela.

Go chica, Get Banana! Hey Monkey, get funky.

Here's my Bubblegum/Eurodance Youtube Playlist - Enjoy all the Toy-box videos and other fine European delights.

Toy-box official Site

Not this band

Europopped Blog

I'm not a big fan of Christmas - but here's a snarky little Aqua song, about plastic snow twinkle lights and that Wham! song that damaged your head. I love the part where Rene Dif as Santa Claus is being consoled by his bandmates.

Your past life diagnosis:
I don't know how you feel about it, but you were female in your last earthly incarnation.You were born somewhere in the territory of modern North Australia around the year 1675. Your profession was that of a leader, major or captain.
Your brief psychological profile in your past life:
Timid, constrained, quiet person. You had creative talents, which waited until this life to be liberated. Sometimes your environment considered you strange.
The lesson that your last past life brought to your present incarnation:
Your main lesson is to develop magnanimity and a feeling of brotherhood. Try to become less adhered to material property and learn to take only as much, as you can give back.
Do you remember now?