Smile.dk! At next year's Sakura Con! I'm going to have to get to know the Seattle area now...

http://www.sakuracon.org/programming/guests.php

Go, Smile.dk, go!  Looks like they're finally breaking through the international barrier, which should bode well for their upcoming fourth album:

Party Around The World:
http://www.amazon.com/Party-Around-Worl … 00&sr=8-14

Did Malin go blonde when I wasn't looking?

Not only that, but they'll be at San Japan 1.5 in Texas in two weeks. They seem to be going everywhere that's not near me. >_<

Malin couldn't stay with the group for personal reasons. The new member is Hanna, who has previously sung backing vocals for Pandora (who, coincidentally, also appeared in DDR). DJ Slash did mention that Malin will be on a few of the songs, including the lead single, "Doki Doki."

And how exciting is it to have an Almighty mix of one of their old songs, too? According to DJ Slash, it'll be a re-recorded version with Hanna, and there are plans for an entire remix album in the future. I'd kill for a dance version of "Maybe."

Rights, mang. Even if I can't be there, to see them, I am happy about this . . . information. I wonder if they'll be selling any albums there or anything?

Man, I still listen to "Dragonfly" and "Boys" occasionally. :D

Ooh ooh ooh...new CD...I was afraid that they'd be fading away, but it looks like not! Is there a reason they seem to be far more enamored of Japan-related subjects lately? Well, they've always been like that, but the tracklist of their upcoming album has some pretty obvious Japanese connections.

"Butterfly" is their most famous song, so I'm thinking everyone just expects all of their songs to sound like it. Their first album had an international flair, but by the time their third album came out it was obvious they had found their niche.

Current song that's hopelessly trapped in my head: Summer Party.

http://www.myspace.com/smiledkmusic

Doki Doki also sounds pretty good, dig the butterfly/samurai reference there.  The super-brief sample of Koko Soko on the official site sounds sweet, and I can't wait to hear how they handle Japanese Boy; could it much better than Right On Time's cover?

I've already posted my initial impressions on Smile.dk's new album "Party Around The World" at shdwrlm's Dancemania-EX forums, but it ought to be emphasized here: it is AWESOME.  To me, DJ Slash has created a wonderful piece of work for our favorite bubblegum pop duo that's right on par to previous producers Robert Uhlmann and Robin Rex. 

I'll be picking up the physical release, which was sadly delayed till next month.  In the meantime, check out the full samples at Lala.com; you can also purchase the album as a digital release either there or on iTunes.