6
First the disclaimer: I'm supposed to love this album. This American release of The Chrysler's second record is on Galaxy Gramaphone, a Parasol imprint, and I'm generally a strong advocate of all things Parasol. But so help me, this is one boring CD. I'll grant that it's got clever and unusual arrangements that sound surprisingly natural and organic, but their brand of slow, tranquil soft pop never connects emotionally. In some ways, they epitomize the Swedish knack for deconstructing genres of the past (in this case sensitive sixties Donovan-esque folk pop) and reconstructing them in ways that are simultaneously familiar and brand new. In this case, though, this intellectual accomplishment isn't enough.
- Nancy Baym
Wow, is this a terrific band. "Failures" is my first exposure to The Chrysler and I'm captivated by the interesting vocal blend served up by Anders Rudstrom and Pelle Lindroth. You get one type of distinctive sound when each sings the lead, and another sound when they sing together (a low and mid-range combo). It's winsome melodic pop that's early-spring fresh, just a bit melancholic and laced with a dash of late '60s pastoral psychedelia. I love the nocturnal vibe of "This is midnight", with the muted bass and distant trumpet adorning the sparkling upfront vocal. "Along the freefall" is a lively mid-tempo shuffle, "Ring of a bell" brings on some old-fashioned horns in an unexpected manner and "Damn straight evil" is simply one of the coolest tunes I've heard lately. It's got tastefully minimal acoustic guitar, melodica (actually, the melodica is all over this disc, and I ain't complaining), and flawless lead vocals and harmonies. There is something really beguiling and relaxed about this band that is indefinably unique. And the U.S. release has five sweet (mostly acoustic) bonus tracks. A hearty "thumbs up" for this classic Swedish vehicle known as The Chrysler.
- Kevin Renick