Top 10s for 2009: It's a Trap!

Peter Bjorn and John
Seaside rock
Wichita/V2

To be rather honest, I haven't really kept up with Peter Bjorn and John since they became everyone's favorite Swedish pop act with "that whistling song". Due to my negligence, I was completely taken aback by the instrumental nature of "Seaside rock" -- not just because there are few vocals (and the ones present are treated like instruments), but because a decent amount of the tracks on the album would be much improved by the introduction of a lyrical voice. It's hard to fully settle into the album. My mind keeps recalling tracks like "Objects of my affection" and "Up against the wall" from "Writer's block", and comparing those songs with the efforts on "Seaside rock" (I hope the rhyming nature of the two album titles was not intentional), this new record doesn't fare too well. It's not awful, not by a stretch, but the sudden and strange shift of tone is... well, awkward (and not in a cute way). The lush pop layering of Peter Bjorn and John has been replaced by avant-garde, postrock-inspired tendencies -- it's like Shout Out Louds following up "Our ill wills" with an album of Godspeed! You Black Emperor covers. There are some fantastic results -- "Barcelona", for example -- but the overall, lasting impression is the question, "Why?" "Seaside rock" is interesting, but it should have been released under a different band name; it's just not a Peter Bjorn and John record, but it has to be judged to that standard... and, sadly, it doesn't live up.
- Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson

Markus Krunegård
Markusevangeliet
V2/Universal

Every issue I had with Laakso's "Mother, am I good looking?" is beautifully absent from frontman Markus Krunegård's debut solo effort. The closest "Markusevangeliet" comes to disappointing is in its occasional similarity to Laakso, but, with Krunegård's band being one of the most original voices to come out of Sweden in years, there is little chance of this spoiling the record. Sadly, for those who do not speak Swedish, Krunegård's decision to sing in this Scandinavian tongue may somewhat blight the album as much of its anthemic power becomes lyrically indecipherable and the ability to sing along is removed. I truly hope this facet of "Markusevangeliet" can be surmounted by non-Swedes, and the strength of Krunegård's songwriting is impressive enough alone to help one overlook the language barrier, but it's worth listening to some of the tracks on his Myspace page to make sure you don't purchase a record that you are too distanced from. Songs like "Samma nätter väntar alla" and "Ibland gör man rätt, ibland gör man fel" are as fascinating in their songwriting and instrumentation as they are defined by Krunegård's dour, lacerating lyrics, and one can hardly fail to notice his unique timbre and delivery as almost an instrument of its own. "Se på mig nu, vad tycker du?" and "Den som dör får se/Markus kyrkogård" are two of the best compositions that Krunegård has ever done, especially when the latter enters into its final section with Krunegård singing: "Om du är rädd sluta med det. Om du är bränd och rädd lägg av med det..."

Despite all of the warnings that Laakso's impressive catalog sent out, "Markusevangeliet" affected me in a way that few records have ever been able to. Markus Krunegård may very well have crafted the best album of 2008.
- Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson

Don't Be A Stranger
Frutti di Mare
ia!/V2

Swedish bands break up and morph into others quicker than an atom, or at least so it seems. The collaborative effort is so high, it's as if the Social-Democracy permeates every level of society, and, within the music scene, usually proves to be a successful act. Here for example, we have Don't Be A Stranger, a band which features former members of Honey Is Cool. For comparative purposes, this is not too dissimilar stylistically from The Concretes and The Tiny, though I find them to be better than the former and more accessible than the latter. On the tracks "Lonely together", "Yellow moon" and "Too late", the band is at their peak, with the mellow, intertwining instruments creating the space needed for the listener's maximum enjoyment. Just because one has an instrument doesn't mean one has to fill every second with sound - and with a group such as Don't Be A Stranger, the notes not played allow the music to be most emphatic.
- Matt Giordano

Christian Kjellvander
I saw her from here/I saw here from her
Startracks/V2

Whereas "Faya" was more an extension of "Songs from a two-room chapel"; on his third solo album, Christian Kjellvander has not only been able to carry his lyrical ability through, but the arrangements on this album are such leaps forward. With the tempo brought up to Loosegoats levels on "Poppies and peonies", the single "Two souls" and "The road", the captivation is set for the true improvements: the soft numbers. Strings and distorted guitar solos flesh out "While the birches weep" over a very soft, yet pulsating beat; "Sons of the coast" is over held organ chords and ambiance. Kjellvander's trademark fingerpicking only really comes through on "Somewhere else" although a bit more sparse that usual, but fitting in context of the album. I have not seen much press on this album to date, but on "I saw her from here/I saw here from her", Christian Kjellvander has quietly delivered his best solo outing thus far.
- Matt Giordano

Laakso
Västerbron & vampires
V2

After two releasing stellar albums in the same year, it's not that much of a surprise that a band's follow-up EP would be a bit of a hangover. Beefing up the "Västerbron" single with three new tracks (that feel more like demos), Laakso has gotten a bit more dark to kick into their fall tour. Other than the single, "England" would have to be the best track on the album, and, clocking in at over seven minutes, is quite epic for Laakso. The lyrics and melody are in top self-depricating fashion and it's the most complete of the three b-sides. The middle two, "Lack of blood" and "Great times underground", come across more as rough ideas and, when it comes down to it, lack those great hooks we all have come to love Laakso for. However, the potential is still there for the next Laakso album being great.
(As a comparison, the feel of this is very similar to the "Aussie girl" EP).
- Matt Giordano

Those Dancing Days
s/t EP
V2

Those Dancing Days have quickly risen to the hype of bloggers everywhere, and it's not really a surprise, as their style of Nordic soul inspired indie-pop hits many a listeners' ear like sugar on the lips. Being an average age of 17 or so, it must be taking these young ladies by storm, as they're even up for "Best Swedish Artist" at the MTV Europe awards. However, their debut does sound like that - a bunch of 17 year olds making their first recordings. Although the ideas are there, as are the knack for hooks, nothing is as strong as it should be for a band to really have a massive impact. The single "Hitten" and title-track are the two stand-outs on the EP, but the rest seem a bit unconfident. While it's no doubt the band has talent, I hope to see them give it at least another two or three years to hone their craft, and just then, they could be one of Sweden's top acts.
- Matt Giordano

Kristofer Åström
RainawayTown
Startracks/V2

A new Kristofer Åström release is always something I make a mental note of, as he has long been a sentimental favourite of mine, Fireside being the band that really got me into Swedish music. "RainawayTown" may come as a bit of a surprise, as this is the first full-length to be recorded without his long-time backing band Hidden Truck. To compare this album to one of his peers, It would be safe to say the consistency prevalent on this album, his first full-fledged alt-country venture, is that which Ryan Adams has been searching for, as this surpasses his excellent "Cold roses". After the stellar (and very indie) "So much for staying alive", I wasn't sure what Kristofer Åström had in his bag of tricks, but I'm very glad that he'd still got a lot in there.
- Matt Giordano

Ane Brun
Live in Scandinavia
DetErMine/V2

Masterful. This album will make you readdress what you thought you knew of Brun. Smokey vox and bewitching string segments set stall on this career busting 17 song span of live tracks recorded towards the tail end of 2006. The collection foists great merit on her performances. At times Brun eclipes Åström, Weeping Willows, Madrugada in the bitter sweet stakes. The big sounds wailing blue, alt-country (I should be shot for using that description) on such 'beauts as "Lift me" (with equally beguiling Nina Kinert as opposed to Madrugada's Sivert Høyem), and the more up tempo "No. 6", are just two very strong highlights. "Balloon ranger" darts violin, the double bass. KT Tunstall would be proud of "So you did it again".
- Jason Christie

Laakso
Mother, am I good looking?
V2

I've been formualting this review for a the better part of a couple of weeks and now I think I've got something that makes a bit of sense. To start, the album is flawless - and is the work of a band fully realizing a vision and fully realizing their detachment. Laakso has always been a band slightly skewed, in what direction (or directions) I don't know, but it's always been prevalent in their music and part of their charm. This time around, the music is a bit sunnier, yet the lyrics are some of their darkest. "No one is completely faithful" is the acceptance of defeatist truth, yet sung with one of the band's prettiest melodies to date; "Norrköping" is one of the best coming-of-age songs to be written in a long, long time; and "Dropout" just stuns with its Freddy Mercury-esque wall of harmonies bridge. The lead single "Italy vs. Helsinki" is, just as Avi posted before, completely over the top in all aspects. In fact, one may view the whole album as being a bit over the top, but it works perfectly - in fact, if anything played or sung on this album was absent, the album would feel incomplete. Fans of Laakso with fall in love with the record, but its natural detachment may not be understood by all, but then again, not everyone gets the best albums.
- Matt Giordano

The Guild
Oh my guild!
V2

Steely Dan fans rejoice! Sylvester Schlegel of The Ark has shed his shiny glam rock Eurovision leotard and slipped on some worn leather cowboy boots to deliver a fine collection of country-tinged anthems. Been searching high and low for the perfect soundtrack for the big family reunion you've got planned this summer? Look no further, my friends. Opening track "One of your dreams" will have Uncle Bob doing the two-step quicker than you can say Creedence Clearwater Revival, while "Klara's waltz" will send Grandma Mae into wistful reveries about them good ol' days. I bet Sylvester's mum is very proud. Apparently their first gig was her 50th birthday party. Aw, bless.
- Stacey Shackford

Real Ones
Home with the girls in the morning
Breaking Records/V2

After seeing two great live shows, I made sure to snatch a copy of the Real Ones' latest effort. I listened to it when I got home and heard the beautiful harmonies and folk-rock sound and was just floored instantly. This band has a knack for writing great songs and, with perfect production, has delivered a damn fine album. "Home with the girls..." is just one of those records that gets better as it plays through, moreso with each listen. It's one of those albums that you can go back to a few weeks or even months later and still have the same feeling that Real Ones' songcraft is top-notch (at least for me). If you are unfamiliar with their sound, I'd suggest checking out the tracks "The long sentence" (complete with harpsichord), "Orlando" (with its peaceful harmonies), and the centerpiece "Ballad of an old man" (with their neighbourhood choir joining them on the chorus). Real Ones have spent a bit of time in my CD player lately and it's well deserved.
- Matt Giordano

Johnossi
s/t
Rekord Musik/V2

When I got this album in the mail a couple of months ago, I wasn't really feeling it to be honest. Maybe it was because it was cold and raining, or maybe I just wasn't in the mindset to give it a proper listen. Fast forward to last week—I decide to put it in again, and I really start to like it. Maybe it's because it was now sunny and warm, or maybe it was because it was the right time to give it an honest shot. Whichever the reason, this is a standout pop/rock album, full of catchy songs and excellent guitarwork. Tracks like "Man must dance," "Execution song" and "Happiness a la mode" are great sing-a-longs and the proper album closer "Summerbreeze" is just gorgeous (note: V2's reissue adds three bonus tracks at the end). All in all, a solid debut by a band who's obviously on their way to finding their sound, and all luck to them breaking it big.
- Matt Giordano

Kristofer Åström
Black Valley EP
Startracks/V2

His somewhat delayed new EP starts off very strong, with the vocal energy in "So much for staying alive" carrying the listener through the fingerpicked guitar and beautiful organ lines. However, the energy of that track is lost with the second track ("Black Valley theme") on the record being an instrumental, and it's kind of out-of-place on a four song EP (thus making it only three tracks with vocals). While the final two tracks ("Finally home" and "The blackest pond") are great songs, I feel as if they'd flow better on a complete album. Overall, the songs on this record are good, but it's lacking as a cohesive unit and I feel as if this is only a teaser for a new album.
- Matt Giordano

Deltahead
s/t
Peace&Junk&Drums/V2

This record has taken me a long time for me to compose a review for, mainly because I really am unsure how to describe Deltahead's sound to anyone who is unfamiliar with them, but I'll try: Deltahead are a band that plays a drunken combination of blues, punk, rockabilly and garage rock, so fans of The Black Keys, take note. I believe this works best for the on the tracks "Don't move to Finland", "My mama was too lazy to pray" and "I smile at you". These three songs make the first half of the album fly through, but the second half drags a little as the tempo is taken down. Although it's only thirty minutes total, it makes it seem as if the album is a little too long. However, I can see this band's sound working best in the live setting and, as they progress in songwriting together, putting out one rocker of an album.
- Matt Giordano