MP3: Christian & Karla-Therese Kjellvander - Southern accents
If you've ever had the opportunity to see Christian Kjellvander in concert or have heard the live tracks off the "Introducing the past" collection, you know that he is an impressive performer. Whether he's playing solo, with a full band or alone with his wife Karla-Therese as is the case on today's track, his voice stands out, shining through in his rich, clear baritone. I'm most familiar with the Johnny Cash version of "Southern accents" from the "Unchained" album, but the track is actually a Tom Petty original and the title track to his 1985 album. Petty, as you'd expect, tends to sound a bit more pop/mainstream on the original and Cash lends it more of a gospel touch with his clear, booming diction and backing organ, however, the Kjellvanders make it their own by keeping things very subdued and very country. They also layer on a few exceptional bluegrass vocal harmonies, a subtle but important touch. Most importantly though, it's their show of restraint that separates them. Listen to either of the other two versions after this one and you might start thinking they're a bit too melodramatic and overwrought. It's certainly happening to me.
Christian & Karla-Therese Kjellvander - Southern accents