Swedish Fish

dfjacobs — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:20:15 +0000

The Sweet Nectar of Corn Syrup

As I sit patiently at the computer, waiting for the clock to strike midnight so that I can finally get my hands on Battle Studies (see bonus track, Bruce favorite “I’m On Fire”), I listen to the harmonious sounds of Scandinavia. If I told my parents I was listening to the sweet sounds of Sweden, they’d immediately assume I was being serenaded by 70’s pop sensation ABBA or possibly the Cardigans. And while ABBA is great (Yeah I said it, what? Listen to “Does Your Mother Know” and tell me they’re not classy), Sweden has a new generation of musical luminaries, who happen to be far more respectable to the average hipster than their predecessors.

The young Swedish indie elite include the likes of Lykke Li, Jens Lekman and Miike Snow (and many more, most notably Air France and Robyn). Ms. Li who is featured on many classics such as N.A.S.A’s “Gifted,” Drake’s “Little Bit” and, of course, her critically drooled over LP, Youth Novel. While I almost passed along Youth Novel’s hit single “I’m Good, I’m Gone,” which really is quite grand, I’ll leave you with a more recent release, the Rodeo remix of Kings of Leon’s “Knocked Up,” which is taken to the next level by the Swedish gem.

Jens Lekman, perhaps my favorite of the Swedish Phish (Woah, pun fiesta), quickly wins over any hipster who snags a copy of Night Falls Over Kortedala. His unmistakable voice coupled with a big band creates infectious and brilliant tracks. On “A Postcard to Nina,” he sings about meeting a pen pal for the first time in Germany. I won’t ruin the song, but suffice to say, the lyrics tell a hilarious, Larry David-esque story. His encounter with the girl’s father is so awkward, culminating in the moment when, “I put my hands on a metal object/ He jokes and tells me it’s a lie detector.” It’s a creatively crafted song with fantastic horns and a dreamlike introduction. And, for those of you itching for more of “Lekman the Lethario,” check out “The Opposite of Hallelujah” and “Your Arms Around Me,” both off of Night Falls Over Kortedala.

Finally, Miike Snow has been receiving quite a bit of press, in addition to a plethora of samples (see “Cult Logic Forever” by the Hood Internet). The producers turned artists of Miike Snow have not been receiving the same love from the critics as their country woman Ms. Li, but in their defense, who even reads Pitchfork anymore? Snow dominated the hypemachine for a long while, proving that the blogosphere’s wannabe elite do not always speak for listeners everywhere (full disclosure: I am an avid reader of Pitchfork and quite often a big fan). As all of you readers remember, Edward has already given you their outstanding “The Kids Don’t Stand a Chance” remix, as well as their hit “Animal.” So, I’m going to combine the two, and give you the Crookers remix to “Animal” (Both a remix and an “Animal”). A decent song in its own right, Crookers steps it up to turn this track into a keeper, just like they did with Kudi’s “Day n Nite”.

The Animal Show » Air France

Swedish Fish