Lykke Li returns with the long awaited follow up to 2008′s ‘Youth Novels‘. Back then the Swedish starlet was a shy teenager whose quirky manner and heart-on-sleeve delivery made her impossible not to like. Still, the very inexperience and exuberance that made the album so endearing also produced some of its most obvious flaws.
On ‘Wounded Rhymes‘ she is savvy enough to maintain some of that original cutesy charm but is eager to show the lessons she has picked up over the years. there is a new found confidence and sassiness that flows right out of the speakers providing a larger emphasis on production and layered vocals that make this album so alluring.
Our boy Thom added her to his year end list saying “never belting a epic chorus at you or over complicating a melody, Lykke Li is smart, sexy and playful. ‘Wounded Rhymes‘ has kept the charmingly simple strokes of her debut whilst her confidence has blossomed.”
Swedish eccentrics Teddybears return with this groovy new single from their sixth studio album (second in America) ‘Devil’s Music‘. Like their past efforts this latest album is a mixed bag of genres and features a fitting array of guest vocalists.
Appropriately, the track ‘Cho Cha‘ showcases the vocal skills of Cee Lo Green as well as the B52‘s and fittingly demonic video.
A few years back I caught Jens Lekman at the Shepherds Bush Empire. He was touring in support for his album ‘Night Falls Over Kortedala‘ and it was a truly magical experience with the singer-songwriter not only delivering musically but also going out of his way to connect with the audience.
Quite some time has passed since then and, though I have returned to that album several times, I was starting to wonder when the Swede would release some new material. Well, in September I can stop wondering because Jens will be releasing a new EP by the name of ‘An Argument With Myself‘.
The title track is far more upbeat than I expected and judging by how popular it has been since it was released for free I really can’t wait for this release.
Everyone’s favourite 27 member phenomenon I’m From Barcelona are back with their new album ‘Forever Today‘ released this week. ‘Get In Line‘ is the first single and sees the Swedes continue with their their catchy-as-hell streak.
For the purpose of this album they squeezed every member into a studio in Gothenburg where they ate, slept and most importantly played. They finished this off by heading to the coastal Varberg where they recorded everything live. This carefree process really delivers encompassing the ideas of as many of the members as possible.
Touring must be a nightmare for this lot but catching them live is a delight.
That James Walsh‘s voice was perfectly suited for electro tinged music was evident by the Thin White Duke treatment of the Starsailor hit ‘Four To The Floor‘. However, even his biggest fan could not have imagined such a smooth transition into the world of sulky synth music.
Robotic Heart Foundation is the coming together of Walsh and producers Nikolaj Torp Larsson and Andreas Olson to produce what started off as a film project. Four tracks were recorded blending warm vocals with moody arrangements and slick textures.
Such was the impact of these sessions that Walsh is now collaborating with the Swedish duo on his debut solo album.
It has been 3 years since The Concretes brought out their last release but they are back in November with new album ‘WYWH – Wish You Were Here‘.
To coincide with the new album the band have launched a new website; the cunningly titled Wish You Were Here encourages fans to share their holidays photos in exchange for a monthly personalised prize.
The Swedish 7-piece have scheduled a UK tour for December. These photos and their chilled out vibes may bring back a taste of the summer.
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Lykke Li returns with the long awaited follow up to 2008′s ‘Youth Novels‘. Back then the Swedish starlet was a shy teenager whose quirky manner and heart-on-sleeve delivery made her impossible not to like. Still, the very inexperience and exuberance that made the album so endearing also produced some of its most obvious flaws.
