The Trampolines - How do we do? (CD, 2000) (Swedish Pop Collection #7)

The Trampolines are amazing. One of those Swedish bands that play exemplary pop music. I was going to say "exemplary Swedish pop" but that is unfair. These guys are just too good. Melodies flow easily from this CD. I was hooked with the opening track, Forgiveness. The next two songs right after are just as good (If You Stay Down and Say If You Will, Say If You Won't), If you like pop music then you should enjoy The Trampolines from Sweden. 

The Arch Angel
 

bob hund - Jag Rear Ut Min Själ! Allt Skall Bort!!! (CD, 1998)(Swedish Pop Collection #6 )

 

One of the great things about buying in bulk is that you find gems that you had no idea existed. I do not know anything about bob hund. There is nobody in the band named "bob hund" so I guess it is not a solo artist. Also, as you may have guessed from the title of the CD, this record is sung entirely in Swedish. So, I have no idea what the songs are about. I have no clue. However, the music on this CD is very good. The band is listed in Discogs as being an "Alternative rock" and that is not unreasonable. Think of angular guitar lines and passionate Swedish vocals. Check out the band playing the second song on the album, Tralala Lilla Mointuss, Kom Hit Ska Du Fa En Puss (Sen Kvaill med Luuk). The next song has that angular sound that is really cool, Helgen V. 48  I also find the song God Dag & Adjo pretty interesting.

I consider this a pretty good score. I may need to explore more from this band. I also I need to brush on my Swedish!

The Arch Angel

Kathleen Edwards - Asking For Flowers (CD, 2008)

 

Kathleen Edwards is a Canadian singer/songwriter from Ottawa, Ontario. Asking For Flowers is her third album. If you were to trying to describe her music you would likely use the term "Americana" (even though she is Canadian) or "Alternative Country". I sort of understand these labels because there is a little bit of a "twang" in her music. For example, listen to I Make The Dough, You Get The Glory. For something less twangy try Oil Man's War. 

Listening to this record makes me feel warm. Kathleen's voice and her music just feels right. For me, Goodnight, California is just perfect. What a mood!

The Arch Angel

Ray Wonder - Superwonder (CD EP 1994) (Swedish Pop Collection, CD #4)

 

More guitar driven pop from Sweden. This is my first time listening to Ray Wonder and it sounds like a glorious mess. What do I mean? Ray Wonder's vocalist strains his throat when he sings but it works with the music. Check out the last song on this CD EP, Pregnant. It works, doesn't it? Good find. I will be interested to hear more from Ray Wonder.

The Merrymakers - Saltwater Drinks (CD Single, 1998) (Swedish Pop Collection CD # 5)

 

The Merrymakers. Well, these guys are legends in the pop world. Anyone that has spent time collecting or really exploring the "power pop" world is going to know all about Sweden's Merrymakers. In fact, I already own this CD single but I do not mind having a second copy at all. 

Frankly, you should try and find all of the Merrymakers' output if you can. You will not be disappointed. Here is a link to the video for Saltwater Drinks for you. You need this.

Track Listing:

1. Saltwater Drinks; 2. Sad; 3. Saltwater Drinks (Remix)

The Arch Angel

Various Artists - Rock 'n' Roll Party - vol. 1 Top Rockers From The Past (CD, 2005?)

 

Wow, this red-hot CD is not even listed on Discogs. Maybe I am searchin' incorrectly 'cuz I can't seem to find it. Anyway, this collection is fun and you will find yourself boppin' along to this platter of old 45s. Just put this in the CD player in your car and you are guaranteed to get wherever you are headin' much faster! 

Check out the track listing. Heard of any of these artists or songs before? Yah, neither have I. However, whether these artists were famous or not they are on this CD because their songs rock. Check out this two-fer from Barry Lane- Oh Geronimo & Gettin' Ready for Love.  The version on this CD is much cleaner so don't fret from the scratchiness of the YouTube version. If you liked that then Sonny Lowery's Goodbye baby goodbye will rock your world. Do I sound excited? I am because this music makes me smile because it is so pure. Enjoy.  The Arch Angel

Popsicle - Template (CD 1992) (Swedish Pop Collection CD #3)

 

Popsicle! This is really bright, guitar driven pop. This CD kinda reminds me of the Posies' Frosting on the Beater-era. Melodic but loud guitars. Noisy but pretty. This release is listed as a mini-album on Discogs. 

Discogs has a good description of what I am hearing on this mini-album

The songs were written by Norberg and Mattsson and was initially influenced by British guitar-based shoegazer band My Bloody Valentine and Ride. Popsicle may have laid the foundations of the Swedish indie scene, but it was not until four years later as the band played through to a wider audience, that they had their biggest hit - the single "Not Forever" from the self-titled third album 

For me think more Ride than My Bloody Valentine but the description is not too far off the mark. Overall, the songs are good and if you like the last song of six, Never Know, you will enjoy the whole disc. This is worth the search! 

Track Listing:

1. ten 2. wonderful 3. blow up 4. further 5. loveflies 6. never know

The Arch Angel