Customer Reviews

Before & After

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Power pop is a dirty word. Most people--including some of the musicians and artists who play it--run like hell whenever the term is brought up. They may have something: it is, after all, a little immature and very retro. But despite all of that baggage many bands continue to take the genre to new and interesting levels. The Wannadies, who hail from a town in Sweden that's not far from the artic circle, are no exception.
Rock is not very complicated. When you get down to it it's all about having fun, love, and losing love. Before and After is perfectly tailored to fit those themes. The first half the album is the fun part: the party, and the pursuit of sex. Songs like "Little By Little," "Skin," and "All Over Me" rip with energy and high charged emotion. You can almost dance to the tunes as they explode out of your speakers. Dancing is a concept I rarely associate with power pop, and yet The Wannadies manage to pull it off. The "before" part of the album has all of the tension and expectation of a big bash about to occur.
The last six songs deal with the "after" part--and again the band makes it all happen with lush melodies and clever lyrics. The last six songs are moodier and more subdued; sort of like a hazy not-so-awful hangover. While I prefer the first half of the album to the second songs like "Disko," "Happy," and "Love Letter" make for some nice listening.
The band deserves some credit for taking on this concept. This album is novel and refreshing. It's funny, intense, and kind of sad all at the same time. The song's contents will not embarrass you, or, cause you to ponder the big questions of life and the universe. It's good and simple songwriting backed up by great vocals and expert playing.
While I would never rate this album a "classic" many people have called The Wannadies one of the world's greatest rock bands...Well, I'm inclined to believe them.

Another winner from these Swedes. This is the third cd I've bought of theirs; all 3 are at least 4 stars. I believe this is their first truly domestic release (through Parasol). Somewhat of a concept album, at least in the track listing. The first half is sing along pop/rock; second half more somber and and introspective. The first half is certainly superior (IMO), but the second half grows on you. I offer 4 stars by averaging first half (5 stars), vs. second half (3 stars). Also recommended; self-titled 97 release, and Skelleftea (a hits compilation). How swede it is!