Customer Reviews

Pop Pa Svenska + Plan 714 Till

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

People who discovered Komeda with their 1996 album The Genius of Komeda, may not have known that the band had been together since 1992 and released an album--sung entirely in Swedish--in 1993 and a follow-up EP--also in Swedish--in 1995. Minty Fresh, their US label (also home to early albums by fellow Swedes, The Cardigans), are risking a lot releasing both on a single CD, but it is completely worth it. The mechanical, Stereolab-ish sound of Genius of and What Makes It Go (1998), weren't fully developed back then--the early Komeda sound is more indebted to Phil Spector (which may have something to do with guitarist Henrik Andersson, who left after the first album). Indeed, Pop Pa Svenska is one of the most assured debut albums in history. One listen to the pulsing Bonjour Tristesse, the energetic Feeling Fine, or the shimmering Stjarna--all featuring the extraordinary vocals of Lena Karlsson--and you'll be sold. Plan 714 Till Komeda isn't quite as strong, but will make wonderful filler on this chock full CD. Highly recommended, even for non-Komeda fans, and non-Swedish speakers.

I first found Komeda at a listen booth in Tower Records in L.A. and was completely blown away. Their first two U.S. releases were in english and are awesome works of art. If Rock music had a circus, Komeda would be the house band. Their blend of off-time beats, jangly chords, and haunting vocal lines are hypnotizing. I have turned alot of people into Komeda fans by playing songs from these CD's. Buy this and listen to it a few time while driving in your car. You will find yourself taking the long way home because you simply cannot get enough.

This cd is terrific. If you dig that strange sound that bands like the Cardigan's have, that you can't quite put your finger on, but love to death, check out Komeda! I loved this album in sections. I would listen to nothing but 3 tracks from the cd for a week or two and then find that once I had memorized them in my head that I would become obsessed with different tracks instead that turned out to be just as good! Buy this if you're looking for something that's different enough to never sound stale, but not so out there that your mom won't ask you to borrow the cd :)

Some Highlights:

Bonjour Tristesse

Vackra Kristaller

Glod

feeling fine

When I heard "What Makes It Go" upon its release in America, I was so impressed that it redefined my thoughts on music. I was amazed at the high production value and the talent in the band. I have heared "What Makes It Go" so many times that I can just play back the entire album in my head and feel just as great about it. With the release of this collection in America, I am happy to hear the words in Swedish, as it allows the vocals to be more of an instrument and allows me to appreciate the talent of Komeda even more.

Hands down, this first compilation from Komeda is one of the most re-listenable (if that's an acceptable word) CDs that I've ever owned -- what more needs to be said?

Well, just that you'll find an equal measure of melody, grooves, beats, and humor in these tracks. They're in the same general musical territory as bands like Stereolab & Saint Etienne, but they've definitely staked out their own ground. They aren't afraid to go gleefully over the top when the song requires it, yet they never succumb to mere self-aware parody -- whatever else they bring to the music, they give you catchy, memorable songs before anything else. Once something like "Bonjour Tristesse" gets inside your head, you won't be able to get it out -- and you won't want to, either!

While their later CDs are sung in English, I find that I prefer the singing in Swedish on this one, even if I don't know what they're saying. It makes Lena Karlsson's wondrous vocals seem like one more instrument in the mix. It's all one long, happy party here, complete with slower, melancholy moments from time to time.

Honestly, you just can't go wrong with this one -- most heartily recommended!

The lyrics is great. Any band that namnedrops Guy Gadbois (the alias of Inspector Clousseau!),Sagrada Familia and Peter Frampton in the same song is worth checking ou.All english listerners: take a course in swedish and enjoy it even futher!

The crowning jewel that is Komeda!! forget everyone else!! Drop everything your doing and worship Lena Karlsens Aura. My favorite songs are

Vackra Kristaller, Feeling Fine, Mod fuego del vida.

I know I'm hamming this up. But to be honest It's rare to find something that I like this much, or right a positive review.

Komeda Rocks!!!

If you don't speak Swedish you may want to deduct a star.

I don't speak Swedish but since I'm a Komeda fan I still enjoy the album.

Actually its a double album, almost 80 minutes long.

Most of the music is pleasant (a few off songs) and I like it.

But I'd probably like it A LOT more if I spoke the language.

Start with What Makes it Go, then try Kokomemedada, then Genius, and save this for last.