Colonia [Import]

A Camp

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 3, 2009)
• Original Release Date: February 2, 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: 101 DISTRIBUTION
• ASIN: B001KOI2SW
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #167,387 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

2009 sophomore album from this outfit featuring Nina Persson, vocalist from Swedish Pop heathens The Cardigans. Originally formed as a Swedish musical duo by Persson and Atomic Swing musician Niclas Frisk, A Camp has since evolved into a trio with the addition of American film composer, Shudder to Think member, and Nina's husband, Nathan Larson. As the title Colonia suggests, the new album is a journey through a myriad of themes, events and ideas which have been prevalent throughout history and remain true today. 12 tracks. A Camp.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dreamy melodies and distinctive vocals., February 12, 2009

By	southgate (New York, N.Y.) - See all my reviews

"A Camp" is a collaborative effort between two Swedish musicians: pop star and former figure skater Nina Persson, of The Cardigans fame, and Niclas Frisk, (guitarist and composer), an outdoorsman and explorer who had himself enjoyed pop stardom with his Swedish pop eccentrics Atomic Swing.
Their first LP, the eponymous "A Camp" in 2001, was awarded four Swedish Grammies and met with much critical praise abroad and Stateside.
Its follow-up, "Colonia", was recorded last year in New York - where she lives and performs with Brechtian political cabaret outfit The Citizens Band - with help from Persson's husband (soundtrack composer, formerly of influential US alternative mavericks Shudder To Think) Nathan Larson, drummer Kevin March, Joan Wasser (aka Joan As Police Woman), Swedish singer-songwriter Nikolai Dunger and former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha.
Over the years, the music and lyrics Persson has produced have grown increasingly ambitious and intellectually bold, slowly revealing a talent of quirky originality and genuine substance. "I am still the Lovefool girl", she insists.
"Colonia" is an absolute gem of smart, melodious, provocative pop Americana, and Nina eases through this collection of a dozen darkly luscious songs.
If anything, it's a better effort than their charming debut, packed full of lovely melodies, a dreamy style, clever lyrics and wondrous vocals.
The bold, elegant opening track, "The Crowning", is a gaudy, sarcastic farewell to an unnamed former world leader. It is quite a departure from the band's intimate, country inflected debut.
The guitar loops that herald the arrival of "Stronger Than Jesus", meanwhile, are melodic, folksy and classic American... with Persson hinting at the style of Sheryl Crowe vocally
"We wanted it to be more of everything," says Persson. "A little more restless, less introvert and more irritated. Grumpiness can be quite charming. It's more funthan being someone really smart and clever and politically correct", she says.
"Colonia" is a seductive album about big themes, "an exploration of colonialism, as the title implies", according to Nina's husband, Larson, and the world's cultural surrender to America.
"The music is romantic but lyric-wise we wanted to take away the romantic fog and just look at human instincts", says Frisk.
If anything, it's a better effort than their charming debut, packed full of lovely melodies, a dreamy style, clever lyrics and wondrous vocals.
And Nina eases brilliantly through this collection of a dozen darkly luscious songs.
My highlights: "Stronger Than Jesus", "Love Has Left The Room", " My America", "The Weed Got Here First", "Stronger Than Jesus" and, back to the swinging '60s mode, the upbeat "Here Are Many Wild Animals".
Warmly recommended.
A Camp
To Survive

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best albums of 2009 by far, June 10, 2009

By	Duane Moody "duanemoodydotcom" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Colonia (MP3 Download)

As a long time fan of the Cardigans, I found out about A Camp a while ago, and fell deeply in love with their self titled debut after discovering it. Imagine my delight and supreme surprise that A Camp announced they would release a new album early in 2009; my excitement was palpable. Needless to say, I had very, very high hopes.

The best part, is that they totally delivered. Nina Persson is one of the best song writers, and definitely one of the most consistently beautiful singers of her time. Nina's vocals are that of the angels, and on this album, she continues to prove to me why she is one of my all time favorite singer/songwriters.

It is no surprise that many people will never hear about this amazing band, because that seems to be the way it goes with amazing talent. However, if you are one of the lucky ones, you will recognize true talent when you hear it. That talent is A Camp, and they have released an AMAZING sophomore album with Colonia. Do yourself a favor and fall in love with the sweet sounds of A Camp!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better and Better, June 7, 2009

By	Elaine L. Larson "A Camper" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: A Camp (Audio CD)

A Camp has really hit it--lilting and beautiful melodies, dark and sophisticated lyrics. This is not to be missed! I find the songs running over and over in my mind and each time I listen it takes on new meanings and depth.