He killed the party again...

I <3 sweden for many reasons: Meatballs. Cute red houses. The Cardigans. Political neutrality.
So my new and very fitting nordic obsession is centered on Mr. Jens Lekman, a little musician making a big stir on the Baltic shores. With a voice that's at times part Morrissey, part Ian Curtis (Seriously! Come on..even just a little? Humor me) and a style that is, to me, at least, part Beck, part Rufus Wainwright (and surely no part Abba), Mr. Lekman simply breaks and then destroys the mold of your average Swedish pop star.
Utilizing a range of instruments (mandolins, harps, violins, lots of neato beats), Jens' instrumentation is eccentric, yet still maintains a strong, melodious quality that is present in both his ballads and upbeat tunes. Jens also puts on a unique live show, often changing up his peformances by using a lone guitar or varying his singing style via a capella or with a choir and string quartet.
Since 2003 Lekman has released a handful of EPs, three of which were combined, with additional tracks, to create his 2005 album release, Oh You're So Silent Jens. Some essential tracks to download are "Black Cab," the popular "Maple Leaves," "Rocky Dennis' Farewell Song," "Pocketful of Money" and "Julie." According to Lekman's myspace, a new album is scheduled for release later this year.
Still not convinced? Fine, you hard-hearted heathen. Regardless, I leave you with this quote:
"I´m not here to save the world, but if I can just save Göteborg, or make two teenagers in a small town in Norway fall in love... then it´s worth it."
- Jens Lekman

Awwwww.


Official Website