Few artists can make the lyrics sound so engaging as Simon Norrsveden. And on his fifth and latest album”Tarquinia”, this is even more obvious when he has downscaled the arrangements to a more analogue and organic sound. Here we come much closer and his bright crystal clear vocals deliver every word like if it’s a secret just for you. We meet him in magically beautiful time-stops-for-a-moment-songs like “Tarquinia” and in strong pop tracks with choruses and phrases that stick in your mind like in “Lika Tight som Rock’n’Roll”. The analogue noise has it’s effect and makes the songs feel alive. Rough panned drums, raw, crunchy guitars and other colourful touches in the production keep you on your toes throughout the journey through the album, contrasting the sweet melodies. In the end I’m also rewarded with the final and best song on the album, “Babies”.

Simon Norrsveden on Facebook – on Spotify – on Apple Music

Here are four delicious pop temptations in a quick post:

Join the Riot – “Louis”

“Louis” is Join the Riot’s tribute to Lou Reed, one of the band’s heroes. It’s also the first single from their debut EP “Buckle Up”, which was released recently.

Simon Norrsveden – “Kär i vem som helst” – video

Here’s a new single and video from a skilled songwriter: Simon Norrsveden.

Oh, sweet absence – “Moonshine Song/Deceitful”

Oh, sweet absence is a young band hailing from Eksjö, who make music which sometimes feel like if Lou Reed and The National had started project together.

Pestens tid – “Inte tänka, inte höra” – album

Epic, grand Göteborg-garagepop from Malmö with the band Pestens tid. They have a new brilliant album out now, “Inte tänka, inte höra”. Here are two songs:

Dom som vinner
Ingenting

I have the honour to show you another exclusive premiere today. It’s Sofar Sounds’ live recording of  Simon Norrsveden performing his song “Bloodsucker Boy“, a song I wrote about last month. It’s a wonderful, (almost) unplugged song version which emphasizes what a great song it is and what an interesting artist Simon is.
The video is a part of Sofar Sounds‘ series of intimate live recordings, which I wrote about yesterday. If you’d like to follow their recordings from Stockholm you can join Sofar Stockholm’s Facebook page.