No, this blog is not based out of Sweden. I still sit here in boring old New Jersey, dreading the upcoming first day of class like any sane individual would. I would not be surprised if you were mistaken though, as it seems Sweden is taking over much of Obscure Sound’s content. I just posted about Johan AngergÃ¥rd’s The Legends a few days ago; one of the dozens in enjoyable Swedish artists featured here the past few months. Would it be intimidating if I said I had even more quality Swedish artists under my sleeve? Alright, alright. From now on, I will try and spread out the exposure a bit more evenly. But, you know, sometimes I cannot help myself. Our latest hyped sensation goes by the name of Kalle J, an up-and-coming producer/songwriter from VästerÃ¥s with a keen mindset for pop, house, and, most importantly, dance music. Barely over the age of 21, Kalle J has already built an immensely popular fan base in his native Sweden and, while his reputation remains most firmly rooted in his home country, he is beginning to build a global following with tracks that are starting to take the clubs and dance charts by storm. Hey, at least now when he eventually starts touring in the USA he’ll be of legal drinking age. Ah, aren’t our drinking laws just so incredibly amusing?
Kalle J first drew attention to himself last year when he signed to Hybris, one of Sweden’s most respectable labels specializing in electronica and dance. Don’t expect this to be the last post on an artist from Hybris; their site is an absolute goldmine of full-length MP3s from a few artists who certainly deserve the recognition. Under the fledging label, Kalle J released his debut album, Om du Lyssnar Noga, last December to warm critical praise from Swedish media outlets and the few but lucky overseas publications that fortuitously stumbled upon the upcoming star. Dance floors also began warming up to the apparent pop prodigy as the debuting single on Om du Lyssnar Noga, “B.G.I.T.”, went on to become a minor hit in Sweden. The song was rather suitably named as well, abbreviated for “Biggest Gossip in Town” – something that Kalle J certainly was in VästerÃ¥s after the release of Om du Lyssnar Noga. “B.G.I.T” also sports an enjoyably quirky, yet symbolically plenteous, music video shot in Stockholm by director Jonas Holmberg. It’s almost daunting to think that such an addictive track was merely the start for an artist that his label calls “the boy wonder of Swedish pop”.
As he has already proven this year, Kalle J is certainly not one accustomed to taking breaks. Already at work on his next album only a few months after the release of his debut, Kalle J’s new single “Vingslag” is undoubtedly one of the best dance tracks of the year. However, when I first heard it, it just sounded so damn familiar. Then it hit me. The main sample that he is using is none other than the string accompaniment on Burt Bacharach’s hit song from 1962, “Make It Easy on Yourself”. Of course though, being a dedicated fan of Scott Walker, I was more familiar with The Walker Brothers’ version of the song; an exceptional cover released in 1965 that propelled to #1 on the UK singles chart. It even reached #16 in the US. Whereas the original was a lush ballad that even hearts made out of stone would crumble to, Kalle J’s incorporated sample sees the exact opposite occur. This is for dancing, not teardrops. With the tempo of the original now energized (thanks cocaine!) and backed by a lively rhythm section, Johan Tuvesson (from Nicolas Makelberge) supplies the breezy vocals, providing a nice touch of variation throughout a droning loop that renders enjoyably repetitive. “You, I’ve come to realize, you came here to paralyze me,” Tuvesson admits over the swiftly subdued instrumentation, “And now I can’t grow older.” When his vocals cease, the loop and rhythmic progression once again kicks into full stride.
While Bacharach’s original version and Kalle J’s sampled gem differ on nearly every account, the lyrical imagery is similar in depicting a loving relationship now in ruins. “Without you, without you,” are the last words that Tuvesson sings on the track, immediately picked up by the optimistic glimmer of Kalle J’s expertly utilized sample. “Vingslag” is an incredible way for Kalle J to make his mark in 2007, showing immediate maturity from his generally pleasing debut. If that is not enough for you, Marcus Söderlund’s brilliant music video for the irresistible single is a must-see. “Vingslag” was released in single form with the canorous dance track, “Unga hjärtan”, serving as a b-side. It nearly reaches the quality of its preceding track and could have easily been an a-side for most conventional dance-pop artists. It weaves a simple melody on piano through a percussive build-up that eventually expands into a lofty array of high-pitched vocal samples, brass accompaniments, and slick production. If Kalle J keeps churning out songs like “Vingslag” and “Unga hjärtan”, there is no doubt in my mind that his second full-length could possibly be the best electronic album of its respected year. Perhaps I am jumping the gun with such a statement, but it appears that Kalle J has already met his astounding potential. There just are not many dance tracks better than “Vingslag”.
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Kalle J – Vingslag (ft. Johan Tuvesson)
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[audio:https://obscuresound.com/mp3/kallej-un.mp3]——————————————————————————————-
[audio:https://obscuresound.com/mp3/kallej-bgi.mp3]——————————————————————————————-
The Walker Brothers – Make It Easy on Yourself
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he is really great- reminds of of Tiga but with a less raunchy sound to it. Its funny that you’re talking about all these Swedish artists because ive notice and influx of recognition for swedish bands. its been a long time since abba.