The Phoenix Network:
 
 
 
About  |  Advertise
 
Music
CD Reviews  |  Classical  |  Download  |  Live Reviews  |  Music Features  |  New England Music News

Lykke Li

Youth Novels | Atlantic
By SAM UBL  |  August 26, 2008
3.5 3.5 Stars
LykkeLiinside.jpg
Lisa. Nora. Leslie. Lykke? As a category defined by its inoffensive prettiness has grown edgier, so, it seems, have the names. But not only does Lykke Li, Sweden’s hotly tipped bid for Starbucks stereoplay, pose the biggest pronunciation problem of any pop debutant since Björk, her Björn Yttling–produced debut, Youth Novels, one-ups the competition by being sillier, funkier, and less comfortable — more “Konichiwa Bitches” than Keren Ann. Whatever you think of Mr. Yttling’s band (with Peter and John), here he helps Lykke settle into natty lap-pop tracks that accommodate all the colors of the 22-year-old’s dusky voice. Youth Novels may lull listeners with æthereal soundscapes, but cute it ain’t. And thank goodness. “Complaint Department” encourages self-absorption’s obverse, self-reliance, over a stern electro pulse; “My” suns up its sappy sentiments with Beach Boys harmonies. But to applaud this record’s brass balls is by no means to overlook its outsize pleasures: the sweet hooks of “Breaking It Up” and standout single “I’m Good, I’m Gone” would charm far less without their tenacious beats.
Related:
  Topics: CD Reviews , Lykke Li , Keren Ann , Bjorn Yttling ,  More more >
  • Share:
  • RSS feed Rss
  • Email this article to a friend Email
  • Print this article Print
Comments

Today's Event Picks
Plus 6 more >>
ARTICLES BY SAM UBL
Share this entry with Delicious

 See all articles by: SAM UBL

MOST POPULAR
RSS Feed of for the most popular articles
 Most Viewed   Most Emailed 
HOT TOPICS
 More Topics . . .
LATEST SLIDESHOWS

All Slideshows



Thursday, January 08, 2009  |  Sign In  |  Register
 
thePhoenix.com:
Phoenix Media/Communications Group:
TODAY'S FEATURED ADVERTISERS
Copyright © 2009 The Phoenix Media/Communications Group