Klas - To Sleep And Love

Klas is a delightful little 5 piece band from Malmö, Sweden that specializes in some very enjoyable lo-fi twee acoustic indie pop. The comparisons to Jens Lekman are somewhat justifiable, especially because lyrics like "all the crap I learned when I was seven is the same crap that I still hold on to" boast that same stylish 'jilted boyfriend' charm that sounds like it's meant to be depressing but actually still manages to put a little bit of a smile to my face. However the more organic approach of this CD begs more of a Lloyd Cole comparison to me than Jens. There's also some deliberate shout-outs to Lou Reed (he lifts a line from the VU's 'Waiting For The Man' on the song Fine Time) as well as R.E.M. (lifting a line from 'Nightswimming' for the song, um, Nightswimming) showing that the band likes to wear their influences on their sleeves, but in a way that is paying homage moreso than simply imitating. Some other highlights are songs like Duck Couples, where vocalist Klas Sjögberg compares his current relationship to the unbreakably eternal relationship that ducks apparently have with each other. Goofy yes, but charming as well. Canaries is a country song about the lengths people will go through to flee a bad relationship. And finally, An Eyeball Of Love is a great way to end the CD, another ode to love (are you starting to sense a pattern here?) and how it's still possible to enjoy a relationship even during the hard times. Although To Sleep And Love is no giant step forward in the world of lo-fi indie rock, it's still an enjoyable album that is worth seeking out and throwing onto the old CD player on a cold winter night. With your loved one.

The debut album "To Sleep And Love" is now available for only 10 dollars/60 spänn/6 euros and you can purchase it by e-mailing the band at: klastheband@gmail.com or get it from Series Two Records or Evil Twin.

Myspace: Klas
Download: Fine Time mp3

Download: Baby Blue mp3


Other stuff: Sorry for the lack of postings this week, it's been another one of those 'so insanely tired that I can't focus on other stuff, let along blogging' sort of weeks. I did go to the Calexico / Cuff The Duke show so I'll have that review up soon, as well as another exciting contest coming up and tons of CD's to tell you about. But in the meantime...

Loving the new Brendan Canning video for Churches Under The Stairs. It serves to only whet my appetite more for the upcoming BSS show at The Sound Academy on November 27th and 28th. I'll be at the show on the 28th. [Myspace: Brendan Canning]

There's still a few days left to enter your choices for this years CBC Radio 3 2008 Bucky Awards. Where else do you get the opportiunity to choose between Alice Glass and King Khan for Canada's sexiest artist? Voting ends November 28th. [Myspace: CBC Radio 3]

My favourite LA musician Chance has just released his latest CD entitled Famous Words and Alibis. You can purchase the new album here, and you can watch the video for Happening (featuring the Rock 'N Roll Granny) on youtube. [Myspace: Chance and the Choir]

The Broken West play around with their songs over on Daytrotter. [Myspace: The Broken West]

In 2001, Neil Finn (Crowded House) released an excellent live album called 7 World Collide, featuring guest appearances by Eddie Vedder, Lisa Germano, Johnny Marr, Phil Selway and Ed O'brien from Radiohead, Sebastian Steinberg and Tim and Liam Finn. According to the Wilco news page, it looks like he's doing it again with the same cast reappearing as well as KT Tunstall and Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, John Stirratt, Glenn Kotche and Pat Sansone. Any shows in connection with this '09 release are taking place in New Zealand. In the meantime, I'm getting ever more excited about my date with Wilco and Neil Young at the ACC on December 5th. Of course, they're playing the 4th as well. [Myspace: Neil Finn; Myspace: Wilco]

Basia Bulat @ Criminal Records (In-Store Performance)

Ah, Basia. After melting my heart about a month ago while opening for Ohbijou at Lee's Palace, Basia Bulat's Oh My Darling has been in incessant rotation on the old ipod. As you can see by it's high placing on my year end best of, the album has pierced my very soul, and the opportunity to see her play for free at a local record store was an opportunity that I could definitely not pass up on. This wasn't your typical 20 minuter, as most in-stores are, because this one was being broadcast on CBC Radio 3. So, for all intents and purposes, this was a full out concert. What particularly warmed my heart was the turn out for this event. I got there early (just to be safe) and although I needn't of worried at that time, getting there right at seven may not have proved itself to be quite as advantageous. The place was packed, which was truly great to see. Basia's voice was flawless, as she opened the show singing accompanied only by her own foot stomps and handclaps. She could sing the phone book, as far as I'm concerned. Flawless. She always looks like she's genuinely having the time of her life when she performs, and she also looks at her bandmates as if she's a proud mother, truly blown away by all that they contribute. Add all that to her apparently sincere humility, and you've got yourself what I would consider to be a real Canadian treasure. Cuff The Duke's Wayne Petti also sang along for the last song. It'll be interesting to see what the next year or two holds for Basia. I've heard from a very reliable source, that with the Rough Trade label having recently been sold to the Beggars Group, her potential for significant promotion overseas is huge. I wish her all the success that she deserves.

I should also add that upon meeting her after the show, I've come to the conclusion that her adorabilty is no mere act of showmanship. This girl is genuine, through and through. (Added bonus: she explained how to properly pronounce her name. It's "Basha," if you're wondering...) It was really cool to meet her, and she treated us as if we've been her friends for years. If my predictions for the future are even remotely accurate, then you know I'll be playing the "I knew her when" card. How can I not?

Photos: Basia Bulat @ Criminal Records on flickr
Download: Snakes and Ladders mp3
Myspace: Basia Bulat
Video: Snakes and Ladders live in Brussels on youtube.