Jag Saknar Sverige

I miss Sweden. I'm taking an "intro. to Nordic Studies" class this semester at CU and it has me really looking forward to spending this upcoming summer with family in Sweden. I miss the open, accepting, relaxed culture, the art, the music, the fashion, the unpretentious, natural style people seem to have. While the government is far from perfect, I think that we could learn a thing or two from the Swedish model, which at least manages to provide basic rights like healthcare and welfare for it's own people, without 'spiraling into an indebted communist tyranny" as many Americans seem to think would be the case. It all goes back to the old Lutheran ethics that tell us it is our duty as citizens to provide and look out for our fellow people, and this has translated into one of the world's most successful social democratic republics today. Americans think that regulation of big business is one of the "evils of big government", but look at the recent government take-over and bailout of the domestic automotive industry, not to mention the massive aid given to our ailing baking system. This move, necessary to save what is left of the American economy, was a direct socialist action of way bigger proportions than anything in Europe, yet went right over the heads of most American citizens. Why? Because we trust our government too much. We are largely a nation of sheep, being herded around by the politicians, bankers, and CEO's, who con us into believing that everything is in our best interest. In most successful European republics, people don't implicitly trust their government. Went things are going well, there are riots, protests, revolutions. The government is afraid of the people, as it rightfully should be, and is constantly being held accountable for its actions in both the public and private arenas.

On a more random note, some great new albums by Swedish Artists I Like:

Southern Sweden's star pop producer, Andreas Kleerup, who for years produced tracks for more well-known vocalists like Robyn, has finally released his own project, "Kleerup", on EMI Records Sweden, which was released in the U.S last July. A superb album full of eerie chord progressions and danceable syths, plus a range of excellent guest vocalists. Highlight's include "Until We Bleed" [with Lykke Li], "Thank you for nothing" and "On My Own Again." Highly reccomended.

Miike Snow, a trio of talented pop musicians, released a self-titled album recentlty that, while sharing some qualities of fellow Svenska pop musicians 'The Knife' and 'Kleerup', has a distinctive sincerity that is not to be missed. 'Black and Blue" along with "Silvia" are emotive and superb singles.

Gothenburg's 'Air France' have recently released a long-awaited full-length LP, "On Trade Winds", and their etherreal production and uniquec sampling style shines on tracks like "June nights south of the Seina", "Excuses", and "No Way Down." Add this collectionj to their debut EP and you have a seriously inventive and enjoyable electronic collection. Superb.