Various: Sound Of Young Sweden vol 3(Labrador, 2002)

Favourite Songs:

Ambulance: 209, Laurel Music: both songs, Punky's Dilemma: Century Of Time



Swedish Labrador is perhaps my favourite label at the moment. I've actually bought eleven labrador releases during the last months and I've liked all of them. This is a compilation that introduces some of their fabulous artists and new upcoming swedish talent. Seven artists and each of them has two songs on this compilation. Let's get started:

Laurel Music:

Oh dear, oh dear. This band will surely make all indiepop fans drop on their knees. Intimate, beautiful, soft female vocals. Warm melodies, Sorrowful lyrics. Simply irresistable. I'm already a fan and I'm eagerly waiting to get their album. Hopefully there will soon be one. At least on Club 8's site Johan had picked Laurel Music's album recordings as his favourite music of may. So they're obviously recording one at the moment. I hope it will be out soon.

Ambulance:

This band was totally new to me but I instantly fell in love with them. Their song called '209' is probably my favourite song on this compilation. If Labrador bands are usually indie pop bands, this one is actually quite close to power pop. Highly melodic song with truly perfect chorus. The other song 'Evelyn' isn't equally wonderful, but a really good song nevertheless.

Punky's Dilemma:

Another new band for me and guess what. Also they are really wonderful. Male-female vocals, Glowing pop melodies, exceptional arrangements. Just fantastic. More songs by Punky's Dilemma can be found from their recent effort on Shelflife records cd-r series.

The Radio Dept:

I haven't yet figured out how I feel about this band. I suppose I should buy the album so I could finally make up my mind. I do like some of their songs and I do feel they deserve the recognicition they are now getting. These songs on this compilation are both good indie rock songs, but I wouldn't shout they're name on rooftops just yet. But I've heard lots of positive things about them, so don't mind me and if you're interested in indierock/pop that doesn't play by the normal rules, Radio Dept. could became one of your favourite bands.

Starlet:

These guys have been around a while longer and I actually knew them even before I got to know Labrador Records. This is melodic guitar pop. Two good songs by them, but not quite as stunning as some of their previous work.

Corduroy Utd:

I've been actually planning to buy their ep for quite some time, but now I finally have even some of their songs on record. 60's influenced pop music. Some mod influences. I might even prefer their older songs to these new but I have nothing to complain about these either.

Chasing Dorotea:

Two good songs by Christopher Sander, but these don't actually give the full picture about Chasing Dorotea. This guy is able to make much more amazing music than these quite pleasant tunes. I highly recommend his debut album, because it is utterly marvellous. It's reviewed elsewhere on the site, if you're interested to read more about Chasing Dorotea.

Overall:

It's a really good compilation that introduces new swedish artists. It also got me thinking how great 'The Sound of Young Finland' compilation would be. I mean two songs by ultrasport, Harry Hunks, Sister Flo, The Rollstons, Red Carpet, The Frost, Le Futur Pompiste etc. I think I'm drewling in here. Mikko, I think its about time for Meet The Scene vol 2 soon. Meanwhile I'll go digging deeper into Labrador's sound and sight experience. It's one of the best labels in the world.





Labrador Website (including huge sound library)

Written 21.05.2003