Won't You Step Inside? (Odeon, 1971)
English vocals
International relevance: ***
After their uncredited back-up work for
Doris on her ”Did You Give the World Some Love Today, Baby?” in
1970, Heta Linjen took a shot at an album of their own for the same label
Odeon in 1971. Lead by jazz pianist Berndt Egerbladh and drummer
Janne Carlsson (of Hansson & Karlsson et al), ”Won't You Step
Inside” is a musically solid affair, inspired by the jazz rock of
the day (not fusion) – think Blood Sweat & Tears without the
horn section, or Solar Plexus with a greater late 60's emphasis. Bengan Karlsson is a bit undistinguished as a singer, and someone like Tommy Körberg would have elevated the album. Still, ”Won't You Step Inside” is much better than it sounds, and it grows over time. Worth checking out.
Feta Heta Linjens supershow (med Kisa, brass och brudar) (Polydor,
1971)
English vocals, spoken word
International relevance: **
”Feta Heta Linjens supershow” mixes
music with comedy skits and that's not a good idea. The spoken bits are
incredibly annoying already the first time (not to mention dated) but
the music is overall better than on their debut. Good news is
that the vocals aren't left to Bengan Karlsson alone, bad news is
that powerful singer Kisa Magnusson goes a bit over the top. The
musical segments are often fine (the jazz freaky ”You Shall Find
Your Way” and ”Mama”) and even great (the incredibly powerful
and funky ”It's Risi'n Up Real” [sic]). The best tracks from the first album and the proper songs from the second would make for a much more cohesive album overall.
Hideous album cover by the way.
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