ARBETE & FRITID – Arbete & Fritids andra LP (Sonet, 1971) / Arbete Och Fritid (MNW, 1973)

Arbete & Fritids andra LP (Sonet, 1971)
Instrumental

International relevance: ***

With such a phenomenal debut album behind them, it wouldn't be wise trying to repeat it, so Arbete & Fritid changed direction a bit for the follow up. Perhaps a bit simplifying, but if ”Arbete & Fritid” was an open-minded jazz effort, then ”Arbete & Fritids andra LP” is an open-minded folk album, with more tangible elements Swedish traditional music that fit in seamlessly with the group's overall sound of a modal foundation and drone qualities. It's a vastly elaborate piece of art with a mysterious glow of deep godfree spirituality. If anyone needs further proof of Arbete & Fritid's expansive magnificence after their maiden work, then this it it.

The album had a Record Store Day reissue but with boosted bass which unfortunately changed its character a bit.

Arbete Och Fritid (MNW, 1973)

Instrumental, Swedish vocals
International relevance: ***

Oddly enough, the band's third album is eponymous like the first, but musically it follows along their second with a strong folk influence. New to this album are the vocals on several tracks including ”Petrokemi det kan man inte bada i)”, an absolute killer track and very different to what you'd expect from Arbete & Fritid; so heavy, drony, shamanistic and forcefully ritualistic they out-Hawkwinds Hawkwind. Equally excellent is opening track ”Gånglåt efter Lejsme Per Larsson, Malung”, a traditional tune by way of fiddler Lejsme Per, beautifully combining melancholy yearning and soulful assurance. (I guess you could say that Lejsme Per comes in second after Hjort Andes Olsson among legendary fiddlers.) 

This is music to fill your heart with.

Arbete & Fritids andra LP full album playlist

Full album playlist with bonus track