Arbete & Fritids andra LP (Sonet,
1971)
Instrumental
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.
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: ***
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment