Saturday, June 11, 2022

EMIGRANTORKESTERN – Nu packar vi bagaet: Emigrantvisor (Oktober, 1978)

 Swedish vocals
International relevance: *

Above average Oktober album insofar it has a bit of entertainment value. Firmly rooted in tradition, the album focuses on songs from the period in Swedish history when almost one million Swedes left poverty for hope for a better life in America from the mid 19th to the early 20th century. With less blatant politics shoved in your face it's easier to stomach than most releases on the Oktober label, but while the performances are enthusiastic, its greatest value is still of a documentary nature. I appreciate that these songs are saved on record for posterity as they represented an important part of Sweden's social history, but it's not an album I'd put on for everyday pleasure. As a matter of fact, I'm not sure I'll ever put it on again. Quite frankly, it gets a too thumbs-up hey-ho over the course of 40 minutes playing time, not unlike a Guinness-soaked Dubliners album.

Emigrantorkestern released two more albums in 1982 and 1983, plus a 45 also on Oktober in 1982. Their final LP ”Rårivet” was recorded with homemade instruments.

Side one
Side two

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