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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