I like to think that my praise of music reaches to the far ends of the world, or at least to the Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Cuba. Coincidentally our featured artists this week are from those countries.

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Jens Lekman
"Julie RMX"
Oh You’re So Silent Jens

We start of this week’s world review in Sweden with Mr. Lekman. This Morrissey-ish singer-songwriter recently released a sort of greatest hits with his compilation Oh You’re So Silent Jens. For being only 24 years of age Jens has released a ridiculous amount of material. “Julie RMX” is a sappy coming of age love song. The nominal ballad is classic Jens so if you like it you should probably go get the album.

Originality:  7.2
Catchiness:  8.4
Personal:  8.9

Arctic Monkeys
"Fake Tales of San Francisco"
Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not

I would not be at all surprised if you have heard this band on your local alternative radio station, assuming that you still pay attention to that dead technology. The band is very big in the United Kingdom and they are starting to catch on here in the states. The dance-punk band is also very young, averaging about 20 years of age. Their energy and British wit carry them more than their musical talent. “Fake Tales of San Francisco” is one of their slower songs, but to hear their upbeat single “I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor” check out the Pacifican’s podcast (thepacificanonline.com).

Originality:  5.3
Catchiness:  7.2
Personal:  4.7

Buena Vista Social Club
"Chan Chan"
Buena Vista Social Club

This group of thirteen musicians was assembled by American producer/musician Ry Cooder. Before the recording of Buena Vista Social Club they had all been a part of the private musical club in Havana Cuba, of which their group was named. The recording of the album created quite a buzz among American and European listeners and in turn popularized Cuban music throughout the world.

These Cuban Casanovas average about four times the age of the previous two bands reviewed:  about eighty years of age. While the band is quite old they are still quite sharp and will probably continue producing music individually until the day they die.

Originality:  6.8
Catchiness:  9.0
Personal:  8.7

The Hollencomium Review Podcast Playlist

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