Never Mind The Mainstream on KUR (College Rock Radio): The Top 6: Swedish Musicians

This is something I am going to try to do weekly or every other week. I will put a Top 6 of something, just about anything. Why Top 6? Well other than the fact that I said so, five just never seems to be enough.

Today's Top 6: Swedish Musicians

The great Nordic land of Sweden has given birth to more good bands than just ABBA and The Hives, and better ones too. So what else is cool about Sweden? Well, it is the land where dynamite and the blowtorch were invented, ironically along with the seat belt and safety match. It is Nordic, which is cool enough, plus their King looks like Randy Quaid.

"Welcome to Sweden, shitter was full."

So without further ado, here are the top six musicians from Sweden, in no particular order (video evidence at bottom of post.)

The Knife

This brother/sister electronic duo may be most commonly known for writing "Heartbeats," a song which was made famous by another Swede Jose Gonzalez, their unique brand of electro funk tunes is worthy of listening to no matter what country you're from.

Key Tracks: "Heartbeats", "We Share Our Mothers' Health"

Lykke Li

Although the 22 year old singer just made her first album this year, she's already made a splash in the indie music scene. Her Björn Yttling (of Peter, Björn, and John) produced album Youth Novels came out just barely a year ago to critical acclaim. Listen to her all you want, just don't ask me to pronounce her name.

Key Tracks: "Dance Dance Dance", "I'm Good, I'm Gone"

The Sounds

The Sounds are your new go-to band for party music that fits perfectly in the background, but is good enough that your friends will all come up to you and ask who it is. Their two albums are so chock full of indie pop-rock that you'll forget they aren't from England. Take one point off for having a song in a Geico commercial, but add that point back for it being a damn good song.

Key Tracks: "Painted by Numbers", "Dance With Me"

I'm From Barcelona

By far the biggest band on this list, (they clock in at 29 members) you could guess by the post title, this band isn't actually from Barcelona. They started as a one man project that he just so happened to want every one of his friends to be on. The indie/folk/indie pop group released their 2nd album, Who Killed Harry Houdini? in 2008.

Key Tracks: "We're From Barcelona", "Music Killed Me"

Jose Gonzalez

This Swedish but born to Argentenian parents folkster sings in English, his third language. Though most known for "Heartbeats" as mentioned earlier, he also spent some time playing with British group Zero 7 on the album The Garden. He has also covered Kylie Minogue ("Hand on my Heart") and Joy Division ("Love Will Tear Us Apart") to stunning effect.

Key Tracks: "Crosses", "Left Behind (With Zero 7)"

The Tallest Man On Earth

Real name: Kristian Matsson. This very Dylan-esque singer/songwriter has a raw power in his voice and guitar playing that makes you want to feel what he feels. Whether he wants to kill the people keeping him from his love ("The Gardner") or kill the girl herself, ("Where Do My Bluebird Fly?") you can tell he means what he says, which makes him all the more wonderful.

Key Tracks: "Where Do My Bluebird Fly", "Pistol Dream"

The Knife - Heartbeats