If you still find yourself whistling the tune from “Young Folks,” the indie anthem off Peter Bjorn and John’s 2006 release, “Writer’s Block,” do not fret. On March 31 their 2009 release, “Living Thing,” is sure to keep you side-steppin’ and boppin’.
After “Writer’s Block” was a hit with remixers such as Diplo, Girl Talk, and Kanye West, Peter Bjorn and John step back into the ring with a more “in your face” tone with singles like “Nothing to Worry About” and “Lay it Down.”
Kanye is a big supporter of Swedish trio Peter Bjorn and John, with their collaborative 2007 performance of “Young Folks” at Swedish music festival Way Out West, and on January 6th, Kanye West also leaked their first single “Nothing To Worry About” on his blog KanyeUniverseCity.com
Taking the mixing into their own hands, this album uses more electro beats, dance keys and voxed vocals that Molly Ringwald would have danced to in “The Breakfast Club.”
Opening track “The Feeling” will certainly give the feeling that this album is different. The repeated line, “I feel it, They feel it, There’s something in the air,” is hint enough.
The familiar vocals of Peter Morén are featured in the second track, “It Don’t Move Me,” along with the heavy keyboard chords of Bjorn Yttling and the clangy ’80s drum stylings of John Eriksson.
The third song on the album “Just The Past” carries a heavy tribal beat similar to the early ’80s Clash song, “Straight To Hell,” famously sampled by M.I.A in “Paper Planes” and more recently covered by Lilly Allen and The Clash’s own Mick Jones.
The Kanye-raved “Nothing To Worry About” takes the fourth spot on the track list with a kid’s chorus reminiscent of Justice’s “D.A.N.C.E.” This track is quirky, as is the music video that features a group of break-dancing Elvis impersonators.
The particularly good slower track, “I Want You,” is seventh in the lineup with a memorable guitar melody and simple bass line that gently lead into the ruder succeeding track. “Lay it Down.” The profanity-laced chorus warns, “Take your hands off that girl,” in this album’s angry, second single.
The rest of the later tracks follow a mixture of 1950s doo-wop in track “Stay This Way” and 1980s synth in the touching track “Blue Period Picasso,” with the line, “you just kindly stole my heart.”
Finishing the album are the drone electro sounds of “4 Out of 5” and the Phil Collins-esque echoed keys, reverbed vocals and electric drums of “Last Night,” leaving a definite 1980s aftertaste.
With standout tracks like “Nothing to Worry About,” more prominent vocals, familiar beats, and a decade-inspired feel, Peter Bjorn and John’s “Living Thing” delivers a reliable new playlist for your next dance party.
If you like these artists, you might like this album:
The Clash – Combat Rock
REM – Accelerate
Vampire Weekend – Self-Titled
Justice – Cross
Tears for Fears – Tears Roll Down (Greatest Hits 82-92)
The Doors – Self-Titled
