If Bloc Party was the first group to win my indie music heart, which they did, then it was the Shout Out Louds who stole my Swedish Pop V card. Sure, it was the regret-less summer of 2005, I was a bit naive in the indie world, and these Swedes knew how to say (and play) all the right things; however, the Shout Out Louds really do deserve genuine praise. It was them, in fact, who set the bar for every future Swedish Pop romance and liaison.
The Shout Out Louds are a Stockholm-based quintet who create loud, energetic, and infectious indie pop. They formed in 2001 but they are most famous for their debut LP, released in 2005. Howl, Howl, Gaff, Gaff, used the addicting melodies found in other Swedish acts but added a greater sense of urgency, mainly through increased use of percussive effects like tambourine, hand claps, and even cowbell. All three of their albums represent a unique but varied collection of tunes, a fitting evolution over time of their songwriting abilities.
I actually had the pleasure of seeing them live twice last year, and I can say that they are one of the best live performances I have witnessed ("Very Loud" + some KISS). Also, as you may notice below, Adam Olenius, the singer, bears an uncanny resemblance to Jason Schwartzman. He might be more talented, too. Here are the recommendations:
Albums: Work (2010), Our Ill Wills (2007), Howl Howl Gaff Gaff (2005)
Tracks: 1999, Walls, Show Me Something New, Tonight I Have to Leave It, Impossible, South America, The Comeback, Very Loud, Go Sadness, Please Please Please
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