February 10, 2007

Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block

After 6 months of getting nothing but acclaim and praise by every music lover in the UK, Peter Bjorn and John’s “Writer's Block” was finally released in the states on February 6th. It’s briskly, feel good rock is hopefully going to do what it did across the pond and make people go crazy over it. The unmistakable, over zealous “Young Folks” has already been inserted into a CBS TV show this year, and the band preformed a wonderful version of tune on Conan O’Brian a week ago. If you could never whistle, this song will make you want to learn that normal childhood trick like never before. Don’t let the overwhelming catchiness deter you from the magic of the entire album. Writers Block does not pack a ferocious punch, but what it lacks in intensity it more than makes up for in a passionate, delightful personality. This Scottish trio wraps you up in cuddly, charismatic and simple folk/pop delights. Tracks like “Objects of My Affection”, “Chills”, “Amsterdam” and “Up Against the Wall” are straightforward songs that have enormous atmosphere. The tunes have mandolins, synths, bongos, well written lyrics and a shit load of imagination. I think the greatest power this album contains is its power to hold you in their songs. You can literally listen to a track on your way to work, have it in you head all day, and still want to listen to it once you get back in your car. Whats worse is every song has the ability to do that. PB&J could definitely hold the key to 2007’s biggest band to emerge from the ever changing UK music scene. It is addictive beyond belief. I am strongly recommending this album as a nice treat to enjoy at a dinner party or as I like to enjoy it as the before, during, and after work album.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

My friend, peter bjorn and john are not scottish. They are Swedish and yes, I know that for a fact. I was at the release party for Writer's Block in Stockholm in may last year and talked to them.

I like your blog.