The Cardigans: Super Extra Gravity
The Artist: The Cardigans
The CD: Super Extra Gravity (Universal International)
In the US, The Cardigans are known mainly for their 1996 hit “Lovefool,” from the soundtrack to that pretentious version of Romeo and Juliet with Leonardo DeCaprio. While that light breezy pop tune caught the ear of the American public, it was not typical of the Cardigans’ harder-edged sound, and as a result, they’ve been consigned to the one-hit-wonder category. And that’s a shame, because this band is the true successor to the “tough broad with a killer voice fronting a tight band with great songs” mantle that used to belong to Blondie. This new album was supposed to be released worldwide back in October, but the release date came and went without it showing up in US stores. Evidently the Cardigans’ American record label had second thoughts about dropping this CD into the crowded pre-Christmas musical landscape. This sort of decision is the real reason that the music industry is in such a slump. This album is topping the charts all over the rest of the world. Luckily, imports can be ordered from Amazon, and I hear the album is available from iTunes. If you enjoy crisp, well-crafted pop rock with great vocals, it’s well worth the extra expense.
The album opens with “Losing A Friend,” a ballad that’s a killer “kiss-off” song. The darker tone sets the emotional theme of the album, which is about as far removed from the light pop of “Lovefool” as you can get. Musically, this track would be right at home on one of the later Beatles albums. “Godspell” is nearly as catchy as anything the Cardigans have ever done. It has no relation to the musical, but it’s still a contender for “hit single that never was” status. That it’s a wry comment on the pitfalls of organized religion is gravy.
I mentioned the darker tone. Lyrically, this album seems to be inspired by the type of emotional upheaval that makes for great music. Many of the songs sport just the right mix of bitterness, cleverness and harmonies. There’s lots of “you hurt me but I’ll survive just to spite you” sentiments infused into this music. Singer/lyricist Nina Persson has said that she wanted the record to sound “strange and good.” I’d say the band succeeded admirably.
“Little Black Cloud” is another track that, by all rights, should be a huge hit. The harmonies are incredible, the arrangements sparkle and anyone who’s ever been through a bad relationship can identify with the lyrics. “Holy Love” keeps the album from being an overwhelming downer. The optimistic lyrics blend perfectly with the thumping organ and dramatic arrangement to reaffirm that, despite all the travails in life, everything is worth it in the end.
With any luck, Universal/MCA will wise up and put this CD out in the United States. So much of what’s being forced onto radio and into stores these days is so dismal and contrived. When a gem like this comes along, it’s a shame to not even try to sell it to Americans.
—By Rudy Pannuci
