The Soundtrack of Our Lives 'Origins Volume 1' album

This old norse saying is probably the shortest and best way to describe the recent phenomenal success of Swedish rockers The Soundtrack of Our Lives (T.S.O.O.L).

After having had an almost instant breakthrough in Sweden back in 1996 at the release of their debut album "Welcome to the Infant Freebase", this band didn't for some reason get the same immediate response abroad to its charming blend of pop and rock'n roll.
But, as the proverb rightly says, the presistence of these swedes has finally paid off. When the third T.S.O.O.L album "Behind the Music" was released in Britain on February 4th this year, the road to success was already paved by the usually fickle British music press, who unanimously hailed the album.

Apparently the review copies of Behind the Music had sent the music journalists into a spin:
"T.S.O.O.L are the best post-everything six piece space rock band in the history of the eardrum", gasped NME and gave the album 9/10, while Chris Long at BBC awarded it the same grading, praising " ÉThe Soundtrack of Our Lives are unassuming, pure and simple, rock and roll genius, played with desire and talent. Quite simply, they are the soundtrack of your life". Q magazine fired off four stars, and retro rock bible Mojo also totally surrendered: "Psychedelic Swedes with a hatful of hits... "Soundtrack are a godsend".

Although the bands former two albums were previously released in Britain, and they had toured there before - opening for acts as Hurricane #1 and Kula Shaker - nothing prepared them for the explosion of interest that followed "Behind the Music". From being an internal musical love affair among British bands as The Charlatans and Chemical Brothers, T.S.O.O.L suddenly found itself in the midst of pop hysteria.

With friends The Hives already having made a huge impact in the UK, it was now time for T.S.O.O.L to feel the adoration of the pop nation. A second Swedish invasion was now declared by all, jokingly described by T.S.O.O.L frontman Ebbot Lundberg: 'In the old days we used to come here in longships, now we use tourbuses!' And he was right - tour the UK they would.

After completing two sold out spring tours in the British isles this year within three months (!), having the single "Sister Surround" named single of the week on Radio 1:s Mark & Lard show and appearing on prestigious TV show Later with Jools Holland, the guys in the band were about to catch their breath before heading out on the European festival circuit when two new fans Noel and Liam called up and requested the presence of The Soundtrack of Our Lives.

It seems the brothers Gallagher of Oasis were so impressed when they recently checked out the band at a London show, that they decided they needed some of the T.S.O.O.L excitement themselves. So this summer will see a most powerful double bill as The Soundtrack of Our Lives open for Oasis during their European club tour. With Noel Gallagher having declared "Behind the Music" , 'the best album to come out in the last six years' the band will not receive the usual treatment of nonchalance reserved for opening bands.

Look forward instead to a battle of the titans of pop, with The Soundtrack of Our Lives definitely proving the Gallagher lads that they're 'mad for it'. Besides conquering Europe with Oasis, T.S.O.O.L will also appear at a number of festivals in the UK and if schedule allows the rest of Europe.

But while focus right now is on Europe and the UK in particular, "Behind the Music" is also kicking doors open in other parts of the world. In the US The Soundtrack of Our Lives is definitely creating a buzz. Both Rolling Stone and Billboard magazine have had the album on it's best of 2001 albums lists, and a short one week string of show case gigs in New York, Austin and Los Angeles this March left concert goers, critics and the music biz in mutual awe. The yanks are already yelling for more of the old Swedish pop magic, and the band hope to return there soon for a proper tour. Even in Australia T.S.O.O.L have gotten thumbs up for their third album.

Who knows, maybe The Soundtrack of Our Lives will make the same impact "Down Under" as ABBA did in the 70's?

Anyway, lets's leave the accolades for a second and instead recapture story of the band thus far.

Formed in Gothenburg, Sweden, in the year of 1994, this combo has all the signs of true greatness: excellent songs, outstanding musicianship, powerful live presence and possession of an inner radar always steering them in the right musical direction.

They have been likened by some critics to Oasis, Kula Shaker and The Verve, but this is a band that defies comparison. Trying to describe their style isn't easy, because their sound is very much their own. The soundscape of T.S.O.O.L have developed during a longer time than the lifespan of Brit Pop, and has grown out of much more intricate influences than just a couple of Beatles albums.

There's definitely some 60's pop, soul and garage psychedelia in there, and a bit of 70's high-energy rock'n'roll, plus a tinge of boogie. But there is more at work here then mere musical graverobbing. The Soundtrack of Our Lives has a keen understanding of how arrangements and production can turn a tired clich into something unique. How using unexpected combinations without losing sight of a good melody leads to a song being catchy yet not shallow and formula-like.

Maybe they're a rock band with a pop sensibility, maybe it's the other way around - you'll have to listen and make up your own mind. Basically they're moving between different genres without effort, picking out the best parts and piecing them back together in a new, unexpected and most enjoyable fashion.

Rising out of the ashes of cult high-energy rock'n'roll band Union Carbide Productions, T.S.O.O.L was from the start a more refined and pop-conscious band than it's forbear.
A wizened and grown-up version of the former band, if you will, having completed its rock'n'roll apprenticeship, ready to take on the big league.

While Union Carbide Productions very much took its inspiration from acts such as Iggy & The Stooges, Captain Beefheart, MC5, The Stones and the Doors, garnering a cult following in Europe and the US (with celeb fans as Sonic Youth, Kurt Kobain, Jesus Lizard and Monster Magnet) T.S.O.O.L added influences from The Who, Byrds, Beach Boys, Love and Pink Floyd, quickly becoming famous in native Sweden. This elevation to pop stars in their home country was at last a sign of recognition, after years of struggle with Union Carbide Productions.

During the first two albums, the nucleus of the band was made up of former Union Carbide members Ebbot Lundberg and Björn Olsson. But after Björn decided to leave the band in 1997, the band underwent slight changes, culminating with the release of "Behind the Music". To the melancholic and sometimes dreamy vibe of the first two albums - "Welcome to the Infant Freebase" (96) and especially "Extended Revelation" (98) - was added more groove oriented and hard hitting numbers, while the melodic sensibilities of the songs were strenghtened even more.

With Björn Olsson being replaced by whiz kid guitar player Mattias BjŠred, all the members of the band pitched in on song writing while recording Behind the Music.
'I never wanted T.S.O.O.L to be only two songwriters and the rest just being like session's people. Now everyone is involved in writing music, which is a good thing too, since all the guys are great musical personalities in their own right.', enthuses Ebbot Lundberg.
There was a time of confusion after Björn left, but now we've buried all the bullshit and personal hang ups from the past. This has pretty much led to a much more focused and stronger group he adds.

In short: The Soundtrack of Our Lives is finally getting the recognition they deserve, and luckily at a time when the band is more prepared then ever to make the most it.
Or to quote Ebbot from a recent NME interview: 'Right now, we're absolutely the best.'

The Soundtrack of Our Lives is:

Ebbot Lundberg, vocals, asorted instruments. The undisputed artistic frontman of the band, a towering bearded figure dressed in kaftan, Ebbot is your everyday hippie viking punk songwriter genius, and also a true entertainer. His perceptive mind is aware of the multiple dimensions that characterize humanity, which shows in his lyrics.

Ian Person, guitars, vocals. Former member of Union Carbide, one time skate boarder and punk rocker. Now riff maestro behind several songs in T.S.O.O.L, including the number one Swedish chart hit Instant repeater 99. As one of the brilliant songwriting forces in the band he also invented the "Tin Man Walk" on stage, which must be the coolest thing since Chuck Berrys Duck Walk.

Mattias Bärjed, guitars, vocals. Björn Olssons replacement since 1997, a seasoned and extremely energetic songwriter/guitarrist with experience as a leading force from cult band Nymphet Noodlers. Is known as "The Elk" on stage and likes to rub his pants against a lot of things. Loves Pete Townsend and Randy Bachman to death.

Martin Hederos, keyboards, vocals. Created the anthemic ballad Tonight with Ebbot. The most educated musician within the group. Writes most of the string arrangements (when needed) and is probably the most good-looking guy in the band. Also member of successful duo Hederos & Hellberg, who recently toured Europe with Ryan Adams.

Karl 'Kalle' Gustafsson, bass, vocals. Hard working Kalle also finds time to produce other bands, among them Citizen Bird (formerly known as Silverbullit), who recenty joined T.S.O.O.L during a week of showcase gigs in the US. Sports a gold tooth.
Is also the man behind the epic tune "Broken Imaginary Time", which is definetly one of the best songs the group has recorded to date.

Fredrik Sandsten, drums, percussion. Fredrik is the closest thing to watching a resurrected Keith Moon on stage. Probably the best drummer in Scandinavia, he's also easily the funniest. Off stage he's the quiet and unassuming member of the band. But you never know...

Do you also would like to share your opinion? If so, please register or login here.

Tags

Details

Tracklisting

The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Origins Volume 1