Come Along Min Cowboy by Bergslagstrollet Med Alexanders – A Slice of Swedish Folk Magic
Alright, so let’s talk about Come Along Min Cowboy. This little gem from 1982 is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It’s got this raw, unpolished charm that makes it feel like you’re sitting in some cozy Swedish pub, sipping something warm while the band just goes for it. The genre? Folk, World, and Country—basically a mixtape of vibes that’ll have your toes tapping and your heart feeling all kinds of nostalgic.
First off, gotta shout out the crew behind this thing. You’ve got Ragnar Bryntse on accordion, Tony Melin keeping the beat alive on drums, Erik Sandström pulling triple duty with guitar, bass, AND piano (show-off), and Jeanette Törnkvist bringing her vocals to tie it all together. Released under Galaxy Records, this album feels like a time capsule from Sweden in the early ‘80s—and honestly? That’s not a bad place to be.
Now, onto the tracks. The title track, “Come Along Min Cowboy,” is an absolute earworm. Like, seriously, I couldn’t get it out of my head for days after hearing it. There’s something about how Jeanette sings—it’s sweet but kinda cheeky too, like she’s daring you to come along but also wondering if you’re cool enough for the ride. And then there’s the accordion. Oh man, Ragnar’s playing adds this bouncy energy that just screams “folk fest.” Every time I hear it, I picture myself galloping through fields or... uh, okay fine, maybe just skipping down the street pretending I’m in a Western movie. Don’t judge me!
Then there’s “Tårar” (which means tears, FYI). This one hits different. It’s slower, more reflective, and Jeanette’s voice takes center stage here. She doesn’t need to belt it out; instead, she lets the emotion simmer, and it’s beautiful. Paired with Erik’s gentle guitar work, this track feels intimate, like someone whispering their secrets directly into your soul. Honestly, it caught me off guard—I wasn’t expecting such a shift in tone, but now it’s stuck with me as one of those songs that pops into my head during random quiet moments.
What strikes me most about this album is its simplicity. Nothing feels overproduced or forced. It’s just a bunch of talented folks doing what they love, and it shows. Listening to it feels like eavesdropping on a jam session where everyone’s totally in sync.
Anyway, wrapping this up—I gotta say, reviewing Come Along Min Cowboy made me realize how much I miss music that tells a story without trying too hard. In a world full of auto-tune and endless layers of production, this album feels refreshingly real. Plus, who knew Swedish country-folk could sound so dang fun? If nothing else, give it a spin for the accordion solos alone—they rule.
Oh, and hey, fun fact: apparently cows in Sweden are known for having great taste in music. So yeah, if you’re ever lost in a Swedish field, just follow the sound of accordions. Trust me, it works.
