Alright, let’s dive into this little Danish gem from way back in ’69—Sild Er Godt by Jens Brandt & Michael Friis. If you’re into old-school Schlager vibes with a pop twist, this album's got some charm that sticks to your brain like… well, sild (that’s herring for you non-Danes). Released on the Oktav label, it’s one of those records that feels like stepping into a time machine straight to Denmark’s swinging sixties.
First off, the title track, Sild Er Godt. Yeah, yeah, I know—it literally means “Herring Is Good.” You’d think it’d be some quirky novelty song about fish, but nah, it’s actually kinda catchy. It’s upbeat, bouncy, and has this wholesome energy that makes you wanna grab a sandwich and dance around your kitchen. The melody is super simple, almost nursery-rhyme-ish, but don’t let that fool you. There’s something oddly addictive about how they sing “sild er godt” over and over again. Like, I couldn’t tell you why, but days later, I was still humming it while brushing my teeth. Maybe it’s the carefree vibe or just the sheer absurdity of celebrating herring in song form. Either way, props to them for making canned fish sound cool.
Then there’s Hold Fingerne Væk, which roughly translates to “Keep Your Fingers Away.” Now, this one’s more playful and cheeky, with lyrics hinting at boundaries—or maybe just telling people not to touch stuff? Honestly, my Danish isn’t great, so I might be missing some deeper meaning here. But what stands out is the groove. It’s got this groovy schlager rhythm that feels tailor-made for swaying along at some retro Danish party. The chorus hooks you right away, and before you know it, you’re mouthing random Danish words even though you have no idea what they mean. That’s the magic of music, right?
Looking back, Sild Er Godt is such an odd yet lovable piece of musical history. It’s not groundbreaking or anything, but it’s got heart. And honestly, who else is gonna write songs about herring and finger etiquette? This album feels like a snapshot of its time—a simpler era when life wasn’t as complicated, and people could get hyped about seafood. Makes me wonder if we’ve lost something in today’s hyper-polished music scene.
Anyway, if you ever stumble across this record at a flea market or something, give it a spin. Worst case scenario? You’ll end up laughing. Best case? You’ll find yourself jamming to tunes about fish and personal space. Not bad for 1969, eh?
