Album Review: Från Gamla Glada Tider by National Orchestra
Let’s get one thing straight: 1929 wasn’t exactly known for its Spotify playlists or Bluetooth speakers. Nope, back then, if you wanted to hear something sweet, you had to crank up the ol’ gramophone and pray your neighbors didn’t call the noise police. Enter Från Gamla Glada Tider, a gem of Swedish folk music that feels like stepping into a sepia-toned photo album filled with fiddles, waltzes, and enough nostalgia to choke a horse.
First off, kudos to Gunnar Malmström, the conductor who probably wore suspenders while waving his baton around (we assume—he was Swedish, after all). The National Orchestra is tight, even though they likely rehearsed under candlelight because, well, electricity wasn’t always a given in those days. And can we talk about E. Sandell? Dude wrote some tunes here that are so charmingly old-school, you half expect someone to bust out a monocle mid-listen.
Now, onto the tracks. There are only two on this record—yes, TWO—but trust me, quality over quantity, folks. First up is "Från Gamla Glada Tider (Potpourri - Del I)." This track hits you right in the feels from the first note. It’s playful yet bittersweet, like remembering a childhood summer when ice cream cost a penny and nobody cared about carbs. You can almost picture yourself dancing awkwardly at a village fête, trying not to spill your drink while avoiding eye contact with Great Aunt Ingrid.
Then there’s "Från Gamla Glada Tider (Potpourri - Del II)," which flips the mood slightly. If Part I is the warm hug of nostalgia, Part II is more like finding an old love letter tucked inside a dusty book. It’s slower, dreamier, and has this hauntingly beautiful melody that sticks with you long after the needle lifts off the vinyl. Honestly, it’s the kind of tune that makes you want to sit by a window, sip tea, and ponder life choices you haven’t even made yet.
What’s wild about this album is how timeless it feels. Sure, it came out nearly a century ago, but the emotions it stirs? Still bang on. Maybe that’s why Edison Bell Radio decided to slap their label on it—they knew they had a winner. Or maybe they just liked the name “National Orchestra” and figured, eh, why not?
In conclusion, listening to Från Gamla Glada Tider is like discovering your grandpa’s secret stash of postcards from the past. It’s quirky, heartfelt, and oddly comforting. Just don’t blame me if you start craving lingonberry jam and wooden clogs afterward. Oh, and fun fact: rumor has it Gunnar Malmström once tried to conduct a chicken choir. True story… or maybe not. Either way, give this album a spin—you won’t regret it.
