PJ Olsson - Words For Living

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Review by Angela Scruggs

Album Review: "Words For Living" by PJ Olsson – A Sonic Journey Across Genres Released in 2000, Words For Living by PJ Olsson is a curious blend of rock, pop/rock, and experimental electronic sounds that defies easy categorization. With its eclectic mix of styles—ranging from indie rock to alternative pop/rock—it’s an album that feels like it was crafted for listeners who crave innovation over predictability. Distributed across Europe, the US, and Japan via labels like C2Records and Sony Music Entertainment Inc., this record doesn’t just sit comfortably within one genre; it dances between them with reckless abandon. The credits alone hint at the collaborative effort behind this project. From Matt Fitzell’s basslines to John Fremgen’s keyboard work and Carl Stephenson’s violin contributions (on track 2), every element feels intentional yet unafraid to experiment. Producer Jamie Candiloro deserves special mention here—he helps glue together what could have been a chaotic mess into something surprisingly cohesive. Two tracks stand out as particularly memorable: “I Am The Sun” and “Visine.” In “I Am The Sun,” Olsson’s layered vocals are complemented by shimmering synths and driving percussion courtesy of John Wolf. It’s not just catchy—it sticks with you because it balances introspection with energy. There’s a rawness to the production that makes it feel alive, almost like you’re eavesdropping on a private moment. Meanwhile, “Visine” leans more into the experimental side, blending glitchy beats with haunting melodies. When the remix version kicks in later on the album (“Visine (Laswell & Olsson Remix)”), it transforms into something entirely new, showcasing Olsson’s knack for reinvention. These songs don’t just exist—they evolve. What keeps Words For Living engaging isn’t just its sound but also its willingness to take risks. Tracks like “Thorazine” and “Plastic Soul” delve into darker, moodier territory, while “Good Dream” offers a lighter, dreamlike escape. Even hidden gems like the aptly titled “Hidden Track” add layers of intrigue. You never quite know where the album will go next—and honestly, that unpredictability is part of its charm. If there’s one critique, it’s that some tracks might feel too scattered for those seeking straightforward pop-rock hooks. But then again, maybe that’s the point. This isn’t background music—it demands your attention. Reflecting on Words For Living, it strikes me how ahead of its time it feels. Back in 2000, when much of mainstream music leaned heavily on formulaic structures, Olsson dared to push boundaries. And yet, despite all its experimentation, it remains accessible enough to resonate. Listening to it now feels like rediscovering an old friend who still has plenty of secrets left to share. Unexpectedly, I found myself wondering if PJ Olsson ever got tired of explaining his creative choices. If he did, he didn’t let it show. Instead, he gave us an album that refuses to be boxed in—and perhaps that’s the most punk-rock thing about it. Rating: 8/10

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: pj-olsson-words-for-living.zip
  • MP3 size: 114 mb
  • FLAC size: 1026 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Whisper In Time4:14
Plastic Soul4:18
Cool Effects04:36
Whisper in Time04:12
I Am The Sun4:57
I Am the Sun04:59
Pray I Don't Die3:42
Pray I Don't Die03:43
Thorazine3:21
Dandelion4:54
Ready For A Fall4:29
Good Dream3:35
Through the Rock Songs03:53
Visine4:04
Visine (Laswell & Olsson Remix)5:00
Through Rock Songs3:54
Hidden Track
Beautiful Woman5:13
Ready for All04:28
People4:07

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Catalog Numbers

  • SRCS 2134
  • CSK 42834
  • 495303 2
  • CK 68846
  • CSK 40701

Labels

  • SME Records
  • C2Records
  • Sony Music Entertainment Inc.

Listen online

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  • online luisteren
  • escuchar en línea
  • ouvir online
  • ascolta in linea
  • lytte på nettet
  • écouter en ligne
  • lyssna på nätet

Formats

  • CD
  • Album
  • Promo
  • CDr

Companies

RoleCompany
Manufactured BySony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.
Record CompanySony Music Studios

Credits

RoleCredit
A&RTim Devine
EngineerJamie Candiloro
Mastered ByTom Baker
Mixed ByJamie Candiloro, P.J. Olsson
ProducerJamie Candiloro, Keith Forsey (tracks: 2), P.J. Olsson
Programmed ByP.J. Olsson
Sequenced ByP.J. Olsson
Written ByCarl Stephenson (tracks: 2), Keith Forsey (tracks: 8), P.J. Olsson
BassMatt Fitzell
KeyboardsJohn Fremgen
DrumsJohn Wolf
PercussionJohn Wolf
GuitarEmerson Swinford, Jamie Candiloro
SamplerP.J. Olsson
ViolinCarl Stephenson (tracks: 2)

Notes

  • Tracks 12 and 13 are bonus tracks for Japan.
  • Demonstration Only - Not For Sale.
  • Comes with an 8 page booklet.

Barcodes

Barcode: 5099749530324

About PJ Olsson

American rock singer, producer, engineer and composer, born in Houghton, Michigan, USA.

Real Name

    • Paul Josef Olsson

Name Vars

  • Olsson
  • P J Olsson
  • PJ Olsson
  • Paul J. Olsson

Aliases

  • PJ Olsson

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a cool fact: PJ Olsson’s *Words For Living*, released in 2000, is like a musical chameleon. It blends genres like Experimental Electronic, Pop Rock, and Indie Rock, making it hard to pin down. Fun detail—PJ didn’t just sing; he also played the sampler and co-produced the album. Even more interesting? The track "Visine" got remixed by Bill Laswell and Olsson himself, adding an extra layer of creativity. Plus, the album had hidden tracks, keeping listeners on their toes. Not your typical rock record, right?