Lektyr Schyssta Låtar 21: A Swedish Time Capsule That Still Kicks (Kinda)
Let’s cut to the chase—Lektyr Schyssta Låtar 21 isn’t exactly what you’d call a “hidden gem.” It’s more like that quirky uncle who shows up at family reunions wearing mismatched socks but somehow steals the show anyway. Released in 1983 by Various Artists under Sweden’s Moondisc label, this album is an oddball mix of rock, pop, schlager, and pop rock vibes. If you’re into retro sounds with a touch of ABBA’s distant cousin energy, buckle up.
Track Highlights: The Good, The Bad, and The Schlager-y
Now, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it; some tracks here feel like they were recorded during a particularly enthusiastic karaoke night. But two songs stuck out for me, and not just because I accidentally played them on repeat while trying to figure out how to spell Rücksicht.
“Låt Oss Få Ha Våra Drömmar Ifred”
First off, can we talk about this title? Translated roughly as “Let Us Have Our Dreams in Peace,” it sounds like something you’d whisper dramatically after spilling coffee on your dream journal. And honestly, the song delivers. It’s got this warm, fuzzy vibe that screams ‘80s nostalgia—think big hair, leg warmers, and questionable fashion choices. The melody sticks to your brain like gum on a hot sidewalk, and the lyrics are heartfelt enough to make even the grumpiest Scandi winter seem bearable.
I remember this one because halfway through, there’s this saxophone solo that comes outta nowhere, like someone forgot to tell the band they weren’t auditioning for a John Hughes movie soundtrack. Love it or hate it, it’s memorable.
“Africa”
Wait, hold up—isn’t this the Toto classic? Yep, but don’t expect the glossy production or epic drum fills from the original. This version has its own charm, though. Imagine sitting in a smoky Stockholm bar where everyone’s slightly tipsy and passionately debating whether Volvo or Saab is superior. Someone starts playing “Africa” on a keyboard older than dirt, and suddenly the whole room joins in. That’s basically this cover.
It’s raw, a little rough around the edges, and oddly endearing. Plus, hearing those iconic lines sung in Swedish-accented English adds a layer of hilarity. You won’t forget it anytime soon—not because it’s amazing, but because it’s so delightfully weird.
The Rest of the Album: A Mixed Bag of Retro Fun
Tracks like Hi, Joy and La Vie En Rose bring the pop rock flair, while others like Den 4: De Dimensionen veer dangerously close to elevator music territory. There’s also We’ve Got Tonight, which feels like Bob Seger took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up in Gothenburg. Don’t get me wrong—it’s all very… listenable. Just don’t expect perfection.
Final Thoughts: Why Bother?
So why should anyone care about Lektyr Schyssta Låtar 21 today? Well, if nothing else, it’s a fun trip down memory lane for fans of Swedish music history. It’s the kind of album that makes you appreciate how far music has come—and occasionally wonder if maybe we lost a bit of charm along the way.
Oh, and here’s the kicker: Listening to this album reminded me why my grandma used to hum random tunes while knitting sweaters no one ever wore. Nostalgia hits different when it’s wrapped in slightly cheesy melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
Would I recommend buying it? Eh, depends. If you’re a collector of obscure Scandinavian albums or need background noise for your next IKEA shopping spree, go for it. Otherwise, stream a couple of tracks and call it a day.
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