Billig by Zarasorg: A Forgotten Pop Gem from 1989
Let’s talk about Billig, the quirky little pop album that came out of Sweden in ‘89. Released under Alex Pop Records, it's one of those albums you stumble upon by accident and then can’t stop thinking about. It’s not perfect—heck, it’s kinda rough around the edges—but there’s something raw and real about it. Like, you can tell these guys weren’t trying to be superstars; they were just having fun making music. And honestly? That makes it kinda magical.
First off, let’s give props to Erik Koskinen, who did most of the heavy lifting here—he wrote the songs, sang his heart out, AND handled synth duties. The dude had range. Then you’ve got Bo Lindberg shredding on guitar, Lars Normalm keeping the beat tight on drums, and Per Dückhow laying down some groovy bass lines. Together, they created this scrappy yet heartfelt sound that feels like a warm hug from your weird uncle.
Now, if I had to pick two tracks that stuck with me, it’d be “Billig” (the title track) and “Vadsomhelst.”
“Billig” hits you right away with its bouncy rhythm and retro synths. It’s catchy as hell, but not in an obvious way. There’s this playful energy to it, like Erik is messing around in his bedroom studio, layering sounds until he finds something cool. The chorus sneaks up on you—it’s simple, almost silly, but somehow it sticks. I found myself humming it for days after listening. It’s the kind of song that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it all the more lovable.
Then there’s “Vadsomhelst,” which slows things down a bit. This one feels more personal, like Erik is letting us peek into his diary. His vocals are softer here, almost vulnerable, and the guitar work by Bo Lindberg adds this melancholy vibe that tugs at your heartstrings. What gets me is how the lyrics feel both vague and deeply relatable. You don’t need to understand every word to feel what he’s saying—it’s universal in that quiet, human way.
Looking back, Billig probably didn’t change the world or anything. But maybe that’s why I love it so much. It’s unpolished, unpretentious, and totally unique. Listening to it feels like stepping into a time capsule from late ‘80s Sweden—a place where creativity flowed freely without worrying too much about trends or rules.
You know what’s wild though? For all the talk about Swedish pop legends like ABBA or Roxette, albums like Billig remind me that there’s so much more to explore. Maybe Zarasorg never became household names, but their music still lingers in the corners of our playlists, waiting to surprise someone new.
So yeah, check out Billig. It won’t blow your mind, but it might make you smile. And sometimes, isn’t that enough?
