I wasn't planning to open this special with this group--I was going to go with something poppier in a traditional sense--but I wanted to prove this special doesn't mean people who don't see themselves as fans of "Swedish pop" (how can you not be?) shouldn't turn off. Of course, there will be a little bit of schlager (not much, though, I think) and loads of the poppy melodies you expect from Sweden, but today's group--well, if I had to compare them to anything or anyone, I think I'd go with (and don't hurt me for this, OK? I lack reference points) the Beatles. In a really cheery, poppy, young, more modern way.The Wallstones are made up of two Fame Factory contestants, Karl Martindahl and Johan Becker. The group competed in Melodifestivalen 2005 with "Invisible People." Today's song, a single from 2004, is better, though, probably because it's so relentlessly upbeat in a more genuine, committed way.
Good Old Stonecake--don't ask me what the title's referring to; I have no idea. What I do know is that this song takes a while to get going, but that chorus is pure joy and by the time we're two thirds through, I'm in full "can't get this cheesy grin off my face" mode. I think it's the high-pitched "whyyy-yyy-yyy" that seals the deal. The "na na na"s help too, definitely.
To buy the Wallstones' album Pleasure and Pain, go here (physical) or here (digital).
Next up: a female singer, I think.
