LÖTSJÖN – Live 1978-1979 (Holmia, 2013; rec. 1978-1979)

 English vocals, instrumental
International relevance: *

Lötsjön released two albums in 1976 and 1982 respectively, and this EP released on streaming platforms some 35 years later shows what they did inbetween, i.e. the same thing they always did. That means playing covers of stuff like ”California Dreaming” and ”Hello Stranger” and the occasional original tune in such a sexless manner they make Peter, Paul & Mary sound like Motörhead. I mean, this is a bunch of gals and pals that would be kicked out from a campfire party for spoiling the mood by being too mawkish. So unprovoking its provocative.

Full EP playlist

LÖTSJÖN – Ostbiten (no label, 1976) / Things That Never Die (no label, 1982)

Swedish vocals, English vocals, instrumental
International relevance: **/**

A band from the Stockholm area that released two privately pressed albums of twee usually acoustic and harmony driven folk rock in a mellow British style. Half decent vocals, some nice fingerpicking in the John Renbourn vein and some bad wah-wah guitar (but that alone probably triggers the instincts of collectors worldwide, then call it 'acid folk' and they'll cream their pants).

”Ostbiten” contains a rosy-cheeked cover of Jethro Tull's ”Mother Goose” and a pointless version of Stephen Still's ”4+20”. Second album followed six years later but is similar to the first only with an off-putting 80's sounding Tascam sound.

This is the kind of band that their friends say they love, giving them an inflated self-esteem and prompting them to release ”Live 1978-1979” with previously unreleased live recordings from the gap years between their two original albums. Only for streaming, but still.

I bet you can find Xian albums in a flea market near you that is more exciting than this. Or better yet, get some real UK folk. You don't need this.

From ”Ostbiten”:

Ostbiten

4+20 

Neptun

Mother Goose

”Things That Never Die”:

Full album playlist