Together with almost all of the musicians on his only solo album keyboardist Andreas Aarflot was a member of the Luleå band Anton Swedbergs Swängjäng. The other musicians were Britt Nilsson (vocals), Stefan Björklund (guitar), Christer Ödberg (trumpet), Rolf Hedberg (flute, saxophone), Björn Sjöö (trombone), Urban Nilsson (bass) and Dick Ask (drums). The album is filled with organ and moody brass arrangements upon several layers of flute and the occasional guitar solo by Stefan Björklund (Kornet). It is both bombastic and mellow, with poetic and reflective vocals in Swedish.
| 1978 | ■ | Det rivna pianot | Manifest MAN012 | ★★★★4 |
This band could be seen as a continuation of the Baltik project. Both bands included Swedish studio stalwarts Janne Schaffer, Björn J:son Lindh and Ola Brunkert as well as the Englishman John Gustafson. The latter had been a member of Liverpool bands The Big Three and The Merseybeats in the 60's and would later join Roxy Music. Ablution toured Great Britain and then went back to Sweden to cut their eponymous album, which didn't sound much like Baltik at all. They now played heavy progressive jazz, sometimes with a Latin flavour courtesy of percussionist Malando Gassama. Apart from two compositions by J:son Lindh, Robinson and Gustafson penned the songs. The pair were former members of UK progressive band Quatermass. Their producer was Anders "Henkan" Henriksson, who also helmed the sessions for this album. Pete Robinson later joined UK fusion group Brand X, which featured Phil Collins on drums. Schaffer and Brunkert were also in Opus III.
| 1974 | ■ | Ablution | CBS 80536 | ★★★★★★6 |
This Christian band from Gothenburg recorded one Swedish-language album produced by Tomas Ernvik. The music is soft progressive pop with a psychedelic touch. It is delivered with pleasant harmonies and the occasional fuzz guitar and features solid musicianship. Lasse Johansson was also a member of Tillsammans.
| 1975 | ■ | Absolut | Marilla MALP-62 | ★★★3 |
Stockholm born Karl-Axel "Acke" Gårdebäck travelled to Borlänge to record his first single with Dalarna musicians like bassist Börje Olevald (Glans Över Sjö Och Strand) and future Soffgruppen members Clas Yngström (guitar) and Pierre Swärd (keyboards). Both sides are whimsical acid-laden psychedelia, with a basement feel to them. "There Is A Man", is also featured in a Swedish language version on Acke & Gurra's album Äppeltripp. Acke's second single, "Kom", features a primitive drum machine, but is more mainstream. Yngström and Olevald would eventually find success in the 80's with power trio Sky High. Acke Gårdebäck was a recording engineer for many artists in this book. In 1987 he founded the high-end Park Studio, where some of the biggest Swedish names recorded.
| 1971 | ■ | There Is A Man / I Feel (S) | Green Light 38S | ★★★★★5 |
| 1978 | ■ | Kom / Sommar (S) | Matterhorn MTHS 002 | ★★2 |
This duo recorded one album in Stockholm during 1972. The other musicians on this LP are Bengt Dahlberg (guitar), Mats Christoffersson (keyboards), Anders Bergström (tuba), John Haglund (drums) and Hans-Ove Larsson (percussion). The album mostly consists of forgettable folk-rock ditties but the album also has some interesting tracks, like the psychedelic "Drömvärld" and "Det star en man". The latter is also featured in an English-language version on Acke's previous solo single. The 1975 single is a more light-weight affair.
| 1972 | ■ | Äppeltripp | G-Produktion GLP725S | ★★★★★5 |
| 1975 | ● | Våren är här / Aldrig (S) | GA-Produktion GAPS001 | ★★2 |
This band was formed in Malmö in 1969. The A-side of their only single is a self-penned rock number with a progressive touch while the flip is a Deep Purple cover. The band broke up not long after its release when two members had to report for mandatory military service.
| 1970 | ■ | Help Me / Into The Fire (S) | Playback PB-S112 | ★★★★★★6 |
See also Compilations
Björn Afzelius was the lead singer of Hoola Bandoola Band, the most successful band of the Movement. His first solo album, Vem är det som är rädd?, is a mellow folk-rock album with political lyrics in Swedish and it firmly established Afzelius as a songwriter after years of standing in the shadow of band-mate Mikael Wiehe. After Hoola Bandoola Band split in 1976 he left MNW and signed with the newly established label Nacksving as Nationalteatern and Nynningen had done previously. Björn Afzelius Band was formed the following year. It consisted of Jan-Erik "Fjellis" Fjellström (guitar), Bengt "Mulle" Holmqvist (guitar), Peter Zadigh (keyboards), Jimmy Olsson (bass) and Håkan Nyberg (drums). For Bakom kulisserna, Holmqvist and Zadigh were replaced by Janne Brynstedt and Bengt Bygren, respectively. The band members also played with other notable Skåne acts, including Mikael Wiehe, Thomas Wiehe, Peps Persson, Storm and Lotus. The last 70's album, Another Tale To Tell, was Afzelius' only attempt for the international market outside Scandinavia and featured English-language versions of songs from his first two Nacksving albums. Swiftly returning to singing in Swedish, Björn Afzelius enjoyed a highly successful solo career right up to his untimely death of cancer in 1999, often collaborating with Mikael Wiehe.
| 1974 | ■ | Vem är det som är rädd? | MNW 44P | ★1 |
| 1976 | ■ | För kung och fosterland | Nacksving 031-7 | ★1 |
| 1978 | ■ | Johnny Boy | Nacksving 031-17 | ★1 |
| 1978 | ■ | Kamrater, Bodenarbetare / Rädda varven * (S) | Nacksving 45-1 | ★★2 |
| 1979 | ■ | Bakom kulisserna | Nacksving 031-22 | ★1 |
| 1979 | ■ | Another Tale To Tell | Nacksving 031-27 | ★★★★4 |
This obscure Kalmar band released this EP containing four political Swedish-language tracks recorded in Nybro during the autumn of 1977. It was released on the equally obscure format of a seven inch record to be played at 33 rpm by the even more obscure Lindö label. Bo Stefan Lundquist was also a member of Kung Tung.
| 1977 | ■ | Bonnastomp Med Ös Från Kalmar (EP) | Lindö 01 | ★★★3 |
This progressive rock band, fronted by Thomas Ahlsén, came from Borås. The Swedish-language lyrics are quite humorous and the band sounds a bit like Huntington Band and Ulf Bejerstrand but with longer tracks and better musicianship. The album was distributed independently and did not receive much attention when it was released. Sandberg and Hill had previously played with Lars Aldman.
| 1979 | ■ | Fåtölj... | Knäpp 33-1 | ★★2 |
See also Compilations
This artist from Gothenburg recorded two albums in the late 70's. His music and lyrics resemble both Dan Berglund and Björn Afzelius at times. On his first album he is backed by notable musicians like Bengan Blomgren and Bernt Andersson of Nynningen, but on his second he used his own band, Haffsorkestern, which at the time consisted of Stefan Sandberg (guitar, saxophone), Pelle Ohlsson (violin, flute, guitar), Kjell Bengtsson (bass, mandolin) and Mikael Gyllenstig (drums). For many years Aldman hosted the show "Lilia Bommen" on Swedish radio, but has since moved on to TV and is now news anchor for "Västnytt".
| 1976 | ■ | Någonting har hänt | Nacksving 031-3 | ★1 |
| 1977 | ■ | Gild hjälpe! | Nacksving 031-14 | ★1 |
This single is a very sought after item today and delivers heavy fuzz guitar and especially the B-side is highly reminiscent of November. Lucas Ekström and Benna Sörman had previously been in the unrecorded band Juso, which also featured future Swedish mega star Magnus Uggla. Alexander Lucas were formed in Stockholm in 1973 and disbanded in 1976. Ekström and Sörman later joined Uggla's backing group Strix Q alongside Råg I Ryggen guitarist Nysse Nyström. Sörman also played wilh Gin & Grappo.
| 1973 | ■ | Speed / Svarta skogen (S) | Efel SEF89 | ★★★★★★★★8 |
A protest single in support of the workers at the Algots textile factory in Skellefteå. The B-side was written for the project Mullvadsoperan.
| 1979 | ■ | Jobben Ska Räddas / Maskinerna Ska Dansa (S) | MNW 55s | ★1 |
Multitalented Almqvist recorded his first album in 1979 and continued making music well into the 90's. His instrumental music is built around his guitar and is often repetitive but spacious. The debut also features a guest appearance by Turid. More of Thomas Almqvist's guitar prowess can be heard on albums by Kjell Höglund, Lasse Englund, Lena Ekman, Sören Hansen and Turid.
| 1979 | ■ | Nyanser | Mistlur MLR-6 | ★★2 |
This band was formed in Lidköping in 1975. Their single came out on the Anette label. It was founded by Ellgren's father, Einar Svensson - the leader of dance band Cool Candys. The A-side delivers some lushly orchestrated progressive folk with Swedish lyrics inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's book "Lord of the Rings" while the B-side is instrumental symphonic rock. The band later recorded three more singles as Gallery with the addition of singer Benny Ahlkvist of hard rock band Rhapsody.
| 1978 | ■ | Vandring / Scherzo (S) | Anette AS235 | ★★★★4 |
Not so much a solo project as the name suggests, as Andersson was backed by his rock band Scendraget on this album. The other members were: Ingemar Sjölander (guitar), Mikael Andersson (guitar), Peter Moberg (bass) and Tommy Lennebrink (drums). The album sounds somewhat similar to the later recordings of Nationalteatern and the Swedish-language lyrics are deeply personal and political at the same time.
| 1978 | ■ | Funderingar | Broder Nikodemus BNLP0001 | ★★★★★★6 |
See also Compilations
In Röda Bönor's aftermath Gothenburg group Andra Bullar arrived to meet the demand for another feminist band. Their sound was also similar to Röda Bönor's, but lacked the sense of humor and playfulness of their precursors. They released one more album in 1981 featuring a guest appearance by Kenny Håkansson. Malte Krook was previously in Göteborgs Visgrupp.
| 1979 | ■ | Andra bullar | Silence SRS 4657 | ★1 |
Andreas Richter recorded this album, featuring only his voice and guitar, in various apartments in Stockholm during the autumn of 1973. This private pressing was released in 250 numbered copies.
| 1973 | ■ | Spelglin | Andreas Richter AND 107 | ★★★★4 |
This band was formed in 1970 with members from Helsingborg and Lomma. In 1975 the band rented a studio in Malmö and recorded an album. 300 copies were pressed and independently distributed, consisting of fourteen folk-inspired songs with humorous lyrics sung in Swedish. The home-madefeeling is prominent and the recording sounds like an unlikely mixture of Philemon Arthur & the Dung and Love Explosion, but with better musicianship. The band performed live about ten times between 1973 and 1976 with Nationalteatern, Norrbottens Järn and others.
| 1975 | ■ | Anna Koka Fern Ägg Jag Är Värd I Huset | Fllärrp Fllärrp 1 | ★★★★★★6 |
The name of this Gothenburg duo is taken from Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting. Bojén and Ljungstöm formed the band in 1971 with other musicians participating along the way. For this album it was down to the original duo. The syntheziser-based music is haunting and beautiful in a mystical way, blending medieval and contemporary themes with an otherworldly feeling. Sometimes the band come quite close to cosmic bands from Germany like Ash Ra Tempel and Deuter's early works. Ingemar Ljungström later teamed up with Dan Söderqvist (Älgarnas Trädgård) in the synth bands Cosmic Overdose and Twice A Man, using the stage name Karl Gasleben.
| 1977 | ■ | Tussilago fanfara | Silence SRS 4636 | ★★★★★★6 |
This highly skilled guitarist left Samla Mammas Manna in 1976 to join Jukka Tolonen Band, led by the former Tasavallan Presidentti guitarist. The following year Apetrea recorded his instrumental solo album Nyspolat at Decibel Studio in Stockholm. It contains high-caliber jazz-rock on tracks like "Dofter från Sveavägen" and "Lösnäsor åt konstaplarna" as well as two acoustic numbers and the mellow title track. The album features a stellar cast of Stefan Nilsson (Kornet), Mats Glenngård (Kebnekajse), Åke Eriksson (Wasa Express), Carin Kjellman (Folk & Rackare), Greg FitzPatrick, and fellow guitarist Jojje Wadenius (Made In Sweden) - only this time with Wadenius performing on bass. Apetrea then joined Nilsson and Wadenius in De Gladas Kapell alongside drummer Peter Sundell (Egba) before making the Vänspel album with Tolonen and Nilsson. In 1979 Coste Apetrea bought his first piano and has since written his music on keyboards. His most well-known tune is probably the theme song for the popular children's TV-programme "Björnes magasin".
| 1977 | ■ | Nyspolat | MNW 81P | ★★2 |
This Malmö jazz-rock band released only one album. The highlight is the instrumental title track, which features Hans Blom's electric piano run through a wha-wha pedal, a psychedelic choir and Ted Persson grooving on the stand-up bass. Roy Wall was a former member of Helsingborg band Flavoured Soul while Helge Albin later formed Tolvan Big Band.
| 1973 | ■ | Space Trip | Amigo AMLP813 | ★★★★★★★7 |
After sounding much like Olle Adolphson on his debut Björnspår, this troubador's second album, Jag är en bekymrad socialist, featured interpretations of songs by the legendary Cornelis Vreesjwijk. Musicians included Wlodek Gulgowski (Made In Sweden), Jan Bandel (Atlantic Ocean), Luis Agado (Energy) and Sabu Martinez. The album's highlight is the progressive title track. Svantes visor featured songs by Denmark's Benny Andersen and were originally recorded by Povl Dissing. The Swedish translations were made by Vreeswijk while Janne Schaffer shines on wha-wha guitar on "Svantes vårvisa". Björn Arahb then recorded an album with Monica Nielsen and is still very much active. He also directed four short films in the 60's.
| 1974 | ■ | Jag är en bekymrad socialist | YTF EFG-5016063 | ★★2 |
| 1975 | ■ | Svantes visor | YTF 50022 | ★1 |
| 1979 | ■ | Sjunger Ture Nerman * | A-Disc BS791009 | ★1 |
See also Compilations
Arbete & Fritid was formed in Uppsala in 1969. The band experimented with several different styles changing both members and musical direction with every recording. The core group was Keijser, Westling, Eckerman and later Bengtsson with Ove Karlsson being the only constant member. Almost everybody were multi-instrumentalists making the above list a guide only. Keijser and Westling were previously members of Gunder Hägg while Bengtsson had been in Gläns Över Sjö Och Strand. Thomas Mera Gartz and Torbjörn Abelli came from Träd, Gräs Och Stenar and would later move on to Archimedes Badkar, as did Bengl Berger. Another prominent musician who passed through the ranks was longtime Peps Persson sideman and former Nature drummer Bosse Skoglund. Sonet released the first albums and the début delivered a good blend of traditional songs and improvised progressive jazz instrumentals. The follow-up was produced by Anders Lind and delivered the same musical blend with a darker, less playful mood. The third set was an LP on Sveriges Radio's Club Jazz series label on which the band had one side with trad jazz act Kustbandet on the other. Arbete & Fritid's side featured one track, "Ostpusten-västpusten", which clocks in at 19:20 and is a stellar example of psychedelic jazz. A turn toward political music led the band to record an album with singer Rolf Lundqvist. The band's first MNW album on its own was again named Arbete & Fritid and marked the beginning of a new era for the band. The connection to traditional music is still evident but absorbed into the pulsating drone of electric guitars garnished with oriental fanfares. It is a highly accomplished album and may be the band's best ever. The next album was one long jam recorded live in Ludvika. It was released through MNW's folk music series. In 1976 they also backed Margareta Söderberg on her album Käringtand. The subsequent release, Se upp för livet, featured lyrics by Ulf Lauthers and was the soundtrack to an exhibition at Kulturhuset in Stockholm. This experimental project comes off as a cosmic folk album with folk ballads and mind-expanding raga drones. "It is a political statement to play improvised music", said Torbjörn Abelli at the time. It was followed by ...sen dansar vi ut that saw the band tone down the out-of-this-world themes, returning to the roots of its own brand of traditional Swedish folk music with the help of fiddlers Anders Rosén and Kalle Almlöf. Håll andan saw the band continue its unique mixture of traditional and cosmic themes for their final album. Arbete & Fritid sometimes joined forces with Archidmedes Badkar as one giant band named ArbAch. They finally split up in 1981.
| 1970 | ■ | Arbete & Fritid | Sonet SLP-2513 | ★★★★★5 |
| 1971 | ■ | Andra LP | Sonet SLP-2526 | ★★★★★★6 |
| 1972 | ■ | Club Jazz * | Sveriges Radio RELP 1149 | ★★★★★★6 |
| 1972 | ■ | Slottsbergets hambo å andra valser ** | MNW 26P | ★★★★★5 |
| 1973 | ■ | Arbete & Fritid | MNW 39P | ★★★★4 |
| 1975 | ■ | Ur spår | MNW 5F | ★★★★4 |
| 1977 | ■ | Se upp för livet | MNW 75P | ★★★★★★6 |
| 1977 | ■ | ...sen dansar vi ut | Hurv KRLP-3 | ★★★★★5 |
| 1979 | ■ | Håll andan | MNW 92P | ★★★★4 |
See also Compilations
Arbetets Söner & Döttrar began playing together in 1972 and released their only album that same year. The band was very political with songs that focus on the adverse effects of capitalism and that a socialist revolution is necessary. Guesting on the album were prominent Movement musicians like Blå Tåget's Kjell Westling and Urban Yman, Gunnar Idering (Fria Proteatern), Greg FitzPatrick and Bo Hansson. The music is a mixture of traditional folk and rock'n'roll. In the spring of 1973 the group split in two parts: Opponer and Löpande Bandet. Multi-instrumentalist Slim Lidén was also in Freedom Singers, Diddlers and Låt & Trail while Ludde Lindström later wrote the novel "Tio liv" for Premium Publishing.
| 1972 | ■ | Arbetets Söner & Döttrar | Oktober OSLP502 | ★★2 |
See also Compilations
Archimedes Badkar was formed in Stockholm in 1972 by Per Tjernberg. The first vinyl release was an independently produced EP consisting of two improvised live jams. Archimedes Badkar went on to release four albums. Many of the recordings are more or less improvised live sessions utilizing percussion to great effect, much in the vein of German band Amon Düül. Some of the more mellow numbers resemble Arbete & Fritid's early albums. The African influence was always strong, especially on the fourth album which was recorded together with the Tanzanian band Afro 70. The band made numerous line up changes over the years. Those listed above played on the albums. Other members included Movement stalwarts Thomas Mera Gartz, Törbjörn Abelli and Sten Bergman. American jazz star Don Cherry also guested with the band. There were a lot of outside activities going on for the members of Archimes Badkar: Both Jörgen and Tommy Adolfsson played with fellow improvisers Iskra and later joined Bothén's band Bolon Bata. Jörgen Adolfsson and Christer Bothen were also in Vargavinter. Hellquist joined Elektriska Linden while Krantz was in Stockholm Norra and Bröderna Lönn. Berger played with numerous artists including Turid and Marie Selander while Anita Livstrand went solo. Per Tjernberg, himself, also played with Peps Persson and later shifted musical gears and joined the hugely successful Dag Vag using his adopted stage name Per Cussion and then formed Per Cussion All-Stars which in 1983 released Don't Stop, the very first Swedish hip hop album. The remnants of Archimedes Badkar evolved into the Bitter Funeral Beer Band under the leadership of Bengt Berger.
| 1973 | ■ | Rumpstek (EP) * | PTL 01 | ★★★★★★★7 |
| 1973 | ■ | Rumpstek (EP) ** | PTL 01 | ★★★★★★★7 |
| 1975 | ■ | Badrock för barn i alia åldrar | MNW 53P | ★★★★★5 |
| 1976 | ■ | Archimedes Badkar II | MNW 62-63P | ★★★★4 |
| 1977 | ■ | Tre | MNW 78P | ★★★3 |
| 1978 | ■ | Kila Mtu / Bado Kidogo (S) | MNW 51S | ★★2 |
| 1979 | ■ | Bado Kidogo | MNW 91P | ★★★3 |
Painter Ardy Strüwer was born in Indonesia and emigrated to Holland when he was ten. He moved to Sweden to study art and then found fame as part of comedy duo Ardy & Lasse. His one-sided single, which came with a painting on the flip-side, really captures the spirit of the psychedelic sixties with its nonsense spoken word lyrics over a very trippy arrangement. A few copies came with a booklet. Strüwer also painted some album covers including Snakes In A Hole by Made In Sweden, Splash's second album and Tic-Tac-Toe by 60's group The Jackpots.
| 1970 | ● | Pregnant Rainbows tor Colourblind Dreamers * (S) | Sonet ES1 | ★★★★★★★7 |
The mostly pantomime comedy duo Ardy & Lasse did lots of TV in the 60's and early 70's. This album was released by Sveriges Radio and featured freaky humour and uninhibited jazz-rock played by stellar musicians Janne Schaffer and Ola Brunkert (both in Opus III), Berndt Egerbladh (Heta Linjen) as well as the Egba trio of Ulf Andersson, Ahmadu Jarr and Stefan Brolund. Ardy Strüwer later relocated to France and returned to his painting while Lasse Åberg became a highly successful film director/actor. He also collaborated with Janne Schaffer in the Electric Banana Band, performing children's music to great success.
| 1973 | ■ | Ardy & Lasses Öronpaj | SR Records RHLP1209 | ★★★★★5 |
This obscure band recorded and independently released one highly collectable album in 1971. It contains self-penned material and covers, including Eric Burdon's "White House". In 1973 Art Of Music backed singer Hasse Permbo on the Swedish language single "Balladen om Karl Hubert från Kabusa". It was released on the Playback label.
| 1971 | ■ | Hallo And Goodbye | Buttercup Records BLP6 | ★★★★★★★★★★10 |
Sometimes refered to as AGO, this band from Arvika played folk-rock with lots of traditional instruments. The band had very political lyrics in Swedish and the first outings were released by SKP's Oktober label. A second LP, Musik från Helvete, was released by the local label Ack Wärmeland in 1980. Kenneth Thorstensson also recorded a solo album.
| 1977 | ■ | Gieseckesång / Visa i avtalstider (S) | Oktober OSS 602 | ★★2 |
| 1978 | ■ | Rackartyg | Oktober OSLP523 | ★★2 |
When Aschan was twenty years old he sent his demo tapes to various record companies, but since noone seemed interested he released and distributed his albums himself. His music consisted of his voice and acoustic guitar. His songs are both about left-wing themes and existential problems. He continued to release albums independently well into the 80's, sometimes using the name Erik Zürcher.
| 1973 | ■ | Erik Aschan | E. Aschan 73 | ★★★★★5 |
| 1977 | ■ | Två | E. Aschan 77-002 | ★★★★4 |
| 1979 | ■ | Så länge ni vägrar lyssna | E. Aschan 79-003 | ★★★3 |
Asoka came from Malmö and evolved out of the 60's group Taste Of Blues, where Patrik Erixson actually was the drummer. After a brief spell as Take Off they became Asoka when the Bengtsson brothers joined as the new rhythm section in 1971. The band's acclaimed album was produced by Bo Winberg of the Spotnicks. It is characterized by raw guitar work and swirling Hammond organ with vocals performed in both Swedish and English. Among the bonus tracks on the 2005 CD-reissue of the album there are previously unreleased recordings from both Taste Of Blues and Take Off. The bonus cuts were also pressed separately on vinyl as the Asoka LP Take Off. Claes Ericsson and Robert Larsson both went on to play with Lotus.
| 1971 | ■ | Asoka | Sonet SLP-2527 | ★★★★★★★★8 |
This Stockholm band started out as The Quints and appeared on two Jukebox EP's and the Zingotoppen compilation, but never released a record on their own. They changed their name to Atlantic Ocean shortly after American Greg FitzPatrick joined in the summer of 1967. FitzPatrick didn't have a work permit and had to use the alias Göran Ahlin. With members swapping instruments between numbers Atlantic Ocean became known as one of Sweden's most ambitious groups, both musically and visually. A highlight of their stage show was when Janne Bandel played the drums with his sticks on fire. Björn J:son Lindh and Norwegian Johnny Mowinckel joined in 1969 prior to the recording of their album in Philips' studio in Stockholm. The A-side of Tranquillity Bay is made up of a variety of musical genres, while the B-side is a twenty-minute tour de force called "Weather". All in all, it is one of the most interesting progressive albums ever to come from the Swedish scene. Unfortunately the LP was rejected by CBS and wasn't released until 1970 by the Finnish label Love Records. Meanwhile, in the autumn of 1969 the band recorded four songs for director Roy Andersson's successful movie "En Kärlekshistoria" and even appeared on the screen briefly in a party scene. The music was written by Björn Isfält of Xtra while the lyrics were written by Andersson himself. There was still trouble with CBS and when the soundtrack album appeared Atlantic Ocean's name was nowhere to be found. Only Staffan Stenström was noted as the singer and the four tracks were also released on two singles in Stenström's name. The theme song "Wake Up In The Morning" was a small hit and made #10 on the radio chart "Tio i Topp" in June 1970. By this time FitzPatrick had long since left to travel Asia and Atlantic Ocean had split up in two parts. J:son Lindh and Bandel formed Jason's Fleece together with Hawkey Franzén and Sam Ellison while Sten Bergman and the others teamed up with former Lee Kings guitarist Bengan Dahlén. They played a few gigs, including the first Gärdet Festival, as Atlantic Ocean before renaming themselves Fläsket Brinner. FitzPatrick had by now returned to Sweden and formed Handgjort. Mowinckel would then hook up with poet Einar Heckscher in Telefon Paisa and Sogmusobil.
| 1968 | ■ | Your Sister Juliet / Would You Believe It (S) | CBS 4024 | ★★★★★★6 |
| 1970 | ■ | Wake Up In The Morning / Would You Like To Be * (S) | CBS 4829 | ★★★★4 |
| 1970 | ■ | Talk To Me / Oh No * (S) | CBS 4831 | ★★★★★5 |
| 1970 | ■ | Tranquillity Bay | Love LRLP18 | ★★★★★★★★8 |
This progressive band released only one album, Blå vardag, which displays some great musicianship. The recording was quite synthesizer oriented with long tracks and lush orchestration.
| 1979 | ■ | Blå vardag | Bellatrix 705 | ★★★★★★6 |
This Stockholm band had previously released five singles as The Sleepstones, but had to change their name after parting with their manager. Although the Attractions' singles featured commercial A-sides, both of the B-sides were progressive instrumental numbers. Ted Åström later persued a successful acting career, while Janne Schaffer became Sweden's most famous guitarist of the 70's.
| 1968 | ■ | Let Love Come Between Us / 5th Of February (S) | Columbia DS2380 | ★★★★★★★7 |
| 1968 | ● | Hold Me Tight / Laugh (S) | Septima SRS2004 | ★★★★★★6 |
This band was formed at Lund University in the mid 60's. Their first EP, Skabb, was released on the tiny Eksjö label Falk. It contained two songs lifted from John Mayall's repertoire as well as two fuzz-induced originals. The single was the result of a win in a battle of bands competition and was released by MNW subsidiary label Green Light. Label head Roger Wallis contributed piano to the driving version of Johnny Kidd's 1960 classic "Shaking All Over" while the B-side was a self-penned psychedelic number. Aunt Sally was managed by rock journalist Mats Zetterberg, future singer of Fiendens Musik.
| 1969 | ■ | Skabb (EP) | Falk 86 | ★★★★★★★7 |
| 1970 | ■ | Shaking All Over / She Left Me (S) | Green Light GL0010 | ★★★★★5 |
This progressive band came from Forshaga and named its only album Höslbris, which is the Swedish translation of the group's name. As no record company was willing to sign them, the members of the band borrowed money from the bank to finance a forty-hour recording session and the pressing of 500 albums. Musically the album delivers some good moments with flute and organ quite similar to Radiomöbel's second album.
| 1979 | ■ | Höstbris | BJ music ÖR-L26 | ★★★★★★6 |
Avgrunden from Malmö was immediately considered the heir to Blå Tåget when it released the album Nu närmar vi oss... in 1975. The socialist lyrics on the album are witty but the music is far more progressive and experimental than that of Blå Tåget, showing a wide variety of styles, from blues to classical. Raimo Juntunen also appeared on albums by local contemporaries Thomas Wiehe and Ferne.
| 1975 | ■ | Nu närmar vioss... | MNW 52P | ★★★★4 |
Singing drummer John-Erik Axelsson came from Malung and recorded his first album at Karlskoga Folk High School. There he teamed up with backing musicians Kent Hansson (guitar), Mike Moore (keyboards), Anders Löfgren (saxophone, clarinet), Per-Åke Karlsson (bass) and Ola Löwdin (percussion). The album delivers some mellow folk-rock tunes sung in Swedish. The fuzz-induced follow-up, Spår, is more primitive and also features Axelsson on guitar. This time he was assisted by Benny Andersson (bass, guitar) and Birgitta Engberg (keyboards). Andersson is, of course, not the ABBA guy. Some tracks hints at contemporaries Charlie & Esdor, but with a home-made feel to them.
| 1971 | ■ | Barn * | G-Produktion GLP715 | ★★★★★★★★8 |
| 1972 | ■ | Spår | G-Produktion GPL724 | ★★★★★★★★8 |