Album Reviews-C

The Cardigans-First Band on the Moon

First Band on the Moon arrived at a very crucial time in the 90's "Alternative" rock revolution, 1996. On one hand, there were thousands of wonderful, diverse bands scattered all over the world, sometimes breaking into the mainstream. On the other, it was also the moment where the big corporations regained their footing, dropped most of the good bands they signed, and went back to business as usual. For my money, none of the great bands of the period captured the pure pop prize like the Cardigans did on their third (second in America) album.

The album goes a step farther than their wonderful US debut Life. The lyrics reveal darker themes and the fuzz guitars have a more menacing edge. The band also delivered its most consistent batch of tunes. Only "Lovefool", the fluke hit from the album that causes most people to think of the band in sorority-girl territory, fails to really convince. (Although it probably would sound a lot better had we not heard it a million times.

Here the Cardigans find the perfect balance between the retro instrumental stylings of Stereolab and the breezy pop confections of Saint Etienne. Just like on Life, Tore Johansson's production is perfect, giving the band a thick, yet clear sound with incredible warmth. The tunes swish along with great manic drumming, vintage synth quotes, classic guitar sounds, and the charm of Nini Persson's pixiesque vocals. Maybe the ultimate compliment was payed by Saint Etienne when they used Johansson and Trampoline Studios to make their classic Good Humor album.

Critics and come latelies might have raved over another Sabbath Cover, this time "Iron Man", but the real killer on this album was the truly ass-kicking "Losers". I swear, this song kicks ass in an almost psychedelic Soundgarden fashion. But it's only one of the many highlights off this bands' crowning jewell, and one of the last gasps of the Alternative Nation.

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