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giovanni | Greece | 11/19/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Watching the Cardigans live is truly a special experience . The Swedes have the ability to deliver their beauttyfully-crafted melodies with excitment and style . Peter 's guitar playing is psychedelic and intense , Nina simply shines while Bengt although limited to his drums at the back of the scene , still stands out . At first glance , bassist player Magnus Sveningsson seems too bored to bother breathing . As soon as the music starts though , he gets instantly cool and energetic - a huge man ( a human head and a half above the others ) jumping around and singing along the lyrics . This is clearly one presence you can't help but loving . The same can be said about his first solo project , " I Sing Because Of You " released under the name ' Righteous Boy ' . It's a record of rare beautty , dark ( " I Feel Apart " ) and at the same time optimistic ( " I'm Loved Among Friends " ) . It has that nostalgic magic of " Life " although not as carefree and more melancholic . The voice is calm , smoked and at parts even haunting ( " No More Love " ) and the lyrics are simply exceptional . These are the stories of a man who seems to think much much more than what he shows ( " there's an ocean between / what you perceive and how i feel / if you could see me through / and if i let you to ... " ) . It's hard to actually choose a highlight from such a great tracklist but being a person who likes to keep to myself , i felt most identyfied with " All My Evils " in which " .. i wish i found a better self / a simple self / an easy self ...steady as rock won't let it show / all my evils must go " ) . Don't be fooled and consider " I Sing Because Of You " as a record only for the Cardigans' hardcore fans . It has it's own great music value. Sveningsson finally reveals his true wits and inspiration and without much difficulty , wins the listener . One of the best records around that everyone who loves good music should check out ."
A must-buy debut album by the new king of lounge
giovanni | Greece | 05/07/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sweden's Righteous Boy is actually Magnus Svenigsson , member of the popular and widely known The Cardigans . His first album contains all these special elements which made us love The Cardigans' " Life " so much in the first place . His music is relaxing and nostalgic and his lyrics are often truly beautiful ( " i've checked my troubles at the door / won't need them anymore / i'm loved among friends / i hope that will never end " ) . I actually urged myself to stand up and shout "...this music is beautiful " while listening to " The Straight Song " one day . Righteous Boy has all the talent and melodic vein of a young Chris Rea . His first offering " I Sing Because Of You " undeniably stands out and marks the arrival of a new major talent in the European music scene ."
Righteous Boy makes Righteous Music
D. Scheihagen | Lewsville, Texas, USA | 10/13/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The album doesn't remind me much of "Life" as it seemed to for the last reviewer, but it is excellent. His musical input in the Cardigans has apparently diminished over the years, as far as writing credit goes at least. So I'm very pleased he made this album as an outlet for his great talent. It hasn't received nearly the attention A Camp (Nina Persson(Larson)'s solo project) has received, but it is equally worthy.
It is similar to his work on "Life" and "Emmerdale" (the Cardigans) in that the melodies and words are beautiful, but with a definite touch of darkness (due in part to Magnus' unique and voice).
Recommendation: Buy the album. Listen to it, then listen to it a couple more times and after the second or third listen you ought to be hooked.
It's tricky to catagorize this music, so I won't try, but Cardigan fans should give it a whirl."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1