MP3: Mikko Singh - Laodi majra
Though I'm not one to shy away from trash talk, it's much more fun to talk about music I actually enjoy so let us revisit yet another 2008 favorite: Mikko Singh. As I said last time I posted an mp3 from Mikko, this is some of Sweden's best, most underappreciated music. There's plenty of instrumental acts out there, but most of em seem to be mining the same quiet/loud postrock-ish territory and that stuff is way beyond tired. The only acts doing it right are the ones wisely accommodating folk influence and that's exactly what Mikko excels at, especially considering his diverse cross-cultural background. "Laodi majra" is the opening track off his latest release "Uskotko että siellä on kukkia?" and it kicks off with a droning sitar/squeezebox duet before drifting into a beautiful ragga, overlaid by fingerpicked guitar and chimes. It's the sort of thing that could easily turn into new-age tedium, but Mikko never overindulges. One last sign at the end brings closure and that's all there is to it: pure bliss.
I didn't list this record as a top-10 favorite for 2008, but it remains in regular rotation months later. And considering how much my listening habits are affected by the seasons, you better believe it'll get many more spins as the days get warmer and longer.
Mikko Singh - Laodi majra