Su Andersson – Postcards
This particular artist is a Sweden-based architect who shines brightly when holding a guitar. One of her skills is her lyrics. She loves words as much as music, since she’s influenced by strong singer-songwriters like Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Elton John (Bernie Taupin, his lyricist), & the work of Gillian Welch, Dave Rawlings, Cat Power & artists from Scandinavia. She writes many tunes in E minor & 3-chord songs, but so what? It works. She’s not writing classical music, is she? Maybe she is.
This is a conceptual set where Su takes trips to various cities to capture moments traveling alone & unfamiliar with her destinations. It results in unexpected encounters & observations that motivate Ms. Andersson’s writing. The secret to compelling songs is to experience things firsthand. There are 10 Postcards (Drops Sept 12/Firmasu/33:32) in this collection, recorded in Gothenburg, Sweden & Berlin, Germany.
Excellently recorded & produced by Henning Sernhede (bass guitar/electric & acoustic guitars/harmonica/choir), Su (vocals/harmonica/Rhodes/synth/acoustic & electric guitars), & Jaded Jane (aka Axel Olsson – piano/Rhodes/vocals/choir/glockenspiel).
Su’s voice has many tonalities that work effectively for her. Not as raw as Lucinda Williams or Melissa Etheridge, Su isn’t exactly a piquant waif of a voice either. However, Su has a unique tone that emits a savored ebullience, reminiscent of the fascinating Canadian singer-songwriter Horse McDonald (“You Could Be Forgiven”). I think Su has a good perspective & she sings with assurance. Her lyrical approach is absorbing, creative & original despite her many influences. Some lyrics even add European color, which often lends a formality that enriches any pop music. It makes it more intelligent, rather than just something to dance to.
Su has enchanting melodies, but when paired with her poetic lyrics (in English) it’s art. Not watercolor art, but an oil painting. Vivid musical color with Su’s fluent Americana/roots confluence in a tune like “Reunion.” Marvelous, even with the harmonica & whistling.
Many songs have themes of a return to hope, loneliness, spontaneous connection with strangers, connectivity, traveling, discovery, & it adds up to living a full life — with curiosity. These aren’t subjects often chosen by other songwriters. This is what makes this album a disciplined departure from standard pop songs.
Blues? Yes. Ms. Andersson is quite capable & displays her grit on “Based On a True Story,” which is perfectly rendered with slinky guitar, an exemplary arrangement & Su’s percolating, convincing juke joint vocals. Quite cool.
There isn’t a misstep in the bunch. All tunes are captivating.
Highlights – “Voices From the Future,” “Vertigo,” “Transit,” “Pink Shelter & Body Guards,” “Reunion,” “Sin Palabras,” “Based On a True Story,” “Sunset Unlimited,” & “Voices From the Past.”
Musicians – Malin Almgren (drums/tambourine/choir) & Axel Crone (saxophone).
The CD comes in a heavy-stock, scored, perfect-bound, 28pp lyric booklet. Color image courtesy of Nanni Johansson. CD @ https://www.suandersson.com/ & https://hemifran.com/news/detail/u/2086/Su%20Andersson/Postcards/
Find our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Su Andersson “Brave”