When a twentysomething musician makes records that sound more like Burt Bacharach or Harry Nilsson than anything else, it's going to reek of either pretension or cheese. In Jens Lekman's case, it's both — and, surprisingly, the result is delightful. Hear the concert recorded live at the Parish in Austin, Tex., on March 13, 2008.
The Swedish singer-songwriter knows when his tongue is firmly planted in cheek. Many moments in his latest album, Night Falls Over Kortedala, are so ridiculously over-the-top that listeners can't help but laugh. While he crafts his music with impeccable care, the great part is that Lekman's pretty obviously laughing, too.
Hear the other bands from this concert: Vampire Weekend, Bon Iver, Yeasayer, A.A. Bondy, Shout Out Louds.
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