Johan Hedberg

For those of you who don't know already, I love Sweden a whole lot. There's something magical in those Scandinavian waters that manages to produce some of the finest music on the planet, as well as some of my favourite people ever. I love Sweden so much that I'm going back there again later this year, but that's another story. Anyway, it's about time I mentioned Swedish pop music because, really, it can rarely be faulted and it's one of my one true pop obsessions.

If you haven't already heard Suburban Kids With Biblical Names, I suggest you stop reading this right now and head over to the Labrador Records website for the pop treat of the century. If you have, and you love them as much as I do, then you'll be pleased to know Johan Hedberg - the foppish, bespectacled, dark haired half of the duo - has gone and produced a terrific solo project! It's much more digital than standard SKWBN, and it's all sung in Swedish, but all those bleeps and the occasional English phrase about Morrissey and Woody Allen work so well. I really appreciate the fact he sings in his native tongue - why should these artists have to sing in English all the time? Have a listen to Bob Hund to understand how great the Swedish language can be in song.

Swedish electro pop seems to be going so well at the moment - what, with the likes of Sally Shapiro and The Tough Alliance, it's as though the Swedes know how to make the best of English and American music even better than the originals. I really think Johan's solo songs mix the best of all his listed influences into something very special. And, if Myspace can be believed, we're also in for "some nice shit coming up", courtesy of SKWBN. Can't wait!