Writer's Block : Peter Bjorn and John : Review : Rolling Stone

This past fall, Peter Bjorn and John's absurdly catchy "Young Folks" became the surprise indie-rock hit of 2006, thanks in no small part to its appearance on Grey's Anatomy. On the Swedish trio's third album, Writer's Block, Peter Moren, Bjorn Yttling and John Erikkson offer up a full LP's worth of the kind of bright, warm pop music that Scandinavia has been churning out like pickled herring the last few years. Tracks such as "Amsterdam," "Start to Melt" and "Paris 2004" mix simple girl-group-style melodies, Jesus and Mary Chain-style washes of noise and Belle and Sebastian folk pop. On "Young Folks," Moren and former Concretes singer Victoria Bergsman trade coy come-ons over a shuffling, pitter-patter beat and the most infectious whistling solo since "Patience." Writer's Block is one of those albums where the songs seem familiar in a good way, and the band's wide-eyed optimism helps it get away with lines like "The question is, was I more alive then than I am now/I happily have to disagree/I laugh more often now, I cry more often now/I am more me." Thank you, McDreamy.

DAVID SWANSON

(Posted: Jan 24, 2007)

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Track List

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Writers Block
Objects Of My Affection
Young Folks
Amsterdam
Start To Melt
Up Against The Wal
Paris 2004
Lets Call It Off
Chills
Roll The Credits
Poor Cow
Young Folks (Beyond The Wizards Sleeve Re-Animation) (Bonus Track) (track not available in Rhapsody)
Young Folks (Tomas Anderson Remake) (Bonus Track) (track not available in Rhapsody)
Young Folks (Team Skidoo Remix) (Bonus Track) (track not available in Rhapsody)
Young Folks (Punks Jump Up-Special Disco Mix) (Bonus Track) (track not available in Rhapsody)
Young Folks (Video) (track not available in Rhapsody)