Lykke Li — "I Follow Rivers," and Another Music Renaissance

It may be an odd admission to hear from a music journalist, but I don't think I've enjoyed new music this much since the 1980s.  Great, "independent" sounds seems to be pouring into my radio and computer in a torrent from all over the globe, making me as giddy as a 16-year-old waiting in line for tickets to see a new sensation named Madonna.

In between yelling at kids to stay off my lawn and cleaning the heads on the Betamax, I'm catching up on the comings and goings of Swedish sensation Lykke Li.  "I Follow Rivers," produced by her pal Bjorn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn and John, is my obsession for the week, though it was released this spring.

Though the video by Swedish director Tarik Saleh is breathtakingly gorgeous, I actually prefer the acoustic "Live On The Moon" version (see below).  Not only does simplifying the arrangement accentuate the sensuality of Li's voice, the clip gives a deserving, nifty nod to the song's Sixties roots.
- Steve Stav