Last AmAndA Last AmAndA

I’m studying the J-card for Last AmAndA.  I can’t tell if these guys come from money.  If they were American they’d resemble the offspring of unemployed working class folk in Ohio or Minnesota . These guys look really pissed, and pale.  Did they all get involved with someone named Amanda and contract syphilis? Or do they just enjoy musical word combos as much as I?

This is not pretty boy music, pop music, or anything like fellow Swedes the Cardigans or Abba.  Nor is there anything to remind one of cliches about striking blondes or the wonders of monarchy mixed with capitalism and a generous welfare system.  There are no references to Sweden 's problems with unemployment or population growth. It’s the kind of slightly metallic, grinding rock that tends to attract boys and men more than women and girls - usually angry boys and men.

Whether from alienation, diet pills or too much car trouble, LA projects believable and enjoyable angst, kind of like the Mekons.  You could chop wood or race cars to it. You can tell the lead guitarist has heard Secret Agent Man, the Batman theme and maybe Public Image Limited - maybe even Richard Hell and the Voidoids.

All of the tracks are good, I’m not skipping anything.  Notice I keep putting Game Over, Home, Steal Time and With Me (love that anguished “Oh-oh, oh-oh” chorus) on repeat.  Marten Larsson’s juicy-scratchy vocal texture combines the best of Kurt Cobain,  Michael Stipe and Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson.  It makes you greedy for more to lust for, makes you wish he were prettier.  Even if that last Amanda did him wrong, something tells me several others are probably lining up to sit on his knee, and they’re hoping for more than a hoagie from the backstage smorgasbord.

I hope Sweden will work out its sociopolitical challenges but am too selfish to envision harmony if that mean the kids get so happy that rockers like LA have no more axes to grind.  This band kicks serious ass.

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Release Date: June 22, 2004
Tracks: 12 - Time: 44:28
Produced by: Dave Holdredge & Last AmAndA
Format: CD
Website: www.lastamanda.com

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Last AmAndA:

Mårten Larssen - Vocals
Andreas Magnusson - Guitar
Peter Limber - Drums
Nicholas Oja - Bass
Magnus Sandberg - Guitar.