Every fall thousands of young musicians and the hipsters who love them descend upon New York for CMJ, an intense marathon of live shows that showcase emerging talent.
Last year a relatively unknown band called VAMPIRE WEEKEND was the name on everyone’s watch list. Google their name now and you’ll get over 10 million results.
My point? When one act manages to standout at CMJ, you pay attention. On day two of this year’s marathon, I’m willing to wager this year’s VAMPIRE WEEKEND is a Swedish singer named LYKKE LI.
Her name has already come up today a few times in our office, and as it turns out, we’re not the only ones buzzing about this hot ticket.
Read what other bloggers are saying after the jump and download her debut album, YOUTH NOVELS, before your friends beat you to the punch.
LYKKE LI has such an otherworldly presence about her that when her set was half an hour late starting, I half-hoped it was because she was ripping guys apart on the Xboxes downstairs. I’m pretty sure she comes from a world where televisions don’t exist, and magic is the power source for household devices. [Pitchfork]
The main event at the Bowery was LYKKE LI, who took the stage and immediately unloaded her Stevie Nicks–on-speed stage presence. Banging her percussionist’s cymbals, hiding behind her flowing blond locks and owning the room with her pure vocals, the Swede was the highlight of the night. [The TONY Blog]
LYKKE LI is basically MADONNA in the “Borderline” video. You can picture her wearing a giant bow and spray-painting Greek columns while some shady fashion photographer leers at her as she sings “If you want to complain/I’m not the complaint department.” [The Village Voice]
The Swedish siren LYKKE LI arrived at CMJ on a wave of anticipation and praise. Her debut album, YOUTH NOVELS, was produced by BJORN YTTLING of PETER BJORN AND JOHN, warranting some attention. So her headlining showcase — emphasis on headlining — was greeted by throngs of teenage girls eager to sing along with their musical muse. (Fittingly she dedicated her last song “Breaking It Up” to all the girls, and gay men, who had dumped bad boyfriends.) [Pop Matters]