Search - PJ Olsson :: Words for Living

P.J. Olsson & Millenial Pop

Matthew Calcara | Los Angeles, CA United States | 06/27/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"P.J. Olsson is one of a new breed of musical chameleons who take widely varying musical styles and mash them together, with generally wild and cool results. Olsson doesn't disappoint with "Words for Living", with what the Boston Globe called "one of the finest examples of new millenial pop." And that's basically what this cd is, Olsson's musical mish-mash of techno and rock, with dashes of hip-hop, folk, and bubblegum pop, all backed by Beck-like lyrics.WHO DOES THIS SOUND LIKE? : Probably the most obvious would be Beck, since "Loser" forecasted, and "Odelay" confirmed his brilliant new style. But Olsson does have a unique blend of music that at times incarnates and integrates Radiohead, Fatboy Slim, John Oszajca or any combination thereof. HOW GOOD IS IT REALLY? WHAT ARE THE GOOD SONGS?: It's pretty darn good. It took me a few listens, but the songs grew on me very quickly. "Good Dream" is surprising smooth techno-rock, "Through Rock Songs" features Olsson's interesting vocals interlaced with complex rhythms, both "People" and "Thorazine" have a sweetly pure and harmonious ring.SHOULD I TAKE THIS ALBUM TO PARTIES? : Yes. There are a number of danceable songs, especially the first four, along with a few others. Some of his slower songs are great, but they'd mellow out a party real quick. WILL I FEEL TRENDY BUYING THIS CD? : The problem with millenial pop is that it got tagged with the "pop" part. Plus, I'm not sure the style, if it is even that, can become popular enough to stop the bubblegum tide. For now, feel cool that you're buying a cd that not many people have, but that many people should have.WHAT WILL HE BE DOING IN TWENTY YEARS? : Still making music I hope. "Words for Living" is Olsson's announcement that he is a refreshing, imaginative young musician who deserves a listen."

I heard him 6 years ago

Alex Coupe | 07/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just saw PJ and his band perform at Bimbo's in SF 7/6, and they were awesome. Even with a sparce crowd of industry type people, by the end of the gig everyone was on their feet. I met PJ 6 years ago through a friend of his and have followed his work. He is not only an amazing singer but is also the creative force behind the music. His musical ability is at genious level. He is a rising star of the next century and will define a new an awesome genre in a space that is begging for fresh talent. GO PJ!"

P.J. has created a fabulous blend of music and lyrics!

Lawrence Pollack, Jr. | Fort Collins, Colorado | 06/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD "Words for Living" is awesome! P.J.'s musicis refreshing and inspirational. The rhythms make your body want todance and his words are pure poetry with deep symbolic meaning. Every song on this release is wonderful - hopefully we'll hear these on the radio waves very soon! I've been waiting for this CD ever since seeing him live in Boulder last year. It was a wonderful show with lots of people dancing and everyone enjoying his performance. If you get a chance to go to one of his shows, you won't bedissapointed! This CD, and P.J. himself, have been getting wonderfully positive reviews and I truly hope "Words for Living" will open the door of success for him. Then we'll be fortunate enough to be able to enjoy his music and performances for years to come. Good Luck P.J.!"