Search - Various Artists :: Nordic Roots: Northside Sampler

This ain't ABBA...

Wil | AL | 04/10/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"...and that's a relief. No, this is something better -- a truly unique compilation of equally unique artistes blending pre-Medieval tradition with post-modern flourishes.
I had heard of Garmarna and Hedningarna before buying this disc, but my knowledge of them was scant at best. As for the rest, I knew not a thing. But I took a chance and what a surprise. This disc touches on music that covers both ends of the spectrum: from quaint, straight ahead renditions from groups such as Chateau Neuf, Den Fule, and the instrumentally exciting Väsen, to the experimental stylings of fiddler Hege Rimestad, riff rockers Hoven Droven and the aforementioned Hedningarna.
The thing that will surprise most about this style of music is how immediate it all sounds, both foriegn and familiar at the same time. Hints of jazz and classical seem to pepper certain aspects of the arrangements of some, but the most obvious is the connection it bares to Irish folk music.
If you want a new musical experience and like what you've read here, I say take a chance on this and the other Nordic Roots compilations. From there, buy individual albums by the artists themselves, especially Hedningarna and Garmarna. (The Garmarna track here is not really representative of their newer material by the way, but still worth checking out!)"

Unexpected and very cool!

Brianna Neal | USA | 05/25/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

""20 tracks, 78 minutes, Cheaper than Food!" proclaimed the sticker on this CD, peeking out at me from a store's disorganized rows of miscellaneous world music discs. `Cheaper than food?!' I thought, bewildered. `What sort of thing is that to say about a recording? If that's the best praise anyone can offer, it doesn't bode well for the quality of the content ...' But economy and curiosity won out and I bought it anyway. What a surprise--it was great! A caption from the back of the package sums up my reaction perfectly: "An ideal introduction to the vibrant traditional music scene developing across the Nordic lands: incredible playing, catchy tunes, brilliant arrangements and strange instruments playing pre-medieval as well as modern compositions. All this music at a very special price." Neo-traditional would probably be a better description of most of the selections, as they combine the quaintness of traditional tunes and folk instruments with elements of rock, technopop, jazz, world fusion music and new age. Swedish and Sami, Finnish and Norweigan, the groups featured on "Nordic Roots" display verve and virtousity, inviting the listener to delve deeper into this fascinating genre--obviously the reason for such an inexpensive sampler. Featured artists include Vasen, Hedningarna, Garmarna, Groupa, Hoven Droven and Wimme. Despite the fact that I actually have Scandinavian roots, I'd never had any exposure to the music of that region. So this album was well worth the price I originally paid--a totally new musical experience. Happily, NorthSide has continued this intriguing series, further introducing and promoting their artisits in "Nordic Roots 2" and "Nordic Roots 3", both of which are also "cheaper than food". Give one a try!"

Cheaper than food but just as satisfying

woburnmusicfan | Woburn, MA United States | 04/22/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first of (so far) three samplers of Scandinavian bands on the NorthSide label. NorthSide has used the catchphrase "cheaper than food" for the low(!)-priced series. All of the musicians here play traditional Scandinavian music, with varying amounts of modern influences added. Much of it sounds like a variation on Celtic music, with fiddles and accordians a-plenty. One band, Swåp, is a purposeful blend of Scandinavian and Celtic sounds, with two Swedish fiddlers and a British guitarist and accordianist. Hoven Droven is the only band here that uses anything you could call a rock setting for its music. Garmarna's "One Day He'll Cry", Loituma's radiant blend of vocals and kantele harps, Chateau Neuf's tribute to an especially tasty blueberry pie, and Groupa's "Imeland" are all excellent. There are a few tastes I don't care to acquire, such as Tapani Varis' jaw harp and Wimme's combination of Lapp chanting and ambient music (on both of his cuts, there is a processed vocal that sounds like Donald Duck using a vocoder). But these are exceptions on a disc that is overall very entertaining. You are not going to find better value for your musical dollar anywhere."