Peter Bjorn and John – Gimme Some: This art is no longer contemporary, but it’s still worth digging a little deeper. (Gap Year, Pt. 7)

Artist: Peter Bjorn and John
Album: Gimme Some
Year: 2011
Grade: A-

In Brief: These three Swedes belatedly broke into my Top 10 for the year 2011 – a year where that might have been a more difficult feat than most of the others I’ve been alive for thus far. They hit just the right mix of scrappy garage rock and psychedelia with relentlessly sunny power pop here, which catches me off guard in the best possible way every time. There are plenty of jangly and muscular guitar riffs to keep you smiling here, but the real triumph is the rhythm section, with strong bass lines and almost manically happy drum beats that are so addictive that it makes a brilliantly subversive cover for a lot of the sour cynicism underneath.

First Aid Kit – Palomino: I can hear the unknown road calling.

Artist: First Aid Kit
Album: Palomino
Year: 2022
Grade: B-

In Brief: A pleasant, poppy folk/rock record with sweet sisterly vocals and shades of 60s and 70s influence. At times I wish First Aid Kit would push themselves to be a bit more diverse in terms of genre influences, pacing, and mood from one song to the next, but I can’t deny that their formula is easily likable, and their music is a great fit for a relaxing, unhurried, take-the-scenic route sort of road trip. Nothing but good vibes here.

Blindside – With Shivering Hearts We Wait: Come on in… the water’s nice and chilly.

Artist: Blindside
Album: With Shivering Hearts We Wait
Year: 2011
Grade: A-

In Brief: Rife with volatile energy, and yet surprisingly mature. This may puzzle longtime fans, but I think Blindside has done their best work yet.