Brown Daily Herald 1/31/97
Cardigans Play Providence
CD Review
By Jessamine Chan
"Love me, love me, say that you love me."
Most people tuned into recent pop culture trends have every lyric of this song memorized, despite being fans of entirely different music genres.
"Lovefool," the Cardigans' addictive hit song is featured on the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack and is also the standout song of their recent album, "first
band on the moon."
Fans of "Lovefool" may be disappointed by the Cardigan's album. The bright danceable pop of "Lovefool" is unfortunately absent from the rest of the
ten songs on the album. Lead singer, Nina Persson's ethereal, girlish voice cannot convey the quasi-depth of the songs about dysfunctional
relationships.
The eleven short songs all feature some sort of oft-repeated refrain that starts out quirky and fun, and quickly descends to annoying lyrics like the
following in the song been it: "I've been your mother, I've been your father, who can ask me for more." However, "Iron Man" and "Great Divide"
transcend the fluff of the other songs, due to their lack of perkiness.
"Lovefool" works because the bouncy beat is paired with basically inane lyrics. But with the other songs, the music and the lyrics simply don't mesh.
There is variety within the album, but the Cardigans aren't breaking any new ground.
As a relatively new band, the Cardigans definitely have potential and talent, but their vision is muddled at this point. However, the band live may prove
to be an entirely different listening experience.
If you're willing to take a chance on their live performance, the Cardigans will be gracing the hallowed halls of Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in downtown
Providence on Saturday, February 1, Doors open at 7 and the Cardigans should be on by 8 p.m., with opening guest Papas Fritas. Tickets are $6 in
advance.