Termo Rec.
Haakon Ellingsen : The Plum Album (NO,2008)***°
This is already Haakon’s fourth album after other solo work under the name of the Gramophones, Sir Haakon & The Popular Musicians, and then Haakon. Before that he was a member of the neo-psychedelic pop group The Last James (1992-1999). The production and arrangements and sound on this album is taken very seriously, working in conditions, styles, perfection and engagement which you could find much easier in the sixties. This production work was shared by Brynjar Dambo (Okasa, White Willow), perhaps therefore adding a bit of mellotron, strings and progressive arrangements besides the acoustic folk-pop/rock fundament. Lots of work is gone into these arrangements (including some vocal harmonies here and there). There’s a lot recalling the psychedelic and folkpop sixties from Beatles over a touch of Sunshine Pop to Al Stewart, over Brian Williams according to some. Styllistically this is absolutely charming and convincing : so much so that I must recommended this to 60s lovers because here I am sure they will again find a convincing style and music with an honesty in such style inspirations which are hardly found today.
The participating musicians are : Ketil Einarsen (Okasa, Jaga Jazzist), Brynjar Dambo (Okasa, White Willow), Erik Johannessen (Jaga Jazzist), Henning Sandsdalen (Hanne Hukkelberg, Ignore), Gaute Storsve (Ignore, L.U.N), Sigrun Eng (Tirill, Slagr) and Øystein Hvamen Rasmussen. Destined to be remembered. One of the most attractive and charming and most convincing new-60s song albums I have heard in years.
