FUCK NO: Markus Krunegård - Everybody Hurts [VIDEO]

We're nearly four months into the year and I guess we're due for our most beloved column. Unfortunately though, we're having to focus on a man whose music we used to defend. Long-time readers should be familiar with Markus Krunegård's former band Laakso, who Joey and I both adored. A fan since Laakso's debut EP, I cannot tell you how many people I've suggested them to, pass on songs, etc—because I found Laakso to have something more to say, lyrically and musically. Their second album My Gods was one of my favorites of the last decade.

His solo career though, has found him releasing rather emotionless bland pop music. You felt every Laakso record, like you were a part of each song. The music really pushed his typically very good lyrics into a sense of inclusion. Now, he just sings over the music, which has become so secondary he may as well release an a cappella album. I should clarify that it's getting the FUCK NO tag not because it's necessarily bad, but more because I just keep finding myself disappointed. It doesn't add anything—it's just there.

The Best Albums Of The Decade: #4 - My Gods

MP3: Laakso - True Love

#4 Laakso - My Gods
V2 Records 2005

Matt On Mclusky Do Dallas:

On their second album, the Laakso finally came into their own. Mixing their pop sensibilities with noisy, angular indie rock complimented Markus Krunegård's self-depricating lyrics better than before. The music is tense and dark, making that step from autumn into the cold Swedish winter.

Totally in love (still) with Laakso!

MP3: Laakso - Rotterdam Here I Come
BONUS MP3: Markus Krunegård - Noiserock i Japan
NOTE: Today's contribution comes from the Matt Giordano, who was kind enough to grace all of us with a return to form in spreading his man love for Laakso. It's okay, I missed them too. Fuck yeah!

We at Fuck Yeah Go Team have been negligent this year. Why, you ask? Because we have yet to post a Laakso song! Obviously with no new album (although singer Markus Krunegård released a solo-album, of which a bonus mp3 is included), there's no need to post them. However, there is an obligation to, as they have been the best band on the planet since their inception. This track is from one of last year's stellar Laakso releases Mämmilärock. Someone should be paying this band millions of dollars just for being amazing.

Laakso

MP3: Laakso - Stockholm Rock City

NOTE: Today's contribution comes from Matt Giordano, who still can't get over Laakso. It's like this with him every year they release an album. And when they don't, all he can say is "it's going to rule when Laakso releases another album". We'd yell at him, but it's true. Fuck yeah.

Two albums in the same year is quite impressive, two albums in the same week even more so. In April, Laakso's Mämmilä Rock coincided with the release of Mother Am I Good Looking, but was released only in Finland, as the bulk of the album is based in the Finnish language. This album was recorded album two years prior to its release in a cabin on the Sweden/Finland border, and therefore hearkens to more a mixture of their first two albums I Miss You I'm Pregnant and My Gods. Needless to say, it still maintains the same quality as every Laakso release, and the more music made and released by this band the better. 2007—the year of the Laakso.

Laakso

MP3: Laakso - Norrköping

NOTE: Today's blog comes from our long lost friend Matt Giordano. Fuck yeah. Also, this record comes highly recommended from myself as well and is the probable album of the year.

About a month or so ago I got a copy of the upcoming Laakso album in the mail, as I had been anticipating it since hearing it was finished in January from the band themselves. Laakso had been a band I held in high regard since stumbling upon them when their debut album was released in 2003. It's about four years later and their third album, Mother Am I Good Looking?, is releasing next week in Scandinavia, specifically 18 April. The hardest choice for me thus far has been to decide which song to contribute to the blog, as each track is so strong in its own right. I've chosen the track “Norrköping”, which in my mind is one of the best coming-of-age songs to surface in the past few years—and perhaps ever. Enjoy.

{import laakso's mother am i good looking from bengans}