Artist To Watch: Lykke Li
Swedish chanteuse Lykke Li reminds us of a blog-birthed Kylie Minogue, though in some of her live configurations there's the Blow's karaoke vibe and always just a little bit of Feist's charismatic but awkward charm. An icier, Scandinavian Lily Allen mixing tons of soul with her electro? Thing is, she plays with live instruments, too. It's fun trying to figure her out because she doesn't have a huge catalog at this point. Though she has a bona fide hit-in-the-making single: We can't get the 21-year-old's sugary, undeniable falling-in-love song "Little Bit" out of our heads. To help you develop the addiction as well, we're offering it in as many versions as possible: Check out the tune, the hammy line-dancing video, and a "Take Away"-style turn after the jump.
[photo by Marcus Palmqvist]
Lykke Li - "Little Bit" (MP3)
Did you catch those lyrics? "And for you I keep my legs apart / and forget about my tainted heart ... / I will do it, push the button, pull the trigger, climb a mountain, jump off a cliff 'cause you're my baby / I love you love you a little bit." Yeah, just a little bit. That's romance! Seriously, really dig the mix of powdered-sugar pop with the dirty realism of infatuation. Helps to get a sense of Lykke as a kinetic, slightly geeky performer if you check out the official video (note the hippie dude freakin' at the organ):
As well as "Little Bit" in the streets of Stockholm:
To get a little bit outside the "Little Bit" box, here's a live version of the bubble-gummy teenage alienated "Everybody But Me." There's also plenty more treats streaming at LiSpace. Or, if you're in the NYC area, you can catch Lykke live next week with Björn Yttling (yes, of Peter and John fame). He'll play a few different instruments while she lays down the vocals. As we speak, he's also producing her forthcoming, Stereo-anticipated full-length debut (expect it in 2008). So far she's released a three-track, limited-edition EP "Little Bit" in Scandinavia and has recorded songs with Röyksopp and Kleerup. Can't wait for more, more, more.
Current U.S. shows
10/29 - New York, NY @ The Knitting Factory
10/30 - New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
The "Little Bit" 10" is out on LL Recordings.
Posted at 4:09 PM in Band To Watch, MP3
Tags: Lykke Li
Hold the presses, a twentysomething euro/nordic/esque chick with dusky voice barely speak/singing/breathing over borderline chill indie-tronic loops?
Really?
Posted by: Mick O at October 26, 2007 5:27 PM | ReplyScore = 1
whatever, she's cute, and she's an actual musician; the more the merrier. plus, the song's catchy in its own right.
Posted by: crazzycoala at October 26, 2007 5:48 PM | ReplyScore = -1
this girl's GOT IT. hater's gon' hate.
Posted by: kenny at October 26, 2007 7:36 PM | ReplyScore = -1
I love the very beginning of that song... I just wish it didn't continue.
Posted by: ali at October 28, 2007 3:59 PM | ReplyScore = 1
she was so, so good at the knitting factory. definitely going places, this one.
Posted by: joe at October 29, 2007 10:52 PM | ReplyScore = 0
The toy piano does me in. I'm hooked.
Posted by: Tommy at October 31, 2007 2:23 PM | ReplyScore = 0
This song is addiction. Her movements in the video are magnetic, and it's impossible to resist. I've had it on repeat and I don't plan on stopping it any time soon.
Posted by: COR at November 6, 2007 10:12 AM | ReplyScore = 0
This song is addiction. Her movements in the video are magnetic, and it's impossible to resist. I've had it on repeat and I don't plan on stopping it any time soon.
Posted by: COR at November 6, 2007 10:13 AM | ReplyScore = 0
we caught up with her at SXSW and she's great. talented and funny. for a 21 year old, she's got a good grip on where she's at and going..
Posted by: rocket at March 31, 2008 1:39 PM | Replyhttp://www.uncensoredinterview.com/artists/174-Lykke-Li
Score = 0