Melodifestivalen Favorites: Lena Philipsson - Det gör ont

I have a lot of work to do when it comes to catching up with Lena Philipsson's back catalog. She's been around since the late 80's and most of her stuff from back then is English-language, high energy dance/club music. In the past decade or so, she's returned to singing in Swedish. This song, the winner of Melodifestivalen 2004, happens to have been released in both languages. When I think of epic, classic all-out schlager that's actually won the competition in its modern incarnation, this is really the sterling example. I mean, it's just pure, unadulterated joy. It's the kind of song that, to me, exists solely because of things like MF and Eurovision, and it's the reason why I'm so grateful for this platform. Too much of music is trying to be "cool" or "serious" or "deep." But you know what? I take this very seriously, I find it effortlessly cool and in my opinion, there is something very deep about the blitz a sugar rush like this gifts its listener.

Lena Philipsson - Live Tomorrow

"I'm taking my life in my hands"

Swedish pop diva Lena Philipsson has a brand new album out. Amongst all the obligatory Swedish-language dance tracks is this gem, a cover of Laleh's already excellent Live Tomorrow. The song was recorded in conjunction with the TV show Så Mycket Bättre (So Much Better), where well-known artists put their own spin on other well known artists' songs. Wouldn't it be awesome if we had a show like this in the US? It would be even more awesome if it resulted in a recording like this (or September's Mikrofonkåt two years ago). The energy in this track is what's been missing from a lot of Melodifestivalen entries this year. By the time that backing choir comes in at the very end, we're in pop heaven. Also included on the album is her deliriously catchy single, Idiot.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.