MONICA TÖRNELL/DON'T GIVE A DAMN 6316 052 (-75) SWEDEN

Swedish singer/songwriter born 1954. After releasing two albums - "Ingica" and "Alrik" - sung in Swedish in a folky ballad/rock style - she totally changed subject with this, trying out fusion, psych and soul, all sung in English. Ten tracks whereof four self-penned, produced by Björn J:son Lindh and backed by members of Stockholm jazz band Splash together with ABBA crew Janne Schaffer, Mike Watson, Ola Brunkert and Tomas Ledin. A top gang indeed. And I'm floored - by the skill, oddity and diversity. For exemple - "I'm In Love With A Big Blue Frog" very heavy soul rock to screamy vocals, "Angels And Devils" odd rhythmic thing with vocal chants, "(People) Don't Give A Damn" slow funky jazz, "Sam Hill" heavy blues with mean guitars. She may not have the most strong soulful voice, yet her energy and personality still nails every song. Also the audio here is smashing - big, strong and natural. Very happy to have found this. Picked it because it was cheap and I liked the front pic, but it turned out to be a gem...at least in my world where odd female vocal stuff is much loved. The tracks below were the only original ones from the LP I could find on Youtube. Issued on vinyl in Sweden and Japan (Swedisc SW25-6007). Also on Swedish cassette (7125 058), but to my knowledge never reissued on CD or any other format. Swedish vinyl had label as shown here in a fully laminated cover.   (FÄV*)  (SCÄ*)  (CCÖ*)