BAEBLE CONCERTS: Lykke Li at The Bowery Ballroom

Lykke Li: she is a sassy Swedish performer who derives her infectiously cool pop treatments from sometimes minimalist, occasionally odd, yet always catchy musical elements. A simple, back alley percussive rhythm here, a 60s girl group chorus there, a few do-wopping saxophone lines thrown in to boot; a fine comb through her music reveals just how patchwork it really is. But listeners will also discover just how deliberate, and meticulously pieced together (all conceived under the watchful eye of Peter, Bjorn, and Johns Bjrn Yttling) it is as well. This is perfect pop fit for mass consumption. So, please, by all means, consume this!

Working her way through selections from her debut album Youth Novels, this performance from the Bowery Ballroom in New York demonstrates exactly why theres an awful lot of North American hysteria swirling around the Swedish newcomer these days. Free spirited, off the hinge, and slightly freakish all at once, Lykke Li is completely unique. Expect to be hearing from her for quite some time to come. - david pitz