sambassadeur

Fense’s Radio Show: November 18, 2012

Andy Fenstermaker
November 19, 2012May 13, 2023

November 18 was the second vinyl only show, featuring an array of tunes from the likes of Sambassadeur, The Mary Onettes, Holiday Shores, Devon Williams, Le Jonathan Reilly, Christmas Island and many more. Included within were several from Sweden’s Labrador Records thanks to a recent package from the label, and I also played several tracks from artists who have released singles and LPs on Captured Tracks after receiving an order placed from eBay. Lots of good tunes this week!

Fense’s Radio Show: November 9, 2012

Andy Fenstermaker
November 14, 2012May 18, 2023

Last week I returned to the present with only a few throwbacks to the 90s toward the end of the show. The split digital/vinyl show featured new tracks from Sleeping Bag, The Babies, Sweater Girls, Gospel Claws, Suturee and Thunder Power. We also featured a few favorites since the year 2000 with tracks by The Anniversary, Tvärvägen and The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir.

Andy Fenstermaker
October 26, 2012

For me, Sweden has always been a favorite purveyor of great pop music. And there is no better provider of such things than Labrador Records. Their latest is a new double A-side single by orchestral pop outfit Sambassadeur, a lovely little band we’ve been fans of since their self-titled release in 2005. Read More »Sambassadeur: Memories

Fense’s Radio Show: March 23, 2012

Andy Fenstermaker
March 26, 2012May 13, 2023

Another variety show, no particular theme. It was set to be a sunny weekend, and that meant hitting the road. After a late Friday night at the station, I woke up early, grabbed my bike and went on a solid 10 mile ride. It was the first of the sort for 2012; the first of many. I need to get in shape for the 200 mile Seattle to Portland ride in July.

Andy Fenstermaker
June 24, 2010June 23, 2010

This is the new Sambassadeur video, filmed by label mate Philip EkstrÃ¶m of The Mary Onettes and staring EkstrÃ¶m’s eight-year-old nephew Mattis. “I Can Try” is your standard Sambassadeur tune; the band consistently produces great Swedish pop music in the vein of their prior work, each new single slightly better than the last. And each new single is unbearably catchy, yet contains a hint of sadness. The video is an interesting one, reminiscent of a lonely childhood filled with unique realities and a world view much too mature for a young boy. As Mattis sends his wooden boat into the water, and as he swings his sword, fighting invisible battles to save made up princesses, it makes me feel a bit nostalgic. Read More »Sambassadeur: I Can Try [Video]

Sambassadeur: Stranded [mp3]

Andy Fenstermaker
February 18, 2010February 17, 2010

My first impression of the first track off Sambassadeur‘s new LP, European, is that the song is easily their finest yet. With an emotive piano intro and outro, orchestral pop sensibilities, and schizophrenic percussion, “Stranded” seems to be a turning point for the band. Sambassadeur has always been a group to flaunt instrumentation, but here it’s never been as clear and forward, from the strings that enter as the introductory piano fades, to the deep clarinet solo just past the midpoint. Read More »Sambassadeur: Stranded [mp3]

Sambassadeur: Days [mp3]

Andy Fenstermaker
November 21, 2009May 13, 2023

With an orchestral intro fit for Camera Obscura, Sambassadeur‘s “Days” sees the band returning to their roots and expanding their inclusion of strings. With “Days”, Sambassadeur hands over yet another great pop song and their best vocal hook since “Between The Lines”. Buried in a 70s folk-pop influence and including an upbeat shuffle in the percussion, Sambassadeur is sure to please fans of Belle & Sebastian and fellow Swedes and label-mates Acid House Kings.