The Cardigans

Despite clearly taking style tips from Alison Goldfrapp, Nina Persson has not steered her group towards similar electroclash territory, pointing it instead toward moody, introspective rock that's a far cry from the Cardigans' fey bubbly roots. Setting out to make something "twisted and spectacular," they have done just that, sounding like a mad blend of Radiohead, the Stranglers and Sheryl Crow, full of pretty melodies and deranged themes.

Long removed from their days as U.S. hitmakers ("Lovefool," anyone?), the Cardigans are
still huge in their native Sweden, and better than you remember. Their sixth studio album
balances blander pop rock like "In the Round" with darker, rougher stuff and spunky little
ditties such as "Little Black Cloud." Nina Persson sings like a warmer Aimee Mann, and the
songs manage to deliver their payloads without clobbering you over the head, o... More >