Most of you are aware by now of the love jones I have for The Cardigans; and on their excellent new release Super Extra Gravity the love fest continues. Reuniting with producer Torre Johannson for the first time since Gran Turismo, The Cardigans have woven together an album of spacious, sharp, and gritty pop gems. This is a lush album with slight experimental flourishes, but yet it doesn't sound too complicated. And that's the beauty of it. Personally, I could get lost for days in some of the soundscapes and vocals that have been laid down on this record. However, simple tunes and choruses aren't forgotten amidst the mix. Most of the songs explore complex relationship dynamics and their after effects which makes this a natural sequel to 2003's warmer, more intimate Long Gone Before Daylight. The band's ability to provide catchy and polished backdrops for frontwoman Nina Persson's angsty, and often very dark lyrics makes this one of the best alternative pop albums of the year. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

The Cardigans: Drip Drop Teardrop

The Cardigans: In The Round

The Cardigans: And Then You Kissed Me Pt.2

The Cardigans: I Need Some Fine Wine And You, You Need To Be Nicer