Things I Abandon Only Abandon Me

Santa Maria “Lalalalalaaa” – Maria Eriksson’s voice may not be as memorable and unique as that of her fellow ex-Concrete Victoria Bergsman, but they are both the musical grandchildren of Nico, and as such smuggle a great deal of warmth and humanity in a voice that seems lethargic and aloof on the surface. “Lalalalaaa” recalls the sound of the Concretes, but even more so the most tuneful tracks in the Electrelane catalog, or going back to a more obscure reference point, the better songs by Quickspace. The song feels like a train of thought taking form and then drifting away, and as it goes on, it seems as though they are trying to draw out an idea that’s already begun to fade away. (Click here to buy it from Juno.)

Robyn “Robotboy (UK Version)” – It’s been a long time, but Robyn is finally releasing her self-titled album in the UK. Two of the songs have been re-recorded, two other songs have been added, and the running order has been shuffled around so that “Konichiwa Bitches” is the first proper tune on the record. It’s funny how the character of the album shifts so much with these changes even though it’s mostly the same thing. “Bum Like You” and “Robotboy” are both faster and thoroughly electro now, and as a result the albums feels considerably less eclectic and more focused on being this super modern Europop thing. I prefer the original version of “Bum Like You,” but “Robotboy” has definitely been improved by its faster pace and sweeter production. As a whole, Robyn is better — the kinks have been ironed out, and it suddenly sounds more like a greatest hits compilation than a regular album. (Click here for Robyn’s official site.)