J Shogren
American Holly
Jaha! Records

J Shogren records very American Americana despite being part Swedish. His lengthy new album mostly stays on the good side of the quality spectrum.

The opening title track has come smart lyrics and a neat melody. "Salt lakris" is a funny title, salt liquorice in Swedish, Shogren sings of needing that particular treat after a hard day's work. He sounds convincingly gritty to a banjo-led accompaniment. "Deny Me" is plaintive and well written; Shogren telling a bizarre tale with gusto. "She's With Me" is deceptively simple, but has a deep heat, as it speaks to some guy warning him to stay away from the narrator's girl. The vocals are spot on, and the instrumentation appealing.

It's a convincing and generally likable record all told.

Copyright © 2009 Anna Maria Stjärnell