Jens Lekman
Oh You’re So Silent Jens
(Secretly Canadian)
It is a wonder Jens Lekman
hasn’t just packed up and moved to Scotland. Over three EPs and one full-length, Lekman has demonstrated a keen devotion to the same melodic tapestry worshipped by Belle & Sebastian and a host of other chamber-pop stalwarts. Albeit with a certain twist---despite its inherent charms, his music has always possessed an awkwardness. Maybe that comes from his deep crooning vocals or from his quirky sense of humour that borders on the absurd. But this disc, which features his first three EPs and a smattering of extras, somehow works better than the EPs managed on their own.
—Dave Hayden