Ballader och grimascher
Cornelis Vreeswijk · 1965
29 min · 12 tracks · blues
A blend of introspective folk melodies and bluesy rhythms, revealing complex emotions through sharp, witty lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sportiga Marie Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Ballad om censuren — This track stands out for its satirical take on censorship, cleverly using humor to address serious themes that remain relevant today.
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Jultomten är faktiskt död — With its playful yet poignant narrative about the death of Santa Claus, this song captures Vreeswijk's knack for combining whimsy with deeper existential reflections.
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Grimasch om morgonen — The track's melancholic tone and vivid imagery effectively convey the struggles of everyday life, showcasing Vreeswijk's lyrical prowess and emotional depth.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- whimsical storytelling with charm
- steady pacing for casual listening
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- playful narratives for light moods
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long immersive experiences
- prefer intense emotional depth
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This debut album established Vreeswijk's reputation in the Swedish music scene.
- Themes
- Swedish café culture· satirical censorship· everyday struggles
- Career context
- Released in 1965, Ballader och grimascher was Cornelis Vreeswijk's debut studio album, marking his entry into the Swedish music scene. At this time, Vreeswijk was transitioning from performing in Dutch cafés to captivating Swedish audiences with his unique blend of folk and blues influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bert Jansch· Nick Drake· John Martyn
Tracklist
- 1 Sportiga Marie Start here 1:44
- 2 Ballad om censuren 2:32
- 3 Esmeralda 2:54
- 4 Ballad om 100 år 1:58
- 5 Horoskopvisan 3:37
- 6 Lasse liten blues 3:15
- 7 Jultomten är faktiskt död 2:05
- 8 Tänk om jag hade en sabel 1:39
- 9 Dekadans 2:26
- 10 Grimasch om morgonen 2:10
- 11 Balladen om ett munspel 3:10
- 12 Slusk-blues 2:16
What to play next
Grimascher och telegram
1966
Continues the introspective themes with a blend of folk and blues elements.
Ballader och oförskämdheter
1964
Sets the stage with similar folk melodies and lyrical depth.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Shares sharp, introspective lyrics with a similar blend of folk and blues influences.
Songs of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Both feature poignant storytelling and a mix of melancholic melodies with introspective themes.
Blue
Joni Mitchell
Equally intimate and emotive, exploring complex emotions through folk-inspired arrangements.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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