What does Bananer – bland annat… sound like?

A vibrant blend of blues and folk rhythms interwoven with satirical lyrics that critique societal norms and politics. Rooted in blues and traditional folk music. Start with "”The Bananrepubliken sång”".

Is Bananer – bland annat… a good place to start with Cornelis Vreeswijk?

Yes, Bananer – bland annat… is recommended as a starting point for new Cornelis Vreeswijk listeners. A vibrant blend of blues and folk rhythms interwoven with satirical lyrics that critique societal norms and politics. By the time Cornelis Vreeswijk released Bananer – bland annat… in 1980, he was already a well-established figure in Swedish music, having gained notoriety for his unique storytelling style and social commentary. This album came during a prolific period in which he was experimenting with various genres while maintaining his folk roots, further solidifying his status as a cultural icon.

Who is Bananer – bland annat… for?

Bananer – bland annat… works well if you're into whimsical storytelling with sharp wit, steady pacing for relaxed listening and playful social commentary throughout.

How many songs are on Bananer – bland annat…?

Bananer – bland annat… has 16 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Bananer – bland annat…

Cornelis Vreeswijk · 1980

44 min · 16 tracks · blues

A vibrant blend of blues and folk rhythms interwoven with satirical lyrics that critique societal norms and politics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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”The Bananrepubliken sång” Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Blues för IRA — This track stands out for its direct engagement with political themes, addressing the complexities of conflict and resistance in a poignant manner.
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Syndomblues — Offering a reflective take on human flaws, this song captures Vreeswijk's signature blend of humor and melancholy, showcasing his lyrical depth.
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Blues för Victor Jara — Dedicated to the Chilean singer-songwriter killed during the Pinochet regime, this track highlights Vreeswijk’s commitment to honoring those who suffered under oppressive regimes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album blends blues and folk with sharp lyrics, showcasing Vreeswijk's storytelling but lacks some cohesion in its length.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of blues structures, with many tracks employing a call-and-response format typical of the genre.
Several songs incorporate spoken word elements interspersed with sung verses, enhancing the storytelling aspect.
The lyrics often shift between humor and serious social critique, creating a dynamic contrast within individual tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

whimsical storytelling with sharp wit
steady pacing for relaxed listening
playful social commentary throughout
brief tracks for quick enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

seeks instant gratification
prefers longer, immersive albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Significant political commentary marks an artistic high point in Vreeswijk's career.
Themes: political satire· Chilean resistance· Swedish folk critique
Career context: By the time Cornelis Vreeswijk released Bananer – bland annat… in 1980, he was already a well-established figure in Swedish music, having gained notoriety for his unique storytelling style and social commentary. This album came during a prolific period in which he was experimenting with various genres while maintaining his folk roots, further solidifying his status as a cultural icon.
Stylistic neighbors: Bert Jansch· Nick Drake· John Martyn