Grimascher och telegram cover

Released 60 years ago

Grimascher och telegram

Cornelis Vreeswijk · 1966

35 min · 14 tracks · blues

A whimsical blend of folk and blues, featuring sharp observations wrapped in playful melodies and vivid storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Cylinderhatten Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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    Telegram för en bombad by — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its concise and poignant critique of war and destruction, encapsulating Vreeswijk's unique ability to mix humor with serious themes.
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    Balladen om herr Fredrik Åkare och den söta Fröken Cecilia Lind — This narrative ballad showcases Vreeswijk's storytelling prowess, weaving a tale of love and longing with rich character detail that exemplifies his lyrical craft.
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    Ångbåtsblues — This track highlights Vreeswijk’s blues influence, blending traditional folk melodies with a melancholic yet catchy rhythm, making it a memorable addition to the album.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • whimsical storytelling with warmth
  • for reflective afternoons
  • brief interludes that invite smiles
  • playful narratives with poignant moments

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy anthems
  • prefer longer, cohesive experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Vreeswijk's reputation in Swedish folk music.
Themes
war-torn landscapes· Swedish folk tales· humorous social critique
Career context
Released in 1966, Grimascher och telegram was Cornelis Vreeswijk's second studio album, following his self-titled debut. At this time, he was establishing himself as a significant voice in Swedish folk music, combining traditional elements with modern lyrical themes that resonate with contemporary issues.
Stylistic neighbors
Bert Jansch· Nick Drake· John Martyn

Tracklist

  • 1 Telegram för en bombad by 1:21
  • 2 Cylinderhatten Start here 2:39
  • 3 Jubelvisa över fiffiga Nanette 2:44
  • 4 Telegram för Lucidor 1:35
  • 5 En visa om ett rosenblad 4:02
  • 6 Medborgarinnan Agda Gustavssons lott 3:38
  • 7 Polaren Per är kärlekskrank 2:30
  • 8 Ångbåtsblues 3:01
  • 9 Telegram för en tennsoldat 2:25
  • 10 Får jag presentera fiffiga Nanette? 1:58
  • 11 Jag hade en gång en båt 3:01
  • 12 Balladen om herr Fredrik Åkare och den söta Fröken Cecilia Lind 2:57
  • 13 Telegram för min värdinna 1:38
  • 14 Telegram för fullmånen 1:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata