It would be a shame if Swedish band Peter Bjorn and John became solely known for their breakout hit “Young Folks,” aka “the whistle song,” aka “Kanye West’s favorite indie-rock joint.” The track, while great, is featured on one of the best albums released in years. Writer’s Block is a stunning collection of shimmering jangly guitar pop and perfect shoegazing love songs from start to finish. The record is so named not because of creative stagnancy, but quite the opposite. Peter, Bjorn and John all live in the same area of Stockholm, where they traded instruments and vocal and songwriting duties to create their magnum opus. Watch the video for PB&J’s latest single, “Objects of My Affection.”
Peter Bjorn and John kick off their winter North American tour at Warehouse Live this Friday, and we've got a pair of tickets to give away! Send us an email with your name and phone number to contest (at) houstonist (dot) com, and we'll put you in the drawing. The contest ends at noon tomorrow.
We recently asked drummer John Erikkson a quick set of questions and learned that he’s not too fond of the MTV Music Awards. Neither are we come to think of it.
So you guys are starting another round of touring in the US, how does touring in the States compare to performing shows on your side of the pond?
There are more nice people in the American audiences than in Sweden and there are more drunk people in Sweden, generally.
The band has been touring on and off for more than a year, any funny stories from the road?
Yes. Hihi. One day we ate pizza two times on the same day and then when we arrived at the hotel late at night someone has ordered pizza!!! On that tour we gained weight for the first time... some of us did anyway.
Writer's Block continues to be one of our favorite records, did you have any idea that the album would have this kind of staying power?
Thank you! We felt right away that "Writer's Block" was sort of a Masterpiece. The best record in Sweden that year, no doubt.
You guys were recently nominated for Best New Artist at the MTV Music Awards and you played a set there too. Has that widened your audience a bit more?
No. That was the worst thing we have done so far. We would rather have played the gigs we cancelled in Canada.
And how was performing with Kanye West? How did he approach you guys about sampling "Young Folks"?
He was very kind and nice. I was drunk.
Peter recently played a solo show where he debuted songs from his upcoming LP. What have Bjorn and John been up to?
I have completed my "soloproject" together with my best friend Pelle. It´s called Hortlax Cobra and JJ Tapir A.K.A. tuktuk. And I have played with a swedish percussion ensemble, mixed tracks from the latest PB&J-recordings and sold my apartment.
The band's website currently lists some cover tunes that the band has performed over the years. Can you imagine anyone covering your songs? Who and what?
Bart Simpson Featuring OJ Simpson - "Young Folks".
Peter Bjorn and John with The Besnard Lakes
Friday, November 23, 2007
Warehouse Live: 813 St. Emmanuel Street, between Rusk and Walker
$20, All ages, Doors, 8:00pm
Ticketmaster
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