Fairytales by Alexander Rybak

Alexander Rybak- "Fairytale"
Alexander Rybak- "Kiss and Tell"

Guess what time it is: it’s pop o’ clock! I hope I don’t de-hip Tastes Bad by using the p-word, but I’m not gonna lie, I’m more than open to some accessible, catchy, ear-candy now and then. I suppose the uncoolness of admitting that I dig poppy songs might be mitigated by the fact that what I’m going to share today is Norwegian pop (ooh, she’s so cultured, you all whisper in awe). It’s also about two years old, but I’m guessing you guys aren’t super up-to-date on your Scandinavian singers (unless you watch Eurovision, which this guy won in 2009).

Apparently no matter what country they’re from, male pop singers are boyish and floppy-haired, and Alexander Rybak is no exception. I’m posting the video for “Roll With The Wind” so you can appreciate his goofily earnest grin and delightfully un-hip dance moves, which I find charming. Rybak’s songs are a blend of the familiar pop sound and Scandinavian folk music, with pretty appealing results. Between his violin (I’m a sucker for some fiddlin’) and the use of traditional-sounding beats (I say “sounding” because I don’t actually know anything about Norwegian folk music), Rybak puts a fun spin on pop music. I think part of what I like so much about his songs is that, compared to American pop singers, he seems pretty unconcerned with looking cool. Rybak’s music is goofy, earnest, and brings something fresh to pop songs about pretty ladies. If you’ve got a soft spot for ear candy, I think you should check it out. (Also, look up the video for “Fairytale” if you want to really see that charming un-coolness exemplified. Aaah, silly folk dancers for the win!)