With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Bjorn in the USA: Peter, Bjorn and John Play The Roxy
New wave/Swedish pop cuties Peter, Bjorn and John played a sold out show at the Roxy last Thursday to an attractive crowd of hip haircuts and industry contacts.
The lights blinked perfectly mod (like big, candy buttons) and dotted a pattern of emerald with fuchsia and robin’s egg blue with burnt orange. A buzzy, space-age cue ushered them to the stage, and they greeted us with a shy hello.
This was their first performance in Los Angeles, and they seemed genuinely surprised, almost embarrassed, that so many people knew about them and were in attendance. Amazingly, the humility did not read as pandering, and they delivered a confident, easy set of upbeat pop, embellished with whistling, smiling and good intros.
Sponsored message
Peter Morén sang with earnest fervor, and bounced around the stage like a little kid in a Chuck E. Cheese ballpit -- that is, to say, with glee, not swagger. Resembling a cleft-chinned, Nordic Travolta, Björn Yttling held up stage right and meted out sweet harmonies and bop-worthy bass lines. His solo vocal efforts were a bit unfrozen-caveman-lawyer, but still charming, even during a bout of forgotten lyrics.
I heard a rumor that an impostor John Eriksson was playing drums that evening, but no real evidence has surfaced to substantiate the claim. An obstructed view (and lack of mental picture for the real John Eriksson) made it difficult to confirm on my own.
Cutiepie pixie Victoria Bergsman (and her adorable hair) joined them onstage for a crowd pleasing version of “Young Folks,” complete with an Ashlee Simpson whistle-track. It was flirty and Human League-ish but without the backtalk. Peter did well to keep up with the lip syncing until the inevitable WHISTLEGATE, at which time he was bested by the track as it played atop his vocals.
Perhaps an excess of American Idol has lowered my standard for acceptable performance, but still, I have to disagree with the disagreers who say the PB&J sound does not hold up live. I thought the music is much warmer in person.
PB&J in LA @ The Roxy
Video “Let’s Call It Off” (via YouTube)
Video “Young Folks” (via YouTube)
MP3
Download "Young Folks" (courtesy of Pitchfork)
Photo by tammylo via Flickr
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
