The appeal of Swedish singer-songwriter Jens Lekman has often been described in terms of his apparent lack of appeal. His signature baritone is slightly nasal and far from classically accomplished, and his arrangements borrow recklessly from 20th century pop — both canonized and disreputable. In any given Jens Lekman song, you&#821...

A forthcoming issue of the New York arts and culture magazine Esopus will come packaged with a new compilation, and the magazine has asked the artists in question to write songs “inspired by a customer service experience.” The comp includes songs from Dirty Beaches, Richard Swift, Black Pus, Cakes Da Killa, and the charmingly...

Jens Lekman has released a freebie called “Olivia & Maddy.” The track is inspired by all the help he and his pianist, Jonas, received after Jonas got stuck in New York during Superstorm Sandy — which fell two days before the kick-off of Lekman’s west coast tour. From his website: I asked if anyone would [...

The Swedes continue to invade America as charm-pop specialist Jens Lekman stopped by the Fonda Theater in Hollywood in support of his latest album, I Know What Love Isn’t. Lekman was in good spirits, congratulating the audience on the Obama victory and injecting his usual anecedotes before some songs. Fellow countrywoman Victoria Bergs...

Last night on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, Swede-pop singer-songwriter Jens Lekman made his first-ever American TV appearance. He played “I Know What Love Isn’t,” the title track from his new album, and he wore a hat that he should really consider never, ever wearing again. Watch it below. (via the Audio Perv) I Kn...