Depending on where you were in the world between 1994 and 2005, chances are you knew more than a few songs by The Cardigans. Launching out of Jönköping, Sweden in 1992, Bengt Lagerberg (drums), Lars-Olof Johansson (keyboards), Magnus Sveningsson (bass), Peter Svensson (lead guitar), and Nina Persson (lead vocals) eventually secured a deal with the indie imprint Trampolene Records in 1994. That same year, Emmerdale, their inaugural long player, appeared and kick-started one of the most imaginative album stretches in popular music.
Across the six studio records The Cardigans serviced to the public in 11 years—Emmerdale, Life (1995), First Band on the Moon (1996), Gran Turismo (1998), Long Gone Before Daylight (2003), Super Extra Gravity (2005)—the band flirted with various genre aestheticisms that included luxe vintage pop, country-orchestral set pieces and rip-roaring glam rock. When things went quiet for The Cardigans after the fine and furious Super Extra Gravity, fans continued to clamor feverishly for new music. While there have been semi-reunion concessions—as recently as last December’s limited Gran Turismo anniversary concert run—no new music from The Cardigans has surfaced outside of a comprehensive retrospective in 2008.
One can’t be sure if the new vinyl reissues for all six of The Cardigans recordings will spark further activity from the semi-defunct band, but they’re sure to excite established fans and pique the interest of curious audiences too.
Overseen by the group’s bassist Magnus Sveningsson—who also curates the group’s official Facebook page—the reissues have been given the loving touch in regard to their sound quality (per Sterling Sound) and lush artwork replication via a gatefold sleeve presentation. Of the six titles, Emmerdale and Super Extra Gravity will be making their vinyl debut. Available for purchase this Friday, February 1st, it’s hoped that if these remasters perform strongly on the vinyl medium that this expansive remastering campaign will be extended to the compact disc format soon.
Make room on your shelves for these bona fide gems and reserve your copies via the links below! Plus, revisit a sampling of the band’s official music videos, which showcase their musical evolution and proven penchant for memorable melodies.
BUY The Cardigans’ vinyl reissues here