Ola Backström: Gråton

Description

‘Gråton’ is the only solo album by Ola Backström, released posthumously. He co-founded bands such as Dag Vag and Stockholm Norra, and made guest appearances with Ebba Grön, among others. However, the demanding and financially uncertain life of a touring musician was not suited to him, particularly after he became a father. He switched to painting, seemingly putting his instruments on the shelf in the process. However, he continued to write songs and explore music at home, seemingly liberated in form and expression. He recorded in a portable studio, keeping his material hidden from everyone else. Until now.

Ola Backström made a modest comeback around his 50th birthday. Shortly afterwards, he was diagnosed with cancer, which progressed quickly. He died in 2004.

Since then, the collection of cassettes has formed part of the family’s personal archive. “This is good; we should do something with it.” However, time has passed, and it is only now that Fanfar! is releasing a selection of songs that truly reflect the breadth and depth of Ola Backström’s work. The album is being released on LP and via streaming services, with a great deal of effort put into ensuring the material is presented at its absolute best.

‘Gråton’ is a bright light in the history of music.

Here’s what artist Mattias Alkberg has to say: ‘This is music from another future. Warm and existential. It’s incredible — unheard of, even. What a privilege. How lucky we are that you existed.”

The recordings have been transferred from cassette tapes at 24-bit/96 kHz resolution. The mastering process has retained the high resolution.

Tracks on Gråton

Side A

1. Tur att du fanns
2. Full för fyllans skull
3. Allt är stort
4. Korsdrag
5. Tänk om du måste börja om nu
6. Barnen blöder
7. Landsväg till himlen
8. När jag vakna en dag (skiss)

Side B

1. In på scenen
2. Trälim
3. Klockan ringer
4. Romantique
5. Fredagen kom
6. Nånstans i fjärran (Fredax)
7. Drömmer om en plats
8. Vid rymdretur