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Writing the unofficial theme for Sweden’s team at the World Cup didn’t have its desired effect. But The Charade hasn’t stopped thankfully. The Swedish trio sound like a tamer version of The Concretes on songs such as “My Song to You” that has singer Ingela Matsson shining between “ba ba da ba da bas”. Fans of The Perishers would also enjoy some songs, especially the light but infectious pop of “A Tough Decision” and the somber “Dressed in Yellow & Blue” that brings The Delgados to mind. The first true highlight has to be the airy, dreamy “September” that seems to float from start to finish. Just as fine is “Music Makes Me Sick”, a possible complement to The Las classic “There She Goes”. From there, things take a step up with the precious ear candy nugget “Stockholm July 2005” that conjures up images of a refined Pulp. At times Matsson has a cute pop style during “Rain on Your Parade” being a cross between ‘60s pop and The Carpenters. “Faith” wraps it all up into one delectable retro-pop package.

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Originally from Cape Breton, MacNeil is currently writing for the Toronto Sun as well as other publications, including All Music Guide, Billboard.com, NME.com, Country Standard Time, Skope Magazine, Chart Magazine, Glide, Ft. Myers Magazine and Celtic Heritage. A graduate of the University of King's College, MacNeil currently resides in Toronto. He has interviewed hundreds of acts ranging from Metallica and AC/DC to Daniel Lanois and Smokey Robinson. MacNeil (modestly referred to as King J to friends), a diehard Philadelphia Flyers fan, has seen the Rolling Stones in a club setting, thereby knowing he will rest in peace at some point down the road. Oh, and he writes for PopMatters.com.


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