the wilson hospital. medication for a lost generation. review by alan haber. buhdge

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Medication for a Lost Generation The Wilson Hospital Morphine Lane (2002) If this were 2002, and it was December 31st, the ink would be drying on my top 10 albums of the year list, and firmly ensconced on that list would be the Wilson Hospital's Medication for a Lost Generation, an ebullient corker of a pure pop record, simply exploding with awesome, sugar-sweet vocals and happy, enormously vibrant songs all wrapped in a package that puts it innumerable leagues ahead of the pack. There are the pretenders to the throne, and then there is the throne; this is the throne, folks, the real thing, and that, as they say in Topeka, is putting it mildly. Multi-instrumentalists Kathrine Bergstrom and Marten Tromm, and a small cast of ace supporting players, have produced one of the most pleasing, upbeat listening experiences I have had in many years. And that's saying something. Bergstrom and Tromm, co-producer Bjorn Oqvist, and executive producer Michael Lohse should all take a well-deserved bow, accompanied by the sunny disposition that defines their work on this album. Lohse and Johan Nilsson have worked engineering wonders, crafting a deep, shiny, bright sound that is beyond compare. And Henrik Wiklund, working with Carina Gran's superb photography, has produced a package that is visually arresting and sumptuously stated. And then there's the music. The opener, "A Good Day," more than ably sets the stage for what is to come. Bouncy and joyous, the song celebrates the wonder that is a good day, full of good feelings. Tromm and Bergstrom, who each take lead vocal duties throughout the album, are marvelous singers; Bergstrom, in particular, is purely fantastic, exhibiting an alluring, girl-next door quality that is simply irresistible. The duo's harmonies are nothing short of astonishing and expressive, setting into motion more goose bump moments than I can count. A Motown groove fuels the toe-tapping "Call Me A.S.A.P." There is a line in the chorus in which Bergstrom does this thing, this thing that sends chills up my spine; she harmonizes I for two descending triplets and, hot on their heels, a single note, leading to the line, "I can't wait much longer," and the desire to loop the experience is stronger than the most powerful magnet. It is quite appealing and wonderful. Channeling the Go-Gos, Bergstrom and Tromm celebrate the annual rite of the "Summer Holiday," kicking up the emotion with a song that will have you speed-dialing your travel agent. Thrill to a hot electric guitar solo by Tromm, and a just-perfect ending. Speaking of perfect, the suave, romantic, fifties-styled mid-tempo ballad, "Midsummer's Ball," recalls the best of ABBA (you might be reminded of that group more than a few times while listening to this album; you might also be reminded of the Beach Boys. Well, you will, actually). Once again, Bergstrom's vocals are as enchanting as a midsummer's day or evening. The lovely "Don't Be Late" contains Bergstrom's most delicious vocal; she inhabits each musical line with such conviction you'll have a hard time denying the pull. The background vocals are typically creatively arranged and performed. Closing out the album, the majestic, Beach Boys-influenced "Wherever We Will Be," a moving on song to play at high school graduations forever more, leaves you wanting forever more. Quite a feat. "Look back with a smile/Remembering this time..." Those words, sung during "Wherever We Will Be," about sum up the Wilson Hospital experience. The perfect album to play when you're down, or to bring the sunshine in on a cloudy day, Medication for a Lost Generation is the album of 2002. Hell, it's one of the top 10 albums of 2005, or any year you care to choose. Very well done for a very, very good day, indeed. Alan Haber March 8, 2005
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Medication for a Lost Generation
The Wilson Hospital
Morphine Lane (2002)

the wilson hospital's medication for a lost generation If this were 2002, and it was December 31st, the ink would be drying on my top 10 albums of the year list, and firmly ensconced on that list would be the Wilson Hospital's Medication for a Lost Generation, an ebullient corker of a pure pop record, simply exploding with awesome, sugar-sweet vocals and happy, enormously vibrant songs all wrapped in a package that puts it innumerable leagues ahead of the pack. There are the pretenders to the throne, and then there is the throne; this is the throne, folks, the real thing, and that, as they say in Topeka, is putting it mildly.

Multi-instrumentalists Kathrine Bergstrom and Marten Tromm, and a small cast of ace supporting players, have produced one of the most pleasing, upbeat listening experiences I have had in many years. And that's saying something. Bergstrom and Tromm, co-producer Bjorn Oqvist, and executive producer Michael Lohse should all take a well-deserved bow, accompanied by the sunny disposition that defines their work on this album. Lohse and Johan Nilsson have worked engineering wonders, crafting a deep, shiny, bright sound that is beyond compare. And Henrik Wiklund, working with Carina Gran's superb photography, has produced a package that is visually arresting and sumptuously stated.

And then there's the music. The opener, "A Good Day," more than ably sets the stage for what is to come. Bouncy and joyous, the song celebrates the wonder that is a good day, full of good feelings. Tromm and Bergstrom, who each take lead vocal duties throughout the album, are marvelous singers; Bergstrom, in particular, is purely fantastic, exhibiting an alluring, girl-next door quality that is simply irresistible. The duo's harmonies are nothing short of astonishing and expressive, setting into motion more goose bump moments than I can count.

A Motown groove fuels the toe-tapping "Call Me A.S.A.P." There is a line in the chorus in which Bergstrom does this thing, this thing that sends chills up my spine; she harmonizes I for two descending triplets and, hot on their heels, a single note, leading to the line, "I can't wait much longer," and the desire to loop the experience is stronger than the most powerful magnet. It is quite appealing and wonderful.

Channeling the Go-Gos, Bergstrom and Tromm celebrate the annual rite of the "Summer Holiday," kicking up the emotion with a song that will have you speed-dialing your travel agent. Thrill to a hot electric guitar solo by Tromm, and a just-perfect ending. Speaking of perfect, the suave, romantic, fifties-styled mid-tempo ballad, "Midsummer's Ball," recalls the best of ABBA (you might be reminded of that group more than a few times while listening to this album; you might also be reminded of the Beach Boys. Well, you will, actually). Once again, Bergstrom's vocals are as enchanting as a midsummer's day or evening.

The lovely "Don't Be Late" contains Bergstrom's most delicious vocal; she inhabits each musical line with such conviction you'll have a hard time denying the pull. The background vocals are typically creatively arranged and performed. Closing out the album, the majestic, Beach Boys-influenced "Wherever We Will Be," a moving on song to play at high school graduations forever more, leaves you wanting forever more. Quite a feat.

"Look back with a smile/Remembering this time..." Those words, sung during "Wherever We Will Be," about sum up the Wilson Hospital experience. The perfect album to play when you're down, or to bring the sunshine in on a cloudy day, Medication for a Lost Generation is the album of 2002. Hell, it's one of the top 10 albums of 2005, or any year you care to choose. Very well done for a very, very good day, indeed.

Alan Haber
March 8, 2005