Yes folks, it’s a Swedish Special this month. Rhodes has long been a fan of Sweden and the Swedes – here’s a list of just some of his favourite things about them:1. ABBA, obviously. See their finest moment here.
2. The magnificent Martin Beck series of cop novels by Sjöwall and Wahlöö. More about them here.
3. Bodies Without Organs – Earth’s most bafflingly named sunshine pop act.
3. Bodies Without Organs – Earth’s most bafflingly named sunshine pop act.
4. Björn Borg, mainly because when he became famous he didn’t just buy an island, he bought an archipelago. Some people have natural panache.
5. And, of course, ‘Don’t Bore Us, Get To The Chorus’ by Roxette – a record he’s so unaccountably fond of he even gave it a supporting role in The Little White Car. We’ll stop there.
However, until now his admiration for the Swedes has gone unrequited, as they have joined together in their refusal to read his books. Hopefully this is all about to change, though, with the publication of Little Hands Clapping by our good friends at Basil. Translated as Klappa Händer Små, this excellent illustrated edition is sure to become this autumn’s must-read from Malmö to Kiruna. Next time you happen to bump into Max Martin, Britt Ekland, Stakka Bo or Dolph Lundgren, don’t be surprised if they have a copy under their arm.
And look, here’s a trailer:
You’ll probably need cheering up after that. Here’s the above-mentioned Bodies Without Organs to help out. Rhodes was at this very concert, which is reported to have been one of his favourite live sets ever:
Happy reading.
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