SOW: Two Way Monologue by Sondre Lerche
April 16, 2004 | 
9 Comments
The Artist: Sondre Lerche
The Song: Two Way Monologue
The Album: Two Way Monologue
Released 2004
I don’t know a whole lot about Norwegian artist Sondre Lerche (pronounced “Sauhn-druh Lair-kay”), having only discovered him a week or so ago, but what I do know I like quite a bit.
Sondre seems like an old school preppy, even though I think he’s young. At least that’s the feeling I get from him and his music.
To give you an idea of how I see and feel his music I think it would be helpful to do a little visualization exercise. Are you ready?
Ok, imagine a J Crew calendar photo shoot that was shot back in the sixties, on the beach or at some snowbound cabin. Beautiful young people, all relaxed and hanging out, having fun. Got that? Now think about the music that was playing during that shoot — that’s Sondre Lerche and Two Way Monologue!
It’s mellow, melodic, sophisticated and relaxed. Very much romantic vacation music. All penny-loafers with no socks and clam-diggers. Maybe an untucked Ralph Lauren with a canary yellow knit sweater knotted around the shoulders. Preppy. See?
Sondre’s a singer / songwriter somewhere in the vein of Jason Mraz, but with more of a classic, 60’s, throwback sound. It’s very poppy, but by no means in a cheesy way.
Two Way Monologue evokes feelings of my high school days (when I was a prep) and reminds me of artists like The Style Council, Roxy Music, Fergal Sharkey and ABC. I simply love it. I really wish I could give you a more concrete idea of why I like Sondre Lerche, but I trust if you give “Two Way Monologue” a listen you’ll understand what I’m saying.
Recommended if you like: The Style Council, Jason Mraz, The Shins, Rufus Wainwright, John Mayer
Filed under: Song of The Week
Comments
1. Andrew said:
how can you put The Shins in the same category as John Mayer and Jason Mraz?
Posted on April 16, 2004 05:52 PM | #
2. Keith said:
Oh god, no! Sacrilege! How could I? ;)
Actually, I didn’t.
All I’m saying is that if you like The Shins or John Mayer or Jazon Mraz you might like Sondre Lerche. I’m not saying any of those artists are anything alike at all.
Posted on April 16, 2004 07:50 PM | #
3. Jamie said:
You’re right. I like all three and love Sondre Lerche.
I saw him a few years ago supporting Gemma Hayes. He was like a stand-up on stage, bantering and joking with the crowd all through the set.
Posted on April 17, 2004 01:51 AM | #
4. Lon said:
Nice to see Norwegian artists on your SOW. Sondre is from Bergen (west cost of Norway, where all the fjords are), and has been “young and promising” for a few years now (he’s only 21). There are more Norwegian bands out there that you should look into. One band from my hometown (Trondheim) is Motorpsycho. Good band.
Posted on April 19, 2004 02:59 AM | #
5. Jessica said:
I only found Sondre earlier this week, but when I bought the album the next day, I hardly could stop listening! When I tried to describe him to my friends I also compared his fantastic style to Jason Mraz, John Mayer and Rufus Wainwright. All three of my favorite artists. I read in people magazine that he has the sound of the Beatles, with a pop sound as well. I love him a lot. Tell me how you all like the other two albums, I’ve only got Two Way Monologue. Thanks! Jessica
Posted on April 23, 2004 11:17 PM | #
6. John said:
i just saw sondre last night at irving plaza in ny. this kid is amazing. at root he’s a preternaturally gifted songwriter with a great voice and overall love for the pop music form. which works great to our benefit. on stage his presence and banter was somewhere between what i imagine it might’ve been like to see bowie just before he went supernova, and, goofily, abba/a-ha/david cassidy and elvis after they got famous. he plays with the ladies in the audience like he’s some icon. and, well, you can’t begrudge him the fact that he undeniably will be. his music is a delicious confection of beatles, beach boys, beck, nick drake, cole porter, the smiths, roddy frame, etc. the only downside to all this is that lyrically he’s a little too squeaky clean, but, heck, he’s a only 21-yr-old matinee idol-type your mother would love.
Posted on May 11, 2004 02:53 PM | #
7. Cherisse said:
I only discovered Sondre last week on Conan,(boy am i glad that i watch that show!!) and since then i’ve been hooked. i’m trying to get his cd cause i don’t think i would get his music in Trinidad.
Posted on May 16, 2004 07:13 PM | #
8. Christine said:
Hello!!
Sondre Lerche is quite a man!! I’m from the same city as him, Bergen, and we all love him!
Two Way Monologue is one of the most-played songs at a Norwegian radio called Radio 1. Together with Kurt Nilsen, last years Norwegian Idol, and of course: The FIRSt World Idol!! Ever!!
Go Norway!!!
To you who don’t know how to get music from all over the world; LimeWire is great to search for and download songs. And remember: Use iTunes!!
Have a nice summer everybody!!
On friday 11th I will watch the 3rd Harry Potter moovie! Can’t wait;)
Bye bye
Posted on June 8, 2004 09:26 PM | #
9. Leah said:
i’m from Trinidad too and i also saw Sondre on Conan (he’s so funny)and immediately fell in love with his music. I’m trying to get his cd too so if u do find it here cherisse please help a fellow trini out
Posted on July 5, 2004 08:42 AM | #
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