Lopez Blogs

8 weeks ago tonight I discovered Salem Al Fakir. And my obsession is not going away.

So because I'm rather prone to lists on this blog I thought I would do a video playlist of my favourite-singer-in-the-whole-wide-world:

1. The Allsång på Skansen performance of "Good Song": utterly wonderful. It is impossible to watch this and not to a) fall in love with him, and b) appreciate the life-affirming brilliance of this song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tuE-lxrWwE
2. 25 minutes into the 'Grattis Victoria' concert, he sings "It's True"/"Dream Girl": the first time I saw him, heard him, and realised we were in the presence of greatness. http://svt.se/svt/play/video.jsp?a=867294
3. The "Dream Girl" video: big, big, big, big hair. Again it is virtually impossible not to fall in love with him. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LypJzCwRg2c
4. The utterly bonkers "This Is Who I Am" video, in which Salem gets the dressing-up box out and models a number of crazy outfits. And yes, his favourite pullover makes an appearance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0w9zpy7jy0
5. Swedish radio session version of "Devil Look" which clearly proves that live, he is a performer to be reckoned with..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYVdR8mkkRM
6. "Good Song" video. If this doesn't put a smile on your face nothing will. And Snook are in it. http://www.emi.se/artists/salem/tiwia/index.htm
7. Snook's "Inga Problem": Salem is in their video looking rather nice and playing guitar. This is a stunning track, with a striking black-and-white video, and the combination of the Snook boys and Salem will always go down well at EuropeCrazy HQ. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsj3iZEDsSU
8. You need a Japanese man... Way Out West festival performance from Gothenburg which hints at a more rock-orientated direction, and Salem's tendency towards audience participation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMEI9ezD5Lc
9. Why did the sun stop shining? The irresistible "Tell Me"; that P3 radio "Musikjournalen" session again, and incredibly infectious it is too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggCVAEGYimI
10. You are a star, probably the best by far. Performance from February 2007 of the previously unreleased "Birthday Song" from a club in Gothenburg. And why not. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bD9qAtdyQSY