A few random thoughts on Lykke Li’s show at Antone’s last night:
– Leslie is scoping out the sold-out show when I walk up to the door. I picture Leslie and Lykke going shopping together.
– Lykke is wearing a black cloak with ripped black tights and a ruffled black dress and maybe Spandex shorts. Her hair is unbrushed. They guy behind me yells “Wiccan!” like she should burn at the stake.
– Is that a flute she’s using to bang on that floor tom? No, it’s a drumstick, but I want it to be a flute.
– She’s a great performer, energetic and aware, doing moves that are somewhere between Tae Bo and a rain dance. Channeling Bella Donna-era Stevie Nicks and True Colors-era Cyndi Lauper. “Little Bit” and “Dance Dance Dance” totally benefit from the fog machine stage right.
– “Are you ready to have a Swedish disco party?” she asks. All the 21-year-old guys in the front row screeeeeam. “Complaint Department” goes from mall jam to Euro-rave in 20 seconds.
– The cover of Lil Wayne’s “A Milli” is pretty amazing.
– “You ever love somebody a little more than they love you?” she asks, eyes wild, twirling around in her cloak.
– Lykke Li could be huge. Please don’t collabo with P. Diddy. Maybe a duet with Morrissey, Nicks and Petty style?
This article appears in February 20 • 2009.