MELLANVÄSEN [AKA: ATTIC THOUGHTS]

Bo Hansson flirted briefly with commercial success in the UK, perhaps on the back of the massive exposure enjoyed by Mike Oldfield. It would however be unfair to label Hansson as an Oldfield clone, since in artistic terms, Hansson came first (indeed there is an argument which says that Oldfield was influenced by Hansson).

"Attic Thoughts", or "Mellanväsen" to use its original Swedish title, was probably Hansson's most accomplished album. Musically, it is not that different from his previous works, such as "Lord of the rings", and "Magician's hat". It benefits enormously however both from more diverse instrumentation, and from much improved production.

Bo Hansson was undoubtedly a talented multi-instrumentalist, but for "Attic thoughts" he relied more heavily on other musicians to help him to fill out his sound. These included members of Swedish bands Kebnekaise and Fläsket Brinner.

The music is as ever entirely instrumental, and largely dominated by keyboards. While the listening is pleasant, there is a rather mundane feel to it, the album as a whole lacking any excitement or colour. Hansson's playing is as competent as his compositional abilities, but even after a number of listens, there is nothing particularly memorable here, just easy listening prog.

I understand Hansson has been ill for some time now, to the extent that he is no longer able to record or perform. We wish him well.

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