On the Record with I Was a King

By Aiden Landman
Published: May 12th, 2009 | 7:00am

Presenting dream-pop through a psychedelic veil, Norway's I Was a King stands poised to become one of those bands whose songs you simply can't get out of your head. Equal parts catchy and spine-tinglingly fun, the band constantly draws comparisons to Fountains Of Wayne, members of the Elephant 6, and the lighter side of My Bloody Valentine.

Their newest record, I Was a King (Control Group), is a quick, 30-minute adventure jam-packed with 15 songs which feature guest appearances from Sufjan Stevens, Gary Olson of Ladybug Transistor, Danielson, and fellow Norwegian Emil Nikolaisen of Serena Maneesh. Recently, while on tour in Europe, the band talked to Venus Zine about some of their favorite records.

Vocalist-guitarist Frode Strømstads

The Flaming Lips

Clouds Taste Metallic (Warner Bros.)

This album has been a Top 5 and a huge inspiration to me since I first got hold of it. I think it is the band's best work. Super catchy songs, their trademark drum sound, combined with the amazing guitar work of Ronald Jones. Brilliant!

Bassist Haavard

Talk Talk

Laughing Stock (Verve/ Polydor)

When I discovered this album, a new musical world opened up for me — one of those moments that just stays there. Before, I had mostly been listening to more traditional blues and rock stuff, but this was something completely different; floating harmonies blending into one another, a much more organic production than on their previous, more synth-driven albums.

Vocalist-guitarist Anne Lise

Vashti Bunyan

Just Another Diamond Day (Phillips)

Vashti's voice is softly comforting, telling tales about the changing of the seasons, the grass growing, and the animals on the farm. The music is both relaxing and inspiring, her voice sounds like nothing else and not to forget. There are some really unique and memorable melodies on this album.

Drummer Kristoffer

Essex Green

The Long Goodbye (Merge)

When on tour, listening to music in the van is what makes the long drives feel a lot shorter. On the tour we are on right now in Europe, this album has gotten a lot of rotation. The Long Goodbyehas been my first introduction to the band. Nicely produced pop songs that easily get stuck in your ear. You just have to love it!

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I Was a King official site

I Was a King Myspace