WEDNESDAY'S REVIEW ON A THURSDAY: LYKKE LI

Lykke Li "Youth Novels" (Atlantic)

Last time I checked Last.fm, Li Lykke Timotej Zachrisson had a playcount of about a milli and a half, which isn't too bad, considering that she's only been around for about a year -- and Youth Novels itself is strictly a 2008 phenomenon. I guess it helps that she's buds with Björn Yttling, the one from Peter, Bjorn and John. Whoo, music connection tubes! But, really, there are legitimate reasons why Lykke Li is a hit: She keeps things simple (like a female Spoon o' the north) and she keeps things girly (without being annoying or contrived). By removing a few tracks -- and not altering the sequence otherwise -- an unflagging pop record can be found within Youth Novels. So, cut these on the download:

1. "Melodies And Desires" (doesn't speak to me)
9. "This Trumpet In My Head" (just filler)
10. "Complaint Department" (shoulda been a B-side)

The other stuff is sublime at times: The plinky percussion of "Dance Dance Dance" is an inspired touch; the proto-funky "Let It Fall" is as good as anything on Girls Can Tell or Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga; and "My Love" resonates like slightly cooled-off tropicalia. I suppose other folks will zero-in on the poppier songs -- "Little Bit" is all "iPod aesthetic," and I'm sure about 50 remixes of "Breaking It Up" are in the works -- but those instincts wouldn't be wrong. Ultimately, this is the kind of singer who finds her way to the Kanye Wests and Brian Enos of the world. She's got that little something.

Previously: Nas | Glen Campbell | Takka Takka | Taylor Swift | Dwele | The Fairline Parkway | Nortec Collective | Pink Skull | The Last Shadow Puppets | Kail | Grupo Fantasma | Mannequin Men | Nicolay & Kay | Times New Viking | Lyrics Born | Shelby Lynne | The Stance Brothers | Kokayi | The Sword | Fuck Buttons | Cadence Weapon | Paul Oakenfold