CD Review: V/A - 'Arctic Paradise: Contemporary Music From Finland 2012'

Various Artists
Arctic Paradise: Contemporary Music From Finland 2012
FIMIC

The Finnish Music Information Centre located in Helsinki releases yet another CD with nearly 90 pages of musical text wholly devoted to the contemporary Finnish music scene. Music articles included by Pirkko Kotirinta, Henna Salo, Merja Hottinen, Riika Hiltunen, and Songlines Magazine editor, Simon Broughton. The articles focus on fusion, indigenous styles, and unconventional musicmaking throughout Finland. Some of the artists included on the compilation are Frigg, Maria Kalaniemi, Suo, Johanna Juhola, Svang, Wimme, Karuna, Nordik Tree, and others. The mix of vocal and instrumental music is refreshing and pleasant for the ears. There is an absence of Varttina on this release, which is somewhat disappointing. Still, the FIMIC puts together a timeless release with loads of informative liner notes and album artwork. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: V/A - 'Arctic Paradise: Contemporary Music From Finland 2010'

Various Artists
Arctic Paradise: Contemporary Music From Finland 2010
FIMIC

The contemporary music of Finland is poignantly captured by researcher, Pirkko Kotirinta. The stylish liner notes weigh in at nearly 80 pages of text. The information contains in-depth analysis of various music genres from Finland, including vocal genres, pelimanni music, accordion/harmonium, kantele, jouhikko, sami, and fusion styles. The music of Tsuumi Sound System, Svang, Sanna Kurki-Suonio, Trepaanit, Lepisto-Lehti, KTU, Frigg, Vilma Timonen Quartet, Alamaailman Vasarat, Ulla, and others are included on the compilation. However, the sounds of Finland's finest performers--Wimme and JPP--are nowhere to be seen. Some of the artists not featured on the tracklist are discussed in the text. The compilation runs the gamut of traditional styles in a contemporary context. However, this is not your pop or rock album. Nevertheless, some rock elements make their way into KTU's "Quiver." Overall, the Finnish Music Information Centre produced a fine example of Finland's music heritage on CD. ~ Matthew Forss