First released by Poko Records in 2004, then reissued by Fonal in 2008, Suudelmitar is a perfect gem of a folk-pop record. On his debut full-length, Ville Leinonen showcases his songwriting skills and his troubadour voice. It is a no-nonsense album, where the song always rules over audio wizardry -- which does not mean it is a raw, one-dimensional recording. Each track has its own sound signature: different instrumentation, guest musicians, and studio treatments, all subsumed to the song's demands. A sitar here and a flange effect there hint at psychedelia, but as a whole Suudelmitar remains rooted in Scandinavian acoustic folk music, and will appeal to fans of cheerful, delicate songs. Highlights include the title track, a duet with Elissa Määttänen entitled "Dans ma cabane" (why the French title? -- it is sung in Finnish), and the Ennio Morricone-influenced "Hiljaa Ui Malawée." Then you have the beautifully fragile "Lumiaurojen Laulu," and the Greek-sounding "Luunvalkoiset Purjeet," replete with mandolin, drunken choir, and foot and hand clapping. Every song on Suudelmitar either makes you smile or moves you. It is not a particularly deep folk record, nor is it ground breaking in any way, but it perfectly accomplishes its mission: to plant its songs far inside your skull. The Fonal reissue includes a booklet with all Finnish lyrics, plus English and French translations.
© François Couture /TiVo