Hoola Bandoola Band

Label: MNW
Country: Sweden
Released: 1975
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Release Overview

Hoola Bandoola Band's album Fri Information, translated as "Free Information," marks the band's fourth and final studio release. It came out in October 1975 under the MNW label (MNW 56P). This album was recorded at MNW Studio in Vaxholm, Sweden, and features a blend of genres, including country rock, folk rock, and progressive rock.

Recording and Production

The album was engineered by Tommy Berkert, ensuring a polished sound that complements the band's diverse musical styles. The cover artwork was created by Tore Berger, a founding member of the band Blå Tåget. Fri Information reflects a rich tapestry of musical influences, merging Latin tango and salsa rhythms with hard-edged political lyrics.

Songwriting and Themes

Songwriting duties on the album are shared between co-frontmen Mikael Wiehe and Björn Afzelius. Wiehe contributed five tracks, while Afzelius wrote four. This collaboration emphasizes the band's collective approach to music-making and lyrical themes. The songs advocate for international working-class solidarity, with an emphasis on social justice. Noteworthy tracks include Wiehe's tribute to Chilean folk singer Víctor Jara and Afzelius's hit "Juanita." Other songs such as "Tillbaka (Stures Sång)" and "Kvinnoförakt" further illustrate the band's commitment to addressing relevant social issues.

Band Lineup

The lineup for Fri Information features several talented musicians. Mikael Wiehe handles vocals, guitars, saxophones, and flutes. Björn Afzelius provides lead and backing vocals, as well as acoustic guitar. The band also includes Peter Clemmedson on both electric and acoustic guitars and banjo, Povel Randén on piano, acoustic guitar, accordion, and vocals, Arne Franck on bass guitar, Per-Ove Kellgren on drums, and Håkan Skytte on percussion.

Final Tour and Disbandment

Following the release of Fri Information, Hoola Bandoola Band embarked on their final tour. They disbanded in April 1976, marking the end of an important chapter in Swedish progressive folk rock history. The album's recording took place in Vaxholm, Sweden.

Tracklist

A1	Tillbaka (Stures Sång) Electric Guitar [Andra Elgitarr] – PovelVocals – Björn	4:40
A2	Älska Mej, Bill Electric Guitar [Andra Elgitarr] – PovelVocals, Saxophone – Mikael	4:05
A3	Birmingham Banjo – PeterVocals [1:a Stämman] – BjörnVocals [2:a Stämman] – MikaelVocals [3:a Stämman] – Povel	3:45
A4	LTO-Tango Vocals [1:a Stämman] – BjörnVocals [2:a Stämman] – Mikael	2:45
A5	Victor Jara Vocals [1:a Stämman], Flute – MikaelVocals [2:a Stämman] – BjörnVocals [3:a Stämman], Guitar [Sologitarr] – Povel*	4:20
B1	Kvinnoförakt Saxophone – MikaelVocals – Björn	4:55
B2	Huddinge, Huddinge Vocals [1:a Stämman] – MikaelVocals [2:a Stämman] – BjörnVocals [3:a Stämman], Accordion – Povel*	4:10
B3	Juanita Acoustic Guitar – BjörnAcoustic Guitar – MikaelAcoustic Guitar – PeterAcoustic Guitar – PovelElectric Guitar – PeterElectric Guitar – PovelVocals – Björn*	4:45
B4	Hur Länge Ska Vi Vänta? Electric Guitar [Andra Elgitarr] – PovelHarmony Vocals – BjörnHarmony Vocals – MikaelHarmony Vocals – PovelVocals – Mikael*	6:45