Living Thingle

With Seaside Rock (2008), Peter Bjorn and John seemed to experience the writer’s block that inspired the title of their much-loved first album. But the Swedes have nailed it again in 2009 with Living Thing. Considering the components of the record — cheap synths, a gang of yelling schoolchildren, a clavichord and copious amounts of reverb — it’s fair to wonder how it could ever sound so good. But somehow it does. “Living Things,” the title track, which backs up a silly verse with a chorus that’s no joke, epitomizes the album. Though Sweden has remained neutral since 1814, these guys have no problem telling you “Hey shut the fuck up, boy/You are starting to piss me off” in the hook of “Lay It Down.” Like an evil Flaming Lips, the new PB&J is angry. It’s a good look for them.