Peter Bjorn And John: Exuberant Swedish Pop

Showing off its flair for catchy, '60s-inspired pop, the Swedish trio Peter Bjorn and John recently turned up for a studio session at KEXP. There, the band belted out song after song with the affable exuberance its members have perfected over many years of performing together. This is a group you can count on for sunny, joyful, impeccable pop songs that put you in a great mood.

On its new record, Gimme Some, the band moves away from the bigger production of its last album; gone are the organs, orchestras and choirs, for example. Instead, PB&J returns to the simplicity of guitar, bass, drums and vocals — with winning results.

It's a joy to hear the trio perform songs from Gimme Some, as Peter Moren's softly accented vocals float atop his jangly guitar, Bjorn Yttling's basslines and John Eriksson's drums. They had me bouncing right along with them as they jumped up and down and danced in unison without breaking a sweat — their endearing, captivating performances look so easy and fun, it's easy to forget how much craftsmanship clearly went into making them shine.