Olsen’s Lot (1996) — Album Review, Tracklist, Credits & Trivia
Introduction to Olsen’s Lot
Olsen’s Lot is the second studio album by Norwegian alternative rock/alt‑country band Midnight Choir, released in 1996 under S2 Records. The album marked a significant artistic leap for the band, blending Americana, roots rock, and dark, melancholic storytelling into a rich and atmospheric record that won critical admiration in Norway and beyond.
Background and Recording
Following their 1994 debut, Midnight Choir entered the studio in Seattle, Washington to record Olsen’s Lot, with producer Chris Eckman — frontman of The Walkabouts — guiding the sessions. Eckman’s influence helped shape a deep, cinematic sound with lush string arrangements and spacious dynamics. The band’s evolution from their debut into a more dramatic, textured musical world is evident throughout the album.
Musical Style and Themes
The album leans into roots‑infused rock and alt‑country with a melancholic twist, combining evocative vocals, layered arrangements, and strong mood atmospheric elements. Themes on Olsen’s Lot explore:
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Heartache and longing
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Life on the road
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Emotional isolation
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Tales of human fragility
Vocalist Paal Flaata’s expressive voice and songwriter Atle “Al DeLoner” Byström’s compositions anchor the emotional core of the album, making it both cinematic and deeply personal.
Olsen’s Lot (1996) Tracklist
The original release includes 12 tracks:
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Long Hard Ride
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Sister of Mercy
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Death Second Inches Away
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My Masquerade
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When Wedding Bells Ring
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Jeff Bridges
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Heavy Rain
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Sailing Dark Waters
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In the Shadow of the Circus
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The Ballad of Emma DeLoner
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Poisoned Veins
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Theme From Olsen’s Lot
Album Credits
Band Members
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Paal Flaata – vocals
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Atle Byström (Al DeLoner) – guitar, songwriter
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Ron Olsen – bass
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Atle Aamodt – drums
Production Team
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Produced by Chris Eckman (The Walkabouts)
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Engineered and mixed by Kevin Suggs
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Mastered by Tony Cousins at Metropolis, London
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Cover design by Union, photos by Raymond Møsken
Reception and Legacy
Olsen’s Lot received critical praise in Norway, with reviews highlighting the band’s deep emotional range, atmospheric production, and Paal Flaata’s striking vocals. Though the album did not achieve major commercial success at the time, it solidified Midnight Choir’s reputation as a uniquely expressive and evocative band in the Scandinavian rock scene.
In later years the album has garnered a cult following among fans of alternative Americana and moody rock, and a 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition with extra tracks was released in 2016.
Fun Facts About Olsen’s Lot
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The album was recorded in Seattle with Chris Eckman, a key figure in the alt‑rock/Americana world, bringing a distinctly American vibe to a Norwegian band’s sound.
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Music from the album lives on in Midnight Choir’s live setlists, including songs like Long Hard Ride and Sister of Mercy.
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Vocalist Paal Flaata’s performance on this album helped elevate him as one of Norway’s most expressive rock voices of the 1990s.
Trivia
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Olsen’s Lot was named after an area in Seattle, reflecting the band’s connection to the city’s musical atmosphere during recording.
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The album’s sound balances roots rock, melancholic melodies, and rich instrumental textures rather than straightforward alt‑country.
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After its release, the band experienced a period of internal difficulties and limited touring, despite the album’s critical support.
Did You Know?
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Olsen’s Lot features contributions from Chris Eckman not just as producer but in performance elements like organ and synth on some tracks.
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A 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition of Olsen’s Lot includes bonus material and expanded recordings beyond the original 12 tracks.
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Though largely lauded by critics, the album’s initial sales were modest, which makes original pressings collectible among fans today.
Midnight Choir: Biography, Members, Discography, and Fun Facts
Who Are Midnight Choir?
Midnight Choir was a Norwegian rock band formed in 1992 in Oslo, Norway. Known for their melancholic and atmospheric sound blending rock, country, and Americana influences, the band gained a dedicated following in Norway and parts of Europe during the 1990s and early 2000s. Their music often featured introspective lyrics, rich harmonies, and cinematic arrangements, earning them critical acclaim in the Scandinavian music scene.
Formation and Early Years
Midnight Choir was formed by Atle Bystrøm, Alf Christian Rysstad, and Paal Flaata. The group initially started by performing in small venues and focusing on songwriting that combined American roots influences with Norwegian lyrical sensibilities.
The band’s early sound was compared to artists like Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and The Band, reflecting their blend of alternative rock and Americana.
Band Members
Paal Flaata – Lead Vocals
Paal Flaata was born December 8, 1968, in Skien, Norway. He is known for his soulful, baritone voice that became a signature element of Midnight Choir’s sound.
Early Life & Education: Paal grew up in a musical household and developed a love for American folk and country music.
Trivia: Paal continued his solo career after Midnight Choir disbanded, releasing several albums and collaborating with other Norwegian artists.
Atle Bystrøm – Guitar & Backing Vocals
Atle Bystrøm was born in Norway in 1967. He played guitar and contributed backing vocals and songwriting for the band.
Fun Fact: Atle was influenced by rock, blues, and Americana music, helping shape the band’s unique sound.
Alf Christian Rysstad – Bass Guitar
Alf Christian Rysstad played bass guitar and helped create the atmospheric low-end that defined the band’s recordings.
Early Life: Born in Oslo, Norway, Alf was a part of several local bands before joining Midnight Choir.
Ronny Janssen – Drums
Ronny Janssen joined Midnight Choir later and handled percussion duties, adding depth and rhythm to the band’s cinematic style.
Discography
Studio Albums
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Midnight Choir (1994) – Debut album featuring introspective and melodic rock.
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Olsen’s Lot (1996) – Expanded their sound with Americana and folk influences.
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Amsterdam Stranded (1998) – Critically acclaimed for storytelling and cinematic production.
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Unsung Heroine (2000) – Matured sound with rich arrangements and deeper lyrics.
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Waiting for the Bricks to Fall (2003) – Final studio album before disbanding, highlighting their signature melancholic style.
Most Popular Songs
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Mercy on the Street
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Talk to Me
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Crest of the Wave
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Walking on the Moon
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Since You Went Away
These tracks remain fan favorites and are often featured on Scandinavian rock playlists.
Awards and Recognition
While Midnight Choir did not achieve global commercial success, they were critically acclaimed in Norway and nominated for several Norwegian music awards. They were known for their deep, melancholic lyrics and cinematic soundscapes, which influenced later Norwegian rock and Americana artists.
Fun Facts About Midnight Choir
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The band’s name reflects their fascination with dark, poetic imagery in music.
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They often drew inspiration from American roots music despite being Norwegian.
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Midnight Choir collaborated with other notable Norwegian artists during the 1990s.
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Their albums often included cinematic storytelling, making them favorites for concept-album enthusiasts.
Did You Know?
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Midnight Choir disbanded in 2004 after over a decade of active music-making.
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Paal Flaata’s solo career continued to explore country and Americana styles, carrying forward the band’s signature sound.
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Some of their albums were produced in collaboration with international producers, giving them a polished, cinematic feel uncommon in Scandinavian rock at the time.
