Photo by David Greenwald

You heard the man! The first actual news on Jens Lekman’s new stuff in, ahem, years just arrived on his blog. No release date yet on his sequel to 2007′s life-altering Night Falls Over Kortedala, but spring sure sounds nice, huh? Also: go see him in L.A.

If you would like to see Dave Rawkblog geeking out as hard as he possibly can (also, playing air guitar with awkward, half-remembered jazz chords), you should come see Sondre Lerche on Saturday at the Mondrian SkyBar, where the Norwegian songwriter will likely preview new material from his just-finished 2011-due album. The show is free and is within walking distance of my apartment, so, Sondre, open invitation to come over after and hang with our cat/record a Rawkblog session on my laptop. Everyone else, e-mail skybarla@morganshotelgroup.com to RSVP.

And my other favorite Scandinavian singer-songwriter, Jens Lekman (like I even need to say his name) just e-mailed this morning saying his Mondrian show on Dec. 4 still has room, which seems ridiculous because Jens Lekman. Jens is also obviously invited to come over and hang and play tunes with the kitten. (Should I give him a framed photo from RAWKSHOTS?)

Download them from Pop Tarts Suck Toasted. Quite the collection.

Photo by David Greenwald

“The End of the World Is Bigger Than Love” is one of a handful of new songs Jens Lekman played during his brief, beautiful west coast tour last year and like “New Directions” before it, it’s received a gorgeous string-laden studio treatment. Without an attached album or even single announcement, Jens is simply letting this one run wild into the world, a world whose collapse would be bigger than love. Guy needs to see 2012 (or not). Trade your e-mail to hear it:

Lekman explains it all, charisma rolling off his back in endless Swedish sheets, on his website.

Previously: Au Revoir Simone – “Shadows” (Jens Lekman Remix) | All Lekman Posts

Photo by David Greenwald

Another summer, another season without a new Jens Lekman album — but, thank God, Rawkblog’s favorite foreign romantic has a new mix for us. “A Summer In 3/4 Time” starts with his waltz-time remix of Au Revoir Simone’s originally 4/4 “Shadows” (which I posted yesterday; synergy!) and launches into a half-hour of one, two, three bliss. A fine sequel to last summer’s “The Summer Never Ends,” which featured a snippet of soon-to-be classic “New Directions.” May Jens Lekman never end.

Jens Lekman – A Summer In 3/4 Time Mix by rawkblog

(Full tracklist [and via, of course] on JensLekman.com)

Jens Lekman / photo by David Greenwald

“I hope you’re coming with me,” the women of Au Revoir Simone sing on “Shadows,” a sentiment turned bittersweet, almost fearful, in the hands of Jens Lekman’s string-laden remix. It’s a lush, widescreen production from the so-silent Swede, who dials down his recent dance sensibilities in favor of accentuating “Shadows’” sorrow. Gorgeous. Don’t leave us yet, Jens!

Au Revoir Simone – “Shadows” (Jens Lekman remix): mp3

(Au Revoir Simone’s remix LP, Night Light, is out now)

More: New Music | 2010 Album Release Calendar

Photo by David Greenwald

Just one tour date, actually: Jens Lekman, The Empty Bottle, Chicago, Ill. New Year’s Eve, 2009. I’ll be on a boat (don’t you ever forget!) but man, I know exactly where I’d be if I wasn’t. New album in 2010, Jens?

Photo by David Greenwald

Jens Lekman – “When I Said I Wanted To Be Your Dog”: mp3

I just wanted to lick your face.

More Photos: Camera Obscurist