Lemonator's third album "The Waltz" was released to sparkling reviews on September 1, 2000. It hit the Top 20 albums list on the first week of it’s release and remained in the public gaze for the next two years. The critics voted it The Best Album Of The Year 2000 in Finland, leaving such names as Darude, HIM and Jimi Tenor behind. Also, Lemonator's "California" was voted The Best Song Of The Year. Other hits were "I Don't Want To Live For Ever" and "Once I Killed A Boy With A Girl". Here?s what the critics have said about "The Waltz":
"How to make a perfect pop-song? There are 11 samples of it on this album." - LIKE
"There are about 10 possible singles on this album." - RUMBA
"These songs are made to break hearts. Could be classics." - SEISKA
"Lasse Kurki is one of this country’s best when it comes to building a vigorous pop-song." - CITY
The fourth album, ‘Grandpop’ was released 31.3.2003 and continued the love affair that Lemonator has shared with the nation’s media ever since the band’s inception in 1997 . ‘Grandpop’ was Lemonator's 4th full-length album and of all the good criticism that has met them in the past, nothing topped the rave reviews for the last album. ‘Grandpop’ was once again produced by Jussi Jaakonaho, but this time additional mixing help came from Richard Rainey, the man best known for his work with U2 and Mansun. Ken Stringfellow (Posies, R.E.M., White Flag) is also featured as a guest on the album along with Finland's biggest selling singer/songwriter Anssi Kela who, instead of the usual singing, whistles on this album.
Here's what the critics had to say about ‘Grandpop’:
“’Grandpop’ absolutely lives up to it's name. As far as guitar pop goes, this is magnificent" - SOUNDI *****/5 (Album of the month)
"’Grandpop’ oozes melancholy but after listening to it you're left in a happy,’ I want to embrace the world’ -kind of feeling. That's why pop music exists." - NÖJESGUIDEN *****/5
"Because of the modern studio technology you can't be sure but the illusion of the band playing live is excellent." - NYT ****/5
“Finland’s finest example of what guitar based powerpop should be….’Grandpop’ is a tremendous success” – RUMBA ****/5
"This album has only excellent songs that get better and better after repeated listens" - FINDANCE 9/10
"Finland's best powerpop record has now been released. This IS grand pop." - ROCKMUSICA.net ****/5
"Often the bands that the critics love are arty crap but Lemonator is absolutely excellent rock." LETSMAKESOMENOISE ****/5
“Yesterday Was Good” is a collection of the best tracks taken from the last four Lemonator albums with two brand new recordings: a beautiful version of All Saint's Black Coffee and a revisited/rewritten version of "lost" Lemonator classic (We Go) Round. This is an album of pure, explosive guitar pop that will leave the listener punch-drunk and reeling, as each track rains in like a boxer gone berserk. “Yesterday Was Good” is the perfect way to introduce the best power-pop guitar band of its generation to those folk yet to witness what Lemonator has to offer. The time has come for everyone to meet.
Live
In addition to extensive touring in Finland - including opening for Neil Young & Crazy Horse at Helsinki’s Hockey Arena - Lemonator has performed in Germany, Switzerland and Austria with Canadian act The Weakerthans, and supported Cosmic Rough Riders on their 2001 UK tour. The band has also played headline shows throughout Scandinavia, Holland, and as part of SXSW in Austin, Texas.
There's More
The band members have also built reputations as some of the country’s leading producers and session musicians.
Lemonator have created their own special style & sound where they serve only one god - the Song.
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