*climbs up on the little box to be seen a bit better* There, that’s better :o) Okay, I’ve read Mr. Gessle’s comments about how loyal the Roxette fans are, and I’ve thought about my comments for the last.. oh couple of days. And I waited this long because insomnia had gotten the better of me, and with my luck, I’d sound like an even bigger idiot than I normally do.

So, on with the show:
I’ve reflected on the 13+ years that I have been a fan of Roxette. I’ve asked myself why, after such a long time, have I stayed with one particular group? Sure, my interests have broadened, they did that most drastically after I started to learn to play bass. But for the most part, I’ve often wondered why I stuck to Roxette as a basis in my music tastes, and why it is I’m willing to volunteer my time and resourses for promotion.

Answer: It’s not that easy. I subject songs to a small “standard test” that I have, and Roxette’s no different. The standard test is this:
1- Music. Is the music catchy?
2- Vocals. Can I sing along with it if I want?
3- Lyrics. Do I like the lyrics? Is there something in them that appeal to me?

When I first heard “The Look” back in 89, I was suffering from insomnia and listening to my walkman at 2:00am. I subjected the song to my test, and this is how it washed: 2 / 1 / 3. There was something about Mr. Gessle’s voice that put me at ease, it’s natural, it calms me. So, I grabbed “Look Sharp!” at the earliest convience, and became hooked. I’ve subjected ALL Roxette songs to that test and I like most that I’ve heard.

There are a few that aren’t my favourites, however, I still listen to them as part of the album. Roxette’s been in my life through some of the darkest times: The death of my grandparents, the difficulties I’ve had resulting of the abuse I took from my dad, the split between my ex-boyfriend and I, and other crises of the spirit (or so the saying goes). Their music has always done wonders for me.

I wouldn’t say I’m just loyal. I would say that I’m loyal AND I am EXTREMELY grateful for the opportunity to say thank you by volunteering my time and resourses, and supporting their music. It’s is small, compared to what they’ve done for me over the years.

Thank you both, Mr. Gessle and Ms. Fredriksson. Whether or not you know it, you’ve helped keep me alive and going with your music. You’ve helped me find people to connect with that have become my friends and family.