RadioIndy is proud to present Roger and the Rockets a GrIndie Award for their CD "Unknown man." A GrIndie Award is RadioIndy's stamp of approval that this CD is an excellent quality CD. Please join us in congratulating this artist on this accomplishment.
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Ten gallon hats off to Roger Haggstrom.  Somehow, from a “dead end town” in Northern Sweden, he has created  an album (“Unknown Man”) that is a quintessentially American masterwork.   Roger and his merry band of “Rockets” demonstrate impressive range as they perform original songs in various styles (blues, folk, old time country) while always staying true to roots music.   Truth be told, there is also a touch of European influence (Irish folk, Bavarian bierhaus) that adds charm and interest to their otherwise all-American sound.

The tracks range from barnstormers (“Praise the Lord”, “Educated Man”) to country ballads (“Wedding Day”, “Hardship Trail”).   Songs are tastefully arranged and well-accompanied by traditional instruments such as fiddle, acoustic dobra, mandolin, harp, and organ.    The vocals are well-placed and accentuate Roger’s strong lead vocal.

This is more than a collection of songs, it is a deeply personal “labor of love”.   It took Roger 3 years to handcraft, and he has painstakingly fussed over every detail (including an impressive CD booklet complete with full lyrics, extensive liner notes, and original artwork by bandmate Bjorn Sohlin).

Roger’s lyrics are witty (albeit somewhat cynical) personal observations.   He moves from the allegorical (“Unknown Man”) to the all-to-real (“I Got Hope”).   His words are often about making life choices (“Dead End Town”, “Tossing a Coin”).   He also has a misogynistic streak that will make you laugh: as Roger confesses in “Educated Man”, he has no idea what goes on inside a women’s head.   

I was first exposed to Roger and the Rockets on garage band.com where I was asked to review Roger’s work anonymously.   The song was “Praise the Lord”, and let me tell you my friends, I was blown away.   This is the BEST SONG on Garageband.   I have it on my iPod, I have in in my car stereo.  It is an instant classic - play it at your next party and check out the reaction!    You will find yourself yelling out with the band, “Praise the Lord…for giving me thirst, and pretty girls!”  

But don’t stop there, you also need “Educated Man”, a fun rockabilly stomper; and the old timey “Unknown Man” - oh heck, you need them all!  Get to know the Unknown Man.
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“Unknown Man” is a great upbeat, eighteen track alt-country album from Swedish outfit Roger and the Rockets. Led by phenomenal singer/songwriter Roger Häggström, Roger and the Rockets have created a solid album that draws from the roots Americana, Irish folk, blues, and bluegrass genres. The arrangements are driven by toe-tapping drum beats, nice bass lines, soaring guitars, and great musical additions including violin, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, hand claps, and group vocals. Roger\'s delivery is with a unique country vocal, refreshing and a great match for the arrangements. The songs are fun and upbeat featuring imaginative and meaningful lyrics about trying to understand women, hope, lonesomeness, and politics. “Unknown Man” is well-produced and sounds nothing but clean and professional. “Out of This Place” has a nice arrangement with a great drum beat and exceptional mandolin and acoustic guitar work and a great group vocal on the catchy chorus. “I Got Hope” is a political track about “hope for a better world” with a great arrangement, thought-provoking lyrics, and more great group vocals. “What a Ride” is a bluesy track featuring harmonica, a classic blues arrangement, and more great lyrics. With “Unknown Man,” singer/songwriter Roger Häggström and his backing band, the Rockets, have composed an excellent and original album sure to be met with worldwide acclaim. Fans of upbeat country-lenient alt-country should definitely give Roger and the Rockets a listen.
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