Talking to Fra Lippo Lippi’s Rune Kristofferson about the new album Golden Slumbers, the late Walter Becker, and the band’s popularity in the Philippines.

Talking to Fra Lippo Lippi’s Rune Kristofferson about the new album Golden Slumbers, the late Walter Becker, and the band’s popularity in the Philippines.

by rick olivares

If you scour the independent record stores or check the Facebook pages of online vinyl sellers in the Philippines, among the most sought after records are from Norwegian band Fra Lippo Lippi. Even local presses of their albums are prized and fetch for huge sums.

Last April, 16 years after their last album, In A Brilliant White, Fra Lippo Lippi released a new compilation titled, Golden Slumbers The Best of Fra Lippo Lippi. They had two “Best of” compilations in the 1990s but they were on compact disc. This one is on white vinyl in extremely limited numbers and features eight songs; seven which were re-recorded for a modern audience.

Just the other week, Plaka Express sold the album for PhP 1,500; some P900 below the usual selling price, and there was a scramble for the 15 records for sale. Other sellers have reported a huge demand for Golden Slumbers.

We got to speak with Fra Lippo Lippi’s founding member, bassist, and keyboardist Rune Kristofferson about the release of Golden Slumbers and the band’s never waning popularity in the Philippines.

Kristofferson now runs Rune Grammofon, a record label based in their native Norway. Rune Grammofon has over 50 releases -- including Golden Slumbers -- with more on the horizon. Rune took time off from his busy schedule promoting a new artist release to talk to us.

Rick: Hi, Rune! How’s everything?

Kristofferson: It’s all good. You have to forgive me because I have been busy with my record label. Ah, the life now of a record executive.

Soundstrip: Am I correct in saying that all the songs on Golden Slumbers – save for “Angel” – were re-recorded? What prompted the idea to re-record these classic songs? Did it take long to get this done?

Kristofferson: It didn’t take long to record. And the primary reason for doing it was to give them a more unified sound for a “Best of” album that was last released in 1995.

Soundstrip: Why was “Angel” untouched? Was it a homage to the late Walter Becker? What anecdote can you share about this Steely Dan member and producer?

Kristofferson: Yes, it was partly that (a homage). He, Walter, made such a strong mark on the song and it felt wrong to re-record it. During that time of the original recording, we had a great time in Los Angeles. And besides being very serious in his production work, I also remember Walter as a very funny guy.

Rick: Only eight songs on Golden Slumbers? A lot of your hits were not included in this record. Is there going to be a second recording?

Kristofferson: (laughs). I guess in the Philippines, all our songs are hits. But no, we believe that we have included our best known and finest songs.  Although there will always be different views about that.

Rick: Fra Lippo Lippi records are prized here in the Philippines What do you think of your popularity here even after all this time? What good memories can you share? And would you consider performing here again?

Kristofferson: Those are very difficult questions. I believe that we made a very strong impression with the Songs, Light and Shade, and Dreams albums. And especially with the concerts. It was so strong that it made a real mark in peoples’ minds. And once that happens, it is not easily forgotten.

We were totally taken by surprise and had no idea what was waiting for us in the Philippines. We sold out six concerts on our first visit alone. And throughout the show, people were singing along to the songs! No wonder we’ve been so popular in karaoke bars!

Right now, I am so busy with my own label that I wouldn’t be able to set that aside to do Fra Lippo Lippi shows. These days, my label needs my full attention so I cannot see that happening, I’m afraid.

Rick: Speaking of your own label, Rune Grammofon, are there any Norwegian acts that you think Filipinos will like as well?

Kristofferson: I have no idea. These things seem to happen out of the blue like with Fra Lippo Lippi back in the day. But there is one Norwegian artist I would recommend. And that is Susanne Sundfor.

Rick: We will be sure to give Susanne a listen and promote her too! Thanks for your time, Rune! Am loving Golden Slumbers just like everything else.

Kristofferson: You’re welcome! Thanks for this!