I mentioned Lillebjørn Nilsen a few days ago – naturally, as I was going to his annual summer concert that evening. Well, the concert was great, and did not make me feel sorry to understand Norwegian. I’m sure it would be possible to translate his songs, somehow – he’s done some himself – but it can never be quite the same thing. Lillebjørn’s lyrics permeats my whole life. Along with Erik Bye he was my favourite singer as early as kindergarden – and though Bye has faded a bit from my consciousness (a few notable songs excepted), Lillebjørn is ever present. Now more than ever, in fact, after I moved to Oslo. So many of his lyrics mention specific places in Oslo, so that sitting on the tram reading street signs my mind will automatically do a Lillebjørn Nilsen medley.