I used to sing along with just about every song I'd hear on the Opry shows.
- Patsy Cline

Olav Larsen and the Alabama Rodeo Stars invite us to a sing-a-long party on their new album. And considering Olav Larsen's knack at finding irresistable melodies and ability to write simple, almost naive, yet meaningful lyrics, we're in for one hell of a party.

On their second album the Norwegian native Larsen and his band the Alabama Rodeo Stars (they have absolutely nothing to do with the state of Alabama) have found a new musical self confidence. The sound is warm and the attitude is relaxed. This time the soul and gospel influences are even stronger than on the previous album. Listen to the three duets (with Mazzy Swift, Ingfrid Straumstøyl and Benedicte Brænden) on the album and you will know what I mean.

»Sad & Happy Sing-A-Longs« follows the successful debut album »Love's Come To Town« from 2006. An album that received well deserved critical acclaim in domestic as well as international press.

Larsen digs into the American musical experience with a determined glee reminiscent of acts as disparate as Giant Sand and The Band. Perhaps it takes someone from such a great distance to authentically come to grips with the true breadth of Americana.
- Dallas Observer

Since the release of »Love's Come To Town«, Olav Larsen and Alabama Rodeo Stars have toured a lot and played more or less all of the major festivals back home in Norway. They also did one UK tour including one gig at the prestigious Borderline in London.

Olav Larsen and the Alabama Rodeo Stars invite us to a sing-a-long party on their new album. And considering Olav Larsen's knack at finding irresistable melodies and ability to write simple, almost naive, yet meaningful lyrics, we're in for one hell of a party.

Singer/songwriter Olav Larsen and his band The Alabama Rodeo Stars have just released their debut album “Love’s Come To Town”. And it’s a sensational debut we’re talking about. Inspired by everything from bluegrass and classic country to today’s Americana and pop music, Olav and his band have created something unique, both in terms of style and sound.

Olav Larsen writes the tunes and has a fantastic sense for gripping yet simple melodies. They are catchy without ever being too obvious. Instead they slowly sneak up on you, and before you know it you’ll be singing the words of »Unhappy/Dreamer« or »My Town« with a little smile on your face.

All thought Olav Larsen’s only 27 years old, he has no problem relating to Harland Howard’s famous quote: »Country music is three chords and the truth«. Simplicity is not only a key component in his music but also in his lyrics. They are believable, uncomplicated and have an almost candid and irresistible charm to them.

But where Olav Larsen & The Alabama Rodeo Stars really stand apart from the crowd, is in their way of presenting and playing the music. Recorded on vintage equipment in the mountains of Norway the sound is warm, dynamic, rich, detailed and very truthful and expressive.

Singer/songwriter Olav Larsen and his band The Alabama Rodeo Stars have just released their debut album “Love’s Come To Town”. And it’s a sensational debut we’re talking about. Inspired by everything from bluegrass and classic country to today’s Americana and pop music, Olav and his band have created something unique, both in terms of style and sound.