DO ONLY CRAZY PEOPLE BUY RECORDINGS IN SWEDISH?
It is not easy buying a CD which is released only in Sweden, or only within Scandinavia. Is it worth the effort, for someone who speaks no Swedish?
I have played Cecilia Vennersten's first album to a number of uni-lingual Americans, and they have all liked it, and some have loved it. Several now own it. One friend makes a point of mentioning when she has played it at a party, and of reporting the amazed, intrigued, and positive reactions she received.
I have played Anders Glenmark for friends who agreed to listen only to indulge me. And they have been surprised to find that they liked it.... immediately.
Music is universal.
When the lyrics are in a foreign language, the song becomes an instrumental, and the voices are simply another instrument. The listener's imagination, if she or he gets past that the recording is "foreign", can project itself into the music. If you know the language, the lyrics can control the mood and meaning of the song, and can force you to engage the song differently. If you do not know the language, your are free to react to the music.
It is also something of an adventure to buy something
obscure or foreign, and receive an overseas package in the mail!