You’re laughing, you’re crying, you’re listening to Jens Lekman. (Swede Pop Singles 3)

Even at its poppiest, Swedish music tends toward melancholy — with the exception of Jens Lekman, who finds humor in pathos (and pathos in humor). Relationships may be quirky, but the oddity is preferable to the alternative (death and nothingness).

“Postcard to Nina” finds Jens reminiscing about when he was roped in to pretending to be Nina’s boyfriend so her conservative father wouldn’t suspect she was gay (“Nina, I can be your boyfriend, so you can be with your girlfriend”).

Awkwardness ensues. (Embarrassment and candor are the two most common emotions in Lekman World.)

The song ends not on a note of dolor or frivolity but encouragement and strength (tinged with a hint of wistfulness).

Welcome to the unique universe of Jens Lekman. Enjoy.