In a Nutshell begins with the plaintive "Pamplona". Despite being extremely generic, this opener deserves credit for its lyrical honesty and emotive orchestration, but with its over abundance of jovial na-na-na background vocals (mind you, this sounds like a children's choir singing) "Pamplona" quickly loses sight of it's otherwise wise meaning. Though I advise listeners to stick with Pelle past the opening track to find full-bodied twee-pop sensibilities (with some slips every now and then). "I Love You, You Imbecile" is a familiar sounding love-struck pop duet that is melodically stronger than its predecessor. Listeners will find themselves glad they gave In a Nutshell another chance with this silly, sing-along number. The intrinsically interesting "Crying All The Way To The Pawnshop" trickles airy paint-by-number confections while the unfeigned "I Just Called To Say I Love You" fairs too simplistic to prove it to be anything too interesting. I particularly enjoyed the addition of harmonica (thanks to the musically talented Henrik Nilsson), though it added little flavor to this mostly insipid track. As for "Why Do Today What You Can Put Off Until Tomorrow?" the results prove to be lyrically stimulating as Pelle's weeping vocals shed disarming beauty. Reflecting vividly on his childhood, "Middleclass Kid" maintains a scrupulous attitude, but falls short of gripping.

Fluctuating ever further is the obnoxiously repetitive "I Touched You At the Sound Check". With all do respect, Mike Joyce must be digging his grave after hearing this brooding, intrusive and stuffy number. Things take a turn for the better in the rapid-fire "Clever Girls Like Clever Boys Much More Than Clever Boys Like Clever Girls".

Pelle's good-natured criticism in this bouncy retro-pop track is what keeps his music witty, pretty, silly and wise. Though the degree of his "insights" seems to greatly affect his musical performances, I'm almost convinced that the simplistic numbers will be more enjoyable. I can say the same for "Even A Broken Clock Is Right Twice A Day" a pleasant little song that oscillates between surrealism and pragmatism. The playful "Showercream and Onions" is another good example of the charm in Pelle's simplistic numbers. As Pelle trills "We're trying to lose some weight/We're making the crocked straight/We're trying to lose some of that hatred/But maybe it is way too late", I can't help but hold a little more respect for his music (and I hope listeners will too). The album closer, "In a Nutshell", is a morose instrumental piece that seems more of an opener than it does a closer considering the strange transition from light, poppy banter to solemn discussion. It would be difficult to say that this song is lacking in any way, but the "secret track" that follows definitely is. This has been one of the few wayward albums I've come to sympathize, agonize and scrutinize with. Hopefully this was as much of a journey to read, as it was to listen to.

To say In a Nutshell is a good album requires a lot of patience and most importantly, interest. Pelle is never going to be the "Next Big Thing", but that's part of his earnest appeal. On first listen, In a Nutshell will hardly amuse, but give it time. Pelle may be the artist for you with his genuinely clever intentions and attention to detail. But to anyone left without answers, may I recommend Jens Lekman?