I Was a King: The Royal We

Considering their regal name and tuneful sound, the power poppers in Norwegian band I Was A King seem poised as heirs apparent to Scanadanvia’s royal family of indie rock. But can their reign expand even beyond the land of ice and snow? Paste explores how they stack up against some of the greats.

I Was a King
Principality: Oslo, Norway
Consorts: Daniel Smith, Sufjan Stevens
Nature of Reign: Set to rule the land of buzz with blissfully fuzzed-out guitars, playful vocals and a Scandie lilt.
For Fans Of: Apples in Stereo, Teenage Fanclub

Carole King
Principality: The Brill Building
Consorts: Gerry Goffin, Swami Satchidananda
Nature of Reign: From 1971 'til 1982, reigned supreme with top-selling pop solo album of all time; deposed by Prince Jacko I.
For Fans Of: Tapestries, living rooms, feelings

Elvis Presley
Principality: Memphis, Tenn.
Consorts: Priscilla, Colonel Tom Parker, Richard Nixon
Nature of Reign: Despite early controversy and a sad decline, fondly remembered as the peoples' king; some believe he'll return to power again.
For Fans Of: Gyration, fried food, jumpsuits

James I
Principality: England, Scotland and Ireland
Consorts: Anne of Denmark, George Villiers, Guy Fawkes
Nature of Reign: Pissed off the Catholics, targeted by Gunpowder Plot, but otherwise benevolent.
For Fans Of: Reading the Bible in English

Smoothie King
Principality: Food courts, strip malls
Consorts: Mallrats, joggers
Nature of Reign: Issued decree banning solid food from subjects' diets.
For Fans Of: Blended fruit, brain freeze