Sigur Ros announce new tour, direction, lose Kjartan Sveinsson

Sigur Ros have announced a 2013 world tour alongside this "preview" video clip that shows the band is heading into a more "aggressive" (their words) direction. I am psyched! Watch for a DVD collection of the band's fan-made selection of "Valtari" videos to be released in 2013, as well.

And on a not-so-promising note, multi-instrumentalist Kjartan Sveinsson has left the band (on good terms) to focus on his own work and family. The band continue on as a 3-piece with additional live support.

Here's that new video preview...

Johann Johannsson - "The Miners' Hymns" album

This Icelandic composer creates lush and beautiful modern classical soundtracks, and this latest work is subtle and ambient, in a similar minimalist vein as Philip Glass or Arvo Part. There's a lot of nuance here, with strings and brass assembling themselves tastefully alongside moody electronics, and plenty of space between the notes. If this is a requiem for the mining industry, it's quite a lovely one. (130701/FatCat Records)

Johann Johannsson site

"Iceland: Beyond Sigur Ros" (director: Brett Gregory)

Here's a really lovely and enlightened short film (all of 30 minutes) examining the music of Iceland, featuring such names as Ólafur Arnalds. Seabear, Mugison, and a lot of lesser-known and diverse talents, from the death metal of Severed Crotch to the dance pop of Sykur. Filmed in glorious HD, this film isn't about Sigur Ros, but about the indie music scene in Iceland. It can be seen FREE at Serious Feather's site here.

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Inspired By Iceland videos

"Inspired By Iceland" is a new website that beautifully shows off the natural wonder of Iceland, with some superb live cams and travel testimonials (admittedly, it's a hip "come to Iceland" advertisement for tourists). Nonetheless, the site hosts a ton of top-notch music videos, filmed live in Reykjavik on July 1. Included are performances from Goatsden favorites Amiina, Steindor Andersen & Hilmar Orn Hilmarsson, Seabear, Damien Rice, Glen Hansard, and Spiritualized. All of their shows can be viewed in outstanding quality free from the "Inspired By Iceland" site here:

Inspired By Iceland music site

Spiritualized from Inspired By Iceland on Vimeo.

Sigur Ros supporting Music Matters with short film

With Sigur Ros vocalist Jon Thor Birgisson's new solo album as Jonsi, entitled "Go", on the imminent horizon, Sigur Ros themselves have created a short film to show their support for "Music Matters". It's a lovely video to accompany a beautiful song, and with an important message. Give it a couple of minutes of your time here.

Music Matters - Sigur Ros (22-3-10) from Music Matters on Vimeo.

"Nói albinói (Noi The Albino)" (director: Dagur Kári)

This award-winning 2003 Icelandic film examines the life of the intelligent but troubled teenager Noi, who lives in an isolated village with his dysfunctional family, and with little to do but slack on his schoolwork, commit petty crimes, smoke, and drink. His drab existence is altered when he meets the pretty young Iris, who he finds working in a small gas station one day. They begin a romance, and with the help of a Viewmaster given to him by his grandmother, Noi dreams of visiting Hawaii, escaping away with Iris to a better life. A massive avalanche forever alters Noi's dreams, though, and the closing scene shows him dreaming still of a faraway place. It's quite a well-done film, and although entirely in Icelandic, I could easily pick up the storyline. Tomas Lemarquis plays the albino Noi with both vulnerability and a youthful swagger, and this indie film is well worth a look as a coming-of-age tale full of tragedy and danger.

Jóhann Jóhannsson - "And In The Endless Pause There Came The Sound Of Bees" CD

Known as much for his production work (Barry Adamson, Pan Sonic, Marc Almond)and for his band (Apparat Organ Quartet), Icelandic composer Jóhannsson here has crafted a gorgeous modern classical score. Using the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra to realize these pieces, the sound is deep, crystalline, and definitely not your grandparents' classical music. The opening "Theme" is a wispy and hopeful string composition, with a slight air of mystery. The seagulls and thunderclaps at the end bring a peaceful close. "City Building" seems to enter more dangerous environs, with shadowy undercurrents and a minimal chorus of voice, piano, and violins, all gelling into a dramatic yet subtle conclusion. But it's not all traditional, either. Among Jóhannsson 's strengths are his incorporation of nontraditional sounds to these structured pieces. "Rainwater" uses effected field recordings to add an element of grit to an otherwise simple piece of music. "Pods" utilizes deep, cavernous reverberations to add menace to the piano/strings. And "Escape" has an air of tension in it's drones. "End (Snowing)" is an aptly-titled 6+ minutes of stunning piano and strings, with a chilly arctic air -- perhaps the finest song here. It's this modern sound-sculpting that brings Jóhannsson's compositions into more avante garde territories, all the while remaining accessible and quite lovely. This beautiful set of songs is quite limited, so act now or pay collectors' prices later. (NTOV Iceland)

Jóhann Jóhannsson site

Sigur Ros "Agaetis Byrjun" 10-year anniversary

It's been already 10 whole years since the release of Sigur Ros' breakthrough LP, "Agaetis Byrjun", which was recently voted the best all-time Icelandic record (in a survey of Iceland National Radio and Tonlist.is)! The band is celebrating by releasing this early live video of "nýja lagið", from the launch party for "Agaetis Byrjun" at the Icelandic Opera House in Reykjavik in 1999, well before the band was known anywhere outside of their home country. As well, check out the free mp3 of an early live version of "Hafssol", available here.

Sigur Ros have also planned a special 10-year anniversary edition of "Agaetis Byrjun" for release in 2010, which is to include the CD as well as some yet to be announced added features. And, they're working on a new album now, to boot.

In other related news, vocalist/guitarist Jonsi Birgisson has contributed a remix of "Come Back" to Depeche Mode's newest 7" vinyl single, "Peace". Unfortunately, it's not on the CD single version. And look for Riceboy Sleeps self-titled CD out in July, being the debut release of Jonsi and Alex's ambient project.

nýja lagið from sigur-ros.co.uk on Vimeo.

"Síðasti Bærinn (The Last Farm)" (director: Runar Runarsson)

This short film was nominated for an Academy Award, and won several other less-newsworthy awards, after it's initial release in 2004. Filmed entirely in the pristine and majestic isolationist landscapes of Iceland, the 16-minute film documents an elderly farmer's reaction to his beloved wife's passing. It's a gentle reflection on the transience and inevitable change that comes with time. The score is a lovely instrumental set by Sigur Ros' Kjartan Sveinsson, which can be found (along with the film itself) here.

Mugison! Is This Monkeymusic?

One of Iceland's favorite musicians/madmen (and award-winning songwriters), Mugison (his parents know him as Örn Elías Guðmundsson) has revamped his website, and he's even made some of his fine recordings available for free download...you just have to join his mailing list. Fair enough. Get a sample here.

He's been called Iceland's Beck, but that's just not fair. I like Mugison much better. He was featured performing the memorable 'Murr Murr' in the Icelandic music documentary 'Screaming Masterpiece'. He's toured the states opening for Queens Of The Stone Age, and he's had his recordings released over here through Mike Patton's Ipecac Recordings, so you know not to expect sappy radio music. Mugison's the real thing, and you should check out his work. It's nothing like Bjork or Sigur Ros -- there's no pixie voices here, just a man, his guitar, and maybe some other noises, too. Bottom line, you can trust Mugi for some verily fine songs.

By the way, the title of this post is in reference to his 2005 album, the fine 'Mugimama! Is this Monkeymusic?', which includes the aforementioned 'Murr Murr'. So, while you consider your free downloads, check out his latest video, the sexually-charged 'Jesus Is A Good Name To Moan', whereas Mugison finds his 'rawk' muse!

Mugison.com

Náttúra Campaign

photo by tzachritz

Back in June of 2008, a veritable 'who's who' of Icelandic pop and rock (namely, Bjork and Sigur Ros, plus Einar Orn's Ghostigital and Olöf Arnalds) converged upon Reykjavik to present a massive-scale free concert to raise awareness of looming industrial threats to Iceland's environment.
Together with other concerned citizens and activists, they created the Nattura website to make people aware of the environmentally destructive aluminum smelting factories that are already polluting their country, which has long been respected as being one of the cleanest and most naturally-harmonic cultures in the civilized world.

Nattura info
Nattura blog

The sites continues to be available to address other environmental threats to one of the world's most unspoiled destinations.



Bjork recorded a single ('Nattura'), with guest vocals by Radiohead's Thom Yorke, to further the cause (all sales went to the Nattura organization).
Now, a video feature has been released via iTunes (it's $9.99) that outlines Nattura's cause and the problems afoot in Iceland. A variety of artists, musicians, and citizens are featured, including both Bjork and Sigur Ros. A nearly-3-minute Quicktime trailer (it's absolutely stunning) can be viewed here:

trailer view thru itunes

or downloaded here:
trailer download

As well, a Bjork has appeared on youtube in these UK news segments...

various artists - "Made In Iceland" CD

Anyone who knows me, knows of my appreciation and support for Iceland's art and commerce (Skyr, anyone? Yum. Brennivin? Nah, thanks.). Anyhow, this sampler CD was a sort of promo to bring some of the small country's amazingly creative (and thriving) arts scene onto the international stage. I'm dissecting each track for you, dear reader. I hope you are encouraged to look into something here. This is a swell comp and you should give it a chance, boyeee (or grrl).

FM Belfast - "Lotus" - Quirky electro-funky song here, with slick falsetto vocals and a nice groove. Kind of like fellow Icelanders Gus Gus, perhaps?

Steed Lord - "Who U Wit?" - This trashy Euro-club banger will change the mind of anyone who stereotypes Icelandic music as 'fairy-pop' (due to Bjork and Sigur Ros' high profiles). This is a dual female-male vocal cut that smacks of parties and wild nights, with it's elements of r&b and techno. It's dirty and sexy, and oh-so late night. For fans of Peaches, electroclash, etc.

Seabear - "Libraries" - I've liked these guys/girls for a while. Love the name, pretty and soft-spoken ambient pop that should find favor with fans of Mum or maybe Sigur Ros' less expansive songs. This is a beautiful bit of mood-swirl, with simple and childlike melodies and sweet harmonies.

Emiliana Torrini - "Me And Armini" - Emiliana's pixie-ish folk-pop is pretty and mature, reminding me of a female version of Mugison. It rocks, but in a laid-back kinda way. Just gorgeous.

Bang Gang - "The World Is Gray" - Bardi Johansson's pop sounds are an Icelandic staple, it seems. This is pleasant but unremarkable.

Hjaltalin - "Traffic Music" - A new Reykjavik-born group whose debut release is being produced by members of Mum. 'Traffic Music' is sparkly and upbeat pop, with brass and a frenzied jazz/swingy sort of vibe. Definitely unique and harmonious.

Ólöf Arnalds - "Klara" - Not to be confused with the better known electronic musician Olafur Arnalds, Olof is a female multi-instrumentalist who creates sparse folk, with a tuneful but exotic voice. Think Joanna Newsom and you'll be in a similar place.

Borko - "Shoo Ba Ba" - Borko's been around for some time, and this avante-beatbox tune is melodic and ramshackle like some of Mum's toytown tunes. Little bits of voice samples, simple musicbox melodics, xylophone, etc. The guitar part brings almost a prog-rock element. Nice stuff.

Valgeir Sigurðsson - "Focal Point" - Valgeir's production has graced albums by both Bjork and Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, among many others. On this solo piece, he combines electronic rhythms and filmic strings - a perfect soundtrack to, well, something that's alive and full of wonder!

Ólafur Arnalds - "3055" - I'm already a fan of Olafur's perfectly-orchestrated electronic symphonies. This track, from 'Eulogy For Evolution', is a minimal piano and string composition - stunning and classy, with a sweetly sad disposition. My favorite new Icelandic discovery of recent times.

Benny Crespos Gang - "12223" - Here's some heavy, screaming rock wildness, not quite metal and not quite indie, but somewhere in-between. Thick riffs, glammy vocals, and ideal for packing a sweaty, drunken club in downtown Reykjavik or something.

Sigur Ros - "Inni Mer Syngur Vitleysingur" - No description necessary. One of the better songs on their recent album, and a triumphant song packed with joy, energy, and hope. And it's nicely bombastic. Gotta love this.

Reykjavik! - "Aeji, Plis" - Balls-out spiky garage punkiness from this acclaimed group - sung in English. Nicely tense guitars. If they were English, they'd be a media sensation.

Mugison - "Mugiboogie" - What's an Icelandic compilation without Mugison? He is an institution of sorts. An eclectic songwriter who has humor by the shovelful, can rock out as well as anyone in Iceland (or beyond), can do really good folk/acoustic music, has done instrumental soundtracks, and generally messes around with any sound he can. He can shake your ass or touch your heart. Don't believe me? Just ask Mike Patton, who signed him to Ipecac in the US.

Sign - "The Hope" - Epic, big-time sensitive-yet-heavy rockers, Sign have the commercial radio-rock sound down well enough. They add a different element to this set, though are far from interesting to these jaded ears.

(Iceland Music Export)

Olafur Arnalds - "Variations Of Static" CDEP

With just his second release, Icelandic composer Arnalds creates a vibrant and intimately beautiful set of 5 instrumental tunes that combine the austere classical melancholy of Arvo Part with the modern sounds of glitchy electronica (think Autechre or Aphex Twin). It's an incredible (and all too-short) collection, embracing rich and sonorous strings, bittersweet piano, and, on occasion, looping yet subtle textural manipulations. The first track, "Fok", marries some minimal booms and skitters to the sensitive string/piano foundation, and "Lokaðu Augunum" is a stunning treat in the ambient tradition of Stars Of The Lid. As a complete work, this 21+ minute release flows effortlessly, ripe with emotion and delicacy. 'Variations Of Static' is a mature, thoughtful, rich, and stylish set of warmly evocative music that shows Olafur has quite a future if he can keep up this kind of quality. That's a full-on recommendation. (Erased Tapes)

Olafur's personal site

"Myrin (Jar City)" (director: Baltasar Kormakur) DVD

An overall satisfying forensic murder-mystery with plenty of twists from 2006, 'Myrin' features Ingvar Eggert Sigurdsson in the lead role as a troubled veteran investigator who is forced to go back decades to unravel the gruesome bludgeoning of a suspected rapist. Solid writing and acting, accurate English subtitles, and the wonderfully gray and isolated climates of the Icelandic countrysides (filmed in Keflavik and Reykjavik) make for an interesting and seldom-seen gem of a film. Worth a watch if you can find it.

Sigur Ros with Bjork - Gobbledigook at Nattura

To celebrate the ever-nearing general release of the Sigur Ros 'Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust' deluxe DVD/book/CD edition, and to celebrate the election of a more responsible and forward-thinking (not to mention less destructive!) American presidency, here's a nice live recording of Sigur Ros performing 'Gobbledigook' live! Taken from the Nattura Concert on June 28, 2008 in Reykjavik and featuring fellow Icelanders Bjork (!!!) and Amiina (!!!!!), this percussive party-song is full of celebratory spirit - something we all need more than ever. Thanx to AaronC for showing me this clip!



Visit Sigur Ros website

Or Bjork's website

I will feature more on the Nattura cause and concert soonish.

Amiina and Lee Hazlewood - "Hilli (At The Top Of The Mountain"

In late 2007, one of my favorite Icelandic groups, Amiina, collaborated with famous American singer-songwriter Lee Hazlewood, who added some very wise and beautiful (and possibly prophetic) words to Amiina's song 'Hilli'. Just after this track was completed, Lee passed away. The world is a much sadder place without Lee, though his 40 years of amazing songs will live on for all times. This song was released digitally through regular distribution channels in December, and on a very limited European CD single. Additionally, Amiina plan to release a 7" single including this song and a cover of Lee's 'Leather And Lace', with release date still to be announced. Meantime, here's the marvelous video...

KUKL - "Holidays In Europe (The Naughty Nought)" LP

Ask the average joe, and a passing mention of Iceland conjures images of unspoiled nature, Arctic scenery, Sigur Ros (for the hipsters), and, of course, Bjork. Most are familiar with Bjork Gudmondsdottir's indie-pop band The Sugarcubes, who had some success on US shores in the 80's with college-radio hits like 'Birthday', 'Motorcrash', and 'Coldsweat'. It's lesser-known that Bjork had been active in punk and post-punk experimental bands since her pre-teens, even. KUKL was one of those groups.

KUKL immediately predated the 'Cubes, and featured fellow Sugarcube Einar Orn and a cast of Icelandic artists. 'Holidays In Europe', the group's second and final record, followed an ill-fated European tour (thus the title) where the band began their splintering. That the record was released originally on Brit-agit-political punk band Crass's personal label says something. Even fans of Bjork's present-day avante-pop inclinations will likely hate this record. It's packed with weird improv textures and darkly mystical moods, and schizophrenic shouts and wailings from both Orn and Bjork, whose voice is instantly recognizable. Her freeform yells and the scattered, sometimes-bombastic sounds here are more suitable for fans of noise or industrial music, or perhaps (really) free jazz. It's a weird mix, and actually pretty well enjoyable if given a half chance. (1986 Crass Records)

Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - 'Strange Form Of Life'

My favorite song right now, with a gorgeous video. Song from Bonnie's superb 2007 release, 'The Letting Go', with backing vocals by Faun Fables frontwoman Dawn McCarthy, and recorded by Valgeir Sigurdsson. Splendid! Video directed by Jennifer Parsons. This video is available on the 'Strange Form Of Life' CD single, along with 3 other non-LP tracks.