Okay, I said some things about Sigur Rós last week that weren’t entirely friendly. This is largely due to my irrational hatred of them (I’ve decided to make Quarashi my personal pinnacle of Icelandic music, judging Björk to transcend borders).  I felt a little bad, because a lot of people really enjoy Sigur Rós, and if you’re one that might, but don’t yet know it (it seems to be the rational thing).  So here are the two tracks that I enjoy.  “Svefn-g-englar” I know from the Vanilla Sky soundtrack, and “Starálfur” you may know from The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.  I think I mentioned that already.  Anyhow, songs I do enjoy.  Enjoy them yourself.

 Sigur Rós - Svefn-g-englar: Play in Popup | Download
 Sigur Rós - Starálfur [6:47m]: Play in Popup | Download

I heard the new Sigur Rós song, “Gobbledigook” from the forthcoming Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, on the radio last night.  I have to admit I’m a little smug about it sounding like an actual song rather than a movement in a suite.  The guitar sounds like a normal, strummed guitar; the drumming reminds me of Animal from the Electric Mayhem; and the vocals sound like words.  I don’t care what language the song was written in, Sigur Rós songs never sound like they have lyrics so much as vocalise accompaniment.  This, ladies and gentlemen, is your precious Sigur Rós playing a rock ‘n roll song.

I will admit that my dislike for Sigur Rós is mostly irrational.  I quite enjoy “Svefn-g-englar” and “Starálfur” a fair amount, but on the whole I find the Icelandic forest nymphs pretty bland unless the music is accompanying something.  I’ll cite “Starálfur” being used in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou as a prime example of Sigur Rós being well used (that song also features a brief bit of elusive strummed guitar), but generally the whole aura of the band seems so convoluted and self-congratulatory that I’m immensely turned off by them.  So I present to you my petty victory over post-rock.

P.S. Please don’t misunderstand, I’ve nothing really against post-rock, I’ll cite certain Mogwai songs and Nine Inch Nails’ Ghosts I-IV as examples of enjoyable stuff.  I just hate Sigur Rós so much.

 Sigur Rós - Gobbledigook [3:08m]: Play in Popup | Download

I have a little secret. I've never really listened to Bjork before now.

I know, I know. What was I missing out. I'll be working on filling the Bjork-void in my life at a later date. Cinco De Mayo is tonight, and I have a long night ahead of me, filled with crying, being in the weeds, spilling beer everywhere, and serving fajitas. And hopefully a lot of money.

 This mp3 spotlight post was going to be on the track "Innocence", from the new album, but then I realized that I liked Earth Intruders better. So here you have it. 

I love it. I love the beat to the song, makes me want to wiggle all over and shake my booty at top speed. I'm also appreciating the unique way Bjork sings. Reminds me of Johnny Cash, sort of, how in some parts she doesn't really sing, she sort of…talks.  

 Anyways, enjoy. Buy the CD. Seriously. Well worth it. Especially if you're a Bjork virgin like myself. 

Related Links:

Bjork Official Website

Bjork on MySpace

Buy This CD

Related Audio:

Earth Intruders - Bjork 

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/01-bjork-earth_intruders_(co-produced_by_timbaland).mp3]