You all knew I was going to review this album, right? Anyways, this week's album is Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust by the Icelandic band Sigur Rós.
Just a disclaimer, for all the purists out there. To actually correctly type out most of the song titles and album title, would have led me on a futile search through my keyboard's Icelandic function keys. I elected to just anglicize all titles strictly for ease of production.
I would classify this album as a must for all those of you out there into Icelandic art-rock. And for the rest, I'd highly recommend it. I was a little nervous, I must admit, when I heard that the band went in a bit of a new direction on this release. One of my favourite aspects of Sigur Rós has been their sonic experimentation with electronic aspects of music not typically considered "musical." I'm a big fan of the bowed electric guitar. Needless to say, when I heard a lot of the stuff on this new album was acoustic, I was somewhat concerned. When I think Sigur Rós, I think crazy out there electric rock shit, not the Icelandic John Mayer or something similar. Mainly, I was worried they would sacrifice the art of their music and their sound to become more mainstream.
It turns out my fears have fallen by the wayside in the same manner as the Detroit Tigers. What is so great about this particular album is the fact that the band does go in a slightly different direction, but still retains their essence. No, there's not quite so much esosteric crazy out there shit. Yes, it's a bit more mainstream. But nothing is sacrificed in the process. Instead, almost all of the tracks are a very fascinating hybrid of old and new styles. Like a Prius.
Back on the subject matter, I love the acoustic-ness and the rhythm of the first track. It kind of sounds like the bastard child of a Bible camp guitarist and a tribal percussionist from New Guinea or somewhere. I like it though, judging by this song, they would probably make beautiful children. I'd also highly recommend tracks number 2, 5, and 7. Number 7 I listened to as I drove back from someone's going away party, fairly late at night last weekend. And honestly, I got chills in the car. It's got an intense climax with a full orchestra and a group of English choristers. . I was freaking out, for sure. Track number 2 (or maybe 3) I think is sweet because it's acoustic, but it also has bowed electric guitar going in the background, sort of as a texture device. Really intense.
In sum, I think I'd give this a 4.5 out of 5. Which is a completely arbitrary rating.
I think Takk is going to remain my favourite Sigur Rós album, but Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust might well come in at number two. I'm really digging it so far. I'd say it's a bit more accessible than some of their previous work, and might function as a good introductory album. So excited to go see them in concert in a few months.
I recommend = go out and purchase.
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