I have a number of Sigur Rós CDs, which I've picked up in charity shops. I don't know why I decided they were a good idea, and after listening to one or two, I genuinely don't know if I like them or not.
I'm not even sure I've ever listened to this one before. So, come with me on a strange Icelandic odyssey into the sound of Sigur Rós.
The album opens with Gobbeldigook, a thumping beat and a subdued guitar accompaniment to Jónsi's vocals. These are the sticking point for me with the band, Jónsi's falsetto singing really doesn't appeal, and on Inní Mér Syngur Vitleysingur the vocals in a lower register make for much more harmonious listening. It's an orthodox soft rock song, which is an easy listen, despite the language difficulties (on my part - the band know what they're singing about.)
Góðan Daginn feels more reflective, and another easy listen which flows over this listener, rather than drawing attention, while Við Spilum Endalaust is more of the same, but a little more upbeat. Festival starts off very differently, almost hymnal for five minutes, before the guitar led theme pushes along to a climax for another four.
In Með Suð Í Eyrum, we're back to the falsetto, in a listenable but unremarkable song, while Ára Bátur is a gentle piano ballad, going on longer than necessary, and climaxing with a choir and orchestra, none of which really enhances. It's followed by a shorter, pleasant guitar ballad, Illgresi and a couple more short songs, Fljótavík, a very subdued piece with a mainly piano accompaniment, and the ambient instrumental Straumnes. The album ends with All Alright, a minimalist song, very peaceful with sparse accompaniment, but I'm still finding the falsetto vocal a struggle.
I almost feel guilty about not liking this album very much. It's not bad music, it's well crafted and delivered to create a feeling. I can see why people would enjoy this, but it's just not for me.
2* - gentle, ethereal, but not really to my taste.
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