sigur ros: takk
takk...
Yeah, to the unassuming blog reader, this title would make little to no sense. Sigur Ros is the name of an Icelandic experimental rock group. In albums past, Icelandic was not their language of choice...and it wasn't English either. They would sing in a 'language' completely constructed by the band members themselves. They called it Hopelandic. This new album, called Takk, is their first album in their true vernacular--but this listener would not know the difference. Besides, the vocals are employed as an instrument--falsetto and distorted as they are.
The music is beautiful, which I dont take for granted anymore. Seemingly, beauty is "too metaphysical." Therefore, most thoughtful bands forgo such an ambition. The result is predictable: albums that are "groundbreaking" but unaccessable; "artistic" but hard on the ears; "smart" but ugly.
Sigur Ros is somehow unaffected by this trend. Yes, they are smart. Yes, they are groundbreaking. They break artistic bounds musically--but they are beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
posted by Joe and Josie Haack at 8:38 AM
2 Comments:
Joseph, you're a poet. I appreciate that about you.
I managed to score a copy of Takk about a month and a half ago... before it was released worldwide. I'll agree with you on the levels of beauty and "intelligence," but are we really ready to classify it as accessible? Sigur Ros walk a fine line between Alt. Something and Ambient. Perhaps only accessible at specific times? Like when falling asleep... or trying to not be distracted by your background music.
And let me not-so-subtlely transition to a band of great discussion... Wilco. I've even gone so far as to pick up a copy of YHF for myself, and I still can't find that grain of brilliance that has taken so many people in. Perhaps it just needs classification? Any direction on this matter would be a great help.
You're a good man Mr. Haack. I'll talk to you soon.
Harv! hey buddy.
Everybody knows that Wilco is overrated. You are just the first to admit it.
The other day I was at the book store and came across "the wilco book." In it was dislocated text, smart essays from some of the best writers alive (rick moody for one). Interesting photographs, and a smattering of philosphical quips. It kind of reminded me of the 7 minutes of FUZZ on YHF.
But, isnt that their point? They are at least thoughtful. I dont like their thought, but I like their thinking... does that make sense?
You see, here we are, two guys talking about their album in the blogsphere--that doesnt happen with the Wallflowers latest.
Plus, even if there isn't a load of meaning packed in the phrase: "I am an American Aquarium Drinker, bury me now"... it sounds good, and it obviously stuck with me enough to remember it, and quote it here.
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