DC and any other Sigur Ros fans, What do you think of their latest album, aka "2 Sausages Kissing Each Other" or " ( ) "? I listened all the way through it in my car (I know, I know, it is not the same effect as listening to it all the way through continuously), and I sure hope that their next CD will be better. "Agaetis Byrjun" was awesome and I get something out of it every time I listen to it. Anyway, just curious to see what other people think about this unusual album. Also, I am wondering how much influence they have had on Radiohead and vice versa.
I don't know specifically what was wrong with it. I just know that when I listen to it compared to "Agaetis Byrjun", I was disappointed. Maybe I had such high expectations for " ( ) ", that I wound up never giving it a fair chance.
I listened to it on my way to work this morning just to refresh my memory. Haven't listened to it in a couple months. My take on <i>( )</i> is that it's a beautiful album, but much smaller in scope than <i>Agaetis Byrjun</i>. I really love songs 1-4 on the album and would almost put them on the same level as some of the songs on its predecessor. Song 5 is the only one that really does nothing for me. The remaining 3 songs are good, but not up to the same level as the songs on <i>Agaetis Byrjun</i>, in my opinon. Basically, there just seems to be less instrumentation, softer soundscapes, and more monotony on the new album. That being said, the singer's delilvery is still pretty effective. I just don't get that same "wow" feeling from the new album as I did from the spectacular productions off of <i>Agaetis Byrjun</i>. Still, without measuring the two against each other, I think <i>( )</i> is a fine album. It just takes a little more patience. As far as Radiohead, somehow I get the feeling that Sigur Ros has had more of an effect on Radiohead than Radiohead has had on them. After all, <i>Agaetis Byrjun</i> came out in 1999, one year before <i>Kid A</i>.
DC, Thanks for the post. You summed up my feelings about "( )" perfectly. It is still a solid album but definitely pales in comparison to "Agaetis Byrjun". Oh well, I will still buy their next album without hesitation.
I really like ( ) myself.. I wouldn't say I like it better than Agaetic Byrjun though.. Track 3 off the newer one has to be my favorite Sigur Ros song. I just melt when I throw that one on.. It was actually used in the season finale of CSI Miami.. When I was in NYC, I met this woman from Iceland. She was playing violin in an ensemble that had travelled to New York for a month long gig. Anyway, I mentioned Sigur Ros and she said she played with them at this huge Iclandic Festival.. How cool is that!? Have you guys heard their 'Angels of the Universe' soundtrack w/ this other guy Hilgar Ohm Hillenson (or something like that)? Its pretty cool but not as good as either of their albums, imo. Still, its very mellow and relaxing. I enjoy throwing it on when I get a massage. If you like Sigur Ros, let me know if you've heard Godspeed You Black Emperor. They have been out longer and have a similar style. I guess they are a 9 piece group out of Toronto.. I prefer Sigur Ros but Godspeed is definitely a worthwhile listen.
3finger, I'll have to check out that soundtrack album. I have heard of Godspeed You Black Emperor but just their name only as it is a group that has been recommended to me by Amazon. Picking up "Agaetis Byrjun" was really sorta of a fluke, as I had heard so much about it, that I finally broke down and bought it. The first time I listened to it, I didn't know what to think, but then I listened to it again like 4 months later and it was so friggin beautiful. That is when I bought " ( ) ". When I ever get off this jazz kick that I have been on, I need to get some Godspeed as well as that soundtrack and maybe a little more Dylan.