God, I'm so sick of not posting here. It's fucking Christmas. This is prime blogging season (derp). Here are some (sorta) rare remixes from that wacky alternative pop singer Bahzhork (that's how you pronounce her name, right?).

Oh, and the review challenge is extended to January 31st now. Um. Yeah.

And, hey, new menu buttons! And Christmasy icons. Swell. Maybe you can update the site once in a while, Alex. You know, when you're not being a douche.

B.J. York Remixes on Mediafire

P.S. Got accepted to Emerson. Celebrate.

Volta by Björk
2007, Atlantic, 10 tracks at 51 min.
Listen Buy CD

RATING: 28 out of 50

Oh, Volta. Björk’s most…recent album. Do we really have to review this? Do you know I’ve been trying to review this album for, like, two years? Two frigging years? Not like this is Tristram Shandy—it’s not. Did you read that last sentence in a really snobbish art kid tone? Well, you should have, because if I was speaking to you, that’s how I would of said it.

Ten tracks, a bright red gatefold cover, a sticker, and some ridiculous photographs of crochet gone mad—what does Volta have to offer? Well, it’s got a lot of horns. You could call it a ‘horny’ record! Ba-dum-tish! Actually, that statement isn’t far off given Björk’s slant towards self-pleasure on her last two records—she’s gotten quite into the idea of ‘make art for oneself before making art for anyone else’. That idiom, though, is usually reserved for writers. Music is a more of a social art, and Björk’s tendency of late to serve herself first and foremost is not the most fitting attribute.

Take, for example, “Pneumonia”. Something about being a recluse, or something about something. k, thx for three great albums, bjork, see you in pagan heaven. It would be nice to have this review without blindly stupefied sarcasm, but Volta simply begs mockery. “Pneumonia” is as delicate, suspended in air, as is the “Anchor Song”, but its length and pretension—those fucking HORNS—debase its beauty beyond a quick skip-through of the song.

“Declare Independence” is Björk’s take on punk, which is dumb because Björk just fails at politics. “Vertebrae by Vertebrae” is an uninspired Björk singing over the same bellowing brass that appeared on “Hunter Vessel” from Drawing Restraint 9. “The Dull Flame of Desire”, a duet with Antony Hegarty, is far too long, and if I wanted seven minute songs with a female vocalist I’d take out one of my shoegaze records, not Björk. Am I getting my point across?

Sample this before purchase. Or, better yet, just get the songs worth any salt: “I See Who You Are” and “My Juvenile”. These are the most tender cuts of meat; the choicest rib. Everything else is grizzle, even the hoopla of “Earth Intruders” and “Innocence”. Though an admirable effort—no, no, forget that. Put out something that doesn’t suck, Björk. We pagan sprites are a picky bunch.

Debut by Björk
1993, Elektra, 11 tracks at 48 min.
Listen Buy CD

RATING: 31 out of 50

Before Björk became international symbol of reporter abuse—oh, wait, she’s always been a symbol for the semi-socially-detached, awkward, indie cool sort of person who just doesn’t care about anything besides finding their place in the world. Hell, she complained upon the release of “Possibly Maybe”, saying it was the first song she wrote that was ‘hopeless’, and that such an addition to her catalog peeved her. This was, obviously, before she started writing songs about explosions and purses and suicide bombers.

The Björk of Debut is very much unlike the Björk of Volta. Here she was a young woman, and it shows—she’s romantic, a little homesick, and apparently she really wants to hit the club: half of these tracks are only-slightly-atypical house-romping fare. This isn’t an inherently bad thing. Yet for a female vocalist who’s given us some of the most emotionally charged work in the past fifteen years of her field, it’s a little disappointing to listen to this record and say to oneself, “Huh. So this is Björk.”

On single “Big Time Sensuality”, Björk sings that she doesn’t know her “future after this weekend” and that she’d rather not know, regardless of its content. One can’t help listen and think that Björk needs to grow up; she’s talented enough to go beyond wispy vocals and keyboards that smack of Eastern flavour. Thankfully, she did—she grew into a magnificent monster of sorts, but she grew up nonetheless. On Debut, though, there is little maturity—it’s all cool air and sweet nothings. This will be fine by some, irritating for others, and a plain “meh” for those such as myself, who refuse to take this record as anything but simple pop music.

Instead of doing homework Monday night, I decided to look around for sites that could 'cartoonify' me. Swell idea. Eventually, I came upon a site that lets you make Miis and---DAMN, IT'S BJÖRK!

DAMN, IT'S ME!
I'm a cutie even in Mii form, huh?

Here's a deliciously dark remix for you:
Download< "Cover Me" (Plaid Mix) (Wikisend) (Link expired)
You can visit the Mii-site here.

Swimming is fun, Björk is devilspawn,
and hey, there's no Grizzly Bear in
this post

Hmm, news? Do I have any? I do, actually. Let’s see. There’s a crop of new albums coming in late August/September, and I might as well tell you now before I forget.

Exciting
-Out today: Luke Vibert (why was I not informed until this morning? Oh, that’s right, everything on this site was reported on other sites two years ago. Say, anybody hear about that new Radiohead ‘pay what you want’ thing?)
-Aug. 25: Imogen Heap and Shonen Knife
-Sept. 8: Sondre Lerche and Pete Yorn + Scarlett Johansson (very excited for both; no joke)
-Sept. 16: Midaircondo (No word yet on a US release)

Interesting
-Out today: George Strait, Raekwon, Anna Ternheim, Queen Latifah and Patrick Wolf
-Aug. 18: Reba McEntire and Jay Reatard
-Aug. 25: Woody Guthrie (massive compilation from Rounder)
-Sept. 8: Amerie and Yo La Tengo
-Sept. 15: Mariah Carey
-Sept. 22: Why?, They Might Be Giants, and Porcupine Tree

Nobody cares
-Out today: Cobra Starship
-Aug. 18: Lil’ Wayne
-Aug 25: Arctic Monkeys
-Sept. 8: Vivian Girls
-Sep. 14: Muse (album is actually titled The Resistance)
-Sep. 22: Madonna (shoddy greatest hits collection)
-Sep. 29: La Roux (Her hair is slick, but, eh)

So, more news, more news. Last Wednesday, I went with my aunt and cousin to a snazzy swim club and I finally got the meaning of [adult swim] (bear with me). Most obviously, it’s the few hours in the Cartoon Network pool that adults get to enjoy—but, hey, that idea’s been violated by every twelve-year old watching FLCL (myself, admittedly, many moon kingdoms ago). But more importantly, [adult swim] lets adults play in the pool and act like total idiots, tongue-in-cheek—a sentiment shows like Squidbillies and ATHF clearly embody. But, hey, enough serious business. Besides, all the adults at this swim club were all Squidwards about it, and they opted not to go in the water. And while I’m of adult swim age (so lulzy-it’s-painful, amirite?), I was too busy listening to my shitty music to care. Which brings me to this—my recommendations of the week.  read more »

Now, aside from that humorous aside in last night’s post about Michael Jackson, I think we I can be mature and write something of a little more ‘serious’ tone on the topic. So, c’mon, guys. Srs bizness here.

A friend IM’ed me with the news, and as soon as I heard this I went to Last.fm. And holy shit, was that shoutbox out of control. Over 1000 shouts were left in 4 hours, and when I checked this morning the stream of tributes and paedophile jokes was still coming strong. Now, there was the diverse mix of people that resulted from the death of the self-dubbed ‘King of Pop’—there were metalheads and other ‘passerbys’, leaving a simple ‘RIP.’ There were the sycophants—“MICHAEL I LOVED YOUUUUUUU”—and those who left some (admittedly) well-crafted troll jokes that were quickly dubbed ‘too soon’, ‘cruel’ et cetera by the sycophants and the moralists. All in all, the shoutbox was interesting to watch. And, hey, according to Shepherd Smith, MJ’s death slowed down the WHOLE INTERWEBS.

Now, I didn’t feel ‘bad’ or ‘reverent’ when I heard this news. Sorry, but I never feel bad when celebrities die. I never knew them personally. I’m sure they were nice people, but I can’t say, so I’m not going to cry a river over some celubtante/dame/pop-princess/teen idol kicking the bucket. Really, even when Björk dies, I won’t be in tears. She makes music, that I enjoy. Sure, her music helped me through some tough times. However, she didn’t drive me to the hospital to see sick relatives. She didn’t give me a loan for my first house or whatever.

And I think that’s what we have to remember when a celebrity dies, especially someone as huge as Michael Jackson. The majority of us won’t have been affected by that person—in life or death—directly. When it comes to writers, for example, I never take the close reading approach—you can’t analyze Virginia Woolf or DH Lawrence without looking at their lives. Yet when a celebrity dies, you’re in a way forced to separate the artist and their work. Yesterday, no one on the news was saying, “That pedo. Glad he’s dead,” even though that was the horse they’d been beating for years. Instead, everyone was intent on calling to mind Jackson’s accomplishments—his number ones, his videos, his white glove.

Let the mourners mourn and everyone else get on with their lives. We don’t ‘have’ Michael Jackson anymore, but we do have his work. Eventually—I assume soon, actually—someone will want to analyze Jackson through a more critical lens, and they’ll have to scrutinize the man and his work. But for now, all we can do is enjoy Jackson’s music on its own term—terms of ferociousness, daring, and not-so-subtle-sensuality.

So let’s remember the King of Pop for what he was—the King of Pop. A closer, probably unnecessary, look will be taken at his life somewhere down the road. As for right now, all we need to worry about is whether our tape decks have enough battery to play Thriller a few more times.

Now, I would’ve liked to post an MJ mp3, but my collection is pretty slim. So instead I’ll post a mix of Björk’s “Alarm Call”, which was originally titled “Jacko” in honor of The Gloved One.

Download "Alarm Call" (Mark Bell Radio Mix) (via Fileden)

Well, my Creative Zen finally died, after a year of use. Thursday morning, while getting ready for my 5 AM run (see the new 'About Me' section; I know you haven't read it yet), I was all set to run to the fantastically pompous synthpop of FM Belfast when pfft, pop, patoop. That was the end. Goodnight, sweet prince. You will be missed. Thankfully, however, I had bought a CD player on Wednesday at the Salvation Army---because, you know, retro is innnn. Well, not that CD players are retro. But you watch. I'll be ahead of all the trends.

Then, last night, I went for a short walk with my new CD buddy, eagerly moving along to Bjork's "Enjoy." What's humorous is that, while walking beneath some street lamps, I felt like I was coming back from a Portishead Fan-Club Meeting circa 1995. CD player + Post + neo-film-noir = A five-Lickitung night.

And as if I didn't look cool enough already, toting around a Koss CD player with Post spinning around inside, I ordered some BoC and Grizzly Bear t-shirts last week. Still waiting for them to come in---both were out of stock---but I assure you, I will be the coolest Squid in town. Maybe. I mean, all the kids in my part of New England all wear Hollister and that shit. So at least I'm in the running for Koolest Indie Kid!

Finally, I've changed the icons on the site to something a bit more summery---pirates! And speaking of pirates, here's an unofficial Bjork remix for ya.

Download "Enjoy" (Speed in There Mix) (via Sunday in the Park)

PS: The fancy new icons come courtesy of Iconbuffet. Just thought ya should know. And also, look at dat Bear. Dat Christopher Bear. In dat Grizzly Bear promo pic. Ain't he an awkwardly handsome fella? No wonder der is a band named afta him.

Yeah, this is a few months old but, seriously, WUT IS THIS. I'm compelled to post every episode of 'Breakfast at Sulimays' solely in honor of its greatness.

Best moment: Joe suggests that Fuck Buttons have photos on hand to autograph for female fans. Astute wisdom, indeed---hipster girls love the plaid-beard combo.

EDIT: I herd u liek Bjork? Well, Ann doesn't, since she rips apart "Earth Intruders." Really, though, the elderly reviewing Bjork? That is possibly the culmination of every wet muse-dream I have never had. (Video after the jump)  read more »

Medúlla by Björk

2004, Atlantic/One Little Indian, 14 tracks at 46 min

The voice as a sexual object is not the newest of concepts. Otherwise, the tête-à-tête rapport required....Oops, wrong review. Björk’s 2004 rollercoaster of experimental vocalisms must’ve gotten me mixed up with the similarly voice-centered (and similarly shitty) novel Vox. But unlike Vox, which was an erotic novel, Medúlla is a completely limp work. Wow, I just keep making mistakes...I meant to say exactly like Vox, which was an unerotic novel, Medúlla is a completely limp work.

Whereas Vespertine was an album unto which one could their pagan groove on (presumably in a frozen brothel, begging that the Icelandic hooker above you be as gentle as the wind passing through the leaves of the múm tree), Medúlla is the sort of album that, while appearing as a fellatory follow-up to the icy hard-ons of its predecessor, is, in fact, a more mastubatory experience. Don’t get your hopes up, though, as this is clearly a solo sex session for Björk.

Take for instance the track “Submarine.” I don’t know what’s going on there. Some moaning and stuff. I don’t even remember. I deleted it from my computer a while back. Of course, I could pop in my Medúlla CD and listen to it, but really, when am I going to do that? While some fantastic songs may be on this disc (“Oceania,” “Triumph of a Heart,” “Where is the Line,” “Who Is It”), the deliberately inaccessible clutter in between the gems makes this a ‘select tracks’ type of album.

Now, don’t get me wrong, some of the experiments here are Björk’s best. “Sonnets/Unrealities XI” (pretentious title her own) is based on a poem by ee cummings, and while the subject matter is typical Björk (betrayal, love, blah), the tremendous efficiency with which Björk pulls off interpreting the modernist maestro is impressive. Had she done “pity this busy monster, manunkind” or a cummings piece of likewise ilk, I probably would have wet my pants in all-lowercase orgasm---but no.

“Sonnets” is followed by the somewhat infamous “Ancestors,” a piece not a far cry from Adult Themes for Voice or a Nurse With Wound album. My ear having grown a taste for such a flavor of experimentation, I enjoy the track; but the average listener will simply want to take a shit on the worthless black plastic on which Medúlla is pressed and be done with the whole affair. It’s understandable, especially when Björk decides to muss up the tribal delight of “Mouth’s Cradle” with some really inane and immature political commentary (“away from all the Osama’s and the Bushes”---pip pip pip, that’s brilliant, Björk).

Clocking in at 14 songs---some with finesse (“Vokuro,” “Desired Constellation”); some with, well, less finesse (“Show Me Forgiveness,” “Midvikudags”)---Medúlla is close but no cigar. It’s tolerable, maybe even--gasp--fun at times, but overall, this is an album which you’ll find seldom hitting the boombox.

“Obviously the line about Osamas and Bushes was a bad joke,” said Björk in an interview. As was this album.

RATING: 3/5

Buy from Amazon MP3
Listen to "Sonnets/Unrealities XI" at Grooveshark

Getting up late today, hmm? Judging by the time of this post you won't be the only one. Since Squid Can has been suffering a drought as of late, I've compiled a nice pack of Mp3s for you all to enjoy this long weekend. A few mixtapes should be up soon to keep you warm this snowy January, and, who knows, maybe even a few more 'literary' efforts will pop up soon. You can, however, expect two or three more album reviews this weekend; and perhaps even the '2008 in Review' crap I've been meaning to post for a few weeks.

A few notes: Animal Collective (whew, almost typed Animal Farm) has a new LP out (and it's got all the hipsters hot and bothered), Frisky Dingo season 2 is now available on DVD, and Inauguration Day is Tuesday. You know, in case you forgot. That it was on Tuesday.

Last time I try to craft a coherent post at 3am. Enjoy the freebies.

Download "The Butcher" by Final Fantasy (Pictured; from Stereogum)
Download "Inside a Boy" by My Brightest Diamond (Daytrotter)
Download "Hyper-ballad" (3 AM Mix) by Bjork (Sendspace)
Download "Plinko" by Bora Yoon (4shared)

I'm really happy with this bump---probably because the image here is quite a gem.

Music: "Frosti" by Bjork on the album Vespertine

For the penultimate day of Squid Christmas, I've decided to just dump a bunch of weird stuff on y'all. Enjoy.

Download an Mp3 of the infamous "Fire Ant" scene from Space Ghost
Download an Mp3 of the YouTube hit, "McRoll'd" (video at left)
Download sixteen seconds of "green treefrog" noises
Download a "remix" I made of Bjork's "Five Years," entitled "Five Geese"
Download another hilariously crappy Bjork remix I made. This one is of "Immature" and it's called "Impatient"

NOTE: This is a "make-up" post from yesterday. (lol, minutia)

Having a Yuletide ball? Celebrate it by dancing to a "Hyper-ballad." On a side note, the new Fox show The Secret Millionaire is so well-done that even a postmodern bastard such as myself can enjoy it. Millionaires go incognito in an impoverished community and find people deserving of a hefty donation---just the heartfelt sort of program perfect for inspiring some Christmas spirit. Watch the trailer below, and catch the show Wednesday nights at eight on Fox.

Download "Hyper-ballad (Post Live Version)" from Mediafire

This charming interlude from Vespertine is the perfect bridge from autumn to winter. Delicate and rife with twinkle, "Frosti" has all the quiet power of an icicle dropping to the ground.

Björk's birthday was today, and that effectively caps off Björk week. To celebrate, here's the grand finale to Björk week, the second Squid Can mixtape, "Ammæli" (points for you if get the Sugarcubes reference).

The elastic madness of Matmos' "Rubber Band" mix of "Where Is The Line" snaps and vibrates like ribbon from a tightly-wrapped present. LaVelle Irth's mix of "I've Seen It All" sizzles with block-party-boldness, and its relentless stream of funk makes one realize that Björk's songs have also seen it all. The "Rhythmic Phonetics" mix of "Alarm Call" not only entices the listener with its intriguing title but further bedazzles its audience with its Pattonian potpourri of sounds----an excellent birthday gift for the annoyingly avant-garde in your life. An early presentation of "5 Years," "I Dare You," comes from the Hyper bootleg. Akin to a carpenter's workshop working at full capacity, it's more of a taunt to Death than to a former lover. The portmanteau sound of "My Snare" successfully combines the organic and the artificial. "5 Years" comes from a performance in Roskilde, and it is quite simply amazing. The brass orchestra of the Volta era brings the song up to the point of perfection. The rare and Icelandic "Jolakotturinn" may seem alien to American ears, but its ominous folk is of a refreshing quality. "All Is Full Of Love," live at the Riverside Church, gleans celestial beauty from its cherub's strings, motherly vocals, and tranquil chorus. Finally, a live version of "Jòga" from the bootleg Europa is simply gorgeous. Like a melting glacier, it burns with a passionate, bittersweet warmth. A somber, thoughtful end to any birthday playlist.

The download will be available until the end of December. If you like the songs please purchase the albums they appear on. Album titles appear in the filename. Check out more photos like the one on the cover art.

Download the Mixtape

1. Where Is The Line (Matmos Rubber Band Remix)
2. I've Seen It All (LaVelle Irth Mix)
3. Alarm Call (Rhythmic Phonetics Mix)
4. I Dare You [5 Years; "Hyper" bootleg]
5. My Snare [Nature is Ancient]
6. 5 Years [Live at Roskilde boot)
7. Jolakkotturinn
8. All Is Full Of Love (Live at Riverside Church)
9. Jòga ["Europa" boot]

Wow. On yesterday's post concerning [adult swim] and Björk week, I completely forgot to mention Björk's appearance on Space Ghost Coast to Coast. Björk sang the theme for the episode "Knifin' Around," in which she and Thom Yorke were guests. Watch part of the episode below and get the Mp3 also. Buy Space Ghost on DVD at Amazon.

Download "The Space Ghost Song" from Mediafire

Oops. I've been neglecting my Björkly duties. Here's a few Mp3's to keep y'all happy. In unrelated news, don't forget to catch FLCL this Saturday on [adult swim] if you haven't already. Also, The Drinky Crow Show airs this Sunday on [as]. Check it out, and get another delicious [as] Mp3 below.

Download "Sweet Sweet Intuition" from Sendspace

Download "Undone" from bjork.com

Download "Massage Situation" by Flying Lotus from Sendspace

Get "Nattura," Björk's latest single, from Amazon

Get Flying Lotus' Reset EP at Amazon

As part of Björk week here at Squid Can, here's a quick overview of Björk's music videos. The videos featured here come from songs on Debut, Post, and Homogenic. Part 2 will come round tomorrow and contain videos from Björk's latter three albums. Enjoy!

MP3 after the jump.

Human Behaviour (1993)

Directed by Michael Gondry. A very Norshteynian video in which Björk is chased by a bear, gets eaten by the bear, plants a Soviet flag upon the moon, and waves at a giant moth with spoons. A Goldilocks redux in a frighteningly adorable light.

 read more »

Bachelorette [Maxi-single] by Björk

2001, One Little Indian, Six tracks at 24 min

This attractive six-track single comes with five mixes of “Bachelorette,” the “Isobel” continuation from Homogenic. This single begins with an unessential radio edit, then moves into a five-and-a-half-minute, hip-hop infused remix by RZA of the Wu Tang Clan (the results of a fruitless Wu Tang-Björk collaboration). Three Mark Bell mixes follow, and the single is capped off with the semi-fan-favorite “My Snare” (also called “Nature is Ancient.”
Of the Björk singles I own, I must say that Bachelorette is one of consistent quality. RZA's remix is interesting beyond the novelty factor; its brooding grittiness transforms the song into a gleaming dark gem. Mark Bell's mixes provide techno-fueled excitement to the Homogenic classic. The “Blue Remix” is bouncy, highly danceable, tinged with a Caribbean feel. The “Zip Remix” is contrastingly Oriental: squeaky, speedy, video game-like bloops flying against the backdrop of a thumping bassline. The “Optimism Remix” plays upon and enhances the theatrical attributes of the original, turning “Bachelorette” into a sweeping operetta. “My Snare” is organic, ironic; distant and technological yet bleeping with new life.
A fine collection of mixes, Bachelorette is highly recommended for fans of Homogenic or Debut, as the big dance sound of this single reminds one of Björk's earlier days. Those interested in the RZA remix may also be compelled to purchase this single.

RATING: 3.5/5

Buy from Amazon

Being an over-the-top, mega Björk fan, I've decided to dedicate the following week to Björk, as on Friday, November 21st, it's her birthday. So, enjoy some free Björk MP3s this week along with some extra goodies and special posts. Be sure to visit the site on Friday for the conclusion of Björk Week. Download an unused cut from Vespertine below.

Download "Verandi" from Bjork.com

Squid Can has just been playing dead for the past few months. The amazing strings in this Family Tree version of "Play Dead" may liven things up a bit.

Telegram by Björk

1996, Elektra, 11 Tracks at 51 min.

A remix usually constitutes just what it implies: vocals with some new instrumentals, and maybe a reverb, delay, and cutup, or two. But Björk being Björk, her less-than-monumental yet doubtlessly ambitious 1996 remix album Telegram is cut from a different cloth than most remixes. In fact, it’s another fabric entirely.

Before any commentary, it should be duly noted that, if you disliked Post, stay far away from Telegram. There is certainly difference between the two, but if you found yourself moaning at the LP version of “Headphones,” you’ll practically gag on the minimalist remix on this disc.

But “Headphones” is the only track that’s drastically minimized. The other songs feel busier, in fact. “Army of Me,” for example, goes from the lead character to the anthropomorphic tree in the background. “Army of Me” is not minimized in a traditional sense, though the harsh electronic beats applied to it on Telegram diminish its original declaratory beauty.

If you found “Hyper-ballad” lacking on Post, you’ll be happily surprised by the Brodsky Quartet version here. It sweeps into a Top Forty, Coldplay-esque crescendo that communicates such a rife, orchestral beauty——a beauty not found in the aforementioned forty. The hip-hop remix of “I Miss You” is a decent, slow-moving old-school mix that not everyone will find Björkish enough. Then again, the yuppie-lounge mix of “Isobel” may cause some listeners to instantly press “eject.” And as for “Enjoy”? I don’t what the hell is going on there. It’s grating and pretty damn annoying. Instantly forgettable.

“Cover Me” has a little drum n’ bass thing going on, and it works to an exciting degree. “Possibly Maybe” is possibly better than the original. A misty mysteriousness surrounds it, a blackened fog. Portishead vibes result, sans the emotional whining of Beth Gibbons. “You’ve Been Flirting Again” reminiscences a deathly little music box. It shimmers and then ogles at it own pity. An excellent track; perhaps another vastly preferable to the original.

The b-side “My Spine” is also included. It’s a tiny sensuality that’s breezy and a bit ominous at the same time, thanks to Evelyn Glennie’s percussion.

Is the luxurious electronic silk that Telegram is made of worth your time, or should you stay to the classics and stick with Post? For a Björk fan, it’s a worthy album and deserving of a spot on the CD rack. Otherwise, skip Telegram as a whole and buy its best tracks: “Hyper-ballad,” “Possibly Maybe,” “You’ve Been Flirting Again,” and “My Spine.”

Vespertine by Björk

2001, One Little Indian, 12 tracks at 55 min

If you listen to Homogenic and Vespertine in succession, it won't take long to realize that Vespertine is undeniably post-coital compared to its predecessor. It is the most naïve, intimate, sensual album that Björk has created. Appropriately, it is far from everyday listening.

Glacial vocals are empowered through Matmos' organical-mechanical beats. Lyrics strip Björk to her bare skin, making us ask ourselves, “Is she a feminist or not?” And the videos commissioned for Vespertine carry a unique air of pagan nudity (pierced nipples included). Add a rare Björk instrumental, “Frosti,” and you’ve in your hands a musical lapis lazuli, a blizzard snapped tightly between the hinges on an apropos white jewel case.  read more »

A stunning performance of "All is Full of Love," circa Vespertine. The most powerful performance of the song I've seen. Björk is singing (and wearing) her Sunday best here.

Squid Can is not dead! But the site is undergoing renovations. Here's a new video to keep you entertained. Also available in 3D--glasses required.

BJORK "WANDERLUST"
Uploaded by Bjork

Possibly Björk's best song. The vocals are a perfect fit for the stunning lyrics. Atmospherically, it's a masterful fusion of light and dark. Dire, delicate, and celestial, it's one song I can wholeheartedly recommend.

All is Full of Love [CD 2] by Björk

1999, Elektra, Six tracks at 27 min.

Naughty Robots

All is full of love, huh, Björk? That must be why I’m shelling out five bucks for a used copy of a Homogenic single a decade old. But, in all non-fanatic honesty, this single is worth an extra charge to the old Visa. Why? It may be the best single outputted by Björk. Considering the volume of remixes Björk has commissioned throughout her solo career, that’s quite the lofty statement. Do I plan to defend it? Hell, why not?

This maxi-single contains six mixes of the Homogenic finale. The mixes included are:

1. Video version
2. Funkstorung Exclusive Mix
3. Strings
4. Album version
5. Plaid Mix
6. Guy Sigsworth Mix

The album version, while beautiful in its own right, shows its inadequacy in the face of the superior video and strings mixes. The Funkstorung Exclusive mix is abstract and helter-skelter, bubbly and bleeping. The end result is pure electronic joy, however. The Plaid Mix is scheming and scientific, yet wholly beautiful and engrossing. It comes in close second for best mix, the best being the worldly, Arabesque mix by Guy Sigsworth. A fine ending to the single, Sigsworth’s mix reinvents the song in such a refreshing, tranquil yet sorrowful manner.

Required listening for Björk fans or those who doubt the power of a good remix. This single demonstrates that a solid starting point can result in entirely digestible, and fresh sounding, remixes.

Buy the CD  read more »

• Amazon

I've been a bit behind on the Track of the Day lately, so here are the tracks since Friday, February 29th.

Friday, February 29th: "Danse Sur La Merde" by The Prototypes

Saturday, March 1st: "Easter" by Patti Smith

Sunday, March 2nd: "Karmacoma" by Massive Attack (Feat. Tricky)

Monday, March 3rd: "Now Now" by St. Vincent

Tuesday, March 4th: "Unison" by Björk

 read more »

Icy track from 2001's Vespertine. Superbly calming and mysterious.

An amazing flamenco-styled B-side from the Homogenic era. "So Broken" was the first song Björk wrote after the Ricardo López incident.