Artist:
Sigur Ros
Album: Untitled #1 (Vaka)
Label: MCA
Release: 2003
Web: Official Site
Untitled #1 (Vaka) is the first single off of (), the third album by
Iceland's Sigur Ros. The single is available in two formats. One is a 3'' disc that
features the title track and three new untitled songs that are extensions of the title
track. Or you can purchase the disc and a DVD combo that contains all three of the band's
videos (Svefn-G-Englar, Viðrar Vel Til Loftárása, and Untitled #1). Vaka is a amazing
song and not only is it one of the best songs on (), but it is also one of the best songs
I've heard in quite some time. Jónsi Birgisson's vocals are jaw-dropping. The man's voice
sounds like something heaven-like. Seriously.
After the epic and lush Vaka ends, we drift into the first of three untitled tracks
that serve as an extension. The first untitled track is the best of the three included,
and is almost as beautiful as Vaka. It fades into the second untitled track, which is
basically a loop of Jonsi's voice. At first you may say to you yourself, "This sounds
pretty strange," but as the song progresses, the haunting keys make it worth sticking
around for. The last untitled track is even more haunting than the last. It is an
instrumental piece, and I think it would fit perfectly in the background of a dark film.
Overall, the four songs are pretty good. The last two untitled tracks may not be up
to par with the rest of the band's material, but they are still very intriguing and worth
listening to. What about the DVD? Well, to be quite honest. The videos are really odd.
Svefn-G-Englar features a bunch of people in angel or tooth fairy costumes dancing around
a field, while the video for Viðrar Vel Til Loftárása has two boys kissing at a soccer
match. The two videos are quite vague, but the Icelandic scenery featured in both is
beautiful.
The video for Untitled #1 is far superior to the first two included on the DVD. It
is highly political, and I remember hearing that it was released around the time the war
in Iraq was going on. It revolves around a bunch of very young children in gas masks
moving out for battle. That particular video was very effective and did justice to the
song.
If you are a fan of Sigur Ros, this Single/DVD pack is definitely worth purchasing.
It is only about eight or nine dollars, and isn't too hard to find in most stores.
However, if you are new to the band, I recommend you start with one of their full length
albums. This is definitely a band that will be doing great things in the future. And even
if you can't understand what Jónsi is singing, hopefully the music and the atmosphere
will say it all. |
© 2003 - Please contact me
before using anything found on this site. |
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