I love the power of music. I love that at times I get goosebumps listening to a powerful piece of songwriting, including when set to any combination of moving images on a screen. I also love hockey. Upon a recent switch in cable providers, HBO and other premium cable channels became available in my household. Of the programs I decided to catch up on, a series I lamented being unable to watch prior was the documentation of the NHL’s Winter Classic, entitled “24/7 Flyers/Rangers.” I came away from viewing the four episode series with a few observations, mostly negative in regards to a few certain members of the Flyers organization, but overwhelmingly positive otherwise. Following the filmed action of the decisive game on January 2nd, a series defining recap set to Sigur Rós’ anthemic “Festival” closed out the final episode. I already knew the outcome of that particular game, but came to enjoy the people involved within it, getting a glimpse into the lives and actions of world class athletes. When set to the arching crescendo of “Festival,” the closing images and narration, which otherwise might not have as much meaning, took on emotional depth that I continue to get goosebumps from. Such is the power of music: able to enhance things I like, into things I love.
Tag Archive: Sigur Rós
Sigur Rós vs. Mobb Deep
This track made its rounds on the blogs last April, but I didn’t listen to it until last week, when an old friend brought it to my attention. I normally don’t go for mash-ups, or for Sigur Rós, so this track immediately had two strikes against it before I even pressed play. With that said, the track is eminently likable, mixing effortlessly the ethereal nature of Sigur Rós’ “Vaka (untitled #1)” from ( ), with the streetwise lyrics of Mobb Deep’s classic “Shook Ones (Part II).” A good portion of mash-ups feel forced, only providing a clever or humorous title, but this works on every level.
The creator of the track is Portland, OR’s Emancipator, who just released a new album – Safe in the Steep Cliffs – last month. He’s on a lengthy US tour as well; dates can be found on his MySpace.
Sigur Rós vs. Mobb Deep – Shook (Emancipator Mash Up) (mp3)
1000 Minutes: Dave #19
Today’s music included in my 1000 Minutes project may seem like it has a connecting theme. That theme, to those of discerning eyes and ears, is the coming track being used in a certain film. This film, whose title I won’t be mentioning, is a lightning rod of opinions in that most I’ve talked to either love or hate it. Personally, I love the movie and get goose bumps often when watching it, and in particular during parts of the film when certain songs are used. Both songs below serve to enhance the film in multiple ways for me, and honestly the entire soundtrack is excellent as well. In fact I’ve already used another song from it in this list. If you wish to find out what movie it is do some research on your own. If curious as to why I am not mentioning the film, my point in deliberately omitting it is to illustrate that the song’s inclusion in this list have nothing to do with their inclusion in the film. So there.
37. Josh Rouse – Directions (mp3) from Home (3:26) [Time Remaining: 846:16]
I have many Josh Rouse albums and songs littered about on my computer and in my house. No matter what he has made in the past or produces in the future this little ditty will always be my favorite. While I don’t necessarily identify with the theme of the song, as often is the case with me, I take the song at face value and just love the sounds of it. The music arrangement and the vocals just shout out something beautiful to my ears. I’ve probably listened to this song several hundred times and have never, nor will ever, sicken of it.
38. Sigur Rós – Sigur 4 (Untitled) (mp3) from ( ) (6:57) [Time Remaining: 839:19]
What exactly can I say about a song with lyrics in a nonsensical language made up so that listeners can interpret them however they choose? First off, as silly as that idea may sound to people I absolutely love it. I doubt this song means exactly the same thing to another person as it does to me. This is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard and I think the idea of the entire album is genius, though it certainly takes a band of this stature to pull it off. The track was later officially titled Njósnavélin by the band for those that may be curious.
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002: Old Tapes - Farewell/What I Need Tonite 7" -
001: Joywave - Ridge/Traveling At The Speed Of Light 7"
