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Björk stomps up controversy in China
"Did she really just say that?" That was the question on the lips of my fellow concertgoers at the rousing March 2 Björk show in Shanghai, after the Icelandic singer’s finale performance of the track “Declare Independence.” An impassioned, angry anthem from the recent Volta, the lyrics—“Don’t let them do that to you,” “Protect your language,” and “Raise your flag”—were given an extra charge when, while the backing brass band lulled, Björk whispered close to the microphone, “Tibet, Tibet.” Such a direct call for Tibetan independence is a shocking gesture by a visiting artist to China, which has ruled its... read more
Found in: Music, NewsAnother Björk album in 2007?
Apparently, while breaking in her touring band this summer, Björk decided it only made sense to go ahead and record another album. For the live sessions and current tour, she told Billboard that her older, string-driven songs were re-arranged for her 10-piece, all-female brass band. "A lot of the songs that were previously done with strings turned out even better with brass,” she stated, adding that two electronic artists (including LFO’s Mark Bell) and drummer Brian Chippendale from Lightning bolt allowed her to “go as macho as is it is possible for me.” So, in case you are like most... read more
Found in: Music, NewsBjörk announces winner of fan-made video contest
Hundreds of fans honed in on the strangely sublime to create music videos for Björk’s “Innocence” – not merely for viral video fame but to be dubbed “official” by the Icelandic genre-detonator herself. Announced today, the winner is a CGI-rendered piece by French pair Fred&Annabelle, who “caught Björk for being close to the music and emotion of the song.” Such a connection was effectively attained through kaleidoscopic colors that pulse to the electro thumps like nightmarish Windows Media visuals, as a giant stuffed bear and baby doll loom over Björk like those creepy esper-things from Akira. You can check out... read more
Found in: Music, NewsBjörk: Volta
Iceland’s freest spirit declares her independence… again read more
Found in: Music, ReviewsBjork Gets Every Cool Person Ever to Help On New Album
Bjork’s handpicked anything is going to be super hot, including the new crew of collaborators on her upcoming album. According to her website, Timbaland produces two tracks and Antony Hegarty (of Antony and the Johnsons) duets on two others. Toumani Diabate plays the Kora and Konono nr.1 contributes with electric thumb pianos, and some of the percussion will come from Chris Corsano and Brian Chippendale from Lightning Bolt. Her last album, 2004’s Medulla, included contributions from Mike Patton, Rahzel, Matmos and Robert Wyatt. The new release is still untitled and will be out sometime in late spring on Atlantic. Her... read more
Found in: Music, NewsBjörk: Björk - The music from Drawing Restraint 9
The Siren’s Whale: Icelandic boundary-nudger brings her genius to bear on art-film soundtrack read more
Found in: Music, ReviewsBjörk Creatively Raises Money For UNICEF
Since the song was originally released in 1995 on the album Post, Björk has consistently been sent unsolicited re-mixes and cover versions of “Army of Me.” These mixes and cover versions have encompassed a broad range of styles, from upbeat electronica to death-metal. For years, these versions of the song have been gathering dust in a corner of Björk’s office. Björk has now decided to release the best mixes and cover versions on a 2-CD album in order to raise funds for UNICEF. However, in order to complete the album, Björk needs to receive more material to choose from. Submissions... read more
Found in: Music, NewsSigns of Life 2004
Delivering one of the most baffling, brilliant records of 2004, Madame GuÃmundsdottir steers her vessel into the icy waters... read more
Found in: Music, FeaturesBjörk: Björk - Medúlla
The reality that pop music has evolved in any meaningful fashion is wondrously strange. Even musicians considered textbook iconoclasts... read more
Found in: Music, ReviewsBjörk: Björk - Miniscule (DVD Review)
Referring to anything Björk does as “minuscule” smacks of absurdity and utter contradiction. But even more absurd: once you get over the elaborate stage show and delve into the music, the title makes perfect sense... read more
Found in: Music, Reviews
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