Sigur Ros is not an obscure band no one knows about, yet I like them anyway. I was a dabbler. I knew a few songs, barely enough to call myself a fan. Then I met my Sigur Ros soulmate who introduced me to the world of Icelandic music and Jonsi. I too often use the word beautiful. I seem to find it everywhere. I wish there was another word (yes, I checked the thesaurus) that would adequately capture their music. It is beautiful, uplifting and transforming.
One of my favorite songs is Vaka. Yes, I realize the lyrics are not in English. Who cares. I can feel every emotion Jonsi is conveying. One of the first I fell in love with is Hoppipolla. The video is brilliant. A take on childhood from an elderly perspective. It’s perfection is how it carries you along, bobbing on a river of happy. It’s a testament to music that it can transcend language and lyrical intent to hold you in its grasp.
One of their most famous songs is Staralfur. It is a song that will forever remain in my top five favorites. I put it on, close my eyes and find myself transported to a bright field of green and I can feel everything. If you’ve never heard of them, it’s time.
A few other notables:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LeQN249Jqw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaIxnp4G84E&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ6Qheb57hk&feature=related
Now go listen!