Ásgeir • Was There Nothing

I first discovered the music of Ásgeir via Noise Trade. It was there I was able to get a free download of some acoustic session recordings, and I was immediately intrigued. I did a bit of research, and found out the handsome singer/songwriter was a native of Iceland, where he was a big star, following the success of his debut album. His sound was so interesting to me, with the rich textures, light harmonies, and layered orchestration offered a vivid musical tapestry to enjoy.

In my research, I also learned Ásgeir was working in the studio, recording an English-language album that would introduce him to the rest of the world. He was working with out American artist John Grant, who was living in Iceland at the time. Grant was offering up translations of Ásgeir's songs, and the result was the album 'In the Silence'. The translated lyrics shine a light on the poetic side of the music, adding yet another layer to the acoustic landscape. I just discovered the music video for "Was There Nothing?", and knew I wanted to share it with you. I love the was the camera glides over his body, and along his guitar, allowing us in closer to the artist, and to be washed with the sound and visuals of his performance. This is Ásgeir with the music video for "Was There Nothing?".

I must admit, when I first heard the album, this song was an early favorite. There is something about the dreamy quality that spoke to me. "Was There Nothing?" can be found on the album 'In the Silence'. You can purchase it on iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Ásgeir, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Sunday Morning with Jónsi and Alex

As a couple, Jónsi and Alex have a few interesting projects, including an album together, Riceboy Sleeps. It is a part of my collection, and I really like it, although it is most definitely unlike most of Jónsi's other work. But before we get to that, The Icelandic singer and his American partner also enjoy making raw foods, and have a cookbook as well as a few videos. Here is an example, their recipe for Strawberry pie.



As a visual artist, Alex created several of the covers for Sigur Rós, Jónsi's experimental rock band, as well as some of the merchandise sold by the band. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, he also creates his own music, so it was only natural they have worked together. The music on Riceboy Sleeps is more ambient landscape than it is rock, and some of the most soothing stuff in my collection. Here, for example, is All The Big Trees.



For more about the couple, check out their website here. There are reports Jónsi and Alex are back in the studio, creating more music. They have been together since 2003, and currently reside in Iceland after having lived in Boston.

New Video - Jonsi - Go Do

After reading the Tweets of some of my favorite musicians, ones I truly respect, I decided it was time for me to listen to the Jonsi album, Go. I didn't know a lot about Jonsi, save he was from Iceland, and out and proud gay man, and is the lead singer of the band Sigur Ros. I will admit to not being crazy about the band, and therefore was in no rush to buy the solo album. That was a mistake.



The album combines and alternative/experimental feel with some beautiful pop songs. Jonsi utilizes not on the trademark falsetto for which he is known, but also the lovely middle of his range. He is also comfortable mixing several world styles to at times create a amazingly beautiful cacophony of sound, the layered and textured sound melding with the softness of some amazing Pop-style music. His production can vary from sparse and melodic to dense and dramatic, sometimes in the same song.



The first single from the album is Go Do, employing what I discussed above. This is the video.

Official video to first single from Go.

For more about Jonsi, you can visit his website here. You can purchase the solo album on iTunes here, which I heartily recommend It is a true aural banquet, and, as Auntie Mame might say, 'most poor suckers are starving to death!' Feed yourself with this album.