Playgroup | Helping brands build genuine brand equity

If Radiohead didn’t exist, then Sigur Rós would probably be my favourite band.

Last Friday I had the pleasure of going to see them for the 4th time, at Alexandra Palace. As a live act I don’t think there are many that match them. Beautifully haunted vocals, layered guitars played with violin bows, a build up to the loudest and grandest climaxes you will hear, and white sheets with huge ghosting silhouettes of the band projecting onto them. Epic!

However, this time was different. Much like their latest album, this was a set that went back to basics. Not that Sigur Rós have ever been at basics. This time they played solely with the 4 of them – no string or brass bands to accompany them – just completely stripped back. And it worked well. Not quite as epic, and may be a bit more choreographed than before, but it was an extremely accomplished set. And it’s a tactic that has worked well for them commercially, judging by the amount of 18 year olds singing their heart out to the news songs! (something I never thought I’d see at a Sigur Rós gig).

And they ended on their trademark set closer, Popplagio. The best song I have ever seen live. Watch it here.

Sigur Rós, it seems, are a band that completely divide opinion. To my surprise the other day, I overheard Tim say to Steve “let’s have our meeting out of the office, I need to get away from the Sigur Rós!”.  He did admit to liking them, but to finding them too much in that situation. To me, they’re the perfect band to work along to. I once read an article mentioning some research from a university professor, who came to the conclusion that Svefn-G-Englar is the best song to listen to on the tube at rush hour! Mainly due to it’s relaxing qualities. I guess some people just find them boring, and may be find the vocals a bit too much. I told my housemate to watch them at Benicassim, and she described them as “whale music”.

I’d be interested to hear other people’s opinions.

On another note, I’ve just spent a few days in Lisbon. What a great place! I have a huge desire to travel around South America, only enhanced by Lisbon. I heard it described as “the only place you can find South America in Europe”. Whilst I’m not sure how true this is, it certainly did seem like a “mini Rio”. Speaking to a man simply known as Raphael about the likes of Fabio Aurelio, Lucas Leiva and Diego Cavalieri in a Brazilian bar only confirmed this! It’s a very chilled out city during the day with small cafes, hilly streets and stunning views. During the evening the narrow streets transform into a lively night spot, lined with traditional Brazilian and Portuguese bars, all featuring an array of live music. I also managed to go there at a time when the temperature was freakishly rising above 20 degrees. Which was nice.

Now back to the ITV job…

Posted by Jamie on 27 Nov 08, at 5:01 pm

• Comment on this post
• Recycle this post