20.6.09

Icelandic Rock/Pop Music

Skagaströnd... Even lost in the North of Iceland you can find the most unexpected connections. I am indeed living next door to the house where the grand-mother of Jón Þór Birgisson, singer and guitarist of Sigur Rós used to live. Her name was Sigurrósa and was a well-known eccentric figure in the village. Jónsi Birgisson’s little sister Sigurrósa was named after her, and translated it means “victory rose.”

Apart from this anecdote, I discovered a few really good Icelandic bands.

Rökkurró
The debut album Það kólnar í kvöld... is brilliant. Try the song Ferðalangurinn for a start.

Múm
Experimental band

Ólöf Arnalds
Ólöf Arnalds is folk singer/ songwriter who used to be a member of Múm. She plays the guitar and the charango (a sort of small lute). She released her debut album in 2007 called Við Og Við. She sounds like a modern troubadour with a crystal clear voice.

Benni Hemm Hemm
http://www.myspace.com/bennihemmhemm

Mínus
http://www.myspace.com/minus
Icelandic alternative rock/hardcore band from Reykjavík

Kira Kira
http://www.myspace.com/trallaladykirakira

Magnús Þór Jónsson known as Megas

Sigur Ross
http://www.heima.co.uk/

Björk

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