Jónsi – Go
I’ve had plenty of time to consume this new solo effort from Jonsi, the lead singer of Sigur Ros, so I should be able to write a review that’s much less bias and full of hyperbole than if I had written it a month ago when I first listened to it. But before I begin, I’m going to start my reviews from now on with mp3 link first, then the review. That way, you can listen to my favorite song off the album while you’re reading the review. It makes total sense and I don’t know why I didn’t do it before. So, click the stream below, then read the review.
Go Do [mp3]
So, full disclosure, Sigur Ros was, is, and remains one of my favorite bands ever. I’ve seen them twice, first in Lawrence, KS before they became a worldwide success, and more recently in St. Louis, when they were at their peak, and each time was equally amazing for completely different reasons. Much like Radiohead, my enjoyment from their music mainly came from watching their transformation over the years. From the minimalist, brooding sound of Von, to the carefree, pure joy that is found throughout Takk and Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, their progression as a band was a unique journey I loved following all these years.
So, when rumors went around this January that the band completely scrapped new material they were working on and were on indefinite hiatus, I honestly didn’t know what to think. There are very few constants in one’s life when it comes to the music industry, and Sigur Ros were quite definitely one of those constants. To have it taken away just like that caught me off guard to say the least. Before I could really formulate any concrete opinions on one of my favorite bands essentially breaking up, enter Go by Jonsi here to save the day. And I have to say, as a much bigger fan of their happier songs over their more epic, sprawling, emotional songs, the upbeat, just plain happy energy found on Jonsi’s solo album is very refreshing.
As with anything Sigur Ros related, pretty much anyone that knows me has now listened to the album more times than they wanted due to my annoying persistance that they “check out Jonsi’s new album!” The reactions I’ve gotten so far are basically what I’d expected. It’s great, but so much happier than any of his previous stuff, most of them have told me. And while I agree completely, I think Go is one of the strongest albums Jonsi has crafted in his career. I realize that’s a bold statement for me to make being such a huge fan of the band, but the more I listen to Go, the less I focus on how happy it is, and more on simply how great the album is as a whole.
This is due almost entirely to the addition of Nico Muhly’s classical arranging and Samuli Kosminen’s percussion (over the top in the best way possible). Muhly has worked with everyone from Mew to Grizzly Bear, and much like Owen Pallett did in transforming Arcade Fire’s newest albums through his orchestrations, Muhly has done to equal degree with Jonsi’s first solo album. I’ve yet to listen to Muhly’s own solo albums, Speaks Volumes and Mothertongue, but after hearing his work on this album, you can bet I’ll be searching diligently for those albums in the near future. And while Muhly does get my nod for most influence on this album’s overall sound, I have to smirk and give a nod to Kosminen’s crazy drumming style, which I can only picture as him banging on damn near anything around him he can reach. It’s percussion I can only describe as controlled chaos, and I can’t get enough of it.
What about the songs you may ask? Honestly, one thing remains true in this case, regardless of whether he’s writing with his band or alone, this album needs to be heard the whole way through. Stand outs include “Go Do”, “Boy Lilikoi”, and “Around Us”, but I’d soon enough give you the silent treatment for a while if I found out you just jumped straight to those songs because I told you those were my favorites. It really is an album you have to hear from beginning to end, and while Sigur Ros aren’t on any real hiatus (just rumors I’ve found out halfway through writing this. They had kids, wanted a break, etc.), and should be recording again early next year, I almost feel strange thinking to myself, I hope the new Sigur Ros can match Jonsi’s solo album. Strange to say sure, but it’s really that good. Well done Jonsi, I must say. Well done.
Jónsi – Go
Perch Score: 9.655/10
01. Go Do [mp3]
02. Animal Arithmetic
03. Tornado
04. Boy Lilikoi
05. Sinking Friendships
06. Kolnidur
07. Around Us [mp3]
08. Grow Till Tall
09. Hengils
Jonsi Official Site / Myspace
Sigur Ros Official Site / Myspace
