I listened to this extensively yesterday. First off, I haven’t truly loved a Bjork album since Vespertine but I did like some of Medulla and Drawing Restraint 9. When I heard she was releasing this I was prepared to be disappointed, but decided to give it a shot. After last night, I can say that this is going to be one of my favorites. It’s a brilliant album, beautifully done and without a doubt, a must have for this year. I also got the black and it sounds superb.
Michael, I got the green one :) I’m a big fan of this record, shades of medulla at times. lots of familiar touches from the past. That said, I like the abrasive, dark, and funky techno vibes. The videos kinda blew my mind. Now that I’ve heard the tunes without the the visuals I can concentrate on what’s going on.. and it’s incredible .
One of THE most talented musicians of our age, and so incredibly full of art and message and emotion. I have loved her from her earliest Sugar Cubes days, and loved her more as she grew a solo career. Her passion for sound and how it harmonizes with the body and heart is in every song, every recording. I wish my system was able to properly play a album like this and do it proper justice. Her voice is bar none.
Michael What an artist. She has no interest in commerciality What an incredible unique orchestrating using the dark woodwinds as the dominant voice over the beginning of the record. I make music myself and I am completely blown away by her vision always. Previous favorite probably vespertine She’s really in Scott walker territory. She has created her own form of music and does not care to look back to satisfy some pop whim or idiot music executive. Truly an artist to aspire to. Thanks again for giving me the heads up Freaking fantastic
when you said that you were tempted to put this in your heavy rotation but ended up not, I completely agree! i believe that her music should be consumed in moderation at all times, although I felt like this one REALLY had gotten better the more that I listen to it, regardless it will still burrow its feet deep into my skin as surely as time will come. And I want or expect nothing less than!
Interestingly enough I became aware of Björk through an interview she did with Stockhausen. I thought what an intelligent profound woman, not the usual stupid journalist questions - let's hear some of her music. So I did and was not disappointed of course.
A great artist for sure. Unfortunatelly I have never found a way to her music. But still an artist I can respect for her work altough its not my cup of te
Thank you for the vid, Michael. Would you care to comment on the audio quality please? Being a Bjork fan I understand her vinyl releases are underwhelming sadly..
I love everything by Bjork up through Volta. I've struggled with Biophilia through Utopia but I will give Fossora a very careful listen thanks to your review. I've seen her live a few times, she puts on an outstanding show, highly recommended. Thanks for the video! Warmest regards, Ron Kenosha, WI USA
: This is undoubtedly the most impenetrable album she's ever made. Easily. Bjork has never been a stranger to "free time" arrangements, where BPM or rhythmic structure doesn't really matter, but it seems as though that style is applied to melodic arrangements as well. Half of the tracks on this thing I can barely follow - which is a shame, because they're not possibly going to be memorable for me. But when things do come together on this record, the results are perhaps the best work she's ever done. I do have the original 2xLP, and yeah, the stream/CD versions of "Ovule" and "Her Mother's House" are infinitely better. But I'm glad I have it, regardless. I'll have to keep it on heavy rotation for a while, just to try and figure out what I'm missing. I did the same thing with Julia Holter's Aviary and I don't regret the struggle at all.
Glad to hear the review! Like some others have said I’ve been a fan since Sugarcubes Life’s too good…when I heard that I knew she was going to be huge.
It’s strange how sometimes when I hear an album and immediately like it, I find that over time I bore of it and seldom does it find its way back into rotation. This is not that album. This album needs to formulate in one’s conscience for multiple playing’s. Similar to Fiona Apple’s ‘Fetch the Bolt Cutters’ this album will stand the test of time on multiple levels of imagination, creativity, sonics and all around superb production.
I havent bought the vinyl because of the "unfinished" mix... Its hard. But its great to hear such a glowing review from you. I have yet to hear a Björk album I didnt like. I even love Utopia which is so heavily critizised..
Bjork... Liked the first album.... But sorry folks.... Had enough of the same vocal range... Quiet to squawking........ Had Volta... Gave it away... Peed off with the album cover for a start off... And now trying to be artistic.....so NO THANKS boys
Björk is one of my biggest musical regrets. I just don't get her. I respect her, what an artist, theoretically, i like everythig about her, but i've never managed to get past first 3-4 songs on any of her albums. I always die of boredom almost immediately. What to do.
I had not been able to listen to a full Björk album in a while. This album, as you describe, it's a beauty.
Рік тому+5
I have the flac version and the sound is good. It wasn't recorded within the audiophile parameters, but it's close. It is quite possibly the one that has a sound atmosphere most suited to Bjork's aesthetic.
I heard that the mix was changed after the vinyl was cut, and pressed. With such long lead times it was not possible to redo it in line with the digital formats. I gather that the LP will be aligned in future with the final mix.
Hi Michael. Yes, the mixes featured on Vinyl records appear to be different/unfinished. I don’t know if they vary from black to green to turquoise editions, it’d be nice if you could sample some for us! It sounds like both the streaming and CD mixes are the final ones. Great, great record, one of her best definitely. If you get a chance to listen to this on Atmos also give it a try, it’ll blow your mind.
One experience richer. Be shod. The totality of all experience. Female. Dig deep with the excavator. With so much feeling. What can I do about it? Nothing! Bjork in green belongs now. :-) ❤️Heike
Michael, I just wanted to add that I didn't mean to take away from your clearly genuine enthusiasm and delight at this album. I'm just afraid that I must be missing something, and I AM going to give it another try. But, watching your joy and true enjoyment of the album was still fun and informative, as are all of your videos! *Always* enjoy and really appreciate your heartfelt insights! 👍
Some very strange comments here on the value of so-called complicated music by an artist that has always strived to re-imagine her musical scope and ways of expression. It sort of reminds me of the old Coltrane controversy („He doesn't play melodies anymore it‘s just noise etc.“). I strongly recommend listening to the podcast „Björk: Sonic Symbolism“, where she talks about the textures and inspirations for each of her albums. It might help some to better understand where Björk‘s music came from and where she is today.
I just managed to get the turquoise variant I wanted...it's very hard to find at a reasonable price. It's definitely one of my favorites. I actually prefer her later work overall. I became a real fan as a result of "Volta" and I haven't been disappointed with anything since. I'm still listening to "Utopia" quite a bit...it appears some think it's too dense of an album, but I dig it.
After almost the year, I still don’t like the album either. But I’m so happy people love it. My criticism: I think it’s messy, but the mood makes it feel like it shouldn’t. I compare it a lot of it to Volta - chaotic, inconsistent; it’s ground vs electricity. I can understand why Volta would be crazy; I can’t understand why Fossora is the same.
With her, I think for me unfortunately I don't have the deep appreciation that our Michael most enthusiastically does here for her later stuff. I DO like her very early songs where she at least TRIED to be somewhat coherent, actually tying a 'SONG' together that would have at least some general appeal. But now, I feel sad that I MUST indeed be missing something Michael clearly appreciates. To me, a guitar player and composer for many years (using both terms VERY loosely) AND a person who usually likes REALLY different stuff too, this album just comes across as her caterwauling up and down the scale randomly, while completely unrelated beats and random musical notes are introduced here and there. I'll honestly need to listen again, but truthfully her singing sounds pretty much the exact same on every song. Same random up/down the scale style with stilted timing. I wonder why almost all her songs sound SO much alike to me...?
Unfortunately, at some point Björk no longer wanted to be "just" a pop musician, but a serious artist. Just why? From that point on, she has hardly published anything relevant. Bulky music is not automatically important. Often there is simply nothing behind it. Germany give it a word for it: Hurz: ua-cam.com/video/MJ7jbQJXF68/v-deo.html
@@musiconrepeat6965 You are addressing a fundamental question: Who is allowed to judge artistic works in terms of their quality and relevance. I have a very simple opinion: Everyone! The artist is free to develop. Then he releases his work to the public. The public now has the right to argue about the quality. I have stated my opinion on Björk's works of the last decades, admittedly without providing many reasons. I want to catch up on that very briefly using the example of the videos for the new album: where her ideas got to the point in the 90s (see e.g. "All Is Full of Love"), there is now unfortunately only opulence and imitated avant-garde. And this in the same way over and over again. Just my 2 cents.
With you Michael. Ordering now
I listened to this extensively yesterday. First off, I haven’t truly loved a Bjork album since Vespertine but I did like some of Medulla and Drawing Restraint 9. When I heard she was releasing this I was prepared to be disappointed, but decided to give it a shot. After last night, I can say that this is going to be one of my favorites. It’s a brilliant album, beautifully done and without a doubt, a must have for this year. I also got the black and it sounds superb.
Glad to hear that because Vespertine is one of my all time favourite albums. Will check it out
@@krupboom 💯
Michael, I got the green one :)
I’m a big fan of this record, shades of medulla at times. lots of familiar touches from the past. That said, I like the abrasive, dark, and funky techno vibes. The videos kinda blew my mind. Now that I’ve heard the tunes without the the visuals I can concentrate on what’s going on.. and it’s incredible .
One of THE most talented musicians of our age, and so incredibly full of art and message and emotion. I have loved her from her earliest Sugar Cubes days, and loved her more as she grew a solo career. Her passion for sound and how it harmonizes with the body and heart is in every song, every recording. I wish my system was able to properly play a album like this and do it proper justice. Her voice is bar none.
Michael
What an artist.
She has no interest in commerciality
What an incredible unique orchestrating using the dark woodwinds as the dominant voice over the beginning of the record.
I make music myself and I am completely blown away by her vision always.
Previous favorite probably vespertine
She’s really in Scott walker territory.
She has created her own form of music and does not care to look back to satisfy some pop whim or idiot music executive.
Truly an artist to aspire to.
Thanks again for giving me the heads up
Freaking fantastic
when you said that you were tempted to put this in your heavy rotation but ended up not, I completely agree! i believe that her music should be consumed in moderation at all times, although I felt like this one REALLY had gotten better the more that I listen to it, regardless it will still burrow its feet deep into my skin as surely as time will come. And I want or expect nothing less than!
Interestingly enough I became aware of Björk through an interview she did with Stockhausen. I thought what an intelligent profound woman, not the usual stupid journalist questions - let's hear some of her music. So I did and was not disappointed of course.
A great artist for sure. Unfortunatelly I have never found a way to her music. But still an artist I can respect for her work altough its not my cup of te
Try through her poetry, which she does
Thank you for the vid, Michael.
Would you care to comment on the audio quality please?
Being a Bjork fan I understand her vinyl releases are underwhelming sadly..
its superb!
My son saw Bjork in Berlin a few months ago. He was overwhelmed.
We are both big fans
I love everything by Bjork up through Volta. I've struggled with Biophilia through Utopia but I will give Fossora a very careful listen thanks to your review.
I've seen her live a few times, she puts on an outstanding show, highly recommended.
Thanks for the video!
Warmest regards,
Ron
Kenosha, WI
USA
Have you liked it?
: This is undoubtedly the most impenetrable album she's ever made. Easily. Bjork has never been a stranger to "free time" arrangements, where BPM or rhythmic structure doesn't really matter, but it seems as though that style is applied to melodic arrangements as well. Half of the tracks on this thing I can barely follow - which is a shame, because they're not possibly going to be memorable for me. But when things do come together on this record, the results are perhaps the best work she's ever done.
I do have the original 2xLP, and yeah, the stream/CD versions of "Ovule" and "Her Mother's House" are infinitely better. But I'm glad I have it, regardless. I'll have to keep it on heavy rotation for a while, just to try and figure out what I'm missing. I did the same thing with Julia Holter's Aviary and I don't regret the struggle at all.
Glad to hear the review! Like some others have said I’ve been a fan since Sugarcubes Life’s too good…when I heard that I knew she was going to be huge.
It’s strange how sometimes when I hear an album and immediately like it, I find that over time I bore of it and seldom does it find its way back into rotation. This is not that album. This album needs to formulate in one’s conscience for multiple playing’s. Similar to Fiona Apple’s ‘Fetch the Bolt Cutters’ this album will stand the test of time on multiple levels of imagination, creativity, sonics and all around superb production.
I havent bought the vinyl because of the "unfinished" mix... Its hard. But its great to hear such a glowing review from you. I have yet to hear a Björk album I didnt like. I even love Utopia which is so heavily critizised..
Album of the year
This is the lost Michaelish review I've ever seen. 😁
Much better video when you're not doing these Mofi witch-hunt videos
Am I the only one who finds Björk's music absolutely terrible? Apparently so, given the praise for this partly atonal stuff. But everyone as he likes.
No, you aren’t. Atonal is the perfect adjective for this album. Absolutely zero melody.
Bjork... Liked the first album.... But sorry folks.... Had enough of the same vocal range... Quiet to squawking........ Had Volta... Gave it away... Peed off with the album cover for a start off... And now trying to be artistic.....so NO THANKS boys
Björk is one of my biggest musical regrets. I just don't get her. I respect her, what an artist, theoretically, i like everythig about her, but i've never managed to get past first 3-4 songs on any of her albums. I always die of boredom almost immediately. What to do.
I had not been able to listen to a full Björk album in a while. This album, as you describe, it's a beauty.
I have the flac version and the sound is good. It wasn't recorded within the audiophile parameters, but it's close.
It is quite possibly the one that has a sound atmosphere most suited to Bjork's aesthetic.
There's God quality in this Album.
I'll recommend you "The Gods We Can Touch" album by Aurora. Thank you!
A fantastic glowing review that really swayed me to a buy,had planned to pass on this album! So thanks for the push!😂 Cheers,Michael!
My interest is piqued. About to listen The only Bjork album I own is Homogenic. Great Mark Bell production on that.
I heard that the mix was changed after the vinyl was cut, and pressed. With such long lead times it was not possible to redo it in line with the digital formats. I gather that the LP will be aligned in future with the final mix.
The album reminds me of Ute Lemper signing Scott Walker.
That's meant as a complement.
you are the Mazzy of Gorgeous sounding LPs. Cheers Michael, the sound stage is awesome.
Who did the artwork for the the jacket and sleeve?
Hi Michael. Yes, the mixes featured on Vinyl records appear to be different/unfinished. I don’t know if they vary from black to green to turquoise editions, it’d be nice if you could sample some for us! It sounds like both the streaming and CD mixes are the final ones. Great, great record, one of her best definitely. If you get a chance to listen to this on Atmos also give it a try, it’ll blow your mind.
One experience richer.
Be shod.
The totality of all experience.
Female.
Dig deep with the excavator.
With so much feeling.
What can I do about it?
Nothing!
Bjork in green belongs now. :-)
❤️Heike
Michael, I just wanted to add that I didn't mean to take away from your clearly genuine enthusiasm and delight at this album. I'm just afraid that I must be missing something, and I AM going to give it another try. But, watching your joy and true enjoyment of the album was still fun and informative, as are all of your videos! *Always* enjoy and really appreciate your heartfelt insights! 👍
Some very strange comments here on the value of so-called complicated music by an artist that has always strived to re-imagine her musical scope and ways of expression. It sort of reminds me of the old Coltrane controversy („He doesn't play melodies anymore it‘s just noise etc.“). I strongly recommend listening to the podcast „Björk: Sonic Symbolism“, where she talks about the textures and inspirations for each of her albums. It might help some to better understand where Björk‘s music came from and where she is today.
I just managed to get the turquoise variant I wanted...it's very hard to find at a reasonable price.
It's definitely one of my favorites. I actually prefer her later work overall. I became a real fan as a result of "Volta" and I haven't been disappointed with anything since. I'm still listening to "Utopia" quite a bit...it appears some think it's too dense of an album, but I dig it.
i can always count on you for the good taste 👏👏
Just can’t get into this album - and I love Bjork 🙁 But trust your opinion Michael so will keep listening to it! 👍
Hope you didn't waste too much time on the squawking....
After almost the year, I still don’t like the album either. But I’m so happy people love it.
My criticism:
I think it’s messy, but the mood makes it feel like it shouldn’t. I compare it a lot of it to Volta - chaotic, inconsistent; it’s ground vs electricity. I can understand why Volta would be crazy; I can’t understand why Fossora is the same.
An Artist I've flirted with over the years but yet to snog at the school disco. They broke the mould with Bjork.
She was one of the originals creators far advanced than us. I ordered my copy on APs website..
Really loving this album! I'm curious if you heard the new Jockstrap album? It reminds me of lot of Bjork.
No Joseph that one i havent heard of
@@Michael45RPM I would definitely recommend! There lots of acoustic guitar and harp passages that lead into heavy electronic passages.
This is a masterpiece! 🎉❤ Im so thankful for this record.
👌👌
This album does nothing for me. It’s like she’s just being weird for the sake of being weird. Glad others enjoy it though.
Can't listen to Bjork anymore... She used to give me goosebumps... The last albums do nothing for me. The magic died somewhere around "Volta"
Wonderful album! I had to buy the vinyl and CD version, because they have different arrangements!
It's Björk, so It worth it ❤
I must be missing something I thought this album was awful I’ll try it again with new ears
Agree. Turned off after the first 3 🤷🏻♂️
With her, I think for me unfortunately I don't have the deep appreciation that our Michael most enthusiastically does here for her later stuff. I DO like her very early songs where she at least TRIED to be somewhat coherent, actually tying a 'SONG' together that would have at least some general appeal. But now, I feel sad that I MUST indeed be missing something Michael clearly appreciates. To me, a guitar player and composer for many years (using both terms VERY loosely) AND a person who usually likes REALLY different stuff too, this album just comes across as her caterwauling up and down the scale randomly, while completely unrelated beats and random musical notes are introduced here and there. I'll honestly need to listen again, but truthfully her singing sounds pretty much the exact same on every song. Same random up/down the scale style with stilted timing. I wonder why almost all her songs sound SO much alike to me...?
I tried listening again I just don’t get it, it’s awful, I’ll stick with early albums
Unfortunately, at some point Björk no longer wanted to be "just" a pop musician, but a serious artist. Just why? From that point on, she has hardly published anything relevant. Bulky music is not automatically important. Often there is simply nothing behind it. Germany give it a word for it: Hurz: ua-cam.com/video/MJ7jbQJXF68/v-deo.html
And who are you to judge what is relevant? It's relevant to her as an artist and that is the only thing that counts.
@@musiconrepeat6965 You are addressing a fundamental question: Who is allowed to judge artistic works in terms of their quality and relevance. I have a very simple opinion: Everyone! The artist is free to develop. Then he releases his work to the public. The public now has the right to argue about the quality. I have stated my opinion on Björk's works of the last decades, admittedly without providing many reasons. I want to catch up on that very briefly using the example of the videos for the new album: where her ideas got to the point in the 90s (see e.g. "All Is Full of Love"), there is now unfortunately only opulence and imitated avant-garde. And this in the same way over and over again. Just my 2 cents.