I really wish she would go back to the sound from debut,post or vespertine. I've not reallyenjoyed her music since medulla. Volta was the last album I got of hers
@@Jim26D - Yeah, after Joga off Homogenic (which was her third album, not Vespertine), my interest fell off a cliff. Loved Post, but it just went too far off for me to continue being a fan.
No-one's mentioned - this song is an example of her earlier tendency to punctuate songs with, as the producer put it, "North Sea Gibberish" - "scat vocals" which sound like a foreign language (not Icelandic), except when they sound like garbled £nglish (re: those websites that claim lines like "me and my hereafter" - they're wrong). This vocalisation was maybe the main thing that set her apart from other singers in the mid '90s - unfortunately she uses it less and less as time passes.
The first time I ever heard Björk's voice, she was the vocalist for "The Sugarcubes" and the song was "Birthday". I said out loud, "WTF is this? and how can I get more of it?" Also, Björk is her own genre. She's one of those few musicians/vocalists who is just driven by a weird and wild creative energy. She's Icelandic, so her accent is very unique and her pronunciation really adds to her unique style.
"WTF is this? and how can I get more of it?" is always a good reaction, and for me it has always been a start of a love affair with several musical artists. Some of which even became rather successful.
The interesting part of Bjork's genius is that on the verses, the percussion and bass is on the key of A (blues scale)... and yet she sings over it in D minor scale! And the "chorus" part, the bass played in Bb (blues scale) then she sings over it in G minor scale! Talk about polytonic singing! That's why it felt like two tonal centers, because it is! It's incredible.
Great observation, seriously that's how songs should be "analyzed " this girl here seems like amateur, btw ty for breaking down the actual "poly" tonal things going on here 👍
Bjork in my opinion is one of the all time greatest female singers of all time. There are plenty of great female singers but for alternative rock singers Bjork was one of the best to ever do it.
@@5tran9eMCMLXXII You see, it's possible with some effort. Not having umlauts on your keyboard doesn't mean that you can use completely different letters instead. This results in completely different words.
You make a great point about Bjork's precision. While some people feel she is being random in her choices, I've always felt that she has an idea in her head of exactly what she wants the song to sound like. She'll incorporate her counter rhythms, odd time signatures, obscure instruments, and other aspects, but it's always with a purpose. I won't pretend that it always works, but I will always respect her because it is uniquely her vision.
It's songs like this why my music taste is all over the place. Growing up with MTV, you'd see these kinds of videos all the time at like 3 in the morning. Bjork, Radiohead, Portishead, Sonic Youth it was popping off after midnight in the 90's, lol.
@@freepirate4470 Depends where one lived. Poland (my country) was super poor then and with a 20% unemployment and widespread corruption. Not to say that there were no happy people ... but you get the drift. The conditions to live were definitely good in the US, Canada, UK, France, Japan etc.
Fun story... I lived in Iceland from 86-88 (My dad was stationed in Keflavik). There weren't many places for bands to perform (or to see them), so the Sugarcubes played at the USO once every 4-6 weeks. My friends and i were 14-16, and she was only a couple years older... so she'd come to our table and hang out. 😊 And because there's no drinking age for locals, she would buy pitchers of beer for us 😆
WOW! So jealous! I don't know what I would give to have a drink with Bjork! She's such an amazing artist and looks like an incredibly fun an interesting down to earth person! I bet she was fun to hang out with! LUCKY!
@@hinoarts, she's a fascinating person to be sure, but before now I couldn't imagine anybody ever calling her "down-to-earth". I feel like talking with her would be like using ketamine therapeutically.
@@cinemangler1763 I feel she's the type of person that if you met in the street and invited for a cup of tea at your house would say yes. Don't know I have that vibe from her, she's so unique.
Her vocalization in Joga is really something else. The whole "emotional landscapes, they puzzle me, the riddle gets solved..." how musical she makes that.
Unfortunately her last great 'commercial' song. When she went (overly) orchestral, I lost interest. Isobel and Joga are definitely my favorites, with Army of Me, Big Time Sensuality, Enjoy & Bachelorette as other highlights.
I love that song. Though I actually first heard it as a cover by the group Skald. An amazing group and fantastic cover. But I have to give it to the original.
@@FHL-Devilsto me she has always been amazing and even topped Homogenic with the follow up Vespertine, but i can understand those criticisms. She is always changing her sound so it can be hard to like everything she does
@@SomeoneThatIsHappy Oh, Vespertine is a banger of an album, that's for sure. Medúlla and Biophilia are more experimental but some of my favorite Bjork songs come from them, like Oceania, Crystalline and Mutual Core. Her latest albums have been a little too challenging for me though.
Let’s be totally clear about this, too. By “student at school,” you don’t mean college, or even high school. She recorded it at age 11 (released not long after her 12th birthday). I believe it was just impossible for the talent and creativity within her to keep contained.
@@0okamino In my day, we were all "pupils" at school until we reached 16 :) We were only considered "students" if we went on to study for advanced level exams, diplomas or degrees.
@@0okamino That's interesting. I've never heard that delineation before and I'm in my 50s. We were called students my entire run of school by faculty, parents and even in the news. Perhaps it's more regional, or you're much older than I. 😉
Not only is Björk a really interesting and gifted musician, but her acting in Lars von Trier's film, Dancer in the Dark (for which Björk wrote the music) is one of the most intense, raw, and vulnerable performances I have ever seen anyone give in any movie ever. It is jaw-dropping.
For the love of God, Elizabeth.. Do not watch that movie. Listen to the soundtrack, fine, but that movie left a mark on my soul in all the wrong ways. Don't get me wrong, it was amazing, but I was destroyed. I felt numb for a week after and I've never watched it since.
@@blob537 Björk definitely had nothing nice to say about her experience with the director and that it took her a long time to recover from that experience.
If you like Björk, I can see Beth Gibbons from Portishead turning your head. “Mysterons” or “Roads” springs to mind as recommendations, but perhaps any others from their live in NYC performance would be a good choice.
It’s hard to believe their debut album, Dummy is 30 years old this year. If we are recommending the Roseland live album then let me add Over, Only you and Strangers to the potential list.
Beth herself said she was not the best singer ever. But the emotion etc she brings? Legend. Portishead were freaking awesome. How i miss them and hip hop in general.
I have loved Björk since her Sugercubes days, and I can still remember seeing the video for "Birthday" for the first time on RAGE here in Australia in the late 80s, and i was totally blown away. Although I have loved nearly everything she has done since, "Human Behaviour" will always hold a special place in my heart for being part of the soundtrack of my life 💜
@timaustin77x Ahhh, good old Rage 😊 That old Aussie tradition of being so tired you should have been in bed hours ago, but you promise yourself you'll go after you watch just one.. more.. song 😴😄
Growing up listening to Björk and similar “alternative” music groups so much it’s like a second skin - it’s fascinating to watch someone listen to her as a newbie.
@TheCharismaticVoice Björk Guðmundsdóttir (Iceland still uses the antient Patranomic last names) began her music career at the age of 11. So, she's been around since before The Sugar Cubes (GREAT band). At six, Björk enrolled at Reykjavík school Barnamúsíkskóli, where she studied classical piano and flute. After a school recital in which Björk sang Tina Charles's 1976 hit "I Love to Love", her teachers sent a recording of her singing the song to the RÚV radio station, which at that time was Iceland's only radio station. The recording was broadcast nationally and, after hearing it, a representative of the Fálkinn record label offered Björk a recording contract. Her début, Björk, was recorded when she was 11 years old and was released in Iceland in December 1977. She's been a vocalist for a VERY long time.
I was wondering when you’d finally get to listening to Björk. She’s such a unique singular talent. Now it’s time to go down the rabbit hole and check out her other albums.
YES! I've been waiting for this day for so long! I love Bjork ... she's just ... "off" lol. Everything I thought I knew about how songs work she just up-ends. So many different thing at play ... and then she can just LET LOOSE with power out of nowhere.
That's exactly what I was thinking for the next song. I would love to see Elizabeth go chronologically taking at least one song from each album but that might be asking too much 😊
There was a documentary many years ago about her. I don’t recall the name of it, but she was walking around with this machine capturing odd sounds to incorporate in her music (like wasps chewing wood and such things). She is truly one of a kind and I love her music so much.
Type : the south bank show Björk. The beginning of this documentary is so funky or groovy (don't know the right word) and funny, even if it is classical music
Bjork is one of the few true musical geniuses making music today and her albums become more avant garde as her career progresses. This can make them less accessible but well worth the effort in my opinion. Bachelorette is a personal favourite.
@@tubekulose Fully aware but I was commenting from my phone and I have no idea where that character is on my keyboard. Thanks for your contribution though.
One of those Nordic voices. Mesmerizing and with eccentric and even dark undertones. Those infinite long summer days and never ending dark winter nights must have a huge impact on the mind and on how to write and perform music.
You deserve every one of your subscribers. There are a ton of "vocal coach" or singers out there doing these types of reactions but for the most part they say almost nothing to the point where I question if they are just faking it. You on the other hand give so much detailed analysis and information it's amazing. Coupled with the fact that it's obvious you love what you're doing - you just rise so far above the rest of them. As for Bjork, I used to drive my roommates insane playing this in college so many times. Makes her own rules and that's awesome.
great song. as someone, who knows her since the days of KUKL, I recommed not to miss "hyperballad" and "it´s all so quiet" and more. the björk rabbit hole is worth a deep dive. she is a fantastic, special and unique kind of musician.
Saw Björk live the first time a few years ago. Felt like an alien from a another galaxy was trying to communicate with me in a beautiful musical language. There is nothing like her.
Bachelorette is also the first song that came to mind for me. It's difficult to name just one song, since she refused to stick to one thing, but Bachelorette is a great example of her incredible belted scatting.
It's always a pleasure to see you enjoy the performances of great artists, Elizabeth!! Björk is a fascinating artist. Michel Gondry has created a perfect setting for the wonderful singer from Reykjavik. I'd love to see/ear your reaction on a Radiohead song, pleeeeease!!! Imo the most interesting and influential band from the 90's/2000's... I'm sure a joyful and luminous woman like you would also appreciate/be moved by the sweet sadness, the poetic melancholia of Thom York and Co.... For example the song "Knives out", also directed by Michel Gondry, or one of my favorites: "Street Spirit (Fade Out)"... with small hints of Thom's yodeling in it... to loop the loop! Take care! Greetings from Switzerland.
Bjork has a trilogy of songs across three albums "Human Behavior", "Isobel", and "Bachelorette" about the same character. These are my three favorite songs of hers.
Björk is a musical genius. She constructs all of these songs, not just sings them. She has no Genre based limitations. Life = Art = Music - I recommend her album Post, especially Hyperballad. quirky, beautiful, creative, batshit crazy, and adorable. Bjrok has it all
Wow I was literally just lookin up Bjork for the first time in years to remember how she sings and you're covering her, huh? Hell yeah. Love me some Bjork.
I love this song. She doesn’t get the respect she deserves. There’s a live version with her in a pink dress. Don’t know Where it was shot (Glastonbury??), but she covers every inch of that stage. Almost constant motion. Great Energy.
She's such a character. She closed out the big stage in Roskilde Festival in Denmark (biggest music festival in the country). She had multiple costume changes into huge elaborate costumes with wings and large skirts. She could barely move and kinda stumbled around, but it all just adds to her character.
I was fortunate enough to be in the audience during a recording of a live Bjork concert in Cambridge England, circa 1999 (it's on a DVD recording). During the first song, Bjork's voice was not fully warmed up--and she missed a few of the high notes. For the rest of the concert, Bjork was simply awesome. Then, at the end of the concert, she came out and re-sung the opening song and nailed it. It was amazing to see her operate--an unforgettable experience.
Björk is one of my favorite forces of nature!🥰 Hyperballad, Joga and I Miss You are 3 that pop to mind as important imo- but I honestly think of Björk by entire albums lol Edit: Btw, I really love those videos! I miss the 90s and how art was able to make it's way to the international stage instead of just the commerce lol
she was 27 when the video was shoot, I've loved here from day one of me hearing her amazing vocal. I continue to listen to her music it matches her amazing taste & STYLE in fashion Avant-garde.
Been in love with her music for a few decades now. Through musical phases and life phases, Bjork has always been an artist that I came back to and indulged in. Listen to Unravel, but have some tissues at hand.
Bjork has one of the most unique and recognisable voices in music. It's powerful too, I heard her perform in a chapel with only passive amplification and a string quartet supporting her, and she absolutely filled the room. It's worth noting also, that on top of singing in her second language, with a lot of Nordic folk inflections, her English has a distinctly London accent, which adds to the tonal oddness...
Holy cow, that would have been amazing to witness. I have the Vitamin String Quartet doing Bjork on vinyl and I can just imagine what it would have sounded like with her singing along. Wow...
@@kristvoiles484 They're all on UA-cam. (Audio only) Just look under 'Bjork and the Brodski Quartet Union Chapel Islington'. If there was video, you'd see the 1999 version of me, grabbing the set list off the stage afterwards... 😂
I'm so glad this floated into my feed. There was an extended clip of a live performance of Bjork singing this song. I was familiar with the song from back when it first came out and always loved it. Hearing it again after many years made me appreciate it even more, but when I went to the comments, I was shocked to find that people were saying her singing was like nails on a chalkboard, they called her an Icelandic Yoko Ono, etc. I couldn't believe how much negativity there was. You said it very well. Bjork is a creative genius. Her vocals are truly unique, while maintaining incredible control, range, and musicality.
Thanks as always for the great reaction!!! Like someone else said Bjork is like licorice you either love her or don't like her style. As for me I get her. And I absolutely love her rare rendition of "You only live twice"...There is something so haunting about her rendition. She really conveys the notion of life is all a dream and a moment not grabbed is lost moment that could have been had... It is a rare track demo from back when she was considered for a James Band movie. Totally RAW Bjork... Epic... As always thanks for he introspect on all of the artists you react to!
Ah!!! I just love Bjork. Her experimental approach to music and her visual style is something just not found anywhere else. This is a great intro song for anyone unfamiliar with her music. Not overly weird but just weird enough to get an idea of what some of her other music is like. If you enjoy this song, check out her first 4 albums, especially "Debut" and "Post". They are my favorite, although I enjoy stuff from all of her albums. Later albums get extremely weird at times and might not be your thing though. Please do "Army of Me", Elizabeth. I'll take any Bjork, honestly. She is in a category all her own. Give her enough play and she'll grow on you, I promise.
After listening to the album version, I've changed my mind on "Army of Me". Unless it's the Skunk Anansie version (where Bjork is doing more interesting vocal stuff), that might be too mainstream of a song from her and not as vocally interesting (I do love the song though!). I would instead recommend "Venus As A Boy", "Hunter", "Pagan Poetry" or maybe "Big Time Sensuality". Those are a few songs that I think are distinctly "Bjork" and put her vocal range on display but are also accessible to the casual listener.
My favourite Björk songs are All is full of love, Play Dead, Bachelorette, Army of Me and New World... so epic and so cinematic. I saw her live a few years back at the o2 in London... she had her own isolation room onstage for her to sing a couple of songs a capella. It was an experience.
How did I just find this?! I'm so glad you're listening to Bjork. I love her; and my only regret is not discovering her brilliance earlier. I impulsively decided to watch the video for "Big Time Sensuality" on AOL videos in 2003. And my goodness, I was floored. I became addicted almost overnight and went on to acquire her entire discography (along with a ton of remix singles) in a matter of weeks. I love her expression and her unhinged vocal acrobatics; the growling and the snarling. It's so genuine. There is no one else like her! She's definitely inspired my own work. EDIT: You should check out live performances of "Big Time Sensuality", her dynamics in it are just insane. You really get that ethereal magic in those moments!
Absolutely love Bjork! Each of her albums is substantially different than the one before it, so it's always a journey. To blow your mind even more, she also released an entire jazz album called Gling Glo. Check out her video "It's Oh So Quiet" for a fun video and sample of her jazz/big band talents.
I bought her Debut CD in September 1993, after having seen the very interesting first two videos of her on MTV, this one and "Venus as a boy". Listening to the CD, at first I was a bit weirded out by her vocal acrobatics on some of the other tracks. But then she managed to pierce through that initial barrier. Example of this: the 2nd track of the CD, "Crying". And once I got hit, it became stronger... by the end of that year I was a fan like I never had been of an artist before! Other tracks to check out: Hyperballad, and don't forget Bachelorette. And very special for you as a vocal analYst: the album Vespertine. For that album she decided to only use first takes of her vocals. She allowed some (digital) editing here and there, and backing vocals, but no second or further takes on her main voice. She wanted it to sound just as fresh and vulnerable as her new found love that year. 🙂
This is my favorite song from one of my favorite artists ...I just love how she uses her voice ...sometimes it used like a saxophone or something there always seems to be an element of jazz to her singing ...the way she floats around the notes.
I love Björk. The first time I heard her was when The Sugarcubes released their first album and I've been listening to her ever since. I got to see The Sugarcubes in 1989 as part of a concert in San Diego with New Order, Public Image Ltd, and De La Soul. It was one of the best concerts I've ever attended.
Love it, it’s an exquisite song. I think that one thing that isn’t being stated is that she is an incredible composer. That is absolutely gorgeous composition. I think Elizabeth would really enjoy it given her background.
The Charasmatic Voice...I discovered Bjork just two years ago when watching "the professional " when one of the soundtrack featured her singing " venus as a boy" and I was just drawn in to discover her other music. She's got quite a list of some fantastical songs and a unique creative mind and voice. I can't get enough of her. She has become my favorite artist, which is saying alot being a metal head myself. And after listening to one of your opera performances Elizabeth, I have a new appreciation for music, voices in particular... yours, and Bjork. ❤ Love your channel, keep it coming 😊.
So,I'm not the only Metalhead that absolutely love Björk!Actually it does not surprise me,cause Metalheads are extremely passionate when it comes to creative music!Some people may not like her,but there is no denying that this woman is a musically genius!🤘😉
I have SO MUCH LOVE for your channel primarily because of your adventure in going with the recommendations of the members. I am surprised to see Bjork pop up and SO IMPRESSED to hear your analysis on her magnificent music since you focus more on rock music recommendations. LOVE!! I'd love to hear your analysis on her lryics most importantly the word "immediately" and her phrasing with it. AND 90S MUSIC IS EVERYTHING!!!
I hope (and bet) the amazing artists whose voices, songs, lyrics, and arrangements you analyze watch your amazing videos over and over again. I know I will. Thank you, TCV
Bjork was incredibly important to my aesthetic development. The Sugarcubes were one of the first bands who "blew" me away. I've been hooked since 1988. I enjoy your knowledgeable analysis. I also appreciate how generous you are with your willingness to be excited by, appreciate and love another persons art. Thanks for the video.
All great choices. If we are suggesting the Cocteau Twins and Liz Fraser, then we should probably add Teardrop by Massive Attack. Teardrop, known to many in the US as the instrumental to House but with Liz’s Lyrics was about the death of Jeff Buckley. If we are going to add Massive attack it would be wrong not to add Portishead as well
All of this. Elizabeth is long overdue to react to anything Cocteau Twins. Would love Sade but my preference for song would be “No Ordinary Love.” I’d also add Dead Can Dance - “Sanvean”
It’s the first video (of many) she made with french producer Michel (pronounced Michelle) Gondry and is incredible. The song is produced by long time collaborator Nellee Hooper. ‘Venus as a Boy’ ‘Army of Me’ and ‘All is Full of Love’ are all worth checking out too.
She is amazing and so creative, "Army of Me" is possibly the only locrian mode popular song ever. And Birthday in its original Iceland is a must listen.
Ooh, Björk! 🙂I've watched so many of your videos already, but I don't usually comment on them because I normally watch them in the office during lunch break when I'm not logged in to UA-cam. Now I feel I have to, because Björk accompanied me during my final school years and into the first university years. This song is perfect as the first Björk song and shows many facets of her singing. And you've got to love the video, it was so great watching it at the time because it is so radically different from all the Eurodance videos that played on MTV 24/7 here in Europe. Now that I see it again for the first time in two decades, I notice an uncanny similarity between Björk (28 at the time by the way) and the girlfriend I had three years after this video came out. 😀 I cannot say I love all of Björk's work ("Pluto" comes to my mind 😦), but she is so admirably creative! For further listening, how about "Violently Happy" or "Army of Me"? She has also starred in a film by Lars von Trier, "Dancer in the Dark", which I remember watching with a friend in an almost empty cinema in Munich. In the film, she's a factory worker slowly going blind, and, quote Wikipedia, "is saving for an operation to prevent her young son from suffering the same fate". It's beautiful, but very sad, with a soundtrack mainly composed by Björk with her producer, the late Mark Bell. Just watching the video to "I've seen it all" from the movie almost made me cry: ua-cam.com/video/N8FJyhnC2Eo/v-deo.html Thank you so much for your videos which make me appreciate so many of the songs I really love even more, and for sharing your enthusiasm when you discover some elements in the songs you like. It's contagious. 🙂 For some time already I've been wanting to recommend some music to you which I thought you may like or find interesting from a singer's perspective, and now may be a good moment. The performers of the first one are possibly unknown to most here. It is by Irish band Seo Linn and called "Óró Sé do Bheatha Bhaile". ua-cam.com/video/bzXswoAUi0U/v-deo.html It's a traditional song, and the "original" of the tune of the "Drunken Sailor". I've noticed you liking elements in performances that are comparable to Celtic lilting, for example in Dolores O'Riordan's performance of "Zombie". With the help of the video above, you will know where this comes from. It is entirely in Gaelic, one of the most powerful languages I know, and Stiofán, the singer, really kills it. Also note the comment by @Kitchen_Sessions about the song's real mening. The second one lets you appreciate Mongolian throat singing, it's "Wolf Totem" by The Hu: ua-cam.com/video/jM8dCGIm6yc/v-deo.html It's modern Mongolian music heavily rooted in Mongolian culture, with a wonderful video of the modern Mongolian Horde 😉, and features traditional instruments such as the horsehead fiddle and the topshur. The third one is heavy metal I discovered on one of my frequent visits to Taiwan. Chthonic - Defenders of Bú-Tik Palace ua-cam.com/video/a5z-AOdCAx8/v-deo.html The singning is black metal or death metal, with some guest vocals by Mei-yun Tang, a Taiwanese opera singer you may have heard of. It also features traditional instruments, and a fantastic cinema-like music video with the band as heavily disguised flying actors (there's a making of video where the band tells us about the filming). By the way, the singer is also an activist and politician and was elected to the legislative parliament (I think) in 2016. The song is also about historical events, I quote the band "The BuTik Palace in Puli was used as command headquarters by Japanese colonial government to repress a Seediq Aboriginal Uprising in Wushe in 1930. During the initial phase of the 228 Massacre in 1947, militiamen in Taiwan also used it as its command headquarters. The chants in the second half of the song are the names of all martyrs who sacrificed themselves in resistance against dictators and fought for independence.”
Her first album was in 1977(!), but as others have said here, she really comes into her own when she fronted the Sugarcubes. "Birthday" is definitely worth a watch as it's the first taste most people got of her otherworldliness and is a real jaw-dropper.
I got to see her when the Sugarcubes and Public Enemy opened for U2 on the ZooTV tour! I had known of the Sugarcubes and loved them cause they were on the radio station I loved. It was so strange having those 2 bands open for U2 but it was great!
I am EXCITED for this one! One of my first musical girl crushes, along with Sinead O'Connor and Grace Jones. It was love at first sound with Bjork. I was blown away when I heard her leading the way on "Birthday". Omigoodness. I have Life's Too Good on cassette tape packed away somewhere. 😊
Bjork of one of those once-in-a-century kind of talent, like Freddy Mercury, BB King, Jimmy Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Etc. Her musical legacy is already timeless. We will be listening to Bjork "oldies" 50 years from now, and her singles will occasionally re-ignite huge interest in her over and over as they get used in film and games more and more.
I know I have heard a few songs by Bjork over the years and thought they were good. As usual, Elizabeth helped me appreciate another artist more. Great fun to be at the premiere and interact in the chat. Premieres are every Monday, Tuesday and Friday starting at 11 AM EDT.
Ah, Björk! I'm so glad you did an analysis on her. She has such a unique voice and musicality! So many avant garde vocalists have come and gone, but she really broke through and stuck with her style. She writes, produces and plays some of the instruments on her songs as well. She's also become a fashion icon (remember the swan dress?) And lets face it, an instantly recognizable artist that only goes by her first name! Björk is very cutting edge. The company I work for designed a reverb chamber for one of her tours. Alas, I didn't get to see/hear it in action. I saw the Human Behavior video on MTV, and my jaw dropped. I ran out and got the Debut CD, and it's been in my regular rotation for pretty much the rest of the 90's. Nice analysis Elizabeth! Looking forward to more Björk!
Go Way Back, SUGARCUBES - HIT or GOLD I saw her play in Deep Ellum in Dallas in like 95 or 96 at Gypsy Tea Room, blind melon opened and it was that singers last gig before ODing. Anyway, Bjork had a black Female drummer with a fro, Latina Chick DJ, Hawaiian Acordionist, and a british dude dressed like Beethoven on a full size Harpsichord. That my friends was her Band... My mind was blown and changed how I forever listen to and write music being a musician myself. ARMY OF ME is my favorite track and video shes ever done. So many levels and layers of sound, sight and thought.
This is also the first Bjork song i heard way back in the day when this first came out and it motivated me to buy her CD and i became a fan. Last year i was in Iceland and the entire time i had this CD playing in my head. I can totally see how growing up in Iceland influenced her music. Both are beautiful and ethereal and majestic.
I usually post this anecdote under my other alias, but needs must. I first heard this song unwittingly - I was coming out of a tunnel-visioned period of more-or-less only listening to jazz, and in 1993 I had Bjork tagged as a dance music artist and thus not worth paying attention to. But I heard this in shops etc and for some odd reason I thought it was Kate Bush - "she's finally gotten good again, grown back a bit of her old voice" - when I realised it was Bjork I was taken aback, but not as much as I might have been. Because by that time I'd had my road-to-Damascus (or is it Reykjavik) moment, hearing the Fluke version of BTS on Radio 4 (of all places) and being shocked to discover that that was Bjork. Sometime inbetween that, and realising that she was the Human Behavior singer, I realised that "this" Bjork was in fact the (so adorable) Sugarcubes singer...and that was me finished.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Björk wasn’t going mainstream, the mainstream went towards her. An absolute legend.
I really wish she would go back to the sound from debut,post or vespertine. I've not reallyenjoyed her music since medulla. Volta was the last album I got of hers
@@Jim26D - Yeah, after Joga off Homogenic (which was her third album, not Vespertine), my interest fell off a cliff. Loved Post, but it just went too far off for me to continue being a fan.
Say what now??? I love Bjork but your comment really makes no sense
@@templestark4779 ... actually it makes perfect sense, not sure how you can't follow it.
I agree, she never compromised her music. The mainstream approached her.
We Icelanders are very proud of our Björk. I love the way she exaggerates her icelandic accent when she sings in english 😊
Your country is marvelous by the way, I was just there last July. I truly miss it.
You should be proud! she's a genius and a wonderful ambassador for your nation ❤
Björk (Bjørk? Not sure which letter you use) is a genre of her own. She is a treasure and so unique!
wait until she hears JFDR...
No-one's mentioned - this song is an example of her earlier tendency to punctuate songs with, as the producer put it, "North Sea Gibberish" - "scat vocals" which sound like a foreign language (not Icelandic), except when they sound like garbled £nglish (re: those websites that claim lines like "me and my hereafter" - they're wrong). This vocalisation was maybe the main thing that set her apart from other singers in the mid '90s - unfortunately she uses it less and less as time passes.
The first time I ever heard Björk's voice, she was the vocalist for "The Sugarcubes" and the song was "Birthday". I said out loud, "WTF is this? and how can I get more of it?"
Also, Björk is her own genre. She's one of those few musicians/vocalists who is just driven by a weird and wild creative energy. She's Icelandic, so her accent is very unique and her pronunciation really adds to her unique style.
You are so correct! You can’t put Bjork in any genera. Bjork is Bjork! If you know, you know! .
Mine first time as well… love the sugarcubes
"WTF is this? and how can I get more of it?" is always a good reaction, and for me it has always been a start of a love affair with several musical artists. Some of which even became rather successful.
"Birthday" was also my first encounter...fell in love with her untamed and unusual voice.
Birthday Is still my favourite Bjork song, along with Hyperballad
The interesting part of Bjork's genius is that on the verses, the percussion and bass is on the key of A (blues scale)...
and yet she sings over it in D minor scale!
And the "chorus" part, the bass played in Bb (blues scale) then she sings over it in G minor scale!
Talk about polytonic singing! That's why it felt like two tonal centers, because it is! It's incredible.
Great observation, seriously that's how songs should be "analyzed " this girl here seems like amateur, btw ty for breaking down the actual "poly" tonal things going on here 👍
@@mikegeld1280she is primarily analyzing vocal expression and technique. Not keys or chords or harmonies. Anything like that is a bonus.
Bjork in my opinion is one of the all time greatest female singers of all time. There are plenty of great female singers but for alternative rock singers Bjork was one of the best to ever do it.
Without a doubt.
Bjork is amazing. “Army of me” is another of hers that is awesome.
Björk. Not Bjork.
@@Nikioko Yeah there aren't any umlauts on our keyboards, man. I had to copy "Björk" from Google and paste it in here.
My favorite song of hers, easily.
@@5tran9eMCMLXXII You see, it's possible with some effort. Not having umlauts on your keyboard doesn't mean that you can use completely different letters instead. This results in completely different words.
@@NikiokoGet over it
You make a great point about Bjork's precision. While some people feel she is being random in her choices, I've always felt that she has an idea in her head of exactly what she wants the song to sound like. She'll incorporate her counter rhythms, odd time signatures, obscure instruments, and other aspects, but it's always with a purpose. I won't pretend that it always works, but I will always respect her because it is uniquely her vision.
Agreed!
I think you would truly love "All Is Full Of Love". Her voice soars on that one and it's really emotional.
Seconded, "All is Full of Love" is a perfect one to react to.
Not to mention how trippy the video is.
I'd pick Joga or Bachelorette if we're talking about Homogenic. Talk about emotional singing!
I'll second that....
i love this song.
It's songs like this why my music taste is all over the place. Growing up with MTV, you'd see these kinds of videos all the time at like 3 in the morning. Bjork, Radiohead, Portishead, Sonic Youth it was popping off after midnight in the 90's, lol.
90's were epic. Feels like we've drifted a long way from where we were living happy and free.
yo so great memories, let me add to the list nirvana, the smashing pumpkins, rhcp, the offspring, ... awesome time to be a kid!
@@freepirate4470 Depends where one lived. Poland (my country) was super poor then and with a 20% unemployment and widespread corruption. Not to say that there were no happy people ... but you get the drift. The conditions to live were definitely good in the US, Canada, UK, France, Japan etc.
Portishead. My heart
@@RezValla +1, Massive Attack, ...
Play Dead is my favourite Bjork song. Can listen to it for days.
Goosebumps every damn time! ❤
Fun story... I lived in Iceland from 86-88 (My dad was stationed in Keflavik). There weren't many places for bands to perform (or to see them), so the Sugarcubes played at the USO once every 4-6 weeks.
My friends and i were 14-16, and she was only a couple years older... so she'd come to our table and hang out. 😊 And because there's no drinking age for locals, she would buy pitchers of beer for us 😆
WOW! So jealous! I don't know what I would give to have a drink with Bjork! She's such an amazing artist and looks like an incredibly fun an interesting down to earth person! I bet she was fun to hang out with! LUCKY!
She was in her twenties. She just LOOKED like she was only a few years older than you. Still does.
@@hinoarts, she's a fascinating person to be sure, but before now I couldn't imagine anybody ever calling her "down-to-earth". I feel like talking with her would be like using ketamine therapeutically.
@@cinemangler1763 I feel she's the type of person that if you met in the street and invited for a cup of tea at your house would say yes. Don't know I have that vibe from her, she's so unique.
I have a hard time believing the drinking age went from nothing in 1988 to 20 in 1992
Hyperballad is my favourite song of hers. The lyrics, the layering of instruments, and the video are so good.
Yes!!! Hyperballad is an absolute masterpiece. Beautiful piece of art lyrically and musically.
Mine as well!!
Agree 100%! Absolutly love that song.
Yes! This one!!
Yes for me too! A good choice but I love Hyper ballad better and Bachelorette. Beautiful instrumental arrangements too
Her vocalization in Joga is really something else. The whole "emotional landscapes, they puzzle me, the riddle gets solved..." how musical she makes that.
joga rings my soul like lots of björk tunes but its my fav for sure
Unfortunately her last great 'commercial' song. When she went (overly) orchestral, I lost interest. Isobel and Joga are definitely my favorites, with Army of Me, Big Time Sensuality, Enjoy & Bachelorette as other highlights.
I love that song. Though I actually first heard it as a cover by the group Skald. An amazing group and fantastic cover. But I have to give it to the original.
@@FHL-Devilsto me she has always been amazing and even topped Homogenic with the follow up Vespertine, but i can understand those criticisms. She is always changing her sound so it can be hard to like everything she does
@@SomeoneThatIsHappy Oh, Vespertine is a banger of an album, that's for sure. Medúlla and Biophilia are more experimental but some of my favorite Bjork songs come from them, like Oceania, Crystalline and Mutual Core. Her latest albums have been a little too challenging for me though.
This song hypnotized me, and Björk has been my Diva ever since. ❤
Please do Hyperballad and Bachelorette. I have been waiting so long for you to analyze Bjork. This is great.
Bjork is a rare gem that is completely unique.
It's "Björk".
What's crazy to me is that she's been making music for far longer than most people realise. She released an album while a student at school in 1977!
Let’s be totally clear about this, too. By “student at school,” you don’t mean college, or even high school. She recorded it at age 11 (released not long after her 12th birthday). I believe it was just impossible for the talent and creativity within her to keep contained.
@@0okamino In my day, we were all "pupils" at school until we reached 16 :) We were only considered "students" if we went on to study for advanced level exams, diplomas or degrees.
I’ve always loved this Icelandic freak of a woman!😃 Since the 80’s!
Check out her 9 year old performance of my baby loves to love on black and white Icelandic television
@@0okamino That's interesting. I've never heard that delineation before and I'm in my 50s. We were called students my entire run of school by faculty, parents and even in the news. Perhaps it's more regional, or you're much older than I. 😉
You really haven't experienced Bjorks' incredible voice until you've heard Pegan Poetry
YES!
ABSOLUTELY!!! Oh, I hope Elizabeth gives it a listen!
YEEESSSS
*Pagan. Pegan poetry is a bit more post-modern, and X rated.
Definitly!!!!!
Bjork's style is stunning and a singularity. It's so fun to see her voice from your perspective.
There are no videos like this anymore. The videos amplify the intensity of her voice.
Not only is Björk a really interesting and gifted musician, but her acting in Lars von Trier's film, Dancer in the Dark (for which Björk wrote the music) is one of the most intense, raw, and vulnerable performances I have ever seen anyone give in any movie ever. It is jaw-dropping.
For the love of God, Elizabeth.. Do not watch that movie. Listen to the soundtrack, fine, but that movie left a mark on my soul in all the wrong ways. Don't get me wrong, it was amazing, but I was destroyed. I felt numb for a week after and I've never watched it since.
@@blob537 Reduced 3 males to tears (Myself, and two mates)
@@el-bov8034 I think my soul died before I even had a chance to cry
I was blown away by "Dancer in the Dark"...bjorks acting is incredible 😲 love her so much.
@@blob537 Björk definitely had nothing nice to say about her experience with the director and that it took her a long time to recover from that experience.
If you like Björk, I can see Beth Gibbons from Portishead turning your head. “Mysterons” or “Roads” springs to mind as recommendations, but perhaps any others from their live in NYC performance would be a good choice.
It’s hard to believe their debut album, Dummy is 30 years old this year. If we are recommending the Roseland live album then let me add Over, Only you and Strangers to the potential list.
Beth Gibbons , never imitated or duplicated. Completely unique. Bjork was very influenced by Egyptian singer Oum Kalthoum.
@@charliea9910 Now I feel old :(
Beth herself said she was not the best singer ever. But the emotion etc she brings? Legend. Portishead were freaking awesome. How i miss them and hip hop in general.
oh boy Dummy is a milestone for sure, the roseland gig stopped the universe for an hour....
I have loved Björk since her Sugercubes days, and I can still remember seeing the video for "Birthday" for the first time on RAGE here in Australia in the late 80s, and i was totally blown away.
Although I have loved nearly everything she has done since, "Human Behaviour" will always hold a special place in my heart for being part of the soundtrack of my life 💜
Totally remember that song after midnight on rage. So good
@timaustin77x Ahhh, good old Rage 😊 That old Aussie tradition of being so tired you should have been in bed hours ago, but you promise yourself you'll go after you watch just one.. more.. song 😴😄
Growing up listening to Björk and similar “alternative” music groups so much it’s like a second skin - it’s fascinating to watch someone listen to her as a newbie.
Riding the city bus when I was a disaffected teen and driving through the city to class is how Bjork wove herself into my life fabric
My parents always had the album on even tho were notnas into that genre it is odd seeing someone whonhas no knowlege
Bjork's Hyperballad is an absolute must for a reaction/analysis.
Or Joga
@TheCharismaticVoice
Björk Guðmundsdóttir (Iceland still uses the antient Patranomic last names) began her music career at the age of 11. So, she's been around since before The Sugar Cubes (GREAT band). At six, Björk enrolled at Reykjavík school Barnamúsíkskóli, where she studied classical piano and flute. After a school recital in which Björk sang Tina Charles's 1976 hit "I Love to Love", her teachers sent a recording of her singing the song to the RÚV radio station, which at that time was Iceland's only radio station. The recording was broadcast nationally and, after hearing it, a representative of the Fálkinn record label offered Björk a recording contract. Her début, Björk, was recorded when she was 11 years old and was released in Iceland in December 1977. She's been a vocalist for a VERY long time.
ancient patronymic
I was wondering when you’d finally get to listening to Björk. She’s such a unique singular talent. Now it’s time to go down the rabbit hole and check out her other albums.
YES! I've been waiting for this day for so long!
I love Bjork ... she's just ... "off" lol. Everything I thought I knew about how songs work she just up-ends. So many different thing at play ... and then she can just LET LOOSE with power out of nowhere.
Hyperballad
That's exactly what I was thinking for the next song. I would love to see Elizabeth go chronologically taking at least one song from each album but that might be asking too much 😊
Army of me live version feat. Skunk Anansie
So many choices. Lionsong is another great choice
Stonemilker ♡
Hyperballad live would be perfect, because Björk is amazing live as well
10:42 Bjork was 27 yrs old when the video for Human Behavior was recorded…she looks really young for her age…even at 59 she looks great
There was a documentary many years ago about her. I don’t recall the name of it, but she was walking around with this machine capturing odd sounds to incorporate in her music (like wasps chewing wood and such things). She is truly one of a kind and I love her music so much.
I watched the same documentary, she was on a peble beach recording sounds.
@@VeggieManUK yes! That’s the one
Type : the south bank show Björk. The beginning of this documentary is so funky or groovy (don't know the right word) and funny, even if it is classical music
Finally. I was sure its just a matter of time for Björk. She's something else. I highly recommend Joga, Hyperballad, and Pagan Poetry (uncensored).
Those are my favourite three songs by her!
Yes! One of the artists that completely changed my life and my taste in music.
Bjork is one of the few true musical geniuses making music today and her albums become more avant garde as her career progresses. This can make them less accessible but well worth the effort in my opinion. Bachelorette is a personal favourite.
It's "Björk".
@@tubekulose Fully aware but I was commenting from my phone and I have no idea where that character is on my keyboard. Thanks for your contribution though.
@@syphonuk Oh, I see! You could have spelt it "Bjoerk" though to avoid misunderstandings. 🙂
@@tubekulose There's no misunderstanding. Take your pedantry elsewhere.
Play Dead is my absolute favorite. The lyrics are just so beautiful.
I think you could only do Bjork for a long, long time & NEVER cease to be amazed. I’ve always wanted you to do Bjork. I hope you’ll do more.
One of those Nordic voices. Mesmerizing and with eccentric and even dark undertones. Those infinite long summer days and never ending dark winter nights must have a huge impact on the mind and on how to write and perform music.
This.
Iceland has certainly produced its share of unique musicians!
You would think so, but no. She is just nuts!!! 😂
You deserve every one of your subscribers. There are a ton of "vocal coach" or singers out there doing these types of reactions but for the most part they say almost nothing to the point where I question if they are just faking it. You on the other hand give so much detailed analysis and information it's amazing. Coupled with the fact that it's obvious you love what you're doing - you just rise so far above the rest of them. As for Bjork, I used to drive my roommates insane playing this in college so many times. Makes her own rules and that's awesome.
great song. as someone, who knows her since the days of KUKL, I recommed not to miss "hyperballad" and "it´s all so quiet" and more. the björk rabbit hole is worth a deep dive. she is a fantastic, special and unique kind of musician.
Agree! The string quartet version of Hyperbalad is one of my favorite songs of all time- either version is just amazing!!!
Thank you for this excellent review. Your classic musical background influencing your reviews makes you commentary so much more valuable. Thank you!
Saw Björk live the first time a few years ago. Felt like an alien from a another galaxy was trying to communicate with me in a beautiful musical language. There is nothing like her.
Finally! We need a “Jóga” reaction too 😊
yes.... That song is the epitome of beauty
Yes we do!
The Live on Jools Holland is superb.
Yes please!
Instant goosebumps just reading the title of Joga because the song's beauty is hard-coded so deep in my brain
Bachelorette should be on your list for her ! Every time I hear it , i think she is an alien .
Agree. Her voice is powerful on that song.
I saw her live and thought exactly the same! An alien indeed.
Bachelorette is also the first song that came to mind for me. It's difficult to name just one song, since she refused to stick to one thing, but Bachelorette is a great example of her incredible belted scatting.
Bjork is one of my favorite singers, so expressive, and so unabashedly brave!
It's always a pleasure to see you enjoy the performances of great artists, Elizabeth!!
Björk is a fascinating artist. Michel Gondry has created a perfect setting for the wonderful singer from Reykjavik.
I'd love to see/ear your reaction on a Radiohead song, pleeeeease!!! Imo the most interesting and influential band from the 90's/2000's...
I'm sure a joyful and luminous woman like you would also appreciate/be moved by the sweet sadness, the poetic melancholia of Thom York and Co....
For example the song "Knives out", also directed by Michel Gondry, or one of my favorites: "Street Spirit (Fade Out)"... with small hints of Thom's yodeling in it... to loop the loop!
Take care!
Greetings from Switzerland.
All is Love is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Every time it makes me cry just a bit.
I think that's the only song i really like from her. Very beautiful for sure:)
She was 27 when Debut was recorded/released.
She looks younger than she is or was.
She has no age, she is an immortal wood elf.
Bjork has a trilogy of songs across three albums "Human Behavior", "Isobel", and "Bachelorette" about the same character. These are my three favorite songs of hers.
I'm not a lyric guy so didn't realise they were related, but these are my favorites by her. So good!!
indeed😊
Björk is a musical genius. She constructs all of these songs, not just sings them. She has no Genre based limitations. Life = Art = Music - I recommend her album Post, especially Hyperballad. quirky, beautiful, creative, batshit crazy, and adorable. Bjrok has it all
Wow I was literally just lookin up Bjork for the first time in years to remember how she sings and you're covering her, huh? Hell yeah. Love me some Bjork.
One of the most unique artists to ever grace my ears, her album Vespertine is one of the best albums of the century so far, super ahead of it's time
Agree
yesss. Two words-Pagan Poetry.
Vespertine is intricate and beautiful!
That's one thing about Björk. if someone told me her records from the early 90's were made now I would believe it. She defies eras and genres
Very much agree. It’s absolutely gorgeous
I first heard this song and saw the video while on medication recovering from jaw surgery. Talk about a fever dream.
Hahahaha! Wow
😂😂😂😂 now that is a trip!
Lol ❤😂
I love this song. She doesn’t get the respect she deserves. There’s a live version with her in a pink dress. Don’t know Where it was shot (Glastonbury??), but she covers every inch of that stage. Almost constant motion. Great Energy.
how does she not get respect? almost every musician is in awe of her
@stephanbaumeister4507 I agree everyone had the album this is off (debut?) in the mid 90s she was absolutely everywhere.
I absolutely love the live of this that you referenced, one of if not my favorite live performance of hers.
Doesn't get the respect? She's an absolute LEGEND.
@@rylian2116 Grammy nominations but no wins. So not total respect, not the Björk cares about awards
She's such a character. She closed out the big stage in Roskilde Festival in Denmark (biggest music festival in the country).
She had multiple costume changes into huge elaborate costumes with wings and large skirts. She could barely move and kinda stumbled around, but it all just adds to her character.
I put up a bunch of tents for that festival a few times before I got deported back to the US. Lived in KBH 6 yrs.
I was fortunate enough to be in the audience during a recording of a live Bjork concert in Cambridge England, circa 1999 (it's on a DVD recording). During the first song, Bjork's voice was not fully warmed up--and she missed a few of the high notes. For the rest of the concert, Bjork was simply awesome. Then, at the end of the concert, she came out and re-sung the opening song and nailed it. It was amazing to see her operate--an unforgettable experience.
I think Hyperballad shows off even more of her vocals.
Björk is one of my favorite forces of nature!🥰 Hyperballad, Joga and I Miss You are 3 that pop to mind as important imo- but I honestly think of Björk by entire albums lol
Edit: Btw, I really love those videos! I miss the 90s and how art was able to make it's way to the international stage instead of just the commerce lol
I'm so happy to see Bjork here! She's my favorite vocalist of all time
THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU
she was 27 when the video was shoot, I've loved here from day one of me hearing her amazing vocal. I continue to listen to her music it matches her amazing taste & STYLE in fashion Avant-garde.
Been in love with her music for a few decades now. Through musical phases and life phases, Bjork has always been an artist that I came back to and indulged in.
Listen to Unravel, but have some tissues at hand.
Bjork has one of the most unique and recognisable voices in music. It's powerful too, I heard her perform in a chapel with only passive amplification and a string quartet supporting her, and she absolutely filled the room.
It's worth noting also, that on top of singing in her second language, with a lot of Nordic folk inflections, her English has a distinctly London accent, which adds to the tonal oddness...
Only with a string quartet? In a chapel at that?? Man, you obviously witnessed something unearthy!
@@evanjazzista It got better. For the encore, they played Christmas carols and songs....
Holy cow, that would have been amazing to witness. I have the Vitamin String Quartet doing Bjork on vinyl and I can just imagine what it would have sounded like with her singing along. Wow...
@@kristvoiles484 They're all on UA-cam. (Audio only) Just look under 'Bjork and the Brodski Quartet Union Chapel Islington'.
If there was video, you'd see the 1999 version of me, grabbing the set list off the stage afterwards... 😂
@@tombaxter6228 Haha! Thank you for sharing!!! I'm running off to listen now!
BAM! Right away with the shivers! The proper response to the sublime and extraordinary Bjork! ✨😻💖⚡✨
The song is the first track, from the first LP by Bjork, Debut. It is, quite simply, a masterpiece of musical genius.
I'm so glad this floated into my feed. There was an extended clip of a live performance of Bjork singing this song. I was familiar with the song from back when it first came out and always loved it. Hearing it again after many years made me appreciate it even more, but when I went to the comments, I was shocked to find that people were saying her singing was like nails on a chalkboard, they called her an Icelandic Yoko Ono, etc. I couldn't believe how much negativity there was.
You said it very well. Bjork is a creative genius. Her vocals are truly unique, while maintaining incredible control, range, and musicality.
Thanks as always for the great reaction!!! Like someone else said Bjork is like licorice you either love her or don't like her style. As for me I get her. And I absolutely love her rare rendition of "You only live twice"...There is something so haunting about her rendition. She really conveys the notion of life is all a dream and a moment not grabbed is lost moment that could have been had... It is a rare track demo from back when she was considered for a James Band movie. Totally RAW Bjork... Epic... As always thanks for he introspect on all of the artists you react to!
I've heard it - and I know it's "raw" in the sense that it's in the wrong key for her and she's struggling.
Ah!!! I just love Bjork. Her experimental approach to music and her visual style is something just not found anywhere else. This is a great intro song for anyone unfamiliar with her music. Not overly weird but just weird enough to get an idea of what some of her other music is like. If you enjoy this song, check out her first 4 albums, especially "Debut" and "Post". They are my favorite, although I enjoy stuff from all of her albums. Later albums get extremely weird at times and might not be your thing though. Please do "Army of Me", Elizabeth. I'll take any Bjork, honestly. She is in a category all her own. Give her enough play and she'll grow on you, I promise.
After listening to the album version, I've changed my mind on "Army of Me". Unless it's the Skunk Anansie version (where Bjork is doing more interesting vocal stuff), that might be too mainstream of a song from her and not as vocally interesting (I do love the song though!). I would instead recommend "Venus As A Boy", "Hunter", "Pagan Poetry" or maybe "Big Time Sensuality". Those are a few songs that I think are distinctly "Bjork" and put her vocal range on display but are also accessible to the casual listener.
My favourite Björk songs are All is full of love, Play Dead, Bachelorette, Army of Me and New World... so epic and so cinematic.
I saw her live a few years back at the o2 in London... she had her own isolation room onstage for her to sing a couple of songs a capella. It was an experience.
How did I just find this?! I'm so glad you're listening to Bjork. I love her; and my only regret is not discovering her brilliance earlier. I impulsively decided to watch the video for "Big Time Sensuality" on AOL videos in 2003. And my goodness, I was floored. I became addicted almost overnight and went on to acquire her entire discography (along with a ton of remix singles) in a matter of weeks. I love her expression and her unhinged vocal acrobatics; the growling and the snarling. It's so genuine. There is no one else like her! She's definitely inspired my own work.
EDIT: You should check out live performances of "Big Time Sensuality", her dynamics in it are just insane. You really get that ethereal magic in those moments!
It is an inestimable treasure for the world
to have an artist like Björk, we must take care of her
Absolutely love Bjork! Each of her albums is substantially different than the one before it, so it's always a journey. To blow your mind even more, she also released an entire jazz album called Gling Glo. Check out her video "It's Oh So Quiet" for a fun video and sample of her jazz/big band talents.
I think the song Hyperballad by Bjork is one of the best songs ever written, I would highly recommend going there next!
I agree. It is truly beautiful and mind blowing.
Car parts and cutlery...
I bought her Debut CD in September 1993, after having seen the very interesting first two videos of her on MTV, this one and "Venus as a boy". Listening to the CD, at first I was a bit weirded out by her vocal acrobatics on some of the other tracks. But then she managed to pierce through that initial barrier. Example of this: the 2nd track of the CD, "Crying". And once I got hit, it became stronger... by the end of that year I was a fan like I never had been of an artist before!
Other tracks to check out: Hyperballad, and don't forget Bachelorette. And very special for you as a vocal analYst: the album Vespertine. For that album she decided to only use first takes of her vocals. She allowed some (digital) editing here and there, and backing vocals, but no second or further takes on her main voice. She wanted it to sound just as fresh and vulnerable as her new found love that year. 🙂
I think my favorite 'weird' song of that album is "The Anchor Song." I love the horn harmonies and vocal lines.
Phenomenal voice. Loved her forever. One of the most distinctive and recognizable voices, and style as well you will ever hear. ❤
This is my favorite song from one of my favorite artists ...I just love how she uses her voice ...sometimes it used like a saxophone or something there always seems to be an element of jazz to her singing ...the way she floats around the notes.
I love Björk. The first time I heard her was when The Sugarcubes released their first album and I've been listening to her ever since. I got to see The Sugarcubes in 1989 as part of a concert in San Diego with New Order, Public Image Ltd, and De La Soul. It was one of the best concerts I've ever attended.
HIDDEN PLACE IS A MUST!!! It is, in my tiny little opinion, the very best of Björk's early work! Sending love from Texas ❤️❤️❤️ #Alsemanche
Love it, it’s an exquisite song. I think that one thing that isn’t being stated is that she is an incredible composer. That is absolutely gorgeous composition. I think Elizabeth would really enjoy it given her background.
The Charasmatic Voice...I discovered Bjork just two years ago when watching "the professional " when one of the soundtrack featured her singing " venus as a boy" and I was just drawn in to discover her other music. She's got quite a list of some fantastical songs and a unique creative mind and voice. I can't get enough of her. She has become my favorite artist, which is saying alot being a metal head myself. And after listening to one of your opera performances Elizabeth, I have a new appreciation for music, voices in particular... yours, and Bjork. ❤ Love your channel, keep it coming 😊.
So,I'm not the only Metalhead that absolutely love Björk!Actually it does not surprise me,cause Metalheads are extremely passionate when it comes to creative music!Some people may not like her,but there is no denying that this woman is a musically genius!🤘😉
I have SO MUCH LOVE for your channel primarily because of your adventure in going with the recommendations of the members. I am surprised to see Bjork pop up and SO IMPRESSED to hear your analysis on her magnificent music since you focus more on rock music recommendations. LOVE!! I'd love to hear your analysis on her lryics most importantly the word "immediately" and her phrasing with it. AND 90S MUSIC IS EVERYTHING!!!
I hope (and bet) the amazing artists whose voices, songs, lyrics, and arrangements you analyze watch your amazing videos over and over again. I know I will. Thank you, TCV
Bjork was incredibly important to my aesthetic development. The Sugarcubes were one of the first bands who "blew" me away. I've been hooked since 1988. I enjoy your knowledgeable analysis. I also appreciate how generous you are with your willingness to be excited by, appreciate and love another persons art. Thanks for the video.
Björk? Cool.
Cocteau Twins - Lorelei
Sade - Cherry Pie
PJ Harvey - Down By The River
B-52’s - 52 Girls
Blondie - The Hardest Part
Sade ❤
Had a crush on her from day 1 lol. And her voice is just,....
All great choices. If we are suggesting the Cocteau Twins and Liz Fraser, then we should probably add Teardrop by Massive Attack. Teardrop, known to many in the US as the instrumental to House but with Liz’s Lyrics was about the death of Jeff Buckley. If we are going to add Massive attack it would be wrong not to add Portishead as well
@@charliea9910 Or the Teardrop cover from Aurora:)
that's how i discovered her by accident. Hooked ever since
Would love to get her take on Cocteau Twins.
All of this. Elizabeth is long overdue to react to anything Cocteau Twins.
Would love Sade but my preference for song would be “No Ordinary Love.”
I’d also add Dead Can Dance - “Sanvean”
It’s the first video (of many) she made with french producer Michel (pronounced Michelle) Gondry and is incredible. The song is produced by long time collaborator Nellee Hooper. ‘Venus as a Boy’ ‘Army of Me’ and ‘All is Full of Love’ are all worth checking out too.
Oh my...so exciting Elizabeth! She one of my favorites...and this song was the one that drew me in. Enjoy!
Beautiful. I loved/still love Bjork back in the day. Magical music. Something totally totally new. Still sounds new. My teen kids even like her!
Love love love that you covered this song. This album has remained one of my all time favorites since first i heard it long ago.
She is amazing and so creative, "Army of Me" is possibly the only locrian mode popular song ever. And Birthday in its original Iceland is a must listen.
Ooh, Björk! 🙂I've watched so many of your videos already, but I don't usually comment on them because I normally watch them in the office during lunch break when I'm not logged in to UA-cam. Now I feel I have to, because Björk accompanied me during my final school years and into the first university years. This song is perfect as the first Björk song and shows many facets of her singing. And you've got to love the video, it was so great watching it at the time because it is so radically different from all the Eurodance videos that played on MTV 24/7 here in Europe. Now that I see it again for the first time in two decades, I notice an uncanny similarity between Björk (28 at the time by the way) and the girlfriend I had three years after this video came out. 😀
I cannot say I love all of Björk's work ("Pluto" comes to my mind 😦), but she is so admirably creative! For further listening, how about "Violently Happy" or "Army of Me"? She has also starred in a film by Lars von Trier, "Dancer in the Dark", which I remember watching with a friend in an almost empty cinema in Munich. In the film, she's a factory worker slowly going blind, and, quote Wikipedia, "is saving for an operation to prevent her young son from suffering the same fate". It's beautiful, but very sad, with a soundtrack mainly composed by Björk with her producer, the late Mark Bell.
Just watching the video to "I've seen it all" from the movie almost made me cry: ua-cam.com/video/N8FJyhnC2Eo/v-deo.html
Thank you so much for your videos which make me appreciate so many of the songs I really love even more, and for sharing your enthusiasm when you discover some elements in the songs you like. It's contagious. 🙂
For some time already I've been wanting to recommend some music to you which I thought you may like or find interesting from a singer's perspective, and now may be a good moment.
The performers of the first one are possibly unknown to most here. It is by Irish band Seo Linn and called "Óró Sé do Bheatha Bhaile".
ua-cam.com/video/bzXswoAUi0U/v-deo.html
It's a traditional song, and the "original" of the tune of the "Drunken Sailor". I've noticed you liking elements in performances that are comparable to Celtic lilting, for example in Dolores O'Riordan's performance of "Zombie".
With the help of the video above, you will know where this comes from. It is entirely in Gaelic, one of the most powerful languages I know, and Stiofán, the singer, really kills it. Also note the comment by @Kitchen_Sessions about the song's real mening.
The second one lets you appreciate Mongolian throat singing, it's "Wolf Totem" by The Hu: ua-cam.com/video/jM8dCGIm6yc/v-deo.html
It's modern Mongolian music heavily rooted in Mongolian culture, with a wonderful video of the modern Mongolian Horde 😉, and features traditional instruments such as the horsehead fiddle and the topshur.
The third one is heavy metal I discovered on one of my frequent visits to Taiwan.
Chthonic - Defenders of Bú-Tik Palace
ua-cam.com/video/a5z-AOdCAx8/v-deo.html
The singning is black metal or death metal, with some guest vocals by Mei-yun Tang, a Taiwanese opera singer you may have heard of.
It also features traditional instruments, and a fantastic cinema-like music video with the band as heavily disguised flying actors (there's a making of video where the band tells us about the filming). By the way, the singer is also an activist and politician and was elected to the legislative parliament (I think) in 2016. The song is also about historical events, I quote the band "The BuTik Palace in Puli was used as command headquarters by Japanese colonial government to repress a Seediq Aboriginal Uprising in Wushe in 1930. During the initial phase of the 228 Massacre in 1947, militiamen in Taiwan also used it as its command headquarters. The chants in the second half of the song are the names of all martyrs who sacrificed themselves in resistance against dictators and fought for independence.”
Her first album was in 1977(!), but as others have said here, she really comes into her own when she fronted the Sugarcubes. "Birthday" is definitely worth a watch as it's the first taste most people got of her otherworldliness and is a real jaw-dropper.
I just found out she's 58 years old already. I thought she'd be younger.
'Birthday' is incredible!
@Mertaranta I thought she’d be far older, as the Elven folk tend to be.
That album from 77 isn't amazing but I love the cover of The Fool on the Hill
Hit is incredible as well.
I’ve been waiting so long for you to start doing Bjork I’ve made many suggestions but this is my favorite
So excited, I actually started to think you we’re already too familiar and that’s why you weren’t doing it
“It’s oh so quiet” really demonstrates her range and dynamics.. it’s completely amazing! Especially the live versions.
All is full of love, Play dead, Venus as a boy, Bachelorette… all great choices
I got to see her when the Sugarcubes and Public Enemy opened for U2 on the ZooTV tour! I had known of the Sugarcubes and loved them cause they were on the radio station I loved. It was so strange having those 2 bands open for U2 but it was great!
I am EXCITED for this one! One of my first musical girl crushes, along with Sinead O'Connor and Grace Jones. It was love at first sound with Bjork. I was blown away when I heard her leading the way on "Birthday". Omigoodness. I have Life's Too Good on cassette tape packed away somewhere. 😊
Bjork of one of those once-in-a-century kind of talent, like Freddy Mercury, BB King, Jimmy Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Etc. Her musical legacy is already timeless. We will be listening to Bjork "oldies" 50 years from now, and her singles will occasionally re-ignite huge interest in her over and over as they get used in film and games more and more.
You are one of very few genuine voices online, thank you.
Kinda crazy that it's taken you this long to get to Bjork. She has a famously gorgeous voice and a bunch of stellar tunes to pick apart.
I know I have heard a few songs by Bjork over the years and thought they were good. As usual, Elizabeth helped me appreciate another artist more. Great fun to be at the premiere and interact in the chat. Premieres are every Monday, Tuesday and Friday starting at 11 AM EDT.
Ah, Björk! I'm so glad you did an analysis on her. She has such a unique voice and musicality! So many avant garde vocalists have come and gone, but she really broke through and stuck with her style. She writes, produces and plays some of the instruments on her songs as well. She's also become a fashion icon (remember the swan dress?) And lets face it, an instantly recognizable artist that only goes by her first name!
Björk is very cutting edge. The company I work for designed a reverb chamber for one of her tours. Alas, I didn't get to see/hear it in action.
I saw the Human Behavior video on MTV, and my jaw dropped. I ran out and got the Debut CD, and it's been in my regular rotation for pretty much the rest of the 90's. Nice analysis Elizabeth! Looking forward to more Björk!
Go Way Back, SUGARCUBES - HIT or GOLD
I saw her play in Deep Ellum in Dallas in like 95 or 96 at Gypsy Tea Room, blind melon opened and it was that singers last gig before ODing.
Anyway, Bjork had a black Female drummer with a fro, Latina Chick DJ, Hawaiian Acordionist, and a british dude dressed like Beethoven on a full size Harpsichord. That my friends was her Band... My mind was blown and changed how I forever listen to and write music being a musician myself.
ARMY OF ME is my favorite track and video shes ever done. So many levels and layers of sound, sight and thought.
This is also the first Bjork song i heard way back in the day when this first came out and it motivated me to buy her CD and i became a fan. Last year i was in Iceland and the entire time i had this CD playing in my head. I can totally see how growing up in Iceland influenced her music. Both are beautiful and ethereal and majestic.
This was the song that introduced me to Björk. Love her music.
I usually post this anecdote under my other alias, but needs must. I first heard this song unwittingly - I was coming out of a tunnel-visioned period of more-or-less only listening to jazz, and in 1993 I had Bjork tagged as a dance music artist and thus not worth paying attention to. But I heard this in shops etc and for some odd reason I thought it was Kate Bush - "she's finally gotten good again, grown back a bit of her old voice" - when I realised it was Bjork I was taken aback, but not as much as I might have been. Because by that time I'd had my road-to-Damascus (or is it Reykjavik) moment, hearing the Fluke version of BTS on Radio 4 (of all places) and being shocked to discover that that was Bjork. Sometime inbetween that, and realising that she was the Human Behavior singer, I realised that "this" Bjork was in fact the (so adorable) Sugarcubes singer...and that was me finished.