Hvarf/Heim

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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 5099950256624 Label: EMI Records Manufacturer: EMI Records Number Of Discs: 2 Publisher: EMI Records Release Date: 2007-11-05 Studio: EMI Records
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Editorial Reviews: Trust Sigur Ros to be different. When asked to put together an album release to accompany their recent film (Heima), the Icelandic mavericks could have lazily slung together a selection of the songs that appear on the film. But, no. Instead they create Hvarf/Heim, a double album that collects together unreleased songs, live versions and reworkings in order to give their fans a little more value for money--and to maintain their reputation for going against the commercial grain. The first disc, Hvarf ("disappeared," or "haven"), collects together three previously unreleased cuts ("salka," "hljómalind," and "í gær"), which possess the same beautiful, cascading instrumentation and gentle, slow-burn emotions we now expect from the band. There are also two beguiling re-imaginings from the band’s first album, "Von," namely, live favorite "Hafsol" and the title track. Heim ("Home"), meanwhile comprises live acoustic versions of some Sigur Ros faves: "Untitled 3", "Staralfur", "Samskeyti", "Ageatis Byrjun", "Vaka", and "Heysatan" all get a new lease of life via these spellbinding performances, all recorded in Iceland during their 2006/2007 tour. This is an imaginatively complied collection whose subtly transcendent beauty is likely to both sate most Sigur Ros fans and excite newcomers alike. --Paul Sullivan
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: Just one thing... Comment: This collection is worth getting, whether you're a die-hard Sigur Ros fan or a newbie, even if it's for just one track: Í Gær Listen to it and prepare to get blown away.... Í Gær is also getting some airplay on TV as promo music on one of the terrestrial channels... Customer Rating: Summary: A worthy addition to classic back-catalogue in the making. Comment: I absolutely adore this band. There is something deeply moving about their music that sends shivers down your spine and makes your hairs stand on end. This album, of course is no exception. Their formula of creating ambient, post-rock music, that is clearly inspired by their home country of Iceland, seems to me to be one that is incapable of ever dissapointing. The first CD Hvarf, is an excellent collection of new songs. They are slightly rockier and edgier than alot of their previous material, but it is deep, interesting, and of course beautiful. The second CD, Heim, is absolutely staggeringly brilliant, and if it was released on its own would be worthy of 6 stars, never mind 5. It contains acoustic versions of songs from their previous 4 albums. They have not chosen obvious songs, which I admire, and the one they have chosen I simply cannot fault. Perfect choices. And they execute them to perfection. As a live band, they are something to behold and are clearly brilliant musicians, and they pull the songs off acoustically so so well. If you have been a fan of anything Sigur Ros have done, this is an essential purchase, if for nothing else, just for the 2nd disc. It only gets 4 stars not five because the new songs aren't quite up to the standard of the previous 3 albums, but never the less contains some fabulous moments. Customer Rating: Summary: Atmospheric ! Comment: This album has become one of the most played discs in my collection in the last six months. Brooding and atmospheric like the Icelandic hinterland, 'Hvarf-Heim' beautifully weaves it's way into your subconscious like ice melting in the rising sun. For my money,disc 2 take the plaudits in that it's more interesting and accessible than the first disc. Without reaching the 5 star stratosphere, 'Hvarf-Heim' nevertheless is a work of rare quality in a sea of often Indie dross. Haunting ! Customer Rating: Summary: Odds and Ends Comment: Will Sigur Ros fans by any half-baked efforts the group put out? The magic they once had is dying by the minute. It could still be recovered, if they pull their finger out and actually produce some music that actually feels inspired rather than formulated. The last album was a step down, but it had enough magic to keep the hardcore fan going. But this is merely an effort to fill the gap while they try to come up with something new. Somehow my affection for them died the moment this was released. And their live performances are largely uninspired these days, where once they were miraculous. (The live performances without the loud discordant bits are just armchair easy listening, are they not?) And how many people don't already have Hafsol from the Hoppipolla single? It's a real nerve to include it on this release as well. It's the gesture as much as the content that is irksome. If they don't have any new material, then don't release anything. Don't try to sell filler as some sort of vital artistic statement, because it's only filler. I'd be only too happy if they now go and make the greatest album ever made. But I sincerely doubt they will. Customer Rating: Summary: greatest band on the planet! Comment: I have been shouting from the rooftops about how amazing this band is for years now! This album is amazing as ever. Also check out the DVD. More Reviews