May 10th, 2007 1:24pm
The Thrill Of Fear
I did something with Björk's new album Volta that I haven't done in a long time: I didn't download a leaked copy or receive an advance cd, and I bought it the day it came out in a record store. I did that for three reasons:
1) Novelty and nostalgia. I still buy cds here and there, but it's been quite a while since I purchased one without being extremely well acquainted with its contents. In fact, Björk's 2001 album Vespertine was among the last that I experienced without knowing exactly what I was getting into. I suspect that my disappointment with that record had a lot to do with feeling burned by my monetary investment -- for the longest time, I only really liked "Hidden Place," "Unison," and "Cocoon," but I've recently discovered that I do enjoy at least three or four others from that album, and hey, Medulla isn't so bad either. It's my fault, really -- I was being arrogant and stubborn, and I made no effort to meet her halfway when it became clear that she wasn't going to give me exactly what I wanted.
2) It didn't leak in full until very late in the game. I can hold out for a couple weeks, but ultimately, my will is not very strong.
3) I was thoroughly wowed by the songs I heard in advance of its release. Since I wasn't very into Medulla or Vespertine, my expectations were fairly low -- all I was hope for was at least a couple good upbeat dancey numbers. My wish was granted immediately: "Earth Intruders" rekindled my faith in her and prompted me to reexamine the previous two albums, and "Innocence" surpassed my wildest dreams by being more or less EXACTLY what I've been wanting from her for all this time. "Wanderlust" didn't leave a strong first impression when I saw her perform it on Saturday Night Live, but the youtube clip of the aggressive electro-punk number "Declare Independence" from Coachella kinda blew my mind.
Now that I have the record and have been listening to it for a couple days, I'm fairly certain that those are the four best cuts on Volta, but I'm not at all disappointed about that. How could I be? Those four songs are brilliant, and some of the best material that anyone has released this year. The other selections aren't bad, either -- "Vertebrae By Vertebrae" and "I Know Who You Are" have their charm, and I'm learning to appreciate "The Dull Flame Of Desire" and "My Juvenile" despite the mildly aggravating presence of Antony Hegarty. Volta may not be on the same level of consistent greatness as Debut, Post, or Homogenic, but it's a strong piece of work, and a welcome return to eclecticism after two albums that were weakened somewhat by their adherence to gimmicky high concepts.
Björk "Innocence" - As I mentioned earlier, "Innocence" is the song I've been wanting from Björk for a long time now, and I suppose what I mean is that musically and lyrically, it is basically the third part of a trilogy which also includes my two favorite tracks in her discography, "Big Time Sensuality" and "Alarm Call." This is the Björk that I love the most: Upbeat, courageous, optimistic, and in full control of her neuroses. "Big Time Sensuality" confronts the future with enthusiasm, "Alarm Call" is defiantly unafraid of the world and its inhabitants, and "Innocence" conquers fear by embracing its thrill. The message is essentially the same in each song, but her authority increases as she goes along -- "Big Time Sensuality" is a youthful song about faith and risk, and "Innocence" has the perspective to understand the mechanics of overcoming anxiety. Whereas her declarations in "Alarm Call" seem like surprising self-revelations, her words in "Innocence" seem directed outside of herself, as a bit of advice for the listener. It's Björk in life coach mode: "neurosis only attaches itself to fertile ground where it can flourish;" "fear is a powerful drug -- overcome it and you think you can do anything!;" "fear of losing energy is draining." The best thing is that she's absolutely correct, and though she is extraordinarily hopeful in her encouragement, she doesn't lose sight of the immense difficulty and painful work involved in fighting our worst impulses. (Click here to buy it from Amazon.)
1) Novelty and nostalgia. I still buy cds here and there, but it's been quite a while since I purchased one without being extremely well acquainted with its contents. In fact, Björk's 2001 album Vespertine was among the last that I experienced without knowing exactly what I was getting into. I suspect that my disappointment with that record had a lot to do with feeling burned by my monetary investment -- for the longest time, I only really liked "Hidden Place," "Unison," and "Cocoon," but I've recently discovered that I do enjoy at least three or four others from that album, and hey, Medulla isn't so bad either. It's my fault, really -- I was being arrogant and stubborn, and I made no effort to meet her halfway when it became clear that she wasn't going to give me exactly what I wanted.
2) It didn't leak in full until very late in the game. I can hold out for a couple weeks, but ultimately, my will is not very strong.
3) I was thoroughly wowed by the songs I heard in advance of its release. Since I wasn't very into Medulla or Vespertine, my expectations were fairly low -- all I was hope for was at least a couple good upbeat dancey numbers. My wish was granted immediately: "Earth Intruders" rekindled my faith in her and prompted me to reexamine the previous two albums, and "Innocence" surpassed my wildest dreams by being more or less EXACTLY what I've been wanting from her for all this time. "Wanderlust" didn't leave a strong first impression when I saw her perform it on Saturday Night Live, but the youtube clip of the aggressive electro-punk number "Declare Independence" from Coachella kinda blew my mind.
Now that I have the record and have been listening to it for a couple days, I'm fairly certain that those are the four best cuts on Volta, but I'm not at all disappointed about that. How could I be? Those four songs are brilliant, and some of the best material that anyone has released this year. The other selections aren't bad, either -- "Vertebrae By Vertebrae" and "I Know Who You Are" have their charm, and I'm learning to appreciate "The Dull Flame Of Desire" and "My Juvenile" despite the mildly aggravating presence of Antony Hegarty. Volta may not be on the same level of consistent greatness as Debut, Post, or Homogenic, but it's a strong piece of work, and a welcome return to eclecticism after two albums that were weakened somewhat by their adherence to gimmicky high concepts.
Björk "Innocence" - As I mentioned earlier, "Innocence" is the song I've been wanting from Björk for a long time now, and I suppose what I mean is that musically and lyrically, it is basically the third part of a trilogy which also includes my two favorite tracks in her discography, "Big Time Sensuality" and "Alarm Call." This is the Björk that I love the most: Upbeat, courageous, optimistic, and in full control of her neuroses. "Big Time Sensuality" confronts the future with enthusiasm, "Alarm Call" is defiantly unafraid of the world and its inhabitants, and "Innocence" conquers fear by embracing its thrill. The message is essentially the same in each song, but her authority increases as she goes along -- "Big Time Sensuality" is a youthful song about faith and risk, and "Innocence" has the perspective to understand the mechanics of overcoming anxiety. Whereas her declarations in "Alarm Call" seem like surprising self-revelations, her words in "Innocence" seem directed outside of herself, as a bit of advice for the listener. It's Björk in life coach mode: "neurosis only attaches itself to fertile ground where it can flourish;" "fear is a powerful drug -- overcome it and you think you can do anything!;" "fear of losing energy is draining." The best thing is that she's absolutely correct, and though she is extraordinarily hopeful in her encouragement, she doesn't lose sight of the immense difficulty and painful work involved in fighting our worst impulses. (Click here to buy it from Amazon.)
5/10/07 7:52 pm
i was disappointed with this album
everyone that she had on board to work with got lost in th mix.
she needs to kick out da jams
5/10/07 7:52 pm
i was disappointed with this album
everyone that she had on board to work with got lost in th mix.
she needs to kick out da jams
5/10/07 8:02 pm
I think that really misunderstands the way she collaborates — she is NEVER passive, she uses her partners as midwives for her ideas and her personal agenda. It’s not a 50/50 thing, they are there to support her concepts. She’s very much an auteur. I think the brilliance of “Earth Intruders” and “Innocence” comes from the fact that Timbaland is dialed down considerably — he supplies a key musical idea or two, but he’s not the main ingredient. I think Timbaland is a great example of someone who is better used as a condiment than an entree. All of his best work is the stuff where he’s just there to support an artist with a strong voice and a clear point of view — Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Bjork.
5/10/07 8:02 pm
I think that really misunderstands the way she collaborates — she is NEVER passive, she uses her partners as midwives for her ideas and her personal agenda. It’s not a 50/50 thing, they are there to support her concepts. She’s very much an auteur. I think the brilliance of “Earth Intruders” and “Innocence” comes from the fact that Timbaland is dialed down considerably — he supplies a key musical idea or two, but he’s not the main ingredient. I think Timbaland is a great example of someone who is better used as a condiment than an entree. All of his best work is the stuff where he’s just there to support an artist with a strong voice and a clear point of view — Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Bjork.
5/11/07 12:38 am
Wheeeee!! Bjork!!!
I have nothing of intelligence to contribute.
5/11/07 12:38 am
Wheeeee!! Bjork!!!
I have nothing of intelligence to contribute.
5/11/07 2:07 am
I too work in music media and I too waited for the day of release to pick this up…the first time I’ve done so for an album in ages. I think this album is terrific and will only grow on me.
So in other words, I agree with your entry here almost to a word; except I actually think Medulla is her best album.
Going to see her in Red Rocks next week–my first show in that venue and it can’t come soon enough!
5/11/07 2:07 am
I too work in music media and I too waited for the day of release to pick this up…the first time I’ve done so for an album in ages. I think this album is terrific and will only grow on me.
So in other words, I agree with your entry here almost to a word; except I actually think Medulla is her best album.
Going to see her in Red Rocks next week–my first show in that venue and it can’t come soon enough!
5/11/07 4:49 am
that’s funny…vespertine is one that i bought at MIDNIGHT on the day of release and listened to it on headphones all the way through as soon as i got home. I’ve never experienced anything like that since.
Plus it came with a free poster!
5/11/07 4:49 am
that’s funny…vespertine is one that i bought at MIDNIGHT on the day of release and listened to it on headphones all the way through as soon as i got home. I’ve never experienced anything like that since.
Plus it came with a free poster!
5/11/07 3:30 pm
I disagree matt, it’s more like 90/10 on this album.
Her past albums collaborators have mos def. left their prints, I would say 60/40
matmos is a big part of vespertine
goldie, 808 state, mark bell and others have left their mark on earlier albums
That being said she always makes sure that it is a “bjork” bjork album/song.
I just think she is taking on more of the production than in the past.
I might be the only one who would have actually cringed at full blown timbo collab
5/11/07 3:30 pm
I disagree matt, it’s more like 90/10 on this album.
Her past albums collaborators have mos def. left their prints, I would say 60/40
matmos is a big part of vespertine
goldie, 808 state, mark bell and others have left their mark on earlier albums
That being said she always makes sure that it is a “bjork” bjork album/song.
I just think she is taking on more of the production than in the past.
I might be the only one who would have actually cringed at full blown timbo collab
5/11/07 7:31 pm
Matthew, I applaud your restraint and your support of an artist like Bjork.
Dave Pampelmoose
5/11/07 7:31 pm
Matthew, I applaud your restraint and your support of an artist like Bjork.
Dave Pampelmoose
5/12/07 1:34 am
I agree with your favorite tracks, but I do think the collaborations with Antony are great too. They sound great together… I can’t care less for what he thinks about Cocorosie.
5/12/07 1:34 am
I agree with your favorite tracks, but I do think the collaborations with Antony are great too. They sound great together… I can’t care less for what he thinks about Cocorosie.
5/12/07 7:26 am
I don’t think it’s exactly his thoughts on Cocorosie that are the problem in that link, Eduardo!
5/12/07 7:26 am
I don’t think it’s exactly his thoughts on Cocorosie that are the problem in that link, Eduardo!
5/12/07 9:22 am
Oh, Bjork. So misunderstood. I love dance-pop as much as the next person, but the problem is this: Bjork hasn’t ever released any dance pop, and anybody who was surprised by the last three albums didn’t listen carefully to the first three (IMO). Kylie Minogue is great; Junior Senior is great; Bjork is in a different musical world, now.
Good review, though. This is why Fluxblog is a lot better than, say, Pitchfork, or anything in print. It’s evident you actually think, deeply and fairly, about what you’re listening to.
And I’m going to start that “all the songs in Bjork’s catalog” thing any day now.
5/12/07 9:22 am
Oh, Bjork. So misunderstood. I love dance-pop as much as the next person, but the problem is this: Bjork hasn’t ever released any dance pop, and anybody who was surprised by the last three albums didn’t listen carefully to the first three (IMO). Kylie Minogue is great; Junior Senior is great; Bjork is in a different musical world, now.
Good review, though. This is why Fluxblog is a lot better than, say, Pitchfork, or anything in print. It’s evident you actually think, deeply and fairly, about what you’re listening to.
And I’m going to start that “all the songs in Bjork’s catalog” thing any day now.
5/12/07 10:31 pm
Ooooh, Nonce…there’s a really good dude who’s already started work on a Bjork site like that, but it’s a sssssecret at the moment.
I’d say that Bjork has done enough straight-up dancey pop songs that it’s forgiveable for people (including myself) to wish that she’d do more of it. “Big Time Sensuality,” “Alarm Call,” “There’s More To Life Than This,” “Army Of Me,” “Violently Happy,”"I Miss You,” “Human Behaviour” — you know. It’s very sophisticated, sure, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not dance pop.
5/12/07 10:31 pm
Ooooh, Nonce…there’s a really good dude who’s already started work on a Bjork site like that, but it’s a sssssecret at the moment.
I’d say that Bjork has done enough straight-up dancey pop songs that it’s forgiveable for people (including myself) to wish that she’d do more of it. “Big Time Sensuality,” “Alarm Call,” “There’s More To Life Than This,” “Army Of Me,” “Violently Happy,”"I Miss You,” “Human Behaviour” — you know. It’s very sophisticated, sure, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not dance pop.
5/13/07 2:44 am
Actually that’s ok: other people working means less work for me. (I am in grad school anyway and should be doing other writing, though my grad school would probably count the project as a thesis.) Let us know when it’s up…
And, yes: dance-pop point taken.
5/13/07 2:44 am
Actually that’s ok: other people working means less work for me. (I am in grad school anyway and should be doing other writing, though my grad school would probably count the project as a thesis.) Let us know when it’s up…
And, yes: dance-pop point taken.
5/15/07 6:18 pm
I was terrified that the ubiquitious Timbaland would just ruin her. I’m a purist. I like my artists well-distanced with a few notable exceptions. However, I don’t mind this colaboration, even though I could take or leave Hegarty. I did laugh at this reference though: http://www.thenewsroom.com/details/303544?c_id=kc
5/15/07 6:18 pm
I was terrified that the ubiquitious Timbaland would just ruin her. I’m a purist. I like my artists well-distanced with a few notable exceptions. However, I don’t mind this colaboration, even though I could take or leave Hegarty. I did laugh at this reference though: http://www.thenewsroom.com/details/303544?c_id=kc
5/18/07 1:20 am
i like your writing. you seem to have insights but are not forceful or authoritarian about your opinions, like a little tentative, even when you are clearly making great points. first quality on css and now this. goodness. *maebh
5/18/07 1:20 am
i like your writing. you seem to have insights but are not forceful or authoritarian about your opinions, like a little tentative, even when you are clearly making great points. first quality on css and now this. goodness. *maebh
5/31/07 10:41 pm
Bjork is such a complex artist - which is why i love her!
Sometimes, it takes me while to follow the new direction she’s heading to, but she is one of the most inspiring women around
5/31/07 10:41 pm
Bjork is such a complex artist - which is why i love her!
Sometimes, it takes me while to follow the new direction she’s heading to, but she is one of the most inspiring women around