Svefn-G-Englar

"Svefn-G-Englar" is probably one of the more electronic tracks on the album. There tend to be some fuzzy analog noises going around, which I don't particularily like. To be honest with you, "Svefn-G-Englar" isn't really my favorite song on the album, but if it brings out new material, its fine with me... The track runs about 9 mins and 19 sec.

Sigur Ros continues with another album song "Vi rar vel til loftarasa," which they promise to be the next music video and surprisingly enough will debut on ALL MTV2 stations, according to Iann Robinson on MTV2 News anyway. This is one of the beautiful songs that I love from Agaetis byrjun. The nice piano and deep bass hold this song together. Jon has these really pretty vocals to go along. The whole song just sounds so jazzy and lovely. This track runs a long 10:13.

AND SO WE START THE B-SIDES! "Nyja lagi " is a really nice song. It starts off slow and soft in the Sigur Ros style. It continues for a long time as purely instrumental. Sounds a lot like the stuff from Agaetis byrjun. In fact, lyrics don't start until 4 minutes into this 9:29 song. When they do, they are so powerful and so amazing that you just have to listen in awe that this is really happening. Played live at the Icelandic Opera House, June 12th 1999. I really wish I had been there because this song is absolutely one of the most powerful things I have ever heard.

"Syndir Gu s" was also played live at the Icelandic Opera House. This is a little different from anything else we've heard from the band because it starts of with a riff! Yes, A bass riff! Can we believe it? Anyway, Jon starts with very high singing, higher than anything I could ever manage in my lifetime. This song is really light and airy. It runs for about 5:45.

This album is really an excellent value, but, if you aren't happy with this price, may I suggest Amazon.co.uk? Its available for about 5 pounds there (or $...) and the same price shipping. Buy this single for "Nyja lagi " if nothing else. But, it really is great. Neat packaging too. I would go to their show here in Chicago, but ITS THE ONLY ONE ON THEIR TOUR THATS 18 & OVER! Oh well, but make sure to catch them live when they come near to you, because, the tracks on here prove that they are absolutely amazing!


undeniably incredible   August 6, 2001
Words cannot do this single justice! The first to tracks are songs from the album Agaetis Byrjun (also five stars). The Track Nyja lagid is very moving, and is definitely the standout track. What is Sigur Ros' music like, you ask? Well, think of all the kinds of alternative rock... This is like none of those bands. If anything, they are like a very abstract, operatic version of Radiohead. The electric guitar sounds very atmospheric when it is played with a violin bow!


Import single with 2 cool live tracks   June 23, 2001
Kyle J. Wallace (Austin, TX USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

The first two tracks off this single are already available on Sigur Ros' wonderful "Agaetis Byrjun" album, and are no big find, but the second two tracks are live versions of two great songs ('Nyja Lagid', and 'Syndir Guds')that are not on the aforementioned CD. I bought this not knowing what would be on it, but was ultimatly very pleased with my purchase because of the cool live tracks.