Ok,
I'm not trying to be an ass or anything, but can somebody answer these two questions for me?



1) Why does everybody think Bjork is so great? I mean, I liked a few Sugarcubes songs, and I thought "Human Behavior" was a great single and all. And I even like some of the stuff on Medulla(sp?). But for the most part, I struggle to understand the complete adoration fans bestow upon her. I mean, honestly alot of her songs sound like the yipping and chirping stuff Prince did on the "God" b-side, only with Bjork it sounds like the record is skipping during that part.
Can somebody explain why she is so great? (again, I dont HATE Bjork--I'm just trying to figure out why she is so great)



Radiohead.

I love Kid A. I play it at night before bedtime, and during the day. I bring it to the beach on my ipod and often listen to it while laying under the umbrella watching the surf.
But I don't understand why Radiohead is considered to be "Genius".
What makes them genius? I listen to it, and I either like the song, or find it boring. More times than not the stuff I hear I like. But when I listen to "OK Computer", I struggle to understand why it's their "Sign 'O' The Times". I mean, I like Kid A more. I like Hail to the Thief more. And even though I adore these albums, I don't see any real "genius" in them.

Can somebody explain why Radiohead is a genius band?

...going to see Bjork during her Vespertine tour it struck me that the majority of those in attendance were very shy introverts...it was the most polite and reserved audience I have ever been a part of...and I think that both bjork and thom yorke have elements of introverts in them and there music is a conduit for expressing themselves. and the music itself are equal parts musical genius *and* soaring emotion that they collect a much more passionate fan base because of this...and if your not a fan of being immersed in emotion i highly doubt you are capable of appreciating either of their music.

Well, I suppose it all comes down to personal taste, of course (cliche, but true), but if you're wondering why we fans happen to think they're brilliant, my take on it is that we love how they defy alt. rock conventions and weave their emotions into remarkable, cryptic lyrics and sweeping, beautiful arrangements.

If that's still too vague for you, I'll try to go further with it.

sosgemini said:

My thread sucks ass doesn't it?

Imago said:

Nah, man. It's fine.

I feel your pain -- sometimes people won't respond to MY threads either (on here or elsewhere) and it pisses me off.

squiddyren said:

Holy shit. You're 10 miles from me on highway 60.

That' now makes 5 orgers in Central Florida!

Imago said:

!

Here's my review of Vespertine:

Throughout her storied career, Björk has never ceased to impact the world with her every touch, gaining a cult following and rave reviews. Those unfamiliar with her music may associate her with quirky thoughts and fashion, but Vespertine alone validates her lavish accolades.

Released at the end of summer in 2001, Vespertine came at a time when music was growing stagnant. In the midst of overly processed albums lacking spirit, Björk released an album of unabashed passion and care. To its admirers, Vespertine transcends mere album status and stands as a veritable Godsend. With its acutely emotional lyrics, angelic background choirs and painstakingly beautiful strings, Vespertine is a providential ray of healing. It is apparent from moment one that prudent attention and soul searching were employed into the craft of each song.

Oh and are there songs. For each song of suffocating pain comes one of spiritual calm and healing. For each question posed, there is an answer. On the darker side, the icy standout "Pagan Poetry" grows with guttural anguish as the synth bass pulse and Eastern-tinged harp flourishes form an ominous heartbeat. Björk's vocals grow more emblazoned with pain, until she is left with nothing more than to repeat "I love him" over and over again. Elsewhere, "An Echo, A Stain" creeps along almost atonally wrapped in a thick, ominous cloud of voices and synth strings and the opening "Hidden Place", wrought with its eerie background vocals and unrelenting synth bass throb, hypnotizes the listener into the rest of the album.

As wonderfully emotional and memorable as these songs are, they are incomplete without the sheer beauty and effectiveness of tracks that offer comfort and healing. The lush "It's Not Up to You" and heart-rending "Undo" offer absolution to those struggling to justify themselves. While the former illuminates the presence of God with the help of a choir of seeming angels repeatedly proclaiming the title, the latter invites the listener to succumb to Him. The harp in "Undo" seems to echo the aching heart strings of emotionally impoverished listeners. It works.

As the record builds, it adroitly captures the focus of its listeners and sets the stage for the grand finale- "Unison." Starting at a hush, "Unison" sweetly meanders through playful synths while painting Björk as a stubborn individual capable of going it alone. Then, she repeatedly admits "I never thought I would compromise" before launching into the unforgettable chorus: "Let's unite tonight, we shouldn't fight, embrace you tight, let's unite tonight". As the harps and strings gain momentum, the song continues to coalesce its elements into a greater whole. By the end, the strings and choir coupled with Björk's exceedingly heartfelt vocals are nothing short of magical, with each utterance of a verse marching a step closer to Heaven. After the gut check of the first eleven songs, the simple messages of unity and harmony, relayed over an overwhelmingly beautiful backdrop, effectively exude hope and peace.

Vespertine is not simply successful for its messages. The music is simply timeless- the more electronic elements of the album are overshadowed by harps, strings, choir singing and even a music box. Björk is not afraid to make the music overtly beautiful either, embossing the entire album with her wintry paintbrush. The spiritual and emotional sincerity of the album are abetted by the sense of purity conveyed by a blanket of newly fallen snow. The post-coital cooing of "Cocoon" sounds shiver-induced, while the opening "beats" of "Aurora" are actually plodding footsteps through snow. The instrumental "Frosti" sounds as if it emanates from a snow globe.

With Vespertine, Björk has crafted an album that is nothing short of sacred. Its poignant and endearing messages of hope have made her a hero to many, including me. In my opinion, this easily ranks as not only her best album, but among the greatest albums ever recorded.

Radiohead was one of those things with me.. that kindof open my eye's towards new styles of music. it was Kid A, OK Computer and Amnesiac that kindof did it for me.. it's one of those groups you just "get" or don't get.. i truely do think the music of radiohead is genius. I could be wrong, its just my personal theory.. it's nothing that changes lives.. but musically, it molded a new side..

Radiohead gave me the same feelings the Beatles, and Jeff Buckley gave me.. and that is one fucking cool moment to enjoy for the first time..

having said that.. Loving Radioheads "sounds"... opened up doors to TONS of other artists of its genre and, some that don't even relate.

but recently in the last year or so have enjoyed and appreciated Bjork. she's a little too much for me at times, but when i'm in the mood for her.. i absorb her music completely.

I think they both are nothing more than just ok ! give me Jimi Hendrix...Joni Mitchell...Stevie Wonder...Prince..Sly...where does Bjork or Radiohead have a place in a true list of genius talents..?
[Edited 2/18/07 22:43pm]

prettymansson said:

this is what i'm talking about.. right here..

subjective. and since this music obviously doesn't gel with your musical taste.. you automatically assume its not a "genius" talent..

seems like all i'm see'ing with your post is nostalgic ideas, and i'm taking the assumption that your "list".. you couldn't understand this music if you tried.


i'm all for foundation.. but when people cut off any ideas of something new.. and perhaps experimental in modern times.. it urks me
[Edited 2/18/07 22:50pm]

prettymansson said:

You're so American

prettymansson said:

I'm not a Radiohead fan, but I can see the genius in their work. Both Radiohead and Björk have such clear vision about their sound and are incredibly in tune with their senses. They both have incredibly diverse musical palates and the breadth of their scope is what makes them geniuses.

Imago said:

honestly i just think she makes really visually interesting videos.she gets up to some crazy shit in them.


but her music and otherwise im not really into.

PANDURITO said:

Fergie is better

Imago said:

You realize there are plenty of Prince fans who prefer other albums over Sign "O" the Times, right? The same thing applies here. For my money, The Bends beats out OK Computer as their best album. I haven't really liked anything since those two.

AlexdeParis said:

No I had no idea. I mean, the thought that anybody would EVER veer from the norm? The thought of such a possibility never ever crosses my mind.

Imago said:

OK, now I'm confused. I think you're being sarcastic. If so, I laughed, but why start the thread if you already know tastes differ?

Imago said:

Norms are broken...just like prince's heterosexuality

AlexdeParis said:

The point isn't if tastes differ, but why these acts are genius.

I don't think genius is subjective in the sense that personal taste is.



Mozart and Beethoven are geniuses. There is no refuting this, though many many folks can't sit through an opera or a symphony to save their lives.

To say that Radiohead is genius cause you like them is not a good reason to me. I love Radiohead, but don't understand why they are thought of as geniuses.

MikeMatronik said:

dude, Prince is not straight. We already voted on that.

Imago said:

u did not understand the phrase!

Prince's heterosexuality is broken...hence he is gay!!!

DUH!

Apart from not liking Bjork (a big sinner u are), you are slow!

MikeMatronik said:

I never said I didn't like bjork. I like Bjork.
I just don't love Bjork, and don't understand the "genius" label on her either.


Look, here's an example of what I'm saying. I love love love love love Garth Brook's "Friends in Low Places". The song makes me laugh, it makes me want to drink, and it makes me want to be with my friends.

But it ain't genius.

Imago said:

it is subjective. and you can argue that mozart and beethoven were not geniuses...just like many argue that prince isn' a genius.

sosgemini said:

Exactly.

sosgemini said:

There are folks who argue evolution doesn't exist too.

Imago said:

sorry..I am a bit cranky today. Went to the hospital today...sorry hun

MikeMatronik said:

Hows the nose?