Compared to his work with Sigur Rós and Jonsi & Alex, this new album by Jónsi Birgisson is downright poppy. In fact, if Jonsi’s label was willing to pay for it, I could easily see several of these songs appearing on Top 40 radio. Well… actually, maybe not. There is still the inability of most listeners to sing along. But those of us that have come to appreciate Jonsi have long since given up trying to decipher what he’s singing even when he is signing in English. If it wasn’t for Jonsi’s voice soaring over these tracks I’m not sure I would ever guess that he’s the man behind this collection of songs. All the songs are a nice departure for the indie-symphonic sounds of Sigur Rós and the ambient Jonsi & Alex. Josni’s voice is an unmistakable falsetto and on this album it is used the same as all the other instruments on this album – looped, tweeked, and full of power. And contrary to his previous stuff (and my preference) there’s really only one ballad on Go and it’s the last track on the album, “Hengilás.” There are a couple that start off with a quiet piano loop but those soon build into stomping anthems. These are the songs that I like the best. “Tornado,” “Grow Till Tall” and “Kolniður” all are mellow starters and powerhouse enders. There isn’t a single song on here that I don’t enjoy… even though I can’t sing along.
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I’m so glad you like this. Remember that melancholy edge we used to speak of? That’s what this album is for me – so bittersweet. I saw him recently, and when he did “Go Do”, no crap – birds flew overhead – and, in that moment, I lost it. There were tears.
I’m such a baby.