Last saturday saw one of my teenage dreams coming true when Throwing Muses held a concert here in Reykjavik, finally. What a thrill it was for me and the probably 100 or so other's who actually knew the band and were present. With no mucking about and no inane chatter between songs Kristin and her cohorts rolled over the audience with many of their very best songs ever, including my favorite, "Colder" from the album House Tornado. I got a nice spot, sitting on the stage right beside the bass amp, and for a while I was wondering if my ears would start bleeding. I sat there slack-jawed, staring at the amazingly talented bass player whose performance left me humbled. What an amazing band they still are. Check out this page for some mp3 goodies.The concert was the annual Innipukinn festival and supposed to be sharing the stage with Throwing Muses (but cancelling at the last minute) were the excellent punkish band Æla, which I wrote about earlier here.
At the time they were recording an album which was supposed to be released before christmas. But the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry, and the album saw light of day just last month. It's 15 songs of playful punk songs much in the vein of Purrkur Pillnikk from which they derive obvious influence. In the true icelandic spirit their bassist is also a member of Jan Mayen.
Purrkur Pillnikk was fronted by one Einar Örn of later Sugarcubes fame. Some critic said that Æla's singer was now achieving what Einar had always wanted to do. Others are not equally pleased with his performance. However I can guarantee that their live performances are joyous occasions with the lanky singer wobbling precariously on a chair, and, with his guitar hooked up to a wireless system, he often runs around the place, usually on the tables of shocked onlookers.
To digress a little; Purrkur Pillnikk, was active from 1981 - 1983, and their bass player is now a respected poet, the guitarist is an equally respected novelist. Einar Örn continues to make noise with his current project, Ghostigital, and you can listen to what he's up to now here.
Check out some mp3's:
Æla - Hent'essu í mig (from the new album "Sýnið tillitsemi, ég er frávik")
Æla - Magnarinn (early demo recording)
Purrkur Pillnikk - Undantekning
Purrkur Pillnikk - Surprise
Jan Mayen - On a mission
Jan Mayen - Damn straight
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