Today I went to the Eiffel Tower with my daughter. Naturally we went to the top. Not a place to go if you suffer from vertigo. Which I do!
While riding on the subway I took out my ipod and listened to Volta. I know I’m supposed to be on vacation but I had nothing else to do. Besides, I haven’t listened to Volta since its release. So I was getting kind of curious.
I was curious because I saw on the Björk forum that somebody was upset because Björk didn’t sing exactly the same words on the Jools Holland Show as on the cd. And also because, well, I’m interested in my work! I wanted to find out how much we, i.e. the band and Björk on the tour, differ from the cd.
I think it is important to remember that Björk both composed the music and wrote the lyrics. So she is entitled to change whatever she wants and sing live however she desires. There isn’t any one correct version of Earth Intruders, Wanderlust or any other Volta song.
While listening on the subway I came to the conclusion that the live version of some of the Volta songs are more fun than on the cd, even though I love Volta. They just seem sexier.
Why? I don’t know. Maybe because Björk’s music is organic. After all we also perform old songs on the tour, because they too are alive and keep evolving with all kinds of input from the band members.
On the whole I think Björk’s music just keeps getting better and better - and that’s how it should be.
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June 11th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Yes! I feel like she deserves to sing whatever, however she likes. I also think that changing lyrics on different stages adds to the excitement of seeing Bjork and her band live anywhere. That is one thing that I respect about Bjork. I can’t wait to see the new songs added to the set list on the next leg of the tour! Good Luck!
June 11th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Oh, so you check the 4UM sometimes?
Well, sometimes there a moments in songs when I want to “sing-a-long” (but only in my head, not loud ^_^) and when Björk changes that I loose that feeling. Well, I am happy anyway
June 12th, 2007 at 12:08 am
I feel that it’s scarier being UNDER the eiffel tower than in the top.
I hope you’re having a great time touring across the world. It must be heavenly. Björk’s music is the only music I feel I lack knowledge to critisise, and I’m happy that I have that feeling cause it leaves her music being very sacred, and always gives me ultimate pleasure listening to.
June 12th, 2007 at 2:11 am
It’s really boring when a live performer sounds the same as the CD… it’s much more exciting when anything can happen
June 12th, 2007 at 2:21 am
Well, because bjork changes the lyrics during live performances, it is a sure fire way to screw up people singing along. After all, “no one paid to [them] sing!” (ha ha.) I don’t see why that person is outraged; it is certainly not the first time she dabbled in her lyrics while performing.
June 12th, 2007 at 5:16 am
it would be great if you improvise some new songs or play some covers while rehearsing,and then to play it live and try some different musical genres, like a band. example. bjork and the “sunshining” band for the new live songs, just to add more variety in the shows
, just a thought.
June 12th, 2007 at 5:19 am
and hi
June 12th, 2007 at 10:21 am
indeed. Jonas, bjork or whoever chose to have you write the blog chose a good person to do it. You are level headed (or at least you pull off the illusion) and seem to be a straight shooter with a creative thingy going on as well. Don’t ever let the negative people pull you down ok, that is just the way of the internet, many of these people simply have too much time, and not enough real world experience
Peace to you, bjork, and everyone on tour.
P.S. You guys helped us find our way to seattle after sasquatch without knowing it, as me and my girlfriend were lost, and saw your bus while driving back. I drove up from a little po-dunk town, so came up a different route. My girlfriend who is from japan, had never seen seattle at night, so I had to show here, and I figured you guys would lead us there, I was right
I had to fight the urge to follow the bus to the hotel and tell bjork how much her and her music mean to me. har har, but nah that aint my style 
Did the wind rock you guys around on the road back? I used to deliver pies Yes pies! out to north bend (very close) and sometimes my pie truck would get thrown clear into the next lane, and almost smack little cars like a giant fly swatter! Ok this PS is too long. Bye!
June 12th, 2007 at 10:37 am
Hey man,…. you’re great….
Hope to see you in Belgrade soon
June 12th, 2007 at 11:35 am
i must say i love the live version of WANDERLUST better; its more urgent!
June 12th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
I must agree that the live changing up of lyrics is essential to the live performance itself.. in validation of all of us for being there, pushing and pulling on each other’s magnetic fields, etc. Here’s yet another take on “Nobody paid to hear YOU sing!” [:] I remember at the Warfield show in 1998 (Homogenic tour to San Francisco!!) Björk sang the additional verse to Possibly Maybe ((”It came about… through happenstance..”)) Although many were singing along, my surrounding area stopped at this point as they didn’t know this part, but I did!! I don’t think I was singing loudly at all, mostly just mouthing the words, but she saw me and pointed at me with a smirk on her face!! It was a mix of “Oh hey, you know this part, too!” and “You little devil, this is my show!!” I was struck, un-complimented, un-offended, by the mesmerizing feeling of recognition.
–mihe
PS [:] Hi, Jonas!! This blog is amazing–thanks so much for keeping us up-to-date, even in your down-time. The show is fantastic and everyone’s dancing along!!
June 12th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
yes, i have to agree with you, her music does get better and better live especiallt WANDERLUST and Declare independence, and id so far the best song re-composed would have to be Oceania, is there a certain song you like to perform, or do you just love them all, and i cant believe someone complained about her changing the lyrics they’re her songs so whatever,
ok, wanna hear how bad my luck is, well im going to london for the summer, and my dad knows people who can get free passes into glastonbury, but geuss what… I LEAVE ON THE 27th!!?!?!, oh well at least i saw you in vancouver,
hope you is all well, and get wait to see what you talented people do to Hope with Toumani(dont think i spelled that right)
well goodnight, and good luck, actaully its the afternoon but
BYE
June 30th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
It’s silly to complain about Björk’s live permutation of her own lyrics
She always forgets them, switches words, etc., which is fair and fun (down the corridor, i send worms).
After all, as you said, they are full of life. I love the evolution of the old songs too, as you’ve mentioned. Personally, i think the Vespertine songs become so powerfull with the brass.
June 29th, 2008 at 2:36 am
By the way i meant blew me away-i no you used the word sexy but forgetting to put the word away in blew me just sounds wrong-appologies-sure u knew wot i meant lol
June 29th, 2008 at 2:39 am
Rembember-wen ur at sheffield try visit york-i wrote it in a later post-it is a propa amazing city-full off history-guy fawkes was born here-there is vikings and other history u will find here