Since I’m a bit of a demonologist, I LOVE this version of Declare Your Independence!
That film was shown first when I was eleven or twelve and it was so much discussed in the media that it made me almost permanently scared of going to sleep. I was afraid that I, too, would become possessed by the devil.
Anyway…
The Nattúra concert was yesterday. It was crowded. Unfortunately, Björk had a bit of a cold and wasn’t on form, but she didn’t lose her sense of humour. She even likened herself to Johnny Cash! Unfortunately all the jokes were in Icelandic and so were lost on the foreigners watching the concert on the web.
I think the band was OK. I realize that the present version of Wanderlust may have sounded like we were playing wrong notes, but we weren’t. The organ part is very off key, but that’s a transcription of the Matthew Herbert mix, and when it gets combined with the brass part of the original version, it sounds weird. Björk has said several times that she likes it as it is and so I keep playing it. It probably sounds better live than from a webcast.
Given Björk’s condition last night I’m personally of the opinion we should all be grateful that we didn’t cancel the show. She is a hero for being there and going through with it.
I was very tired after the concert. I had imagined partying all night, but only a couple of hours later I was back home!
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June 29th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
YEah, this version of Declare Independence made me laugh very loud! Sooo funny! I love the first “raise your flag” part!!! Thank you!
I could see some parts of the concert last night. Yeah she had voice problems, but she was in an excellent mood, and seemed to have fun anyway. She sang using her low harmonies in her voice, and i love that. It gave a punky rock’n'roll mood to the songs, which was great! Of course we all love to hear her voice at its best. But, personaly, i like when some accidents happen… It all becomes so fragile, vibrating and human… Vertebrae by Vertebrae was just wonderful!
Wanderlust sounds weird, i agree. I like it. But, didn’t she sing it a little bit lower than usual?
Anyway, you are perfectly right, Jonas. Thank you Björk! It was amazing! And you wore my favourite dress, so thank you twice
!
I hope you’ll recover soon, for the next concerts. I think we all are very curious to discover the new “theatrical surprises” you are preparing for the Italian concert!!!
June 29th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Wanderlust did sound weird, but it also sounded great as well. I really liked listening to the transition from when I heard you guys perform it in May 2007 up to now, which I like this version sooo much better. I love how she ended the song too. Relentlessly restless!
I could also tell Björk was sick, I can always hear it in her voice, I’m sick right now as well and can barely talk without clearing my throat everytime. Hope she gets better soon.
Again, thank you guys for an amazing show!
June 29th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Nelson Mandela likes Bjork ?
46664 : It’s in our hands !
Link : http://www.46664.com/1
June 29th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
The experience of watching a live webcast is nearly as exciting as watching the concert in person, and my adrenaline was put through the paces with a few stream issues, but when everything was sorted, I was in awe of this concert! Though Björk’s voice was most assuredly not as strong as it has been, overall she lowered her notes and worked through the issues, which I agree should be applauded. And as for Wanderlust…I didn’t notice a problem until after the webcast, when I read some negative reviews on the 4um; personally, I quite prefer the Matthew Herbert Mix live, and thought the energy was extraordinary for such songs at such an event. In short, I believe the Nattúra concert a milestone of Björk’s solo touring, and was honored to have access to the show in manner of the webcast. Thanks very much for helping make this event possible (and watch out for Einar during “I Miss You”) - Elliot L
June 29th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
It’s all Einar’s fault.
June 29th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I throughly enjoyed the concert. It was like being there, but not… and there were some advantages too, like having a great view while sitting in front of my computer in the comfort of my own home. There was an oddness about watching it play out in the screen and knowing that far far away, near the top of the world, it was happening Right Now. Coupled with the ongoing commentary in the 4um it was like being in an online party.
I could tell there Björk had some problems with her voice from the first song, and as they increased, so did my respect for her decision to go on ahead with the show. I hope she gives herself the time to make a full recovery.
Thanks to Björk, Sigur Rós, Jónas, Mark, Damian, Chris, the Wonderbrass, National Geographic and everyone who made this possible.
June 29th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Did you see this video when I sent out The Exorcist and Declare Independence as Video of the Day on June 23? I think whoever made it did an awesome job. The Exorcist is my second favorite after Silence of the Lambs. I was going to put it directly onto your page, Jónas, but I didn’t want you to think I was a wierdo. Hahahahahaha!
June 29th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
I was there and it was so great! I noticed Björk problems and we really appreciate she didn’t cancel it!
And these little moments just give you the feeling how friendly atmosphere was there on the stage yesterday!
While playing I miss You Einar Örn was on the stage with his little red trumpet and before his part of playing it started he tried to play the piano (like a villian) but Jónas slap his hand and they both smiled :)) It was sooo funny
Even Björk drunk hot tea (or what is was) and we heard her cough in one song, this was the absolutely once-in-a-life-time concert!
I was little upset because she spoke in Icelandic so I didn’t understand but the concert was about Icelandic nature, so..
I’m not 100% positive but I think there was Mrs. Hauksdóttir (Björk’s mother) just few meters infront of me. She was there with Einar Örn’s family and friends having great time. It’s great to see your family supporting you
Takk fyrir
June 29th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
I now proclaim to the world, I love Einar with all my heart.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo-l4-I5f10
June 30th, 2008 at 2:46 am
i am so grateful for the webcast, this was the closest i have come to seeing björk live so far and i think i won’t be able to see her in this tour *sigh* (money) but this was very close to being there live, really i looooved it, thankyou so much!
the atmosphere was great and it’s nice of björk to have done it even though she was sick, it was unique!
i know you probably can’t just go wherever you want on this tour? but if you have the possibility in some way, could you let those who decide where to go/björk know about this place:
http://www.dalhalla.se/
i would love you forever if you came and played there, i would be able to drive there with my boyfriend, we met through the internet on bjork.com chat over 6 years ago and live together now in Sweden, and still haven’t seen björk live.
anyway, thanks again for the webcast, it was great!!
♥
annina
July 5th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
So glad you could be part of the concert Jónas and major props for Björk for being such a trooper. I haven’t yet watched the webcast but I sure many goodies will pop up from the event. I hope the crew is doing well.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
I hope Björks throat will heal soon… That’s surely unpleasant, especially in a world tour!
I hope her show in germany don’t will be cancelled soon… 
But if the show would be cancelled, she would be healthy soon and she could do some other concerts. Hmm…. “Nature has fixed us no limits on our hopes” is the only sentence i can say! ;0
Such a world tour is just such a beautiful thing.. For friends and fans!!
The new mix of Wanderlust is just amazing!! It sounds ,like wrong notes but it rocks so much and after a little time you don’t hear that “wrong notes anymore. its great! And the video of Declare Independence is perfekt! wow! O_0 Perfect Cut.
And its cool that you all enjoy the concert.
Björk you are great, no matter how many people hate you!
Best wishes with big love from me, the music human!! ;0-<-<
July 11th, 2008 at 12:40 am
Hi Jonas… have you seen this “who is it?” cover?
I think its great…
Tell us your opinnion, or even Bjork´s opinnion if she gets to watch it…
Also, a question, why in bjork.com they said bjork finished Declare Independence with “don´t sell it”? I think we all hear a loud and clear “takk fyrir”… ???
Keep touring and take care!
July 11th, 2008 at 12:40 am
I forgot the link to the cover… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAsQjtJ1n4E
July 11th, 2008 at 6:31 am
You know, I really think “The modern things” and “Nature is ancient” would have really fit the bill for a nature concert. Although it’s over, you should mention this to Björk, Jonas and see what she thinks!