Customer Reviews

Kings of Convenience

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Imagine Norway. A distant fjord. The blue water. The chilling wind. You see a wooden cabin. You open the door and it's not a Sauna.... It's a wonderful CD playing in "repeat". Kings of convenience look so young you wonder how come they already make such great music? Where at all did they hear of Simon and Garfunkel, The Everly Brothers and Nick Drake. And who taught them to mix it all into something so fresh. Well, maybe there is something in those pickled Herring. It's not dead fish. It's magic.

This album came to me through a friend who was playing it at work. As I listened, I was dumb-struck. The melodies this duo weave together were magical, and they stuck with me to this very day. I now own this album, and I listen to it everywhere. It goes well with pretty much any mood I can have: chilling with friends over dinner, reading while the rain patters the ceiling, driving in the evening light with the windows rolled down. This was the only CD I took on a week-long roadtrip last summer, and everyone got hooked!!

It is the kind of album that is not easily forgettable. it is one where the songs will haunt you, and you will find yourself humming them continuously. It is a far cry from the mainstream of rock music which is pervading this country right now.

And you couldn't be more glad of that. Their sound is so unique, mellow yet compelling. It is simply amazing, wondrous music. I recommend this album to anyone out there who is looking for some quality music matched with originality.

I bought this album in January this year (2001) and it has not left my Discman since then. This is not just another record you'll listen to and shelve away; this is an album that will accompany you for the rest of your life through various joys and hardships. I've listened to this album while watching the sun set, and I've listened to it while crying my eyes out over heartbreak. The music will never leave your head, and will only serve to be a soundtrack to your life. Stop wasting your money on pseudo-angsty bands like Staind and JJ72; buy it now and own a record that is priceless in value.

Ok, so this was Kings of Convenience's first pseudo-album. It never was widely released, and because of that today it is near impossible to find save for the one or two seller's on Amazon milking it's rarity by asking $80 or more. To better understand if it's worth that much I will help.

There are only three songs here that are not found on their two normal albums and I don't believe you'll find them anywhere else: "Brave new world", "An English House", and "Days I had with you" or tracks 5,6, and 7 respectively. To me just these three are worth it (although I am a hardcore fan and maybe not at $80). All the other songs can be found on their two better known albums. There is however a noticeable difference when comparing them. The songs on this album are much less polished and more rough cut than the versions on the new albums, and one can easily see the evolution as they mastered their craft.

All in all, unless you're a die-hard fan, this album most definitely is not worth the time, effort and money it takes to get your hands on one.

I bought this album somewhat on a whim after I saw a review in Q magazine. The review talked of tight harmonies and beautifully recorded accoustic guitars. The Kings followed through. For all of you who wish elliot smith would have kept it simple or that Paul Simon and art Garfunkel could get along, this one is for you.

Silent music has more impact than irritating noise. Silence is what I miss most in popular music. It makes it possible for music to breathe, like leaving out paint on a painting can create the illusion of light.

These guys realize this and make real different, interesting European pop.

This is the perfect rainy day fireplace, up your insides while your body is still resting type of music. It's catchy, it lasts, even helps you relax. I can't really get enough of how smooth Erlend's singing is. I haven't gotten to the other albums yet. That's just how incredible this one is. A lot of albums leave you wanting more. This one just leaves you satisfied.