Customer Reviews

This Is Normal [ENHANCED CD]

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Moving from the American scene to the 'British' scene in 1997, I was stunned by the differences in music as I crossed the shores. I had been out of England for years and years, and upon my return I had to play catch up with the British music culture, and fast. I had a history of The Kinks to catch up on past ''Lola'' and ''Low Budget''. 10CC waited in the wings beyond ''I'm Not In Love''. And on the horizon were Massive Attack, and Supergrass.

And Gus Gus are from Iceland. I'm just stating that so you don't think I'm thinking they're from the UK. But this is where I heard them, and I'm not sure I would've heard them hanging out on the East Coast of America. Maybe if I frequented more clubs I might've, but somehow being able to see them on MTV Europe, in the comfort of my own home, says the likelihood would not have been great of a Stateside viewing.

And it was one viewing of Gus Gus's ''Starlovers'' that got me to say, ''Who is this????'' The immediate thing that made this song stand out to me was Daniel Agust's voice. It was beautiful. A truly truly great singer. That was the first thing that stood out to me. And then the song's groove and melody stood out next. I had to hear more of this thing called Gus Gus, and I was glad I did. ''This Is Normal'' is an album worth purchasing. One thing urging you to do this is the promise that Daniel Agust's voice is worth it. Ethereal, melodic, soothing are a few words that can describe it.

And then I heard ''Snoozer''. Which slowly turned into my favourite song from this album.

I really can't say enough about this album. It thoroughly convinced me that the European/British scene was headed somewhere entirely different than the American scene, particularly in regards to Iceland! But it was an immense culture shock hearing bands such as Massive Attack, Supergrass, Gus Gus, Roni Size and Daft Punk in constant play on UK shores, where I knew living in America I would have to seriously go underground to hear some of it. Or be a fan of Soul Coughing and hunting down where they got it from. Which I am.

There are a few reasons to buy this album. The most important is of course the songs themselves, the greatness of ''Ladyshave'', ''Teenage Sensation'', ''Snoozer'' and the irresistible ''Starlovers''. Another reason is to hear the voice of Daniel Agust. I think I'd buy an album of him singing a Chinese menu (wait, Anthony Kiedis already does this doesn't he?) And a final reason is to own an album by Gus Gus just to say you have an album by Gus Gus. You'll look ''cool'', trust me.

Gus Gus found their pop voice on this album, and worked it to generally good effect. "Ladyshave" remains an excellent (if undiscovered in America) track. This isn't to say that the band's gone all fuzzy - several later tracks ("Blue Mug" and "Dominique", which thankfully isn't the Singing Nun tune) continue the iciness that characterized the first album. In toto, a more diverse blend of music, but still a very good listen.

This "enhancement" shown in the brackets is a "mix master" software hidden on the CD, this just goes to show how dedicated GUS GUS is to the DJ/Dance scene. This GUS GUS selection is top ten in the genre, behind only Kruder and Dorfmeister as well as EBTG. Buy it, it may never leave your CD juke Box.

Scott Dennis s_dennis@hotmail.com

Smooth, groovy, soulful, stompin'...it's tough to categorize Gus Gus in any way, merely because with so many members and so many influences, they embrace so many styles all at once. And it works extrememly well. There's haunting ballads ("Bambi"), thumping techno tracks ("Starlovers", "Acid Milk"), pop-funk ("Ladyshave"), jazz/funk/house ("VIP")...it's a sublime mix of all of those and more. The vocals by Daniel, Magnus, and Hafdis are always clear, emotive and beautiful, never dominating the musical textures but never being overwhelmed by them either.

All in all, a fabulous sophomore album.

When I first heard "This is Normal," I was wondering what was happening with gusGus. They had booted Hafdis Huld out for what appears to be no good reason, and the latest singles seemed a little commercial. After hearing the entire album, I realized that it isn't a sell-out, a commercial cookie-cutter work, but rather it has the clear production available usually only to big-name acts. The songs are brighter and more interesting than on "Polydistortion," and as upset as I am about their sad treatment of Hafdis, I think that the band is entering a new stage of awesome beats and solid songwriting.

On top of their very clever and smart lyrics, this cd is sprinkled with great mesmerizing beats without losing their trademark "ethereality". I love the third track, STARLOVER. This album serves as efficient sonic wallpaper or as club hits without missing a beat.

I was surprised to read so many awful reviews of this album. Gus Gus' album was a soft blend of Icelandic beat and unique sound. If you are looking for something to play at parties and when you are hanging out, and if you enjoy the likes of Underworld...this band is for you. You can sense the beautiful landscape through the music.

One of the most interesting bands of late nineties` electronica, Gus Gus are also one of the most underappreciated. That`s unfortunate, since "This Is Normal", their sophomore album, stands out as a terrific piece of pop, house, techno, trip-hop, jazz, ambient, electro and club music.

It`s a diverse and gripping effort, presenting intriguing and complex soundscapes that quickly become addictive. The band has both male and female voices, which are used to great effect and contrast well with the moody, icy and cold atmosphere of the record. The lyrics are ambiguous, making an interesting combination with the feel of strangeness and weirdness that most of the songs evoke.

As one can guess by the excellent cover, "This Is Normal" is a futuristic, lush, experimental and seductive album, containing great moments like the offbeat electropop in "Starlovers", the subtle soundscapes in "Blue Mug", the delicate and smooth melodies in "Bambi" or the dark and claustrophobic ambiance in "Snoozer".

This is a consistent, well-crafted and innovative release, way better than its disappointing and more commercial follow-up "Attention". It`s also a proof than there`s more to find in Iceland than the overrated Bjork and Sigur Ros.
Highly Recommended.

I love everything Gus Gus does and have to say this maybe on of their best albums to date. Very nice industrial type beats, down tempo and lounge and some more housey.

This CD was bought as used one. It is 100%! No details. The CD and cover were OK. And if you don't know GusGus, i suggest you to begin listening by this CD. Enjoy it!