Valtari

Sigur Rós | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 29, 2012)
• Original Release Date: 2012
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: XL Recordings
• ASIN: B007OWG3LM
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (67 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,242 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Ég anda

2. Ekki múkk

3. Varúđ

4. Rembihnútur

5. Dauđalogn

6. Varđeldur

7. Valtari

8. Fjögur píanó

Editorial Reviews

In English Valtari translates as "steamroller" and there is something right about the title in terms of the process of its creation. The last three tracks of Valtari are like one long slow gorgeous fade out, as the listener, having been softened up by the slightly more "song-y" start to the album, is left with the subtly shifting, deep introspective beauty of the last 24 minutes. After that, penultimate track, Valtari is like the far heart of the album; eight minutes that feel like being alone in row boat on a chill day.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 48 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A WORK OF ART May 29, 2012

By Tate TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:MP3 Music

It's been 4 years since the last Sigur Ros album and for a while fans wondered if we'd ever get to hear it. But since then we've received the fantastic live album Sigur Rós: Inni­ (Blu-Ray + 2 CD) and now, yet another masterpiece, Valtari. Like their previous albums, this is a hushed back, subtle-vocal work that transcends mind and genre. Listening to Sigur Ros is like experiencing a reverse hangover. It is peaceful, relaxing, imaginitive, inspiring..a journey. I really don't know how else to describe it.

It should also be noted that any Sigur Ros album is an ALBUM, meaning you should really listen to it from beginning to end, no skips or rewinds. It is a narrative of sorts, and should be experienced that way. That being said, I have to point out that Varúđ and Fjögur píanó are two stand-out tracks worthy of the admission price alone. Varúđ especially. That is one of the greatest songs I've heard in years. I love every song, but those are the stand-outs in my opinion.

OVERALL: If you're a longtime fan of Sigur Ros, prepared to be pleased. If you're just getting in on the game, Valtari is as great of a place to start as any. Newbies might also want to check out the song Saeglópur - it's another one of my favorites.

ENJOY! :)

38 of 41 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars All this useless beauty... June 5, 2012

By Paul D. Sandor

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

My first impression of the new album Valtari by Sigur Ros was underwhelming to say the least. I fired myself up to write a three star review and complain about the sad decline of the once brilliant Icelandic band. After my first listen, I agreed with fans who described the music as pretty but uninspiring. This, coming from artists who invented a genre of emotional music as moving and innovative as any created.

I was determined to have the music on the new disc move me with the same impact I felt from Agaetis Byrjun,() and Takk. I kept anticipating the barren cold textures, the unexpected sweeping turns and finally, the breathtaking climaxes (the "I need a cigarette kind!") It never happened; what a disappointment.

Then something else happened...After an extremely tiring yet pleasurable surf session, I decided to try Valtari again. Exhausted, I closed my eyes and listened without expectations. By the second track, Ekki Mukk, I felt as if a door had been opened. Next, Varuo completely took me over (tears escaped my closed eyes.) I started seeing colors. I felt as if I was still in the Pacific riding waves. The music, just like surfing, had picked me up and moved me. In the ocean, one can not make a wave. When listening to Sigur Ros, the listener can't make the music move them.

My assessment: The first five tracks pour in, a liquid steamroller. Jonsi's vocals rise and fall like an ocean wave. The final three songs are mostly instrumental and lovely, almost like one merging outro. These last three, a sailboat riding the tide out and taking the listener to relative safety of the sea. The soft ending is welcome after the beauty and glory by the shore.

Please excuse the dramatic metaphors; I know it sounds pretentious. But every word and sound rings true for me. So please, long-time fans, give the record a chance; don't compare it to their storied past. Newbies: just get on board and enjoy the ride...

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Indescribable beauty May 29, 2012

By Nse Ette TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Audio CD

"Valtari" is the latest Sigur Rós album, and it is their most laid-back to date comprising pastoral choral pieces. Listening to this is akin to floating on a calm ocean. Everything flows into the next, making this an album to be experienced as a whole, a far cry from lead vocalist Jónsi Birgisson's 2009 solo debut "Go" which was more upbeat and electronic.

Standouts include the tender piano/string "Varúđ" with Jónsi's ethereal vocals juxtaposed against an ornate soundscape with strings and harmonies ascending to a skyscraping climax. Awesome and enthralling, my favourite. "Rembihnútur" is a gently ascending number with Jónsi coming in midway, while "Dauđalogn" is like a Hymn. Jónsi sings on the first 5 tracks, while "Varđeldur", "Valtari", and "Fjögur píanó" (the latter with delicately tinkling keys) are largely instrumental with Jónsi's harmonies adding instrumental tone on some.

The music is dense and requires time for everything to come into focus, but once it does, there's no letting go.