Svavar Knútur is an Icelandic singer/songwriter whose latest LP is Ölduslóð (“Way Of Waves”). Knútur began his music career at the age of 27, partially to deal with his his dad’s violent death. Says Knútur, “It’s so easy to write about misery and sadness and self pity. It’s the bread and butter of singer/songwriters. However, writing about real happiness is the great challenge.” We recently asked Knútur to make us a mix tape. Check it out below.
Low “Weight Of Water”
“Weight Of Water,” from the sublime album Secret Name, is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard in my life. It’s just one of those perfect songs that embodies an emotion and delivers it with both depth and dynamic power. I fell in love with it the first time I heard it, and it just keeps getting better. Video
Chavez “Lions”
There’s some raw, beautiful and extremely powerful magic to Chavez’s web of crazy dynamic and almost melodic percussion, power bass and interweaving guitar melodies that sway from hard power chords to screaming wails and tumbling arpeggio-like riffs. Matt Sweeney’s desert-infused tenor and Clay Tarver’s delightful harmonies lie on top of The James Lo’s almost animal-like drumming like snowflakes on a chainsaw. This song really got me. Another Chavez gem to watch out for is “Unreal Is Here” from the same album, Ride The Fader. Video
Gabriel Fauré “Les Berceaux”
I absolutely love Janet Baker’s version of Gabriel Fauré’s “Les Berceaux” (“The Cradles”), written to Sully Prudhomme’s beautiful poem telling the story of the big ships rocking in the silence while the cradles are being rocked by the hands of women. The big ships then sail away to meet the tantalizing horizon, driven by the curiosity of the men, only to be pulled back by the souls in the cradles. What’s there not to love about this lovely piece of art. Every verse has its own chord progression and melody, and the dynamic buildup is just sublime. Video
Yo La Tengo “Sugarcube”
Regardless from the sheer awesomeness of the song, this clip is just one of the best music videos I’ve ever seen. The scene with the sniffing out of the clarinet in the bathroom is just priceless. I’m a late bloomer, and this song actually got me hooked on Yo La Tengo. Also, all the Rush references are just too funny. Video
Robin The Frog “Halfway Down The Stairs”
I recently found my old Muppets album in a box in my mom’s storage. I put it on, and it had more scratch noise than music, but man, the memories. This song always grabbed me by the heart and still does. There’s just this serene sincerity in Jim Henson’s work that appeals to me. Video
Daniel Johnston “True Love Will Find You In The End”
This song just does so much for me. I love covering it and playing with it, getting the audience to participate. I had the honor of playing alongside Daniel last June, and it was just a beautiful experience. Simple, elegant and honest. It’s just one of the most perfect songs I’ve ever heard. Video
Benny Crespo’s Gang “Come Here”
I don’t know why, but this song by my fellow Icelanders in Benny Crespo’s Gang is one of my all-time favorites. It really sends me into a state of ecstasy but with constant craving for more. Bassist Lovísa’s voice is just so pure and sharp, but full of mystery. You should really check out her solo stuff under the artist name Lay Low. It’s totally worth it, as Lay Low is one of Iceland’s most exciting emerging acts, a unique blues-fused acoustic indie songwriter that I look up to with no limits. Video
Iggy Pop And Peaches “Kick it”
OK … I love zombies, and I adore Iggy Pop and Peaches … This song is just the best! It just gets me crazy! Yeah yeaaaah! Video
Gomez “Whippin’ Piccadilly”
This band changed my life. Just basically changed my life. Showed me how simple ideas can be made so much fun with a playful attitude. This song is so simple, so joyful and such a testimony to how a band should be together. Video
Suede “Animal Nitrate”
When I was a kid, I had a lot of miserable and lonely nights, full of torment and insecurity. I’d listen to the Icelandic college-radio station, and there were these wacky and weird night DJs who loved playing Suede and some other bands that really gave me a mysterious second wind in fighting my shit. Another song that basically just jerks the tears out of me is their song “Wild Ones.” Video
