Single Reviews by Mark Bayross and EDF
Review by Mark Bayross
Following on from HIDDEN PLACE, the next single to come from the critically acclaimed VESPERTINE is the incandescent PAGAN POETRY. It’s one of the highlights of the album, with swirling harp and twinkling music box providing a stunning backdrop to what amounts to Björk’s most personal single to date.
CD1 also features an oh-so-quiet remix by Matthew Herbert, plus another version of AURORA courtesy of Thomas Knak, while CD2 contains two new tracks – DOMESTICA and BATABID.
The Nick Knight-directed video has already created much huffing and puffing in the media because – shock, horror – you can see Björk’s breasts. Not that anyone outside Middle England seems to care – the video has already been shown at the National Film Theatre and the Raindance Film Festival.
2001 has been a monumental year for the Icelandic singer: besides the success of VESPERTINE, she had an Oscar nomination and received the L’Ordre National du Merit from the French government. And she will end the year in style: On 16 th December, she will play a sold out show at London’s Royal Opera House, becoming the first ever pop artist to perform there.
Review by EDF
The second single from the million seller VESPERTINE album, PAGAN PEOTRY is a strange choice for a single. With a mix of harp, music box, hypnotic bassline and as usual a terrific vocal workout from Bjork, this love song will more than likely be remembered for its controversial video. One for the fans.
