A Post About Post
Björk launched Post's kaleidoscopic mix of electronic and dance music, her inimitable voice, and fantastical, personal lyrics into a very different, almost alien post-grunge landscape. In 1995 Bush (the band) released Sixteen Stone, Slash's Snakepit debuted with It's Five O'Clock Somewhere, Tommy Lee married Pamela Anderson for the first time, and Shannon Hoon died of a drug overdose. Elsewhere, Alanis brought us her Jagged Little Pill and the Pumpkins put out their vast double album, Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness. (Also, remember the ubiquitous Beatles Anthology?)
Björk and the Pumpkins shared a sense of ambition, but Post's eclectic hybridization put Ms. Guðmundsdótti in a very different section of the record store. It was natural progression from Debut. When asked about the title "Post," she told us that one reason for that word is that, "I felt the album was the other half of Debut, so it made sense to call it Post -- before and after kinda thing." Musically, she says, "The people I collaborated with on Post were all people I was hanging out with in clubs in London. I had known them all for a while before we ended up working together."
These collaborators included Nellee Hooper, Tricky, 808 State's Graham Massey, and Howie B. The process was in-depth and collaborative; for instance, she co-wrote "Enjoy" with Tricky, for instance. In her track-by-track comments accompanying Enjoyed, she also discusses writing "Army Of Me" and "The Modern Things" with Massey before Debut.
Like the subjects of our previous tributes, Björk remains an active and forward thinking artist (um, have you seen the "Wanderlust" video?!). In her responses to our questions, she compared Post to Volta, the album she released last year.
For me, Volta is a similar album ... The style of it is all styles, sailing around the world going to new places making new friends. It is a beginning of a new period. Then Homogenic -- that came after -- was something more stable. Post was looking, Homogenic was what I found. Volta is definitely looking, and I can feel my next one is going to be more centered.
While Björk continues sailing, searching out newer sounds, take a listen to how a dozen of our favorite artists -- many of them bands we've told you To Watch in the last year -- tackled her older ones. Liars deconstruct "Army Of Me" and up its distorted fuzz. No Age remove "It's Oh So Quiet"'s choruses and big band, turning it into a melancholic Jesus & Mary Chain-tinged love song. El Guincho whittles "Cover Me" into pure rhythm with dark, spiraling, waterlogged loops and a steady snare hit.
One of the comp's most adventurous reinventions comes via Pattern Is Movement, who update "Enjoy" by -- ironically -- stripping the song of the computerized beats and synth shrieks that made it forward thinking in its original form. The duo rearrange the instrumentation and the track's harmonic structure, introducing half-steps to the verse, instrumental countermelodies to the chorus, and an overall sheen of paranoid, showtune-esque composition. For all that, Björk's spirit remains.
Others approached their covers more faithfully, while still infusing their own spirit and aesthetic into the new arrangement. After reading each artist's individual statement, you'll understand the reverence and intelligence in which every contributor approached the Post songbook.
Ed Droste of Grizzly Bear notes that "I realized recently that Björk is probably my most listened to and adored artist thus far in my life" and Atlas Sound's Bradford Cox says, "Björk is an artist I love to admire and follow." Mary and Rob of High Places note that "covering Björk is on par with covering other personal faves such as Morrissey, or Joni Mitchell, i.e., somebody who has become iconic/cult-status to their fans, and who also has such a distinguishable voice." Or as No Age put it, "'It's Oh So Quiet' is such an amazing song ... I think the original's so incredible, so instead of trying to fit into its shoes, we used it as a jumping off point to inspire us to go towards something totally different." Discussing the inspiration for his approach, Dirty Projectors' Dave Longstreth writes, "I think what I took from Björk when I was obsessed with her in high school was her way with deconstruction. She writes these classic melodies but breaks them apart so that it's sort of up to you as the listener to put them back together. The song ends up meaning so much more because of the effort you have to give to it."
Very exciting! Congrats Stereogum
Posted by: Burt at March 31, 2008 10:33 AM | ReplyScore = 0
NO AGE!
Posted by: Melissa at March 31, 2008 10:35 AM | ReplyScore = 1
Excellent guys!!!
Posted by: Yiyo at March 31, 2008 10:50 AM | Replycongrats for this effort.
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De très bon morceaux.
Posted by: tom at March 31, 2008 10:57 AM | Replybravo!!!!
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wow! this is unbelievable! thank you, thank you thank you!!!
Posted by: jp at March 31, 2008 10:58 AM | ReplyScore = 0
fuck yes. liars and FF/ed droste tracks are brilliant
Posted by: poopster at March 31, 2008 11:08 AM | ReplyScore = 0
Superb you guys. Post is absolutely a must have album that deserves (maybe endless) recognition.
Posted by: Nicolai at March 31, 2008 11:27 AM | ReplyI actually just repurchased a copy of Post not so long ago. The old CD was simply worn out. It had suffered too many parties.
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Thank you ^ eleventy. Excellent set of covers.
Posted by: Ford at March 31, 2008 11:28 AM | ReplyScore = 0
So I've listened to the entire album, and I can say that there isn't one track I even remotely dislike. This is definitely my favorite of the tribute albums you guys have put together, and probably one of my favorite tribute albums period. Every song is fucking awesome. You guys win. Thank you.
Posted by: steve at March 31, 2008 11:30 AM | ReplyScore = 1
muchas gracias desde españa!!!
Posted by: llovio at March 31, 2008 11:36 AM | Replygo on with the series,please!!!
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This is awesome, thanks dude!!
Posted by: bigapplemusicscene at March 31, 2008 11:41 AM | ReplyScore = 0
Owen Pallet & Casey Daniel's respective covers are outstandingggg.
Posted by: kenny at March 31, 2008 11:45 AM | ReplyScore = 1
HUSH?
Posted by: Ryan Catbird at March 31, 2008 11:56 AM | ReplyScore = -1
Best post ever?
Posted by: g234g3wa at March 31, 2008 11:57 AM | ReplyScore = 2
this cover album is brilliant. it captures the essence of bjork and allows different artists to take how they interpret one of the greatest experimental artists this world has seen. : )
Posted by: Nate at March 31, 2008 11:59 AM | Replyi love it!
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Hush did a Bjork tribute album several years back that was really good. If you like this, you should check that out.
Posted by: Dave at March 31, 2008 12:05 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Unbelievable lineup guys, great work.. I can't wait to give it a listen!
Posted by: Rich at March 31, 2008 12:24 PM | ReplyScore = 0
This album makes a mockery of Bjork's music. I enjoy many of these artists own material, but what they have done to her music is, frankly, disheartening. Most of the tracks aren't even vaguely recognizable to the source material, and a good majority are just Bjork's lyrics half-sung over noise. While I realize that these are covers and that the covering artists are given creative leeway to redefine these songs as they see fit, instead of creating something beautiful that showcases the songwriting genius of Bjork, they have instead stripped her works of all the passion and musicality that defines Bjork as an artist.
Posted by: Warren at March 31, 2008 1:08 PM | ReplyScore = -6
Holy crap. I mean, the last two were good, but the lineup on this is amazing.
Posted by: Jeff at March 31, 2008 1:09 PM | ReplyScore = 2
This is legend
Posted by: Blengiglomenean at March 31, 2008 1:14 PM | ReplyScore = 0
I'm surprised you guys didnt choose Homogenic instead. But being an enjoyer of Post, this should sound real good.
Posted by: Black Sunshine at March 31, 2008 1:41 PM | ReplyScore = 0
This is the coolest thing this website has ever done.
Posted by: Patrik at March 31, 2008 1:59 PM | ReplyScore = 1
I HAVE TO AGREE WITH WARREN! i absolutely adore both the dirty projectors and bjork, but this is embarassing!
Posted by: ffk H at March 31, 2008 2:47 PM | ReplyScore = -3
I'm only 2 tracks in and I don't see what's so wrong with the Dirty Projectors track...I mean, the man's voice is delightful and the production's real fun. What more would you need than a well produced, left of center meditation on an irreproducable song? I mean, you can't out-Bjork Bjork, and c'mon, Liam Lynch has tried.
Posted by: utensilman at March 31, 2008 4:04 PM | ReplyScore = 2
Great job on the cd!! I love the sight, you run a tight ship.
Posted by: Joel at March 31, 2008 4:13 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Possibly maybe is fantastic!
Definitely upto par with the original
Still getting to grips with the others
But Possibly Maybe was the one that grabbed me the most
I'd pay to hear a Felt Mountain tribute
Posted by: Jax at March 31, 2008 4:26 PM | ReplyPAY!
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it's all so very awesome, so much so that it deserves a proper release!
Posted by: matt at March 31, 2008 7:03 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Thank you so much for this gift! I am Enjoying it with my headphones.
Posted by: Pedro at March 31, 2008 8:26 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Hyper-ballad
Posted by: Ak at March 31, 2008 10:00 PM | ReplyHyper-ballad
Hyper-ballad
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Your site totally gets it. Thanks for giving us something we actually want.
Posted by: Nico at March 31, 2008 10:22 PM | ReplyScore = 2
this decade is worse than the 80s or the 70s. thanks for pointing that out stereogum, and passing over what could have been a good move with NMH/aeroplane. although I'm not sure I"d like to hear that album ruined like this. I bet bjork is pissed, and/or unmoved
Posted by: trollman dan at March 31, 2008 11:02 PM | ReplyScore = -8
thank you
Posted by: marcy68 at April 1, 2008 1:06 AM | ReplyScore = 0
How amazing are you guys for doing this? very. thanks ever so much.
Posted by: Jill at April 1, 2008 3:13 AM | ReplyScore = 0
And the artwork is just amazing!
Posted by: juan felipe rubio at April 1, 2008 10:27 AM | ReplyScore = 1
i think my favorite is possibly maybe and liars and evangelicals and white hinterland and atlas sound and el guincho
oh damn it's all good (minus xiu xiu )
Posted by: poopster at April 1, 2008 11:48 AM | ReplyScore = 1
fuckin A
Posted by: disasterhead at April 1, 2008 12:24 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Did anyone think "April Fool's!" at first?
Posted by: D at April 1, 2008 1:13 PM | ReplyScore = 0
It is like Post vs. Medulla
Posted by: Jesus at April 1, 2008 2:10 PM | ReplyI like it alot
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I really enjoy this collection of mashup remakes. The only thing (cuz i gotta just say it) in It's Oh So Quiet, the lyrics are " This guy is gorge (as in gorgeous) and i got hit!" not "This guy is George (as in Washington) and I got hit!"
It's kinda of funny in that Jetto Blaster kinda way...
Good work stereogum and musicians! You always keep me hummin'
Posted by: juanita von mendezarro at April 1, 2008 2:34 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Very nice album. Nothing like some poppy avant garde on a sunny afternoon.
Posted by: Georgeous at April 1, 2008 3:37 PM | ReplyScore = 0
some of these are strikingly good. i'm totally blown away. i don't think i've ever heard a decent, not to mention enjoyable, bjork cover in my life. now some of these, granted, do suck. but some of them are so intriguing....i'm so impressed and happy!
Posted by: suxin at April 1, 2008 6:58 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Brilliant¡
Posted by: Vodka Ma X at April 1, 2008 7:11 PM | ReplyScore = 0
I really wanted to like this... I settled for reviewing it, in case anyone's interested: http://www.last.fm/user/Richaod/journal/2008/04/2/690230/
Posted by: Richaod at April 1, 2008 10:17 PM | ReplyScore = -2
Regardless of whether or not you think these artist's contributions have anything of value - it's cool that stereogum (and the artists) goes out of their way to do this for us.
In other words, say thank you and don't be an ungrateful douchebag.
Posted by: Roos at April 2, 2008 1:11 AM | ReplyScore = 0
Thanks StereoGum for a brilliant project; and thanks to all the contributors (not least the musicians) who took time out to be a part of this.
Posted by: JestaCat at April 2, 2008 7:44 AM | ReplyTakk! And well done!
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I also wanted desperately to like this album. I deeply appreciate the effort, and I hope that stereogum continues to put together groundbreaking projects like this for all of us to enjoy :)
elephantwhale.blogspot.com
Posted by: TheElephant at April 2, 2008 11:41 AM | ReplyScore = 0
AWESOME! JUST...THANK YOU!
AN OBSESSED FROM ROMANIA.
RESPECT.
Posted by: Bjorker at April 2, 2008 4:30 PM | ReplyVLAD.
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Bjork is more human than human (to quote another song), it is amazing just that she exists in the profit-motivated music biz (it has a tendency to steamroll idiosyncratic talent), she looks awesome (she actually looks like my wife in that hint of exoticism), and her work will grow more powerful, rich, elegant and beautiful as the world runs down - certainly one reason being because this tribute album shines so equally brilliantly in its own light raising her original brilliance even higher, and in a funny way, easier to listen to, sort of like having Arthur C. Clarke interpreting David Boehm's tomes on quantum physics and consciousness enfoldment. There, I said in too many words what can be said simply as - .in an earlier comment - fuckin A. Stereogum, you GO girls....
Posted by: dr. Jaz at April 3, 2008 9:05 AM | ReplyScore = 1
You've got to be kidding me!
Björk Post is one of my favourite albums, there isn't one song on it that I don't like. This album however, I hate. I don't see how this could ever be counted as a tribute because whatever the original song was, nothing but the lyrics remain in this version. I had thought that I would love these interpretations, but to say I was dissapointed is understating it.
Posted by: Eva at April 3, 2008 2:25 PM | ReplyScore = 0
this release came to such a surprise to me. It is dear to me. I love Grizzly Bear & Final Fantasy's "Possibly Maybe"... it's dear, soft, pretty and oh-so eloquent. I love you ed.
Posted by: Arthur J. at April 3, 2008 6:38 PM | ReplyScore = 0
"Possibly Maybe" by Final Fantasy & Ed Droste does exactly what a good cover should -- it retains what's great about the original while creating something that's worth listening to for its own reasons. The string treatment is superb, and the track has a sweetly haunting quality that the original does not. I think Bjork would like it.
Posted by: bjorkzine at April 4, 2008 1:50 AM | ReplyScore = 0
hi there,
Posted by: Latin Rascal at April 4, 2008 2:07 AM | Replycame to your site from http://www.junkonline.net/node/809 for the first time.
thank you to you all! great stuff there... not to mention you guys are really generous... all the best!
LR
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Really, really hard to cover Bjork. I guess that's why you don't see it happen much. For that reason, I was thrilled to see such an attempt. The bands get an "A" for effort - some more than others. I really liked Evangelicals take on "You've been flirting again." Most of these bands are on the road all the time. Cut them some slack, people!
Posted by: Bell at April 4, 2008 8:56 PM | ReplyScore = 0
i really am sad to say that this tribute is disappointing. some of the covers sound great such as 'you've been flirting again', 'possibly maybe', and 'i miss you' but the others sound like mockeries of the original music. im not saying anything about the bands themselves, but most of the covers are horrendous. i hate being the naysayer/party pooper with an adverse opinion about something good at heart, but i gotta say that the songs weren't handled well.
Posted by: eric at April 5, 2008 12:14 AM | ReplyScore = 0
Sterogum has now affirmed that the three biggest albums of my high school life are three of the biggest albums of so many lives. Does that make me a stereotype?
P.S. I have nothing good to say about the covers album this post is actually about.
Posted by: smarlett at April 6, 2008 12:58 AM | ReplyScore = 0
http://www.myspace.com/whitleymusic
It's a shame Whitley's Hyperballad cover wasn't included.
A terrific Bjork cover.
Posted by: Nick Crocker at April 6, 2008 10:00 PM | ReplyScore = 0
the final fantasy & ed droste version is amazing. Better than the original
Posted by: pat goral at April 10, 2008 12:53 PM | ReplyScore = 0
Actually, I wish they'd covered "Homogenic", but ... :)
Posted by: Futrzak at April 10, 2008 2:48 PM | ReplyI'm giving it a chance though
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I really adored listening to this! (so did the birds) Good job. I now have some new bands to look up.
I don't actually like Bjork's 'all so quiet' really, but I liked both versions alot. Bell's is so vibrantly squelchy and No Age have the perfect mix of woozy loud/quiet.
The xiu xiu is.. questionable but reading the interview I completely understand why they went for the paranoiac introspective route.
I liked how rustic and intimate the songs are. It's also pretty interesting that a few of the songs are very church-ish. We are definitely in the liberal church of Bjork!
Posted by: maya at April 14, 2008 11:14 AM | ReplyScore = 0
now that's what i called a beautiful header image.
Posted by: brendan at April 16, 2008 5:11 AM | ReplyScore = 1
really: stop doing these.
It was interesting and cute and nice when REM got an even-further-in-the-middle-of-the-road make-over, but radiohead was bad and this is even worse, both in concept and in execution. And it's even sadder to me that I like most of the bands on this compilation.
you're shitting on the present and the past simultaneously.
Posted by: joshua at April 18, 2008 2:48 PM | Replyjoshua
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I have an inordinate fixation on cover versions. These are a mixed bag and I think will take a few more listens to pick fav's. Look forward to the B sides.
I just thought it odd to cover Oh So Quiet as that's a cover to begin with. Bell seems to be more like a remix with vocal mirroring, ironically downplayed, Bjork's way of delivering the lyric. The No-Age version has more fun with the arrangement, but is one of those covers that leave you feeling that the band don't care about the song as they murmur the lyrics without enough expression to indicate an understanding of the song (like Madonna's read of American Pie).
Posted by: Brian at April 21, 2008 11:39 AM | ReplyScore = 0
i LOVE this cover album - and the album cover too, btw ;)
Posted by: FabSound at April 25, 2008 6:28 AM | ReplyI appreciate when someone does a cover and reinvent sthe song making it completely new. It's oh so quiet, isobel and possibly are outstanding. I'm looking forward to hear you rem and radiohead re-inventions now.
my true compliments :D
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what a load of bollocks.
Posted by: 9 at May 3, 2008 4:57 AM | ReplyScore = 0