BLOWIN' INDIE WIND

Author: JORDAN NASSAR

I like Scandinavia. I like kings. I like convenience. I feel like most people do. I also like remixes by many-a-favorite band of mine. And I especially like when it's all on one CD. What's this, you say? A CD exists that mixes the sound of the wind from the top of Sandviksfjellet, Kings of Convenience and remixes by the likes of Röyksopp, Four Tet and Ladytron?! True, and you must get your little grubby fingers on it. Come, child, let me show you the way…

Okay, so let's say you've never heard of Kings of Convenience. Let's start there.

Erik Glambek Bøe and Erlend Øye, are in Bergen, Norway, and they are not blond. One breezy day on that archipelago of theirs, they realize that they have a few things that they'd like to share with the world, among which are unpronounceable names, delightfully sweet voices and lovely lyrical ability. So, in the summer of '99, they grab their acoustic guitars, say goodbye to that good old Norwegian wood and head off to as many European music festivals as they can. They sing and they strum and they get signed by an American record label, Kindercore, and release an album the following spring. This album didn't quite do it for their fame, however their 2001 release on Astralwerks, "Quiet Is the New Loud," featuring many songs from their Kindercore release as well as a few new tracks, landed them on the map.

Here's where it gets wacky - and by wacky I mean fun times and pleasant music that even my mother asked me to copy for her. The next year, 2002, they release this fine piece of work that we are focusing on today, "Versus." Wistful and poignant, "Versus," has got something for everyone.

What each of these remixes has in common is that signature Kings of Convenience essence: sweetly sung pastoral melodies accompanied by acoustic guitar. What each remix does not have in common is that special touch of the guest artist. For example, Ladytron's remix of "Little Kids" takes the vocals of the original and adds that classic Ladytron sound, reminiscent of their best work, "604" and "Light & Magic." Röyksopp's version of "I Don't Know What I Can Save You From," a well known Kings of Convenience song, adds that little bit of electronica that spices up any track, and they even include those winds atop Sandviksfjellet [one of seven mountains surrounding Bergen], for that special Scandinavian touch - so edgy, so minimalist. Davis Whitaker's string arrangement of "Toxic Girl" adds grace to the acoustic sound. And last but not nearly least, Four Tet does that special Four Tet thing, making seductive and haunting remixes of "The Weight of my Words" (one of which is instrumental).

Kings of Convenience's "Versus," while not their newest album - they released "Riot on an Empty Street" in 2004 - gives me just what I was hoping for, and, funnily enough, is just what the doctor ordered (long story, but it involves a certain Dr. Aksel Johannessen). So whether you're lounging with friends, walking to class, or making a mix for a parent's birthday - Kings of Convenience's "Versus" is a modern and universally appealing album that will make your winds blow stronger than those of Sandviksfjellet.