release date: Nov. 6, 2007
format: 2 cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5]
producer: Sigur Rós
label: EMI - nationality: Iceland
Track highlights, disc 1: 1. "Salka" - 2. "Hljómalind" - 4. "Von"
Compilation album by Sigur Rós is both a compilation of previously unreleased compositions and the band's first official live album. The first disc, titled "Hvarf" is the collection of previously unreleased studio recordings from the years 1995 (tracks #4, 5), 1999 (track #2), 2000 (track #3) and 2002 (track #1) and it has a total running time of just below 37 mins. The first three tracks are previously unreleased compositions, whereas the last two songs both were released on the '97 album Von. The second disc, "Heim" ['Home'] contains six acoustic live recordings of tracks from earlier albums as "live performances recorded in Iceland 2006-2007" and its running time is just below 36 mins.
The style of the the studio recordings are not far from Ágætus byrjun (1999), although, they originate from various recording sessions, and it's my general impression that the songs here are more experimental ambient like what you'll find on ( ) from 2002, which means they are without the bolder dream pop element you'll will find on their most recent studio album, Takk... from 2005. Although, the first disc contains previously unreleased compositions the album should still be regarded as a compilation since the material originates from the band's early period and doesn't reflect the transitions they have made since then. It's still a fine collection of early compositions that serve to show us a more detailed view on their foundation in experimental art rock and early post rock.
