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Aug 06, 2019 Web Exclusive By Mischa Pearlman

That the title of this second album by Sigur Rós translates to “a new beginning” is very appropriate—for while it was preceded in 1997 by debut full-length Von, that record was essentially made by a different band. It was this effort, then—released two years later—that set the Icelandic post-rock outfit on the path to both fame and universal critical acclaim, and which dictated the direction of the sound they would come to be known for.

While, ultimately, the band would truly perfect their art with 2002’s third album, ( ), two decades later, Ágætis Byrjun remains a spectacular achievement—one still as startling and groundbreaking today as it was when first released. Thanks to the likes of “Svefn-g-englar” (probably still the band’s best-known song), “Olsen Olsen,” and the title track, this is an album which soars and floats with a beauty that’s as sorrowful as it is life-affirming, as magical as it is emotional. Nothing has been diminished in the intervening years.

This anniversary reissue does, however, reveal some of the process behind that magic. In addition to a booklet that reflects on the story and legacy of the album, and also offers a track-by-track guide to the songs, there are three bonus discs here with a full concert from 1999 as well as a selection of rarities that includes early demos and alternative versions of some of the album’s songs. The highlight of these is the startlingly delicate, slower original version of “Starálfur,” but both the concert and the rare tracks offer an insight into how this band truly came into their own for the very first time.

What’s more—unlike some album reissues—everything gathered here feels essential, rather than just being a collection of material super-fans will get excited about briefly and then forget all about. As such, this reissue—which comes in a package as gorgeous as the music itself—serves as a worthy monument to a spectacular album that continues to transcend time, space, and genre in a way that only Sigur Rós are able to do. (www.sigurros.com)

Author rating: 8.5/10