1. Pleasure is All Mine

2. Show Me Forgiveness

3. Where is the Line

4. Vökuró

5. Öll Birtan

6. Who Is It (Carry My Joy on the Left, Carry My Pain on the Right)

7. Submarine

8. Desired Constellation

9. Oceania

10. Sonnets/Unrealities XI

11. Ancestors

12. Mouth's Cradle

13. Midvikudage

14. Triumph of a Heart

For many years now, Björk has been enthralling us with her innovative and sometimes startling musical creations. However, nothing she has produced until now could prepare you for the amazing sonic experience offered by her new album, ‘Medulla’.

The title, Latin for the middle layer, or marrow, is not too revealing. But the music herein is almost entirely constructed from recordings of the human voice — layers upon layers of them most of the time. Apart from the Icelandic wonder-woman herself, there are contributions from an Icelandic choir, a London choir, an Inuit throat singer, and even Robert Wyatt (although his inclusion is extremely fitting). There are a few beatbox rhythms thrown in here and there, the occasional bass line, and one or two keyboards, but everything else is just human voice.

This is not easy-listening music, and will not be appearing in an elevator near you any time soon. It requires more than just passing attention. But in spite of the initial shock it provides, it is completely enticing, slyly tempting, and even humorous. It is available in just about every current record format: CD, Super Audio CD, DVD-Audio, and Vinyl. Why? Because this beautiful recording is a masterpiece that everyone should hear.

©  Straight Words, 2004