Music always plays an important role in any given culture. Now that we have explored Grieg, Bull, and Nordraak, it is time to move to the present music scene of Norway. The last time I was in Norway (2004) I took occasion to speak with various people while waiting for a train to my next destination. One conversation with a young man led to a discussion of music and I was introduced to the Kings of Convenience. I later stopped in a music store in Stockholm, Sweden, found one of their albums, gave it a listen and instantly loved it! Ever since, I have been promoting K.O.C. (Kings of Convenience).
Anyhow, K.O.C. are from Bergen, Norway (the same hometown of both Bull and Grieg). Bergen is a beautiful city located on the west coast of Norway and is known for its music festivals. The rail-line from Oslo to Bergen is fantastic! If you are ever in Norway you must take the train between the two cities and be sure to take a little side trip to one of the fjords for a cruise--you will be blown away by the beauty and serenity that you will experience in such a location. But I am here to focus on the music not the nature in this entry, so check out a few of the videos by K.O.C. and enjoy the beauty and the serenity that comes from their music!
This first video is to the song "Misread," which I absolutely love. It is this song that initially stuck in my head and was reminiscent of a modern and much improved Simon and Garfunkel:
Next, we have a live version of "I Don't Know What I Can Save You From," which happens to be my all-time favorite K.O.C. song (actually it is tied with "Summer on the Westhill"). Needless to say, I have heard that they are awesome live. One day I shall have to make it to a concert (that would be a good excuse for a trip to Europe):
The song "I'd Rather Dance With You" is probably their most popular song in the United States:
"Cayman Islands" is a really relaxing song (as is most of their music):
Anyhow, there is so much more for true music lovers to explore both with K.O.C. and with bands from Norway. Rumor has it that K.O.C. is supposed to be working on a new album (which I hope is true). Enjoy the tunes!
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1 comment:
A-B-S-O-L-U-T-E-L-Y Beautiful!!!!!
I LOVE this kind of tranquil, relaxing, perfect to ease-the-mind music! For quite a while ive been looking for something new to listen to and this is definitely IT!
So after A-ha, Royksopp, Apoptygma Berzerk...another Norwegian band to be added to my list of favourites...(Icon of Coil are still pending, but i have never managed to get down to them and explore what they have).
Фала Многу!!!!!!
- that would be, 'Thank You A Lot' in Macedonian :)) (for posting this of course)
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