This Is Normal [ENHANCED CD]

Artist: Gus Gus
Label: 4ad / Wea
Category: Music

Average customer rating:

Format: Enhanced
Media: Audio CD
Number Of Discs: 1

UPC: 093624731320
EAN: 0093624731320
ASIN: B00000IL0O

Release Date: 1999-04-27

This Is Normal [ENHANCED CD]

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Tracks:

Ladyshave
Teenage Sensation
Starlovers
Superhuman
Very Important People
Bambi
Snoozer
Blue Mug
Acid Milk
Love Vs Hate
Dominique

Similar Items:

Polydistortion
Attention
Gus Gus Vs. T-World
Forever
Formica Blues

Amazon.com

The glue that sealed the disparate parts of 1997's Polydistortion is considerably less binding on Gus Gus's second album. This Is Normal comes on like a mix tape of dreamy digitalia, deceptively flip Europop, and jazzy house tracks. Iceland's favorite nine-member arts collective is no doubt digging the confusion. Of the album's 11 tracks, 8 are commandeered by Daniel Agust's wondrous voice, which is boyishly strident and ethereal by turns. On "Ladyshave," the Kula Shaker-esque single, he enacts a seduction scene, enticing a lover (himself?) into the shower, only to lose his identity in the process. The succinct vocals of "Bambi" carefully twin the song's chamber-pop reserve, creating an impression of sublime ardency in the process. In comparison, the three cuts sung by Hafdis Huld are less immersing, but the trip-hop soundscapes of "Teenage Sensation" and "Blue Mug" provide a lush framework for her elegant phrasings. For the band's more dance-oriented fan base, "Very Important People" has the sheen of a sun-splashed Funky Green Dogs track. The album's inevitable remixes should kick its remarkable, if somewhat buried, grooves to the fore. Gus Gus is a complex, contradictory project. At its best, This Is Normal gives a glimpse of the blue flame locked inside its glossy northern soul. --Steve Lafreniere

Customer Reviews:

This Is Normal (1999).......2006-02-26

Moving from the American scene to the 'British' scene in 1997, I was stunned by the differences in music as I crossed the shores. I had been out of England for years and years, and upon my return I had to play catch up with the British music culture, and fast. I had a history of The Kinks to catch up on past ''Lola'' and ''Low Budget''. 10CC waited in the wings beyond ''I'm Not In Love''. And on the horizon were Massive Attack, and Supergrass.

And Gus Gus are from Iceland. I'm just stating that so you don't think I'm thinking they're from the UK. But this is where I heard them, and I'm not sure I would've heard them hanging out on the East Coast of America. Maybe if I frequented more clubs I might've, but somehow being able to see them on MTV Europe, in the comfort of my own home, says the likelihood would not have been great of a Stateside viewing.

And it was one viewing of Gus Gus's ''Starlovers'' that got me to say, ''Who is this????'' The immediate thing that made this song stand out to me was Daniel Agust's voice. It was beautiful. A truly truly great singer. That was the first thing that stood out to me. And then the song's groove and melody stood out next. I had to hear more of this thing called Gus Gus, and I was glad I did. ''This Is Normal'' is an album worth purchasing. One thing urging you to do this is the promise that Daniel Agust's voice is worth it. Ethereal, melodic, soothing are a few words that can describe it.

And then I heard ''Snoozer''. Which slowly turned into my favourite song from this album.

I really can't say enough about this album. It thoroughly convinced me that the European/British scene was headed somewhere entirely different than the American scene, particularly in regards to Iceland! But it was an immense culture shock hearing bands such as Massive Attack, Supergrass, Gus Gus, Roni Size and Daft Punk in constant play on UK shores, where I knew living in America I would have to seriously go underground to hear some of it. Or be a fan of Soul Coughing and hunting down where they got it from. Which I am.

There are a few reasons to buy this album. The most important is of course the songs themselves, the greatness of ''Ladyshave'', ''Teenage Sensation'', ''Snoozer'' and the irresistible ''Starlovers''. Another reason is to hear the voice of Daniel Agust. I think I'd buy an album of him singing a Chinese menu (wait, Anthony Kiedis already does this doesn't he?) And a final reason is to own an album by Gus Gus just to say you have an album by Gus Gus. You'll look ''cool'', trust me.

This Is Good.......2004-02-23

One of the most interesting bands of late nineties` electronica, Gus Gus are also one of the most underappreciated. That`s unfortunate, since "This Is Normal", their sophomore album, stands out as a terrific piece of pop, house, techno, trip-hop, jazz, ambient, electro and club music.

It`s a diverse and gripping effort, presenting intriguing and complex soundscapes that quickly become addictive. The band has both male and female voices, which are used to great effect and contrast well with the moody, icy and cold atmosphere of the record. The lyrics are ambiguous, making an interesting combination with the feel of strangeness and weirdness that most of the songs evoke.

As one can guess by the excellent cover, "This Is Normal" is a futuristic, lush, experimental and seductive album, containing great moments like the offbeat electropop in "Starlovers", the subtle soundscapes in "Blue Mug", the delicate and smooth melodies in "Bambi" or the dark and claustrophobic ambiance in "Snoozer".

This is a consistent, well-crafted and innovative release, way better than its disappointing and more commercial follow-up "Attention". It`s also a proof than there`s more to find in Iceland than the overrated Bjork and Sigur Ros.
Highly Recommended.

A bit better than Normal.......2002-05-17

This is a great CD with some upbeat pop tracks (Ladyshave, Starlovers), tripy stuff (Teenage Sensation), sort of funk (Blue Mug, Love vs Hate) and two very beautiful songs, Bambi and Dominique. Bambi has echoes of Morcheeba's "Rome Wasn't Built In A Day" but this is a more subtle song. This CD will never go down as one of the great albums of all time but it is a little piece of buried treasure worth unearthing.

Difficult second album test passed.......2002-01-20

Normal for Gus Gus is very weird for us. But that only helps the music. From songs like 'Ladyshave' you can hear the group have lost none of their touch since their last album, 'Polydistortion'.

A much more complex album in comparison to the often barren soundscape of 'Polydistortion', this album however does lack some consistency when you compare it to its predecessor. Nonetheless, a good follow up.

What is the capitol of Iceland, Alex?.......2001-11-15

I only know of two bands from Iceland. The other one is
Sigur Ros. I can't say how I like them compared to Gus Gus,
as I've been avoiding them, even though I keep hearing how
great they are.
Then I remembered Gus Gus, and how this cd was virtually a
permanent part of my car for the better part of a month.
Parking brake off, no cars coming, Gus Gus playing, now we can go.
The quality of This Is Normal could inspire me to buy an album

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Sempre Piu Vicini ~ Casino Royale

Play It ~ T-Slam

Prepare in 40 Sec ~ Headbad

Heretical God ~ Calmando Qual