laugardagur, júlí 24, 2010

Jesus in Icelandic music history

Back with more Icelandic music after 2 weeks of almost silence. Rising ...
Just like Jesus
Two bands had Jesus in the band's name:
Texas Jesús & Quicksand Jesus.
Texas Jesús were six jolly teens from Keflavik who started to make music back in 1992. Following the 1993 events in Waco, Texas, where the self-proclaimed prophet David Koresh led his Branch Davidian religious sect to their horrible deaths, the band thought the name Texas Jesús would be nicely inconspicuous.
The band quickly gained reputation for energetic live shows and bright and silly tunes somewhat inspired by Czechoslovakian cartoon music. That same year they recorded and released a cassette called “Nammsla Tjammsla“. It was recorded on a 4-track and initially released in 100 copies which quickly sold out and whose covers were hand-coloured by members of the band. Due to popular demand it was soon released in 100 more copies albeit not hand-coloured that time around. At the annual Icelandic Music Awards the same year they were nominated as Band of the Year.
1996 saw the band touring Denmark and Finland and releasing their debut album, “Jæja Vinur“, which was considered more of a compliation of their best material to date. Shortly after they disbanded.
Lead singer, Sigurður Óli, now fronts the Copenhagen-based klezmer-punk band Croisztans. Bassplayer Sverrir and frequent guest-vocalist Ragnheiður (Heiða) Eiríksdóttir now play in the band Hellvar.
Source: Last FM

The band Quicksand Jesus was formed in 1993 @ Þjórsárdalur. They made the album "The more things change, the more they stay the same" in 1994.
Quicksand Jesus (named after a Skid Row song) had 1 song on the soundtrack of Ein Stór Fjölskylda (One big family) (Smekkleysa, 1995): "Low Down".
Band members were singer Guðfinnur "Finni" Karlsson, bass player Arnar Bjarnasson, guitarist Franz Gunnarsson, drummer Davíð Ólafsson & backing vocalist Iris on "Low Down".

Some songs/albums with Jesus in the title:
Prog rock trio Icecross had the song "Jesus freaks" on their album "Icecross" (1973), recorded in 1972 @ Copenhagen.
Icecross Website
www.youtube.com/v/YIEISmNqPbQ&hl&fmt=18

GusGus had the track "Is Jesus your pal?" on the "Polydistortion" Album (4AD, 1997). Vocals by singer Emiliana Torrini.
Song was written by Slowblow, track is featured on "Quicksilver Tuna" Album (1994).

Is Jesus your pal?
Do you call out his name,
when your concience is shivering?

Do you need someone too,
just like those people who
find peace in someone's promises?
You sure don't need my promises...

So come and sit on my box,
enjoy the view of this water,
where my lifeboat is sinking.

If you open your eyes,
take a look at this mess,
could you fake your reflection, child?

If you reach out for more,
you'll find nothing but sorrow.
'Cause knowledge is hollow.
And pride is hard to swallow.

So come and sit on my box,
take a view of this water,
where my lifeboat is sinking.
Mínus made the album "Jesus Christ Bobby" in 2000. Produced & Recorded by Curver Thoroddsen @ Studio Rusl & Frosti's bedroom. Mixed by Ken Thomas @ Thule Studios. Guest vocals on track "Modern Haircuts" by Sugarcube Einar Örn Benediktsson.

Jakobínarína made a song called "Jesus", feat. on their 1 and only album "The First Crusade" (2007).
www.youtube.com/v/4J989pkVV1Q&hl&fmt=18

Another night down town
Listening to the, soul compositions
And I'm thinking
"What did I do?
What did I do to deserve this shit?"

Jump around around around around around
To the sound
Of mediocrity
Of mediocrity
Jump around
To the sound
Of mediocrity

Mock the crowd
With the low IQs
Keeps on dancing
To the so-called Blues!

Nothing but kitsch
Nothing but kitsch
Nothing but kitsch
Nothing but kitsch ass motherfuckers
Nothing but kitsch
Nothing but kitsch ass motherfuckers

And I'm telling you
Some people are just destined for desk jobs
And desk jobs only
But no matter what I say
They keep on playing
And they keep on playing
Anyway

And it goes on
And on
And on
And on
And on
And on
And on
And on

Jump around around around around around
To the sound
Of mediocrity
Of mediocrity
Jump around
To the sound
Of mediocrity

Mugison has put the song "Jesus is a good name to moan" on his infamous "Mugiboogie" Album (2008).
Live @ Botanique, Brussels (February 2010)
www.youtube.com/v/3hLBa8NAK_Y&hl&fmt=18

You said Jesus is good name to moan
I love your moaning over the telephone

You were in my private parts but nowhere
near My love I love -
I want to hear you moan

Jesus is such a good name to moan
Such a good name

Maybe he's a friend someone dear
Maybe he saved your life when I wasn't here

Have you made your bed with myrh and
aloes? Baby do that quote form the bible

Cause Jesus is such a good name to moan
A good name to moan

Feldberg's song "Dreamin'" got a remix entitled Jesus & Judas Remix (2009)

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