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Medúlla
Björk
Retail Price (not our price): $18.98
Release Date: 2004-08-31
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
Format: Audio CD
Discs: 1

Track List
Now here, for your listening pleasure, the tracks...

Disc 1

Editorial Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):

1) Amazon.com
Normally, an artist such as Bjork with a mass audience across the globe steadily eases off as the back-catalog starts to grow. However, Medulla, the fifth proper studio album from Bjork is without a doubt the most challenging collection of music she has ever released. For the most part, the album is made up of layers upon layers of processed vocal parts arranged in either harmony or dissonance such as "Vokuro" and "Oll Birtan," respectively. Some, such as "Show Me Forgiveness" are simple acapella, the aforementioned sounding like a vocal cut from Debut minus the music. Another echo of Bjork days gone by is "Desired Constellation," a slow trancy pulse underpinning her distinct vocals. "Where Is the Line," "Who Is It," and "Triumph of a Heart" are a bit grimier with a semi-urban twist, the latter a fantastically funky beatbox number with an outstanding introduction, the closest moment to a pop song appearing on Medulla. Although traditional instruments and breaks have been removed from this album, Medulla is no great departure for Bjork but in a sense it is radically different from any of her previous work. Some will love it, some hate it, and some just won't be sure what to think. --David TruemanAmazon.com Special ContentAn Interview with BjörkBjörk shared her thoughts about the directions she is taking with Medulla in our Amazon.com interview.

2) Album Description
Bjork is one of the most recognized stars in the world. She has sold millions of copies of her groundbreaking albums, she is an icon of cutting edge style, and she has received worldwide acclaim as an actress. Medulla, Bjork's first new studio album in three years, finds her delving deeper than ever before into her haunting and exhilarating sound and vision. Innovative as always, Bjork has this time built the songs on Medulla entirely from vocal tracks, with no instruments appearing on the album, creating a soundscape unlike anything you've ever heard before. Special guests include Rahzel from The Roots, Mike Patton of Faith No More and Mr. Bungle, an Inuit throat singer, an Icelandic choir, the world's greatest human beatboxes and more.

Customer Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5

1) The Outer Limits   [Rating: 4 out of 5]
Though this album will never be harolded as Bjork's best, it represents the limit of her more experiemental direction. An album with no instruments! Vocalists from Mike Patton to Rahzel make guest appearances to add to the mix of on album that isn't concerned with being "radio friendly". It may not be as compelling as Vespertine, but it's definately better than your typical cookie-cutter pop album.

2) a truely innovative body of work   [Rating: 4 out of 5]
maybe not a CD i would play on an everyday basis, but the mere story behind this album is so fascinating. the majority of tracks were created only with the human voice and being a rahzel fan as well, i am completely astounded by every track.

3) Quasibjork : Light Years Ahead of her Time   [Rating: 4 out of 5]
"Medulla" is a "vocal" album, meaning that every track here is sung, with virtually no instruments present. Yes, perhaps some might think this is Bjork Unplugged, or Bjork Acoustic, but its even more primal than that. Its Bjork with no backing band, no instruments, and no perceptive verse-chorus-verse transitions. Does it work? Yes and No.The main problem with a venture like this is that it could end up being a total disaster. However, I would compare Bjork to another revolutionary artist - Yoko Ono. Like Yoko, she likes pushing the envelope to an extent where her music sounds more disjointed and fragmented than ever. I would say that "Medulla" is a fine album if you're able to enter its' space with respect and silence. It is an experience, not so much a music album. Each track needs to be listened to in chronological order, without skipping. Obviously, Bjork alienated many members of her core fan base with this, but you can't deny its' magical quality.Looking at this work a few years later, I'm tempted to say that it was `gimmicky'. Very few tracks bear replay value, and there are virtually no big `hits' here. However, despite this, it's a fantastic slice of Bjork, only because even she would never again make an album this quirky. Its weird, innovative, but tests your patience. Certainly not for everyone, but for those who `get' it, we know how to appreciate it.

4) Experimental   [Rating: 2 out of 5]
The word 'Experimental' summs up this album. Interesting maybe, but lack of melody, distracts from the Bjork known and followed by many. I was dissappointed with the album - 'big time'. If it was not for the fact that Bjork was doing something original I would have given 1 or zero stars - because pushing the boundaries is what makes for interesting stuff. Its just this is so appallingly bad that I can never get through a single track without thinking - 'oh my goodness my dog sings better than this'. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm

5) Bjork, Medulla   [Rating: 4 out of 5]
When you think Bjork, the thing that probably pops into your head (beside that crazy swan dress) is "weird music." And if this is what you think, then you'd be right. Didn't think it could get weirder? Check out Medulla.With the exception of the tracks "Sonnet / Unrealities IX" and "Ancestors" the entirety of Medulla is made up of tracks that use no instruments; only the voices of Bjork, and other talents such as beat box man Rahzel, and vocalists Mike Patton, Kelis, and the .is & .uk choirs. It's a very abstract version of a Bobby McFerrin album, really.Songs such as "Show Me Forgiveness," are made up of only Bjork's hauntingly beautiful vocals, while others such as "Who is it" and "Mouth's Cradle" are vocal works of art.The blending of the choir sounds, the beatbox and Bjork's unique lyrics makes the entire album a work of musical genius. Be warned, however, that it will not be aesthetically pleasing to the close-minded listener.Bjork didn't waste her time being uncreative with this one; you'll hear sounds you never thought you'd hear in music. A strange animal grunting and some strange breathing in "Ancestors," and even some orgasmic breaths in "The Pleasure is all mine."If you've liked any of Bjork's past albums, you'll probably be just fine with this one. Though possibly a tad bit weirder, Medulla is just as inventive and amazing as the rest.