Tuesday, October 24, 2006

MP3: Bjork - Gloomy Sunday



Every now and then you hear a cover version and realise that not every cover is automatically going to be a huge mess. In fact if we think about it there are some covers out there that are just so damned good that there's no point ever listening to the original. Today's mp3 is Bjork performing the notorious classic known as 'Gloomy Sunday' or 'The Hungarian Suicide Song'. It was written by pianist and composer Rezso Seress in 1933, and according to urban legend inspired a score of suicides. You can find out more information about the song on wikipedia. It's been covered by a very large amount of people, with the Billie Holiday version being one of the finest, but to me the Bjork version heard here is just absolutely the best. It was only played live once, at a benefit show for Walden Pond performed at the Wiltern Theatre in LA. At the same date she played two other covers, including one duetting with Joni Mitchell, which I would love to hear if anyone could get me a copy. There's a little more info on Bjork's version at this site. Personally I think it highlights Bjork's voice at its very finest, the backing band are tremendous and the mood is deliciously evil. Hope you like it.

Download: Bjork - Gloomy Sunday - MP3

4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just want to thank you for sharing this rare live performance of "Gloomy Sunday" sung by, in my opinion, the greatest female singer of the latter 20th century and beginnings of the 21st century.
This was missing from my Bjork collection. What a treat! Again, thank you!

10:08 pm, November 02, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

thanks for making this available, i had over 80 rare Bjork tracks that i lost. I am very happy to have this one back

7:19 pm, November 18, 2006  
Blogger Unknown said...

I'm not sure if you can see comments on a post from over a year ago, but if can, could you please repost this? The link is broken...

thanks!

7:03 pm, July 23, 2007  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I recently heard this version of glommy sunday.. and just loved it. But in my personal opinion, the most beautiful version i've ever heard is from opera/pop singer Sarah Brightman, on her album La Luna. Sarah gives a different meaning thanks to her beautiful voice. I'm a big fan of bjork's work, and i really like when she sing this type of song, and not like earth intruders or almost the whole album of medulla that i just hate.

7:41 am, August 17, 2007  

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