Ágætis byrjun - A Good Beginning

Twenty years on it's hard to remember the impact this album had (the band's true second album if you don't count the remix album) on those familiar with Sigur Ros. The combination of real instruments played by the band, chilled vocals, and sound effects made for a very interesting, if not transcendent, sometimes gorgeous sounding experience.This 4 CD 20th Anniversary edition includes the original album plus three discs--a live concert from '99, plus demos, alternates, various live tracks, and a 'B' side from an EP. Most tracks are from '98 with one each from '95 and 2000. Altogether this set paints an in-depth look at this progressive Icelandic band.The 39 page booklet has an essay on the band, information (some in-depth) on each track on the original album plus the "Rarities" collected here, in English. There's a number of pages of period photos of the band plus other period graphics. Also included is a touring schedule from March '99 through Nov. '01. Like the music, the photos are sometimes a bit inscrutable , as if the band understands why certain photos are included, but outsiders are left to wonder. But that fits with the overall sound of the band and complements the music nicely.Each disc slips into a cardboard jacket with a graphic similar to the original album's cover graphic and with a track list on the backside. Everything fits into an okay/slightly flimsy cardboard slipcase. The overall presentation is slightly cool and minimal feeling--again in keeping with the band's sound and feel.The original album still has the capacity to enthrall listeners even after two decades, and if you're reading this you're probably familiar with it, so nothing really needs to be said about it. The sound is very good to excellent. There's no information on remastering--at least in English--the recording credits are in their native Icelandic. But it's the live concert (taking up one disc and part of another) that will excite fans (like me) with a sound that proves that actual human beings were responsible for the auditory experience of hearing Sigur Ros' music. Not quite as dense as the original studio album, it's nonetheless a real trip to hear the band explore their music in front of a live crowd. This would've been quite an experience for those in attendance.The "Rarities" portion (filling up part of one disc and the entirety of another) is filled with ear-openers (following the studio album tracks except "Avalon"), like the three demos of "Hugmynd" from '98. Originally set to (maybe) appear on the studio album, it was deleted for some reason, which is strange because the band played this often at the time. Listen to the variations between these demos for a better understanding of the band's approach to their music. Likewise the EP 'B' side from 2000 is worth hearing--the brass part of the song "Ny batteri" with some added piano. Plus there's a demo of "Agaetis byrjun" from '98 which is pretty cool.Plus there's a live track from '98 ("Svefn-g-englar") which at this early stage has no lyrics or sound effects. Listening to this you can hear the band tentatively playing this new song. But it still has that Sigur Ros sound and feel similar to the studio album. Plus there's an original speed version of "Staralfur" with no variable speed/pitch shift. "Hjartao hamasi" from '95 is yet again another version of the version heard on the studio album, with the recording not having some of the effects on the final version. This too is a window into the band's progress as they refined their sound. Also here are other versions of tracks from the original album that aren't simply filler. The sound on all these tracks is very good--clean and open sounding.If you like the original album and still find it worthwhile twenty years later, you should probably make room for this 4 CD set in your collection. The live concert and all the various tracks from this period make this well worth your time (and money) because it shows even more just how good this band was during this era.

I will not comment on the recording itself, which is still haunting and profound 20 years after.I have the vinyl version of this 20th anniversary edition, and you get the original recording on 2 LPs, with a very high quality pressing (but a few mm wider than standard LPs, which prevent closing the cover on my turntable). You also get a download code to obtain the contents of the 4xCD version on Bandcamp (which can then be downloaded in any audio format including FLAC) . No booklet, and the booklet is not part of the digital download either. Also note that the content of the 3 bonus CDs can be purchased separately on Bandcamp, for those who already have the original CD release.

I was the Product Manager at RED (Sony) for this release when it first came out - PIAS America was one of our labels, they had a staff of one - so I got to be very involved. I couldn't not buy it just to hear the demos & live versions. Their music (& videos - check them out) is always stunning. Their first American performance was at Irving Plaza, just after the album's release here. Their last NYC play in the album cycle? Radio City Music Hall! That's how quickly their music was discovered & embraced! Almost all word of mouth. Radio didn't care. They refused to make videos back then. Press was eh. Listening stations, lifestyle marketing & their live shows drove it. A great band - totally worthy of their success...

The outer sleeve is absolute garbage. Paper thin and will split with any reasonable usage. The inners aren't much better. The sound is good but not necessarily any better than the original or any other reissues. Disappointing.

Amazing how anarchic the recording process was for this magnificent work. I skipped vinyl, and every pricey 1-LP box should have the same option. The live show is worth the premium. And the matching-peak album is...the dense rumble of Kweikur...yin and yang.

One of my favorite records of all time, I was excited to get this special 20th anniversary edition. And it sounds even better than my memories of the original CD. The item was shipped quickly, arrived on time and was in pristine condition. I highly recommend this seller!

The sleeve is easily the cheapest I've ever seen on a record. Really expected better quality for such a life-changing and breathtaking album. The quality and vinyl is a 10/10 but I am extremely disappointed with the presentation for the price tag.

A really wonderful introduction to a very interesting group. Nice

LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS before they became really rather famous. I am as delighted to own this wonderfully put together version of this important collection as I am annoyed that it's been twenty flipping years since i first heard it. They are the only band I've played non stop for 20 years as other bands have come and gone or our tastes have parted ways. Cannot Recommend this enough and also highly recommend the Vinyl. And just for fun I've added a photo of my original (anyone under the age of 27 ? will be wondering who or what an OUR PRICE IS) and even taking into account inflation really that was one of the best 12 pounds i ever spent (honestly this album has given me so much enjoyment and relaxation over so many years ) Just can't recommend enough.

Absolutely beautiful pressing..I've held back for so long due to the high purchase price..I bit at £25..And still had a smile on my face listening to it..Lovely..

OK

Perfect album. Nice package.

Essential listening. Transcendent. And lots of it- for the price? A beautiful bundle, fantastic value. 10/10