Mr. Silla’s Five Favourite Albums

Mr. Silla (Sigurlaug Gísladóttir) is an Icelandic singer/songwriter. She is well known for her previous collaboration with Mongoose, and was also a member of múm for several years. Mr. Silla released a self-titled solo album late 2015 to critical acclaim.

‘Hrekkjusvínin’ – Lög unga fólksins

I remember being obsessed with this record as a kid. Not only are the characters in the songs captivating and the scenarios amazing, but there is just something about sitting with the artwork and letting it lead you through these stories, getting totally immersed in the amazing storytelling of these guys and girls.

Ólöf Arnalds – ‘Við og við’

This record made me cry the first five times I listened to it. It doesn’t make me sad, the songs are just so incredibly moving to me. Ólöf is a true gem of our generation. Both in the way she approaches melodies and because of her amazing talent with words. She made me think it was possible to write in Icelandic again.

Hjaltalín – ‘Enter 4’

Hjaltalín completely surprised me with this masterpiece. Their newfound appreciation for minimal production and inventive soundscapes let their feel for the melody shine in a whole new way. Every member of the band gets to do their thing without being in each other’s way. The journey we go on with them is exciting and heartbreaking at the same time. Amazing.

Teitur Magnússon – ‘27’

Last year Teitur Magnússon released an instant classic. This album feels like it always existed in the hearts of Icelanders. It sounds and feels a little bit like an early 70s children’s record. It’s uncanny how the lyrics resonate so with what it feels like to grow up in iceland. The musicianship on the record is super charming, it feels like they are all having fun. It makes me feel home and happy and it’s one of these albums that you just wanna listen to over and over.

Jónas Þórir – ‘Sveitin milli sanda’

‘Sveitin milli sanda’ was released in 1977, and features Jónas Þórir playing some of Iceland’s most beloved singalong songs on Baldwin organ and synthesizers. There is something about that specifically 70s sound and take on these songs that is just so weird and beautiful—it is haunting to me. A sideways window into some of the best Icelandic songs of yesteryear.

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