“As Long as There’s Surf, We Won’t Be Leaving!”
When I used to think about surfing, I would always connect it with beautiful white sandy beaches, turquoise-blue sea, tropical climate, sun-lotion, shorts or bikinis. Perhaps even
Taking Dance to the Extremes: Trolls and Transformations in February’s Grand Premiere
This February will see the premiere of two new pieces performed by the Icelandic Dance Company, an independent national institution focusing solely on contemporary and modern dance
If David Letterman Only Knew…
David Letterman once said that everyone should memorize three funny stories about themselves and be ready to tell them at any time. This is one of mine, and it is […]
Those Crazy Kids, What Will They Think of Next?
No matter what anyone tells you, the 101 Reykjavík nightlife scene is druggy, and it is a cousin of both tears and regrets. People who frequent clubs and bars during […]
Skúli Sverrisson – Sería
Skúli Sverrisson is a world renowned bass player. Over here he’s probably best known for his work with the New York group Blonde Redhead. It is mostly an instrumental album, [&h
Forgotten Lores – Frá heimsenda
15 tracks of Icelandic rap. Forgotten Lores arrive with a much anticipated follow up to their debut, Týndi hlekkurinn. Their live shows are always fun. At the recent Airwaves fest
Jónas Sigurðsson – Þar sem malbikið svífur mun ég dansa
Jónas Sigurðsson has been making music for a long time. He was a drummer in Trassarnir and the singer in Sólstrandargæjarnir. Ask any Icelander no older than 40 to sing [&helli
Canora – Kelvinator
Metal can be great. We all know that. Almost any kind of metal is great, with the exception of black-metal, which is not great. It is bad. The cover of […]
Shadow Parade – Dubious Intentions
Melancholic and dark. Shadow Parade follows bands like Coldplay or Radiohead. In fact, the singer’s voice is almost a carbon-copy of Thom Yorke on some tracks. This isn’t neces
Björgvin Halldórsson – Björgvin ásamt Sinfóníuhljómsveit…
This is a live CD, accompanied by a DVD, recorded in September 2006 at Laugardalshöll. Björgvin has been one of the nation’s most popular performers for decades, graduating fro
BEZT Í HEIMI: Fylgifiskar
The streetscape of Skólavörðustígur, stretching up from Laugavegur to the Hallgrímskirkja church, has changed rapidly in the past few years. Where there used to be less inviti
Ban Thai
Many regard family run Restaurant Ban Thai as one of Reykjavík’s hidden treasures in terms of authentic Thai cooking. I have been a regular there for many years, and their [&hel
Sour Grapes
Gabriele Gudbjartson writes “If you do say you are a believer, how well do your actions separate you from an unbeliever?” The arrogance is breathtaking. Show me one shred of [&
The Joy of Failing Miserably, or: Why Icelanders Really Are Happy
Award winning journalist Eric Weiner has seen a lot of the world. His post as a foreign correspondent for respected U.S. radio station NPR (National Public Radio) has brought him [
Should Iceland Pursue a Seat in the United Nation’s Security Council?
Sæunn Stefánsdóttir, Candidate for the Progressive Party Yes, I think we should. In the United Nation’s charter, the Security Council is given the main responsibility of retai
194 Young People Who Just Wanted to Rock
The main concept of tourism for young people in Brazil is the search for cheap places that are completely different from the typical national identity. This New Year’s holiday I
Think Like a Tourist
I don’t drink and the smell of smoke makes me want to wear a gas mask. And just for the sake of confusion, no, I am not a nun. Based […]
Garage Days Revisited?
Tónlistarþróunarmiðstöðin, a rehearsal space and concert venue, hosts fifty bands that operate in the Reykjavík area. It has been a haven for fledgling musicians for close t
HALLDÓR LAXNESS AND THE CIA
In 1946 Halldor Laxness’ epic novel Independent People was published in America. The publication and the success of the novel in the United States caused Laxness and Iceland to b
Rauða húsið
Located in a roomy, red building at Eyrarbakki, a small historic fishing village on the south-coast of Iceland, the restaurant Rauða húsið (The Red House) is a friendly place de
Domo
Domo first opened its doors a little over a month ago. In the short time since its opening it has garnered a good reputation through word of mouth. I am […]