GusGus
Encyclopedia
GusGus are a band from Reykjavík
, Iceland
. They were founded in 1995. Their discography consists of eight studio albums and one live record.
. GusGus have had a varied lineup, including:
Several lineup changes have occurred, and their current incarnation consists of three members (President Bongo, Biggi Veira and Daníel Ágúst Haraldsson). After their third album, This Is Normal
, the filmmaking arm of GusGus (Kjartansson and Árni Þorgeirsson) split off to form the production company Celebrator, now known as Arni & Kinski, which has produced award-winning advertisements and videos. A few former members such as Hafdís Huld, Blake, and Daníel Ágúst
have gone solo, most notably though Emilíana Torrini
, who provided a song for the soundtrack to Peter Jackson
's The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
GusGus' music is eclectic, and although primarily classified with techno
, trip-hop and house music
, they have experimented with numerous other styles. They have also remixed several famous artists, including Björk
, Depeche Mode
, Moloko
, and Sigur Rós
. Added to this they released the song "Desire" with Ian Brown
in January 2004. A remix of the track "Purple" appeared in remixed form on Paul Oakenfold's successful trance compilation called Tranceport
.
The band's name refers to the 1974 German film Ali: Fear Eats the Soul
by Rainer Werner Fassbinder
, where a female character is cooking couscous
for her lover, pronouncing it "Gus Gus". The band regards it as a "sex reference".
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city in Iceland.Its latitude at 64°08' N makes it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay...
, Iceland
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
. They were founded in 1995. Their discography consists of eight studio albums and one live record.
History
Initially formed as a film and acting collective, the group became mostly known for their electronic musicElectronic music
Electronic music is music that employs electronic musical instruments and electronic music technology in its production. In general a distinction can be made between sound produced using electromechanical means and that produced using electronic technology. Examples of electromechanical sound...
. GusGus have had a varied lineup, including:
- Stephan Stephensen (a.k.a. President Bongo, Alfred More, or President Penis)
- Birgir Þórarinsson (a.k.a. Biggi Veira or Biggo)
- Sigurður Kjartansson (a.k.a. Siggi Kinski)
- Stefán Árni Þorgeirsson
- Magnús Guðmundsson (a.k.a. Herb Legowitz, Hunk of a Man, Buckmaster De La Cruz, The Fox, Fuckmaster, or Herr Legowitz)
- Daníel Ágúst HaraldssonDaníel Ágúst HaraldssonDaníel Ágúst Haraldsson is an Icelandic solo artist, and a lead singer of the bands GusGus, Nýdönsk and Esja.Daníel Ágúst has been part of the local and international music scene since he started his career with Icelandic pop sensation Nýdönsk some 20 years ago.In 1989 he participated in the...
- Magnús Jónsson (a.k.a. Blake)
- Hafdís Huld ÞrastardóttirHafdís HuldHafdís Huld Þrastardóttir is an Icelandic singer and actress, formerly of GusGus.-Biography:Hafdís toured the world as a 15-year-old with Icelandic band GusGus. After leaving the band she started writing her own songs, and collaborated with FC Kahuna, co-writing their singles "Hayling" and "Machine...
- Baldur Stefánsson
- Emilíana Torrini DavíðsdóttirEmilíana TorriniEmilíana Torrini Davíðsdóttir is an Icelandic singer, best known for her 2009 single Jungle Drum, 1999 album Love in the Time of Science and for performing "Gollum's Song" for Peter Jackson's film The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.-Early life:Torrini grew up in Kópavogur, where, at the age of...
- Ragnheiður Axel
- Heiðrún Anna Björnsdóttir
- Urður Hákonardóttir (a.k.a. Earth)
- Högni Egilsson
Several lineup changes have occurred, and their current incarnation consists of three members (President Bongo, Biggi Veira and Daníel Ágúst Haraldsson). After their third album, This Is Normal
This Is Normal
This Is Normal is the third album by Icelandic group Gus Gus. It was released in 1999 on 4AD Records.-Track listing:# "Ladyshave" - 3:57# "Teenage Sensation" - 4:14# "Starlovers" - 4:43# "Superhuman" - 6:20# "Very Important People" - 5:51...
, the filmmaking arm of GusGus (Kjartansson and Árni Þorgeirsson) split off to form the production company Celebrator, now known as Arni & Kinski, which has produced award-winning advertisements and videos. A few former members such as Hafdís Huld, Blake, and Daníel Ágúst
Daníel Ágúst Haraldsson
Daníel Ágúst Haraldsson is an Icelandic solo artist, and a lead singer of the bands GusGus, Nýdönsk and Esja.Daníel Ágúst has been part of the local and international music scene since he started his career with Icelandic pop sensation Nýdönsk some 20 years ago.In 1989 he participated in the...
have gone solo, most notably though Emilíana Torrini
Emilíana Torrini
Emilíana Torrini Davíðsdóttir is an Icelandic singer, best known for her 2009 single Jungle Drum, 1999 album Love in the Time of Science and for performing "Gollum's Song" for Peter Jackson's film The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.-Early life:Torrini grew up in Kópavogur, where, at the age of...
, who provided a song for the soundtrack to Peter Jackson
Peter Jackson
Sir Peter Robert Jackson, KNZM is a New Zealand film director, producer, actor, and screenwriter, known for his The Lord of the Rings film trilogy , adapted from the novel by J. R. R...
's The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
GusGus' music is eclectic, and although primarily classified with techno
Techno
Techno is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit, Michigan in the United States during the mid to late 1980s. The first recorded use of the word techno, in reference to a genre of music, was in 1988...
, trip-hop and house music
House music
House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago, Illinois, United States in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized in mid-1980s discothèques catering to the African-American, Latino American, and gay communities; first in Chicago circa 1984, then in other...
, they have experimented with numerous other styles. They have also remixed several famous artists, including Björk
Björk
Björk Guðmundsdóttir , known as Björk , is an Icelandic singer-songwriter. Her eclectic musical style has achieved popular acknowledgement and popularity within many musical genres, such as rock, jazz, electronic dance music, classical and folk...
, Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode are an English electronic music band formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex. The group's original line-up consisted of Dave Gahan , Martin Gore , Andy Fletcher and Vince Clarke...
, Moloko
Moloko
Moloko were an Anglo-Irish electronic/pop duo consisting of Róisín Murphy from Wicklow, Ireland and Mark Brydon, from Sunderland, England.- Origin of band name :...
, and Sigur Rós
Sigur Rós
Sigur Rós is an Icelandic post-rock band with classicaland minimalist elements. The band is known for its ethereal sound, and frontman Jónsi Birgisson's falsetto vocals and use of bowed guitar. In January 2010, the band announced that they will be on hiatus. Since then, it has since been announced...
. Added to this they released the song "Desire" with Ian Brown
Ian Brown
Ian George Brown is an English musician, best known as the lead singer of the alternative rock band The Stone Roses, which broke up in 1996 but are confirmed to reunite in 2012. Since the break-up of the Stone Roses he has pursued a solo career...
in January 2004. A remix of the track "Purple" appeared in remixed form on Paul Oakenfold's successful trance compilation called Tranceport
Tranceport (album)
Tranceport is a mix album released by Paul Oakenfold in 1998. It was released on Kinetic Records.-Track listing:#Dream Traveler – Time #Three Drives On A Vinyl – "Greece 2000 "...
.
The band's name refers to the 1974 German film Ali: Fear Eats the Soul
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul is a 1974 West German film written and directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder and starring Brigitte Mira and El Hedi ben Salem. The film won two awards at the 1974 Cannes Film Festival and is considered to be one of Fassbinder's most powerful works...
by Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Rainer Werner Maria Fassbinder was a German movie director, screenwriter and actor. He is considered one of the most important representatives of the New German Cinema.He maintained a frenetic pace in film-making...
, where a female character is cooking couscous
Couscous
Couscous is a Berber dish of semolina traditionally served with a meat or vegetable stew spooned over it. Couscous is a staple food throughout Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.-Etymology:...
for her lover, pronouncing it "Gus Gus". The band regards it as a "sex reference".
Band members
| 1995 |
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|---|---|
| 1996–1999 |
|
| 2000 |
|
| 2001–2006 |
|
| 2007 |
|
| 2008 |
|
| 2009–2010 |
|
| 2011–onwards |
|
Studio albums
- Gus Gus (1995)
- PolydistortionPolydistortionPolydistortion is the second album from Icelandic group GusGus, and their first released on major label Warner Bros. Most of the material found on the album had previously been released independently, as the album Gus Gus.-Track listing:...
(1997) — UKUK Albums ChartThe UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart...
#130 - This Is NormalThis Is NormalThis Is Normal is the third album by Icelandic group Gus Gus. It was released in 1999 on 4AD Records.-Track listing:# "Ladyshave" - 3:57# "Teenage Sensation" - 4:14# "Starlovers" - 4:43# "Superhuman" - 6:20# "Very Important People" - 5:51...
(1999) — UKUK Albums ChartThe UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart...
#94 - Gus Gus vs. T-WorldGus Gus vs. T-WorldGus Gus Vs. T-World is an album released by Icelandic group Gus Gus. It was released in 2000 on 4AD Records. Strictly not a Gus Gus recording, this album collects songs written by Biggi Veira and Herb Legowitz back when they were called T-World.-Track listing:...
(2000) - Attention (2002)
- ForeverForever (GusGus album)* "Mallflowers", "Need in Me", "Lust", "Porn", and "Demo 54", are reworked, and, in some cases , virtually rewritten versions of songs that have appeared on previous EPs....
(2007) - 24/724/7 (GusGus album)- Singles :...
(2009) - Arabian HorseArabian Horse (GusGus album)Arabian Horse is the eighth studio album released by GusGus in 2011. It features the same line-up from 24/7: President Bongo, Biggi Veira and Daníel Ágúst Haraldsson, plus the return of Urður "Earth" Hákonardóttir and guest spots from Högni Egilsson of Hjaltalin and Davíð Þór Jónsson.- Track...
(2011)
Singles
- "Polyesterday" (1996) — UKUK Singles ChartThe UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
#55 (as Purple EP: Polyesterday) - "Believe" (1997) — UKUK Singles ChartThe UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
#154 - "Standard Stuff for Drama" (1997)
- "Ladyshave" (1999) — UKUK Singles ChartThe UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
#64 - "V.I.P." (1999) — UKUK Singles ChartThe UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
#86 - "Starlovers" (1999) — UKUK Singles ChartThe UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
#62 - "Dance You Down" (2002) — UKUK Singles ChartThe UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
#141 - "Desire" (2002) — UKUK Singles ChartThe UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
#95 - "David" (2003) — UKUK Singles ChartThe UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
#52 - "Call of the Wild" (2003) — UKUK Singles ChartThe UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
#75 - "Lust / Porn" (2005)
- "Need in Me" (2005)
- "Forever Sampler" (2006)
- "Moss" (2007)
- "Hold You" (2007)
- "Add This Song" (2009)
- "Thin Ice" (2009)
- "Within You" (2011)
- "Over" (2011)