Life Transmission
Encyclopedia
Life Transmission, also known in Icelandic as Útfrymi (Ectoplasm) was an single
released by Iceland
ic band Þeyr
in 1981 through label Eskvímó
.
It was formed by two songs: "Life Transmission", which was originally conceived as a "word sculpture" around the phrase "Life Transmission", although it is the final result of automatic writing
and it was also the first song in English by the band. "Heima er Bezt", which means "Home is Best", was sung in Icelandic
and is loaded with the reichian
ravings of a young man trying to have sex with his female partner.
The tracks of this single were featured on Northern Lights Playhouse, a compilation released by label Fálkinn
.
The record was dedicated to Ian Curtis
of Joy Division
(the title itself can be referred back to the Joy Division lyric "Radio...live transmission" from their own debut single).
Translation to page one:
Translation to page two:
Útfrymispoki
Ectoplasmic bag
Here tonight, there will be conducted an extraordinary experiment in both musical and mental innovation.
A specially designed machine will constantly broadcast a 13 note chord (F, D, F#, A, C#, F, A, C, E, Ab, C, Eb, G) one octave above the hearing range of the average human. Persons with extraordinary sensitive hearing do not have to worry, as the chord is very beautiful to listen to, - although dogs get tired after an hour or so. This chord is to be the background for the concert, and thus meant to create a unified mode among the guests - and to form an "invisible" connection among listeners. Because this chord and the mode of the concert as a whole can ignite a latent medium capacity in some people, we feel right to include a bag for ectoplasm with the tickets.
WARNING: DO NOT EXPOSE THE ECTOPLASM TO BRIGHT LIGHT
Vocalist: Magnús Guðmundsson.
Guitars: Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson
and Þorsteinn Magnússon.
Bass: Hilmar Örn Agnarsson.
Drums: Sigtryggur Baldursson
.
Tracks:
1: Music: Hilmar Örn Agnarsson. Lyrics: Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson.
2: by Magnús Guðmundsson.
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
released by 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...
ic band Þeyr
Þeyr
Þeyr was a renowned Icelandic New Wave band from the early 1980s. Shrouded under a veil of mystery, their three-year existence was characterized by a deep interest in ancient wisdom...
in 1981 through label Eskvímó
Esquimaux Management
Esquimaux Management was an Icelandic independent record label created around 1981 by renowned composer Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson and Gunnar Ruðni Agnarsson, manager of New Wave band Þeyr....
.
It was formed by two songs: "Life Transmission", which was originally conceived as a "word sculpture" around the phrase "Life Transmission", although it is the final result of automatic writing
Automatic writing
Automatic writing or psychography is writing which the writer states to be produced from a subconscious and/or spiritual source without conscious awareness of the content.-History:...
and it was also the first song in English by the band. "Heima er Bezt", which means "Home is Best", was sung in Icelandic
Icelandic language
Icelandic is a North Germanic language, the main language of Iceland. Its closest relative is Faroese.Icelandic is an Indo-European language belonging to the North Germanic or Nordic branch of the Germanic languages. Historically, it was the westernmost of the Indo-European languages prior to the...
and is loaded with the reichian
Wilhelm Reich
Wilhelm Reich was an Austrian-American psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, known as one of the most radical figures in the history of psychiatry...
ravings of a young man trying to have sex with his female partner.
The tracks of this single were featured on Northern Lights Playhouse, a compilation released by label Fálkinn
Fálkinn
Fálkinn was an Icelandic record label.The label's only well known original release was Björk's 1977 debut album Björk. Fálkinn is sometimes used as the title for the album as the album did not have an official title....
.
The record was dedicated to Ian Curtis
Ian Curtis
Ian Kevin Curtis was an English singer and lyricist, famous for leading the post-punk band Joy Division. Joy Division released their debut album, Unknown Pleasures, in 1979 and recorded their follow-up, Closer, in 1980...
of Joy Division
Joy Division
Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis , Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris .Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences...
(the title itself can be referred back to the Joy Division lyric "Radio...live transmission" from their own debut single).
Track listing
| Track | Title | Length | Lyrics | Audio clips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side A | ||||
| 01 | Life Transmission | 03:43 | - | - |
| Side B | ||||
| 02 | Heima er Bezt | 04:11 | - | - |
Manifesto and the Scriabin
On April 23, 1981 Þeyr had a promotional concert at Hótel Borg. The gig included the use of a device called Scriabin which was designed by guitarist Guðlaugur Óttarsson. Therefore, the single came along with a plastic bag and information sheets explaining Þeyr purposes and the work of this device. Here is a translation from Icelandic:Translation to page one:
- Today, 23 April, is the official publishing day for a little vinyl record of the band Þeyr.
- The publishing day, which is also the 1st day of summer, has a deeper meaning, as we have contemplated to introduce summer into the Icelandic music scene, through the chords and rhythms of this record: It is a document of the band’s efforts and subjects during the last four months, as well as an indication to the direction the band is aiming at.
- However, in all modesty, we want to point out the fact, that all categorization or classification of Þeyr and their subjects, is not encouraged, and indeed very doubtful, as Þeyr have emphasized to see themselves in the broadest spectrum possible, an in the widest context possible; as we trace our roots into the Rada-music of Africa - through the Russian composers of the early 19th century - up to the four guys from Liverpool.
- As we develop these primal elements at different speeds, one newer knows what will surface in the band’s next projects.
- This little record is the result of four months of Þeyr’s work: ahead are still more months and still more plans.
- With friendly regards and respect,
- Þeyr.
Translation to page two:
Ectoplasmic bag
Here tonight, there will be conducted an extraordinary experiment in both musical and mental innovation.
A specially designed machine will constantly broadcast a 13 note chord (F, D, F#, A, C#, F, A, C, E, Ab, C, Eb, G) one octave above the hearing range of the average human. Persons with extraordinary sensitive hearing do not have to worry, as the chord is very beautiful to listen to, - although dogs get tired after an hour or so. This chord is to be the background for the concert, and thus meant to create a unified mode among the guests - and to form an "invisible" connection among listeners. Because this chord and the mode of the concert as a whole can ignite a latent medium capacity in some people, we feel right to include a bag for ectoplasm with the tickets.
Credits
Performers:Vocalist: Magnús Guðmundsson.
Guitars: Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson
Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson
Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson , guitar player and engineer. He is a mathematician, an inventor, a practising polytechnic engineer, lecturer and the author of several scientific papers....
and Þorsteinn Magnússon.
Bass: Hilmar Örn Agnarsson.
Drums: Sigtryggur Baldursson
Sigtryggur Baldursson
Sigtryggur Baldursson is an Icelandic drummer and singer.Sigtryggur was born in Norway to Icelandic parents. He was a founding member of the Sugarcubes and has been a longtime fixture on the Icelandic punk and alternative music scene. Other bands he has played in have included Þeyr, KUKL,...
.
Tracks:
1: Music: Hilmar Örn Agnarsson. Lyrics: Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson.
2: by Magnús Guðmundsson.
External links
- Page about Þeyr
- Website about the history and discography of Þeyr
- Tónlist.is - Page about Þeyr. It features mp3 samples (in Icelandic).
- Intravenous.de - Page about Icelandic music. It includes a section for Þeyr.
- Official site of Guðlaugur Kristinn Óttarsson
- Page about G. K. Óttarsson at Isound.com
- Page of G. K. Óttarsson at MySpace.com
- Page of Þorsteinn Magnússon at Isound.com
- Page of Þorsteinn Magnússon at MySpace.com
- Official site of Sigtryggur Baldursson