Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust
by Sigur Rós
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 106 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 106
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 106
  3. Negative: 1 out of 106

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. DayneB
    Oct 21, 2008
    10
    Exceptional... where takk, hvarf/heim, () and agaetis had mostly one kind of emotion, this invokes them all; joy, sadness, love, triumph, beauty, reflection, solitude... Sigur Ros sound like they are finally having fun while doing what they do best. And the results speak for themselves. There are "4minute pop-songs" (those who find this as a negative need to get over yourselves), epic Exceptional... where takk, hvarf/heim, () and agaetis had mostly one kind of emotion, this invokes them all; joy, sadness, love, triumph, beauty, reflection, solitude... Sigur Ros sound like they are finally having fun while doing what they do best. And the results speak for themselves. There are "4minute pop-songs" (those who find this as a negative need to get over yourselves), epic soundscapes (see festival and ara batur) and plenty of moments that reveal themselves as precious with each additional listen. This album sounds the most unique since Von, is both spontaneous and focused which has been missing in their oeuvre so far.… Expand
  2. Vincent
    Jun 25, 2008
    10
    This band never fails to surprise with the standard of music even if it does wander little from the band's delightful template. It truly is one of the very best bands of our times. If you can't see the beauty on offer here, then you may not actually be alive. Long live Jonsi and co. Beautiful!
  3. coling
    Jun 25, 2008
    4
    The songs that aren't repetitive of other tracks on the album are repetitive of their previous releases. Instead of inspiring itself into the background, as "Takk" did, it tends to bore its way there, until you begin to wonder what that noise is and turn it off. Sigur Ros have peaked, and this is a clear descent into hack territory, despite the fact that they are only poorly copying The songs that aren't repetitive of other tracks on the album are repetitive of their previous releases. Instead of inspiring itself into the background, as "Takk" did, it tends to bore its way there, until you begin to wonder what that noise is and turn it off. Sigur Ros have peaked, and this is a clear descent into hack territory, despite the fact that they are only poorly copying themselves.… Expand
  4. PeachMed
    Jul 23, 2008
    4
    The first 2 songs are great, but then the album becomes a boring and meaningless parodie of themselves. sad to say, but this is lp is kust a big disappointment.
  5. hydrawithears
    Oct 24, 2011
    4
    Or With a Buzz in Our Ears We Play Endlessly for those not speaking Icelandic. The album number 5 by the Gwyneth-Paltrow-approved post-rockers kicks off with fantastic **** one of their best singles ever, an ode to life as it is. Inní mér syngur vitleysingur is also charming but this is not enough to call Með suðâ
  6. Rob
    Jun 25, 2008
    8
    No matter what you think Sigur Rós are about, should be or can be, as a stand alone piece of music this is majestic and beautiful
  7. MirandaH
    Jul 11, 2008
    6
    I'm discouraged to say Med Sud was a disappointment for me...Takk and Agaetis Byrjun were much more to my liking. This record is just a bit too commercial and sentimental for me, and there's an overwhelming sense of deja vous when listening to Med Sud. I miss the apocalyptic yet gentle sounds of previous Sigur Ros, and to be quite honest I never really wanted to hear Jonsi sing I'm discouraged to say Med Sud was a disappointment for me...Takk and Agaetis Byrjun were much more to my liking. This record is just a bit too commercial and sentimental for me, and there's an overwhelming sense of deja vous when listening to Med Sud. I miss the apocalyptic yet gentle sounds of previous Sigur Ros, and to be quite honest I never really wanted to hear Jonsi sing in English. I'm such a huge fan of Sigur Ros, and being so I am some what upset that these songs didn't really do it for me.… Expand
  8. MattA.
    Aug 7, 2008
    9
    This album is gorgeous. A departure for sure, but it works. I agree with coke machine glow that the first two songs are the best, but I disagree that the album goes south after that. Not as strong as their classic Agaetis, but I would rate it over both Takk and.
  9. Kuang-c.
    Jun 25, 2008
    9
    That's great album this year.
  10. sami
    Jun 25, 2008
    10
    This albums sounds less experimental and more vibrant han the previous ones. I love Sigur Ros, and I think all his albums are eternal records, and his voice feels like the ice of volcanoes if iceland.
  11. TylerD.
    Jun 25, 2008
    10
    Stunning in every respect. From the happy-go-lucky Gobbledigook to the heart-wrenchingly beautiful Ára bátur, Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust shines.
  12. Jimbo
    Jun 25, 2008
    10
    This is Sigur Ros stripped down, bare, with probably the most human and deeply honest record they've ever made, and it's one of their best.
  13. SaulB.
    Jun 25, 2008
    9
    Really quite amazing... I thought after I heard Goobledeegook things had gone wrong... then came the rest of the album. Nothing short of beautiful.
  14. JaorgeB.
    Jun 25, 2008
    10
    Another epic Sigur Ros album. Think Takk, with more Hoppipolla-esque songs. The last half of the record is slow, and although one of the songs is in English, I can only decipher a few words here and there. Nonetheless, this is probably going to be my favorite Sigur Ros album to date.
  15. DerS
    Jun 26, 2008
    10
    Another amazing album for Sigur Ros. The first couple of tracks break the mold in a very satisfying way - my reaction was "Wow!" The rest of the album is similar to their other work - without being repetitive or derivative. Excellent!
  16. JeremyF
    Jun 28, 2008
    10
    I never give tens. I have heard a few albums from these guys, and while Med Sud might not be their best by their previous standards -- it lacks a lot of same musicality of earlier works -- it's still amazing. It's easier to listen to. Sire, Agaetis Byrjun and ( ) are incredibly complex, mournful, beautifully orchestrated records. This is not. This is a little more fun, a little I never give tens. I have heard a few albums from these guys, and while Med Sud might not be their best by their previous standards -- it lacks a lot of same musicality of earlier works -- it's still amazing. It's easier to listen to. Sire, Agaetis Byrjun and ( ) are incredibly complex, mournful, beautifully orchestrated records. This is not. This is a little more fun, a little more melodic, majestic, and not quite as sad. Opener 'Gobbledigook' is basically an Animal Collective tune, but it's still pretty great. "Inní Mér Syngur Vitleysingur (Within Me a Lunatic Sings)" and "Við Spilum Endalaust (We Play Endlessly)" are both celebratory bursts of fresh air, while the slower "Festival" and "Ara Bátur (Row Boat)" both grow to satisfying crescendos, the latter with the much-talked-about 90-person recording. The last few songs tame it down a bit, with the gorgeous "Illgresi (Weeds)" all the way to the first English song in their career, "All Alright." The English track is sung so slurred and ethereally that you can't really understand a lot of the English anyway, and it starts to sound like a foreign language if you don't already know it's not. Overall, this is a perfect album. Even though they shifted from cold strings to warmer guitars -- for the most part -- it's a very very satisfying shift.… Expand
  17. NeilL.
    Jun 28, 2008
    10
    What should I say? I am speechless. This album is beautiful in ways I did not expect, and that is surprising for me to say, as I am a pretty big fan of Sigur Ros and have followed them most of their musical career. Their last album, Takk... found them going into new heights of epic majesty. This album strips them down to bare essentials and warmer melodies than they have ever crafted What should I say? I am speechless. This album is beautiful in ways I did not expect, and that is surprising for me to say, as I am a pretty big fan of Sigur Ros and have followed them most of their musical career. Their last album, Takk... found them going into new heights of epic majesty. This album strips them down to bare essentials and warmer melodies than they have ever crafted before. They are even better for it. While I couldn't say whether I like this or Takk... more this album is even more beautiful. It is completely satisfying on an emotional level.… Expand
  18. RobbieC
    Jul 16, 2008
    10
    Unbelievable! This is the same band? I say that so rarely; this something very special, though I don't know what!
  19. GuyH
    Jul 17, 2008
    7
    I agree with Pitchfork that the album starts well with two songs that sound fresh and lively before normal service is resumed with mixed results. I wish they'd continued with the sunnier upbeat vibe and made this their summer album (I already see 'Agaetis' as their wet behind the ears Spring album and '( )' their chilly winter disc). Overall when compared to the I agree with Pitchfork that the album starts well with two songs that sound fresh and lively before normal service is resumed with mixed results. I wish they'd continued with the sunnier upbeat vibe and made this their summer album (I already see 'Agaetis' as their wet behind the ears Spring album and '( )' their chilly winter disc). Overall when compared to the previous three albums this is the weakest but it is still an enjoyable listen.… Expand
  20. BrandonA.
    Jul 3, 2008
    10
    Not fair to compare it to other Sigur Ros works. this album is beautiful and brilliant...and shows that the boys from Iceland still make music that is way beyond what other artists and musicians are doing.
  21. KevinJ
    Jul 24, 2009
    9
    Very beautifully made album. Gobbliedook is very nice uppety sound. and as the album continues is decreases in enthusiasm and almost becomes boring. but nonetheless, it's very nice to listen to.
  22. jonc
    Jul 29, 2009
    10
    This album is beautiful and even the worst song (the 1st one) is still likable. def a step up to experiment with new sounds but also managed to keep what makes sigur ros so great. dont listen to some music critics who are full of themselves when they diss on great musical acts for making more catchy tunes. i can see that sigur ros is done with 8 minutes long songs and theyre trying to This album is beautiful and even the worst song (the 1st one) is still likable. def a step up to experiment with new sounds but also managed to keep what makes sigur ros so great. dont listen to some music critics who are full of themselves when they diss on great musical acts for making more catchy tunes. i can see that sigur ros is done with 8 minutes long songs and theyre trying to keep the songs short n powerful this time.… Expand
  23. AidenN.
    Jun 24, 2008
    10
    This is the 2nd best album from them.
  24. FabrizioG.
    Jun 24, 2008
    9
    it keeps the line that Takk.. showed, but it has some changes that are positive, which remarks band's seek for new sounds. They've done a very good job at that, mixing new sounds that even can bother their most loyal fans... but i think they still have their seal, which is just unique.
  25. jay
    Jun 25, 2008
    9
    The music they make is always beautiful and this one more so with a sunnier focus than before. All Allright in english should have been more focussed with that language...seems to shy away from the words where they should be stronger rather than fragile...
  26. AlexS.
    Jun 27, 2008
    10
    A Pure Art Of Sunshiney Battlefielding Beauty.
  27. AdamB.
    Jun 29, 2008
    9
    sure , needs some time to adjust but when its working and it works , your emotions do come alive
  28. Alex
    Jun 29, 2008
    9
    Sigur Ros is always good and so is this cd but i do wish there were couple more songs but its still amazing as usual.
  29. JyotirmayaD
    Sep 13, 2008
    7
    I happened upon this album by surprise. I accepted it as a trade for some used CDs I no longer wanted. There was not enough time to browse around as I was on a lunch break. When I brought it home, I was immediately satisfied with it. I have been avoiding these guys for years because they came off as too Radiohead-ish. But it is different in so many ways. I even like the big "production I happened upon this album by surprise. I accepted it as a trade for some used CDs I no longer wanted. There was not enough time to browse around as I was on a lunch break. When I brought it home, I was immediately satisfied with it. I have been avoiding these guys for years because they came off as too Radiohead-ish. But it is different in so many ways. I even like the big "production number" song in the middle.… Expand
  30. Ricko
    Jul 9, 2019
    8
    Plenty of breathtaking moments on this from Jonsi and co. I do think the first half of this album is noticably stronger than the second but it also demands more attention from the listener. Overall - Sigur Ros deliver on their majestic albeit it established sound. The majority of tracks start slow and build up to a big cresendo, a trick used here more often than on any previous record andPlenty of breathtaking moments on this from Jonsi and co. I do think the first half of this album is noticably stronger than the second but it also demands more attention from the listener. Overall - Sigur Ros deliver on their majestic albeit it established sound. The majority of tracks start slow and build up to a big cresendo, a trick used here more often than on any previous record and possibly a little overused. Generally, this is highly recommended and sounds unlike most stuff you will here.… Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

62
#62 Best Album of 2008
58
#58 Most Discussed Album of 2008
52
#52 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Sputnikmusic
    70
    So Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust is just another Sigur Ros album, but if I can be the first to say it, our "first vital band of the 21st century" is starting to feel old hat.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    80
    On Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust you can really hear the human hearts behind the wall of sound, and while the emotional impact is on a smaller scale, somehow it is even more affecting.
    Read full review
  3. Drowned In Sound
    70
    Once, this band were making music to stare skywards to, to contemplate the vastness of the universe we’re such a tiny part of; now they’ve discovered a hidden reserve of human spirit, sucked it in and produced a record that will reconnect their wealth of talents to listeners fearing they’d forgotten how they’d ever reached such a lofty pedestal. It’s great to have them back.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »