2 languages
The Sugarcubes
From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist
The Sugarcubes, in Icelandic Sykurmolarnir, was an Icelandic alternative rock band from Reykjavik. It was formed in 1986 and ceased to exist in 1992. The line-up consisted mainly of Björk Guðmundsdóttir (vocals, keyboards), Einar Örn Benediktsson (vocals, trumpet), Þór Eldon (guitar), Bragi Ólafsson (bass), Margrét Örnólfsdóttir (keyboards) and the drummer Sigtryggur Baldursson. The members came from other Icelandic bands. Björk had already recorded an album at the age of eleven and later sang in the post-punk band Tappi Tíkarrass. In 1984 she, Einar Örn and Sigtryggur formed the group Kukl, which released two albums on the British label Crass Records.
Music and breakthrough
The Sugarcubes came into being on 8 June 1986. According to the band, the name probably did not refer to LSD, but to the idea of a cute pop band, in contrast with what the members had made before. At the end of 1987 they signed with One Little Indian in the United Kingdom and Elektra in the United States. The debut album Life's Too Good appeared in 1988 and was an unexpected international success. The BBC DJ John Peel played the song Birthday, which became a signature song of the group. In 1989 came Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week! and in 1992 Stick Around for Joy, with the singles Hit and Leash Called Love.
Influence
The music is called avant-pop, with a psychedelic post-punk sound that sometimes recalls the B-52's and Talking Heads. Striking are the whimsical lyrics, Björk's urgent, almost childlike voice and the rougher voice of Einar Örn that stands against it. The album is regarded as the first Icelandic album with worldwide influence. Rolling Stone called the group the greatest rock band from Iceland. After the Sugarcubes Björk began a solo career and became the best-selling Icelandic musician ever.
Listening
Discography
Studio albums
In School of Rock
The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.
- Mixtape 10: Women in Pop MusicNL Reader