Björk Is Releasing A Deluxe Utopia Box Set Full Of Wooden Bird Calls

I saw Björk live once, but it was 24 years ago.  I was young.  Instead of any sort of band, she had Aphex Twin backing her.  I remember her repeatedly shuffling up to the front of the stage, as if she was going to jump into the crowd, only to, somewhat giggle, and scurry back again.  Her setup wasn’t nearly as elaborate as what you’d expect from her these days; it took place in a venue built like a warehouse and, if I recall correctly, she was simply wearing a red dress.  Even then, she ws amazing.  It was a long time ago and the details are blurry, but I remember being in awe.  Before it even ended, I was already imagining seeing her live again, but that is, unfortunately, something that still hasn’t happened.  Björk primarily plays big events in even bigger cities like New York and Los Angeles, if she isn’t doing dates overseas.  So… I watch from afar and, in doing so, I see the mindblowing stage setups become more and more involved over the years.  I see her amazingly intricate costumes and the bands, if not orchestras, that she assembles; the interactive musical sculptures, props, and innovation.  Her collaborations are fearless with her consistently locating and welcoming like-minded artists into her fold; individuals who are dedicated in their craft and consistently immaculate in their execution.  She never seems to be short of discovering new otherworldly talents to work with.

In 2017, Björk dropped her latest album, Utopia, which was recorded by Venezuelan electronic producer Arca.  The cover art featured a whole new aesthetic that was entirely fresh, yet, somehow, aligned exactly with exactly what you’d expect from the Icelandic musician/actress/visionary/songstress.  Her vision and her visuals continued to be revealed through clips and, every time we’d see anything from her, I’d want reach out, shove it in my face and consume it.  I watch in as much awe as ever, half-ignoring these updates out of envy for never being able to witness them in person.  Utopia became another critically acclaimed project for Miss Guðmundsdóttir.  9 studio albums deep into her discography and she continues to push her art — and, in turn, that of anyone she inspires — further and further beyond anything that we are humanly accustomed to, melding the natural and technological worlds into fascinating new amalgamations.  Plus, she’s Björk, so she not only has her finger on the pulse of what’s happening — or will be happening — in this world, but the pull to bring in any and everyone that she’d ever wish to collaborate with.  But while her next move is never easy to anticipate, this time around, it was a little bit different.  It was a little more expected.  There could be only one obvious conclusion.  Bird calls.

Yep.  Bird calls.  Nearly 2 years after releasing Utopia, Björk has just announced a deluxe vinyl box set for the album packaged with a bespoke plexiglass case filled with handmade wooden bird call flutes.  Anyone looking to shed themselves of £500.00 (plus shipping) can add this to their collection but, if you already encounter obstacles in determining how to organize your LPs, then… good luck on this one, I guess.  Do you file this with your Nordic folktronica, shove it in your dedicated Björk section, store it with the other box sets, or simply place it among the rest of your wooden bird call flute displays?  The possibilities are endlessly limiting and limitingly endless.  And while that last statement might not make a whole lot of sense, neither does spending over 600 dollars on an album because it comes with a case of wooden bird flutes.  Then again, if you’re set up like that to do it, who cares?  Do what makes you happy, because this whole planet is a trash fire, anyway.  At least Björk is still around to throw more and more beauty onto that blistering garbage inferno, hypnotizing us with the mesmerizing sparks that whimsically swirl out from the blaze.  It’s hard not to love her, at least a little bit, for it.  I mean, I kind of love her for this, too, but… I won’t be owning it.

Check out the full description and details after the following unboxing video, which is, surprisingly soundless (just like this purchase).

details

set to be released november 1st 2019on the occasion of celebrating and wrapping up the utopia era, we are excited to share this special deluxe album boxset featuring 14 handmade birdcall flutes that have been individually selected by björk.

created in collaboration with the company quelle est belle from the mountains of southern france, this deluxe edition boxset comes housed in a bespoke perspex case designed by m/m (paris). the hand-etched lid features an intricate design, while tinted side panels cast a softly coloured glow, illuminating the 14 unique birdcalls nestled inside individually assigned compartments. in the upper left corner sits a custom-made usb-c flash drive containing the music of utopia, along with videos, images and an exclusive, unreleased instrumental track. a discrete drawer below houses an eight-page colour booklet detailing each birdcall and providing instructions for use.

” utopia is so much about birdsong and sonically the mutation between synth/bird , bird/flute , flute/synth ……. air like that was a theme through all of the album . so i got very excited when i found these handmade wooden flutes imitating precisely particular birds . and i guess wanted you guys to have an opportunity to share that with me …….. enjoy !!! warmthness , björk ”

contents of the usb :
unreleased 360 photos of björk
album and single artwork files
audio tracks
bonus track
remixes
bird call tutorial videos
arisen my senses video
the gate video
tabula rasa video
losss video
utopia video
blissing me video

the birdcalls featured are:
redshank common sandpiper, nuthatch, pheasant, goldfinch, black headed gull, robin, blackbird, chaffinch, long eared owl, great tit, lapwing, starling, blue tit, redstart,