Music videos aren’t what they used to be 10 or 20 years ago. Say what you will about Sigur Ros, but they are probably one of the only bands making worthy visual representations of their music. The band members and various video directors effectively construct images and stories that allow the Icelandic musicians to create short films (rather than simply "music videos").
Sigur Ros Videography
Svefn-g-englar (1999)
Sigur Ros’s first video. They enlist the Perlin Theater Group to dance around in angel outfits in an open field—but when slowed down, the shots and actors create beautiful imagery.
Viðrar vel til Loftárás (2000)
Two soccer-playing boys fall in love, but, of course, society pulls them apart. Another striking video filled with a ton of symbolism. After viewing, every time you hear the song you’ll think of this video.
Untitled #1 (vaka) (2003)
A nuclear winter would suck. Sigur Ros agrees. This is an incredibly sad yet stunning video. Someone could easily base a whole film off of this one idea.
Glósóli (2005)
This is probably my favorite video from the band. In a weird way it reminds me of the book Catcher in Rye when Holden talks about his thoughts of the children playing in a field and jumping off a cliff—and how he yearns to catch them all. The children in this video are forced to leap into adulthood too—with interesting results.
Saeglopur (2005)
If you haven’t figured out the trend, all the band has to do to any footage is slow it down and it somehow fits perfectly with their music. In this video, they actually speed up the footage, and it works to perfect effect. The kid can really hold his breath underwater for a long time…
Hoppipolla (2006)
If you haven’t figured out the trend, all the band has to do to any footage is slow it down and it somehow fits perfectly with their music. In this video, they actually speed up the footage, and it works to perfect effect. The kid can really hold his breath underwater for a long time…
Hoppipolla (2006)
This one will surely put a smile on your face. I wish all old people could enjoy their lives this much. If all of Iceland’s senior citizens acted like these fine folks, my ambition to visit would rise even more.
Gobbledigook (2008)
Who DOESN’T want to run around, make out, and dance naked in the woods when they hear this song? I know I do! (NSFW)
Inní Mér Syngur Vitleysingur (2008)
I absolutely adore the song, but strongly dislike the video. Other than showing off the band’s unique fashion, the live footage really offers nothing as unique as their other videos. I wasn’t even going to post it, but for continuity sake:
Heima (2007)
Not necessarily a music video, but a trailer for the film Heima, which not only documents a number of the band’s performances, but also beautifully represents the country of Iceland. One can’t imagine the band’s music based in any area other than this gorgeous country.
Not necessarily a music video, but a trailer for the film Heima, which not only documents a number of the band’s performances, but also beautifully represents the country of Iceland. One can’t imagine the band’s music based in any area other than this gorgeous country.
