Mark Steiner releases a new Icelandic-language version of the 2007 hit single, now featuring the illustrious Oslo-based singer Fríða Árnadóttir on lead vocal.
"Mark Steiner (and His Problems) is a well-known figure in Oslo’s music underworld, and he’s been around in Norway for so long that many assume that he is Norwegian. He is not. This ex-New Yorker is a wandering scoundrel who one might find hanging out in the shadowy corners of a pub at closing time – whether the nearest street sign reads New York, Oslo, Paris, Berlin, Lisbon or Melbourne (or Reykjavik!). A musical vagrant who draws inspiration from the same sources which may have influenced Stuart Staples, Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, Rowland S. Howard – yes, that entire circle of hollow-eyed, black-clad night owls with melancholic dispositions and pocket-flasks full of booze to match. Mark Steiner is indeed such a character..."
- Egon Holstad, NORDLYS (Norway)
Icelandic singer Fríða Árnadóttir has been living in Oslo for the past decade where she also performs with the band Moist Wings. The release of this song, performed in her native Icelandic, marks her international debut as a recording artist.
This version of the song was originally recorded in 2012 as part of the Mark Steiner (& His Problems) "Saudade" sessions (Rabben Records RABB001, 2014), but was shelved due to the final number of released tracks. A great fan and friend of Iceland and Icelandic culture, Mark had the idea of reinterpreting the song into the Icelandic language. New guitar and other instrumentation were added to the tracks originally engineered by Argentinian (now Australian-based) artist and producer Henry Hugo. Other contributions include Danish bassist Thomas Borge (Halph, Rovdrift) and Norwegian drummer Gunnar Motland (ex-Goo Men).
Mark and Fríða have performed live together in both Reykjavík and Oslo. More collaborations, both live and in the studio, can be expected from this dynamic duo in the year to come.
lyrics
Original lyrics by Mark Steiner translated from English to Icelandic by Árni Þór Sörensen
credits
released January 26, 2020
Nísj (Allt sem ég vil)
Original lyrics by Mark Steiner translated from English to Icelandic by Árni Þór Sörensen
Performed by
Mark Steiner - guitars, baritone guitar, backing vocals, mellotron
Fríða Árnadóttir - lead vocals
Thomas Borge - bass*
Gunnar Motland - drums*
Henry Hugo - guitars, harmonium*
*Recorded & engineered by Henry Hugo at Stagger Home Studios, 2012
Additional tracks recorded & engineered by Mark Steiner at Stagger Home Studios, 2019
Mixed by Mark Steiner at Stagger Home Studios, January 2020
Mastered by Tony Becker at Blue Mountain Mastering, Tennessee, USA
"Guardian of Dreams" original artwork by Irene Christensen - used with permission
ireneartster.wordpress.com
Layout by Mark Steiner
Mark Steiner is a well-known figure in Oslo’s music underworld, and he’s been around in Norway for so long that many assume
that he is Norwegian. He is not. This ex-New Yorker is a wandering scoundrel who one might find hanging out in the shadowy corners of a pub at closing time. A international musical vagrant who might walk the streets with Stuart Staples, Nick Cave, and Rowland S. Howard......more
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