YOUR FREE COPY THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LIFE, TRAVEL & ENTERTAINMENT IN ICELAND Issue No 4 – April 3 - May 7 – 2009 + COMPLETE CITY LISTINGS - INSIDE! www.grapevine.is DROWNING IN DEBT Haukur Már Helgason Explores The Re-Colonization Of The Icelandic Nation

+ The Unbearable Hildurness Of Being Your Complete Guide To Iceland's Emergency Elections! Corpsepants! Opinions! Reviews! Advertising!

By the time they turn 30, most Icelanders have taken student loans, a real-estate loan, a ‘car-loan’, traveled on VISA, and raised a baby on overdraft. We all seem to be counting on cover-star Dalí (3), and his kindergarten pals to eventually foot the bill. PG. 8. EDITORIAL COMIC STRIP BY LÓA HJÁLMTÝSDÓTTIR

Haukur’s 4th Editorial!

I’m not gonna lie to you – this fourth edito- it, making sure everyone was fairly and rial of mine will be a bland, run-of the mill accurately represented. It looked good, one. See, my brain stopped working a few too. And then, due to some unforeseen hours back – I’ve been up for the longest complications we... ehrm... couldn’t fit it time translating political banter and cliché anywhere. There was just no room. Not terminologies for THE GRAPEVINE’S enough pages. Fuck. ALL-ENCOMPASSING GUIDE TO THE Enter THE INTERNET and its magi- 2009 ICELANDIC PARLIAMENTARY cal powers and endless supply of blank ELECTIONS. We thought we’d service electro-pages. We decided to make a spe- our local, English-speaking readership by cial section on our web site, www.grape- providing all the information they need to vine.is, dedicated to the elections, where make an informed decision of whom to all the material we’ve accumulated and vote for in the upcoming elections. strived over may be found in its entirety. It was quite the task. We rang up all So go there and read it now, please. We the political parties (there’s like... eight of know you carry your laptop everywhere, them running now) and asked ‘em to send and you do need to actively participate in us a brief description of their agendas and the democratic process. So go there. Read ideologies, as well as answering ten se- stuff, enlighten yourself, learn what our lect questions we posed. The idea was to future rulers have to say for themselves. give the parties an opportunity to present Please. We worked real hard. themselves exactly the way they wished Anyway. I assume you’ve been on the while answering some key questions; to Internet now and read the entire election give them an open platform to speak to section. Good work! You must now im- their voters and others interested in Ice- mediately turn your attention to Haukur landic politics. Már Helgason’s stunning article on the When they finally turned in the re- current re-colonization of the Icelandic quested materials, we needed to translate nation, and what that process entails. Pay it all into English; a very lengthy endeav- close attention: it has some very chilling our that revealed to me for once and all information that you need to know, and it just how much of what our politicians also happens to feature some of the best utter is comprised of utterly meaningless writing we’ve ever run, in my humble drivel that they seem to spew by pure force opinion. of habit. You know what I’m talking about, BTW: Jamming is brilliant! right? They’ve got all these crazy words and phrases they use all the time that don’t really mean anything at all. If you stick your head in them long enough, for instance while translating them, your mind will eventually melt into a soft mush – sorta like mine did a few hours back. Where was I? So, we created this awesome guide to the upcoming elections, spent a lot of time working on it and stressing about

Cover

Cover photo by: Baldur Kristjáns

YOUR FREE COPY THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LIFE, TRAVEL & ENTERTAINMENT IN ICELAND baldurkristjans.is I s s u e N o 4 – April 3 - May 7 – 2 0 0 9 + COMPLETE CITY LISTINGS - INSIDE! www.grapevine.is DROWNING IN DEBT Art Direction: Haukur Már Helgason Explores The Re-Colonization Jóhannes Kjartansson Of The Icelandic Nation & Hörður Kristbjörnsson

On Cover Dalí

Thanks to:

+ T h e U n b e a r a b le H il d u r n e s s O f B e in g Inga María & Bóas Yo u r C o m p le te G u id e To I c e la n d s' E m e r g e n c y E le c t io n s ! C o r p s e p a n ts ! O p in io n s ! R e v ie w s ! A d v e r ti s in g !

By the time they turn 30, most Icelanders have taken student loans, a real-estate loan, a ‘car-loan’, traveled on VISA, and raised a baby on overdraft. We all seem to be counting on cover-star Dalí (3), and his kindergarten pals to eventually foot the bill. P G . 8 .

Masthead

The Reykjavík Grapevine Contributing Writers: Marketing Director: Founders: You may not like it, but at least it's not Hafnarstræti 15, 101 Reykjavík Sigurður Kjartan Kristinsson Jón Trausti Sigurðarson Hilmar Steinn Grétarsson, sponsored. (No articles in the Reykjavík www.grapevine.is [email protected] [email protected] Hörður Kristbjörnsson, Grapevine are pay-for articles. The opinions [email protected] Florian Zühlke / [email protected] Sales Director: Jón Trausti Sigurðarson, expressed are the writers’ own, not the Published by Fröken ehf. Sindri Eldon Aðalsteinn Jörundsson Oddur Óskar Kjartansson, advertisers’). Jói Kjartans & Siggi Eggertsson [email protected] Valur Gunnarsson Editorial: Valur Gunnarsson Guðmundur Rúnar Svansson +354 540 3600 / [email protected] Dr. Gunni [email protected] The Reykjavík Grapevine is published 18 Advertising: Lana Vogestad Distribution: times a year by Fröken ltd. Monthly from +354 540 3605 / [email protected] Haukur Már Helgason Samúel Bjarnason November through April, and fortnightly Publisher: Editorial Interns: [email protected] from May til October. Nothing in this +354 540 3601 / [email protected] Ragnar Jón Hrólfsson / [email protected] Proofreader: magazine may be reproduced in whole or Fríða Brá Pálsdóttir / [email protected] Jim Rice in part without the written permission of Publisher: Catharine Fulton / [email protected] the publishers. The Reykjavík Grapevine Hilmar Steinn Grétarsson Art Director: Press releases: is distributed around Reykjavík, Akureyri, [email protected] Hörður Kristbjörnsson [email protected] Egilsstaðir, Selfoss, Keflavík, Ísafjörður and Editor: [email protected] Submissions inquiries: at key locations along road #1, and all major Haukur S Magnússon Design: [email protected] tourist attractions and tourist information [email protected] Jóhannes Kjartansson / [email protected] Subscription inquiries: centres in the country. Photographer: +354 540 3605 / [email protected] Printed by Landsprent ehf. in 30.000 copies. Jóhannes Kjartansson / www.joi.is General inquiries: [email protected]

ICELAND :: FILM – Berlin – Copenhagen – Reykjavík MEDIEVAL MANUSCRIPTS – EDDAS AND SAGAS A LOOK INTO NATURE Icelandic Filmmaking 1904-2008 The Ancient Vellums on Display The Story of the Icelandic Museum of Natural History

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LETTERS Sour Grapes and Stuff

Say your piece, voice your opinion, send your letters to [email protected]

Warning: An incurable fatal venereal dis- we were finger-printed, put managed to ease is permitted entry into the general go to Belgium. From there we were sent Stuff We Liked In March population, a disease with virtually no back to Greece, because of the Dublin symptoms, and an incubation period of agreement. In Greece we did not get -Hüsker Dü many years. The stigma of this disease anything - we have not been treated like is such that the media decides to mini- humans. Because of the unacceptable -The daily updated news at mize mention of t he topic. As a result, situation in Greece I sent my sister back Grapevine.is, courtesy of Paul the public are ill-informed of the con- to Syria to my mother. After some time, Nikolov sequences of promiscuity, the primary I got a permit to stay in Greece for six cause of spread. Now, 25 years after its months. I tried to find work so me and -DesignMarch discovery, promiscuity is still "fashion- my brother would survive. When I went able" and pornography is rampant. I to extend my permit they told me -The Retro Stefson DJ-set at can't see how the consequences of this I had to leave the country within 30 Karamba can be considered anything less than days, because I did not have any papers the decimation of mankind, i.e., mass in Greece. That is when I decided to go -Karamba in general death preceded by mass dementia. to Canada, because it is not a Schengen- There are at present about 100 million country and the possibility that I could -Our Twitter feed (twitter.com/ AIDS orphans in Africa, where the virus stay and live there were higher than in rvkgrapevine) originated. What is happening in Africa Europe. My plan was to go through Ice- will happen across the globe. What's land, but here they stopped me and I had -P.Diddy’s Twitter page, people! going to stop it? There's no cure on the to apply for asylum, so I would not be horizon, and the media seems to think sent back to Greece. I have been here for -New South Park that ignoring it will make it go away. 7 months now, not knowing what is go- How does an "intelligent" society jus- ing to happen. Last Thursday the police -Knowing Jonathan Richman was tify this imminent holocaust? And when picked me up and put me in jail, where I on his way blame is cast, whose decision was it to was told, that I was going to be deported ignore all medical warnings and release to Greece on Friday. I had to sign a paper -Our March issue. Especially the this plague upon the children of man? which was written entirely in Icelandic. cover Because history will call this "The Time I was told, that I can appeal to this de- of the Great Dying". cision within 15 days, but I would have -Sudden Weather Change’s listening to do this from Greece, which would party Afraid of the truth? be impossible and hopeless. Luckily the deportation was stopped. Now I am -Ragnar Jón Hrólfsson. We’ve been 310-593-1297 - Stefan Lazarus [via a cra- here and I do not know what is going liking him since December, at least. zy looking postcard] to happen. I do not want to go back to my country and I ask of everybody who -The band Wavves (read Sindri Dear Stefan, believes in humanity to help me to stay Eldon’s review in the music section) If this is indeed the truth, then YES, WE here. What you just read is only a small ARE AFRAID OF THE TRUTH! Happy part of my story. What I am asking for, is -All the awesome material we were now, you goddamn killjoy? just a simple life in peace and without sent for this issue the fear of being sent back. -Being annoyed that we couldn’t fit Yours sincerely it all the awesome material in this Dear Sir or Madam, Nour Al-din Alazzawi issue (but the May issues will be below is the story of one of the refugees, killer!) that was supposed to be sent to Greece Dear Anna and Nour, last Friday (March 27). It would be great, thank you for the letter. Us at the Grape- -Bob Dylan's 'Tangled Up in Blue' if you could publish it. If you need more vine sincerely hope your issues will be information or want to get in touch with resolved in an adequate manner. The -Scoring an awesome new intern the refugees personally, you can contact treatment you have been subject to by from Canada [via Finland] me at any time. Thank you very much! European and Icelandic authorities is simply unacceptable by any standard. -Hating on Pizza Pronto. Their pizza Kind regards As an Icelandic citizen, I take offense at really, really sucks. Anna Reitbauer being represented by institutions like the Reykjavík current Directorate of Immigration and -Classic John Carpenter flick “The My name is Nour Al-din Alazzawi, I am 19 will be sure to make note of that in the Thing” years old and I am from Iraq/Baghdad. I coming elections. Again, this is simply Welcome Card left my home-country in 2006, because unacceptable. -That crazy dance exhibit at my father got killed by terrorist, for work- Sundhöllin Enjoy the Thermal Pools, Museums, ing as a translator for America in Bagh- dad greenzone. Because I also worked Public Transport and discounts. with the Americans, they threatend my life and tried to kill me. That is why me and my family fled from our country to Syria, where we stayed around 2 years. Me, my sister and my brother decided to go to our older brother in Belgium. We had to go through Greece, where

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HISTORY LESSON POLITICS BY HAUKUR S MAGNÚSSON YOUR COMPLETE AND TOTAL GUIDE TO THE 2009 EMERGENCY ELECTIONS All you need to know in one handy page!

Grapevine’s questions to the parties: 2) The Independent Party holds primaries for the party list in coast guard as security measures for Icelanders in the future. sided adoption of another currency. economic administration in and of themselves, but a statement 1) Briefly describe the party’s general agenda using one all voting districts. The thousands of voters who participated Military leaning ideas should be put aside in current tribula- 4) Indebted companies will be offered for sale and offers only of our interest in joining will make our policy clear to the out- sentence. have secured great renewal on the party lists. tion. Cutbacks alone are not an option. Creating new jobs accepted if a reasonable price is to be had. If not, employees side world and help us regain some much needed trust. 2) There have been loud calls for renewal in the ranks of Icelan- 3) The need for stability and a competitive economic environ- with all means possible is essential and thus increases the will be allowed to take over the companies. The owners’ debt 8) The responsibility lies with those who led the party over dic MPs and politicians lately? How has your party responded ment has been the main justification for joining the European nations income. will not be automatically written off, but we can grant them fa- the last decade: led the crony-privatisation of the banks to to these requests? Union (EU) and taking up the Euro, even though EU member- vourable loans or change their debts into government equity. selected groups connected with those in power – and then BY DR. GUNNI 3) What is your party’s financial agenda? What are you going ship would likely be detrimental to the fishing industry and L FOR ICELANDIC AUTONOMY – 5) The very serious matter of household debt will be immedi- gave them the freedom to grow at will without the Central Bank to do about the króna? agriculture, as well as having other significant drawbacks. LISTI FULLVELDISSINNA ately rectified by bringing the price indexation to what it was being used to restrain them and promote economic stability. 4) How does the party plan to help Icelandic companies? A broad discussion has taken place within the Indepen- Democracy, sovereignty and ethics before our economy collapsed (January of 2008). The capital Furthermore, they promoted inflation and debt accumulation 5) How does the party plan to help Icelandic homes? dence Party about the pros and cons of Iceland joining the EU. We wish to reconstruct and empower democracy by run- and mortgage rates will lower according to that. Real inter- and called the results “good year.” The Alliance Party is respon- 6) How can Iceland regain trustworthiness in the eyes of for- The conclusion is that, according to the Independence Party, if ning a group of free men and women for parliament, people est on price-indexed loans will be 2-3% at most and mortage sible, like other political parties; mainly by greatly overestimat- eign investors and creditors? How can Iceland prevent becom- the Parliament or government decides upon an application for that will let their work do the talking and move the decision payments may be postponed for two years by extending the ing the time we had to set things right and reach a soft landing. Reykjavík, late '50s. Once rock ‘n’ roll had arrived ing isolated in the global village? EU membership, a national election should be held about that making process out of the parties’ headquarters and into the loans. Due to exchange rate insured loans, the household debt The sub-prime mortgage crisis in the US that spread around the 7) What is your party’s stance on the European Union? decision based on defined goals and conditions. At any rate, parliament itself. The L-list wishes to safeguard the sovereignty, will be rectified in correlation with price indexed mortgage world deprived us of that extra time. fresh and powerful, the kids born around 1940 fell 8) Who is responsible for the Icelandic economic collapse and national elections should follow from any possible results of independence and national freedom of Iceland. We wish to loans. We will then make an arrangement with the owners of 9) The Alliance Party wants the nation itself to be involved with the problems Iceland now faces? Does your party share any membership negotiations. promote increased free trade and we believe it is important price-indexed mortgages to change them into fixed interest any constitutional aspects and thus submitted a bill proposing flat for it. Their foreign role models were swank of the responsibility? 4) Icelanders should never accept unemployment in the coun- that Icelanders themselves govern their right to negotiate with bonds and the price indexation in mortgage agreements will a constitutional parliament. Furthermore, we have proposed 9) What is your party’s stance on constitutional change? try. We must immediately be on the offensive. We will secure other nations. We outright reject joining the European Union. be abolished. that the constitution entail a charter on Iceland’s resources be- Should we assemble a constitutional parliament, or are there up to twenty thousand new jobs in our term in office as well as We wish to reconsider Iceland’s governmental structure 6) We need to be humble and treat the IceSave and Edge issues ing national property, a charter on how to amend the constitu- rock and pop singers, not beat groups as later in other ways? protecting already existing jobs. We will do this by: with a new constitution that will empower voters and better as the frauds that they surely were. We need to seek help from tion between parliaments and how we can demand national 10) It is given that the Icelandic state needs to initiate many cut- - Completing the reorganization the fiscal system within ensure the separation of legislative and executive powers. We the nations that were hurt by our racketeers to reclaim their vote on certain issues. the '60s. Therefore not many groups were formed backs in the near future. Where should those be imposed, in three months. One of the most pressing issues for the Icelandic want Alþingi to maintain the unconditional legislative powers stolen money, what cannot be reclaimed our racketeers will 10) Social democrats emphasise the defence of those who are your opinion, and are there any fields that should be “exempt” labour market and families is an effective banking system. within the land and jurisdiction of Iceland. We wish to ensure be held accountable for. the worst off and of those things that will build our future, such from such cutbacks? - Immediately lifting restraints on foreign exchange and that Iceland’s resources remain the nation’s property. 7) Our stance is that we must ensure that Icelanders can make as education and opportunities for young people. We will steer in Iceland yet. Instead, young and unknown singers preventing the regression of Icelandic society by decades. The L-list feels it is urgent to reinforce our executive sys- an informed decision on the matter. The only way to do that expenses by joining ministries and institutions. Instead of look- - Stoping the move towards centralized government and tem with new laws and regulations, where national interest, in our opinion is to start negotiations with the EU, because it is ing at the expenses of years past and asking where to cut, we got to perform with big established bands, such as THE PROGRESSIVE PARTY – nationalization, a system the current leftist governments sadly professionalism and transparency will be key. In these mat- only when the details of any agreement to join are clear that need to look at the services and tasks at hand and ask what we FRAMSÓKNARFLOKKURINN seems to consider natural. ters we feel it is urgent to build up a new Icelandic legal frame we can decide whether this is something the nation wants. need in order to address them as best we can. The KK Sextet. Sometimes the up-and-comers sang The Progressive Party is a liberal socialist party constantly - Rejecting all new taxes for the labour market and indi- around financial activities. When all the information is at hand, we will call for a national working for societal reforms and finding solutions to its many viduals. They will be overburdened by higher taxes. We wish to reconstruct the nation’s interests, maintaining referendum on the issue. THE LEFT-GREEN MOVEMENT – shared problems, based on co-operation and equality. The Pro- - Creating consensus about the harnessing of our resourc- disciplined and ethical governance and using the best local 8) The system, politicians and banksters. Around 90% of the VINSTRIHREYFINGIN – GRÆNT FRAMBOÐ a few tunes at dances, other times special shows gressive policy puts people and their welfare upfront. es and starting immediately the building up the high-energy and international experts to that aim. Business Council’s agreements became law or some sort of The Left-Green Movement seeks to promote radical social im- We wish to continue to build a society based on the core sectors, such as databases, aluminium smelters and other high- Regarding the finances of households and companies, regulation. How can that happen? Yes, the Business Council provements for the public benefit, to promote respect and pro- were staged where up to twenty young singers got values of democracy, personal freedom, equality and social tech businesses. we feel it is urgent to permanently ensure normal interest rates, shared the same interest as MPs. They were voted to protect our tection of Iceland’s nature and environment and to strengthen responsibility. - Affecting temporary changes in the tax system to stimu- to circulate capital anew and revise price indexation. We feel interest, and they failed us. They were not thinking about us, rural areas throughout the country. The Movement is a forum We fight for human rights, respect for individuals and late job creation and development, which will be especially we need to establish a fund that, like the “kreppa” fund of the but about protecting and maximizing their stake in “the boom- and campaign tool for those who wish to eliminate gender to sing a song each. The best of those kids kept at it the family. We reject favoritism and discrimination based, beneficial at new innovative businesses. mid- 20th century, temporarily overtakes the assets of debt- ing economy.” And the rest is history. discrimination and ensure equal rights, women’s freedom and for example, on ethnicity, gender, sexual preference, religion, 5) In this country, a long tradition exists of families investing laden households. 9) In order to come to terms with ourselves and our descen- increased equality within society. and some even put out records. language, nationality or political views. We will always defend in their own homes. Radical measures need to be taken to pre- The L-list feels it is unrealistic to expect Icelandic taxpay- dants, who will pay for our sins, we need to incur an institu- The Left-Green Movement seeks to develop a demo- freedom of opinion, expression, religion and the sanctity of vent loss of homes by individuals and due to temporary finan- ers to carry the debts of individuals and companies. tional parliament. However, that cannot happen like the cur- cratic and fair society founded on the active participation of Eighteen-year-old Þorsteinn Eggertsson was private life. cial problems. To achieve this, we will do the following: The L-list is a spokesperson for thriftiness and economy rent government is proposing. That bill was thought out by the public. The Movement rejects the autocracy of capitalism We value humans over wealth and think that all human - Allow homeowners to be able to lower their monthly pay- in state finances, and feels it is important to meet hardships in the party, for the party. Us in the Civilian Movement want an and seeks to protect the independence of the nation and its beings should share the same basic rights to an education, per- ments by up to 50% for three years as well as to extend their running the state by revising spending policies in certain fields. institutional parliament of the people, for the people. sovereignty over its own natural resources. The Left-Green so convincing in his rock and roll fury that Haukur sonal growth and basic standard of living, regardless of their period of lending. The goal is to adjust the monthly payment to We also believe that if we are to raise taxes, we should make 10) Any deficit will be met by reconsidering our taxation Movement wishes to resign membership in military alliances. origin, health and economic stature. people‘s financial ability and increase the flexibility of regular sure that they do not affect low-income groups and that we system, by increasing taxation steps, a high-income tax and The Movement places emphasis on positive and peaceful co- Morthens dubbed him “The Icelandic Elvis”. Egg- We wish to reinforce human capital by providing every instalments. To respond to the altered circumstances in the should explore a layered system of taxation. We wish to abol- changes to the VAT system, for example, rather than cutting operation with all nations, protecting Iceland’s nature and individual with stimulation and a chance to mature and grow economy, a decreasing of loan’s capital will be considered. ish VAT on foodstuffs. back on health and welfare. The IMF will not be allowed to take environment and ensuring the sustainable development of in both work and leisure. We aim for a society of tolerance and - We aim to convert fixed price loans into unfixed loans We wish to reconstruct the economy through lucrative control of the country. society. ertsson kept it real, steered clear of any soppy shit, open-mindedness, so that every aspect of our community and when inflation and interest rates have been stabilized. projects, exploitation of resources, innovation and the pro- The Left-Green Movement believes that the classic points the individuals therein may blossom. - All the government‘s ideas about high- and middle in- motion of freedom of employment. We want to safeguard the THE DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT – of emphasis of the left movement with regards to equality and sticking to rock and roll exclusively while fostering We want the nation to have the highest determining pow- come taxes are rejected, as the victims of these are most often interests of Icelandic industry, its evolution and reinforcement. LÝÐRÆÐISHREYFINGIN social justice, radical environmental protection and demands er over its own issues, and for those in government to rule only big families with large financial responsibilities. We feel it is urgent to ensure that local production industries Most political scientists agree that democracy now needs to for sustainable development, should and must be integrated. within their commission. We work diligently for a fair society, - The fixed interest rate of the Central Bank of Iceland will can acquire Icelandic power at efficient prices. seek its roots and that the current representative system is out- No single aspect listed can survive on its own when looking to- serious lyrical ambitions. Coming from Keflavík, open governance and the distribution of power. be decreased and reach 5-6% towards the end of this year. The We want to emphasize the marketing of Icelandic produc- dated that does not suit the needs of the modern information ward the future. The standards of living and welfare of current We wish to build the nation’s economy on a free-market Icelandic labour market and homes cannot tolerate this high tion and design in an international context by ensuring compa- society. The Icelandic representative democracy has evolved generations cannot be based on damaging natural resources, right by the US Army base, he had learned English basis of private enterprise and co-operative enterprise, so that interest rate. nies in the field better access to capital at affordable rates, and into party rule; a cesspool of corruption. In the backrooms of thus curtailing the rights of generations to follow. In the same the enterprise of individuals and collectives may fully prosper. 6) No answer provided. barter arrangements. Alþingi, MPs are encouraged to obey the party lines, which are sense, this means that in a sound environmental policy, short- better than most of his fellow countrymen. Later We have a great responsibility towards collaborating with 7) The Independence Party holds that Iceland’s interests are Furthermore, we believe that state ownership of corpora- often laid out in the boardrooms of corporations that eventu- term interests, consumerism and greed must be replaced by other nations on mutual tasks. We want our international inter- best secured by remaining outside of the EU while conduct- tions is in many cases justifiable, but should emphasise equal- ally profit off the parliament’s decisions. the protection of the environment and the preservation of natu- actions to be based on the acknowledgement of each nation’s ing a close healthy relationship with it based on the contract ity, transparency and distributed ownership where privatisa- After elections, we have no way of knowing what the ral resources. The work at hand is to elevate the value placed he was quoted in an interview saying: “The radio right to independence and self-governance. for the European Economic Area, which opens up the internal tion is employed. regime is going to look like. Campaign promises amount to on the real qualities of life and to create a society where justice We aim for a reasonable and sustainable exploitation market of the EU. A complete membership would threaten to The L-list bases its platform on modest bourgeoisie nothing in light of the MP tradeoffs for the various ministries and equality are in harmony with Nature in its entirety and with signal was bleary back then and one didn’t hear of the earth’s resources that does not interfere with the inter- take control over Iceland’s biggest national resources, such as values, i.e. hard work, equality and tolerance. We reject neo- and power. Individuals that get selected with a few hundred Mother Earth. ests of future generations. We believe that all local resources the fisheries. The Independence Party also emphasizes greatly libertarianism, greed and extremism, but fight for a cultured votes behind them at the party convention can wind up as PM. In the upcoming elections, we place the greatest em- should be subject to the unconditional governance of Iceland- that it will ultimately be the Icelandic nation, the people, who society and diverse education. We emphasise equal rights of The nation did not vote him, and most of us cannot trust him for phasis on four issues: a healthy economy, full employment, a but a bit of what Elvis was singing. The other kids ers. decide if membership talks with the EU commence, and a every social group. We emphasise that the living conditions of our survival and future. But due to the system’s flaws, the party Scandinavian welfare system, and democratic reform. We look We believe it is every person’s basic right to choose his or second vote will be conducted about the result of possible the Icelandic nation be upheld and ensured. We wish to secure machine has taken power from us. especially to those who are unemployed and the low-income repeated his lyrics just like parrots, in a pigeon lan- her own place of residence. Good transportation, telecommu- membership talks. the welfare and well-being of families and students, at home Is there a better way to run society? A simpler, cheaper groups in our society, and suggest that every child and teen- nication, varied employment opportunities and a diverse se- 8) A host of intersecting factors caused the crisis and the fall and abroad. and safer way for our life’s work and family? Do we want to ager in elementary schools have one healthy meal per day free guage, which I found disgraceful. Instead I started lection of education, culture and healthcare are all key factors of the banks. External factors played a vital role. The interna- tread the same tracks anew, the politics of yesterday that of charge. We want to create new jobs in the traveling industry, in equalizing circumstances. We build upon a liberal ideology tional economic crisis limited access to foreign lending a great THE L-LIST’S ANSWERS bankrupted the nation? Or will we learn from our mistakes and within the state, and in agriculture and fisheries, for example. and thus believe the best way of reaching our goals is by the extent; lending that the Icelandic banks relied on. Other im- 1. L-listinn is a multi-partisan organization that opposes party prevent that such collapses can happen? Finally, we want to make it so that a certain percentage (e.g. to make my own lyrics in Icelandic to sing to those co-operation of different forces and interests that are based on portant reasons for the collapse can be traced to the fact that politics and takes a strong position against all attempts to get Direct democracy, free of middlemen, is the only real 15%) of the population can demand a national election. We moderation and honesty. those who led the expansion of the banks and other businesses Iceland into the European Union. solution. Direct democracy will eliminate shady corners and hope you will join us in changing Iceland back into a demo- rock songs.” took more risks than they could handle. They put the whole of 2. L-listinn is not a party, but an independent organization of negotiations from parliament. MPs that do not listen to their cratic welfare state, based upon a sound environmental policy THE PROGRESSIVE PARTY’S ANSWERS society at risk with this, while society did not benefit from it, candidates who have come together on a common set of is- people in direct democracy will become powerless. and gender equality. 1) The Progressive Party is a liberal socialist party constantly nor understand and agree with it. sues. Only one of our candidates has previous taken a seat in Our agenda for direct democracy: Eggertson’s rock fury unfortunately never working for societal reforms and finding solutions to its many In addition to external factors, several reasons for the parliament (Bjarni Harðarson, previously of the Progressive -Every Icelandic citizen can send Alþingi a suggestion for a THE LEFT-GREEN MOVEMENT’S ANSWERS shared problems, based on co-operation and equality. The Pro- crisis can be found to lie with the governing power, be it the Party). new bill that will be taken for consideration if supported by the 1) We Leftist-Greens founded our platform on four basic prin- materialised on record, but during the '60s and '70s gressive policy puts people and their welfare upfront. government, the legislative or institutional branches. The In- 3. We place emphasis on the belief that an independent curren- signatures of 1% of the electorate. MPs and Ministers will also ciples: social justice, women's liberation, environmentalism, 2) The Progressive party has undergone a great renewal. We dependent Party was a governing party when the crisis hit, and cy is the foundation for getting us out of our economic crisis. be able to propone new bills. and a peaceful foreign policy. he was Iceland’s major rock lyricist and has written elected a new leadership at our national convention in Janu- often had a leadership role as well in the times of prosperity We want to see the Icelandic crown on the international mar- -MPs will lead discourse and committee work on Alþingi bills, 2) There is a considerable amount of renewal in the candi- ary; a party chairman, VP and secretary. At that same time, we leading up to it. Consequently, the Independence Party holds kets again, but we believe that the total freedom that our banks and introduce them to the nation in an electronic parliament date's list that's been newly initiated across the country. And, greatly changed the party’s agenda and put a great emphasis inevitably great responsibility for the mistakes that were made enjoyed, leading to their collapse, does not suit our small and on the Internet. due to the tremendous support we've received, we predict that some great lyrics, often in deep disdain of the rul- on entering conditional negotiations with the EU and hold- by the government and which could have been avoided. The economy. In the long term we don’t rule out taking up another -The ATM system (which is now owned by the public) will be after elections there will be many new and young faces in par- ing a constitutional parliament. There has also been a great Independent Party accepts this responsibility and offers its currency, but that is a job for the next election cycle. used as voting booths for the electronic national parliament. liament for the Leftist-Greens. Although change and renewal is ing cultural elite. renewal in our party ranks in all constituencies, both in the apologies for the failures, for it should have done better. 4. We believe the most important support we can give to busi- -If need be, Alþingi can accept temporary law that will be valid always good, we shouldn't forget that the demand for change top and bottom rungs of our list. Probably no party that cur- Of all the political parties, it is only the Independent ness owners in this country is, first of all, lower interest rates until the next national parliament. has been mostly directed at those political parties responsible rently sits in Alþingi can boast of as much renewal as the Party that has had courage and inner strength to face the re- and, secondly, that legislation be enacted regarding business -MPs will be assigned the votes of those that do not wish to use for getting us into the economic crisis, and not those that tried Another young rock dude was chummy Progressive Party. evaluation of the process, which led to the fall of the banks ownership so that well-run companies don't have to compete their right to vote, to use in Alþingi. to keep us out of harm's way. 3) We wish to permanently solve the nation’s currency is- and the economic crisis. The people of the country have been with companies that are actually bankrupt and enjoying the Suggestions for changes in Alþingi and the government 3) No one denies that over the next few years we will have to Stefán Jónsson. His first claim to fame was being sues and abolish currency restraints as soon as possible, for able to witness the open, honest and substantial discussion support of the state. We want the state to create an investment -The number of MPs reduced to 31 use the crown as our currency, for better or for worse. Whether instance by negotiating with foreign holders of ISK-bonds and that has taken place within the party. The Independence Party bank and to re-examine the legal framework for the manage- -The nation will become one constituency we like it or not, we will have to wait another three to four years Icelandic pension funds, and by hosting a special auction mar- becomes stronger by admitting its mistakes and learning from ment of business in this country, so that well-run companies -MPs will be voted for in person, not as party members before being able to take up the euro, if the people decide that part of the SAS Tríó. They did an Icelandic cover ket on ISK. If we eventually join the EU, we will make a special them. don't become the toys of unscrupulous prospectors. We also -Parliament will choose Ministers on professional grounds. The they want Iceland to join the EU. We Leftist-Greens have not stability pact until we can instate the Euro. 9) The Independence Party has always been ready for collabo- want to re-examine the European Economic Area agreement, President, as elected official of the masses and independent wanted to exclude any possibilities in this matter, but we'd like version of The Coasters’ “Charlie Brown”, which 4) We will lower the households’ debt capital by 20%, so that ration with other parties on the issue of constitutional change. which today places great restrictions on employment in our supervisor, will appoint and release ministers from their duty to see if it's possible to engage in currency cooperation with part of foreign creditors’ write-offs will go straight to Icelandic The constitution needs to be in constant revision and it has country. -Ministers will not be part of parliament other countries, e.g. Norway. This is something we intend to was released by Stjörnuhljómplötur (Star Records), debtors and the index number will thereby be corrected to repeatedly been changed for the better in recent years. How- 5. We emphasize that the government helps those who need -The hiring of judges and high-level officials will be confirmed focus on within the next term. what it was before the collapse. This is a preventive measure ever, The Independence party rejects hasty changes in this help the most but reject the idea of the state paying for all by the parliament. 4) The most important thing is to reduce interest rates quickly that will avert ongoing unemployment, mass bankruptcy and a vital legal document… debts across the board. We want to establish an Economic and soon. We will fight for the reduction of inflation and inter- a short lived record label that specialised in singles further slump in property values. We need to resolve to special 10) It is correct that a broad decrease in government spending Crisis Loan Fund that could, in some cases, take over heav- THE DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT’S ANSWERS est rates, just as we did when the heavy industry platform of measures, like payment adjustment for those debtors that still because of decreased income is inevitable. Neither homes nor ily indebted properties and rent them out for their owners. 1) Personified elections, a decrease in MPs and direct de- the previous government was driving up inflation and interest by young singers. face trouble after this move. companies can bear increased taxation and, consequently, We also consider it important to confront the difficulties that mocracy. rates, and we alone stood against it. We also want to support 5) Lower the companies’ debt capital by 20%, as with house- the drop in government income has to be met with budget poor people in this country face, with free medical service and 2) The Democracy Movement consists of only new candi- job creation and start-up companies by adding revenue to holds. cuts. Measures have to be taken so that basic services, such as medication, among other things. dates. funds such as the New Business Venture Fund and the Science As the '50s turned into the '60s, a new mu- 6) By abolishing currency restraints and resolving the ISK- health care and education, will not suffer. 6. With an independent platform free of the subservient nature 3) The Democracy Movement proposes a system where the na- and Technology Policy Council. We have also made numerous bond issue, by prompting the normal operation of banks of the previous government. The first step in this direction is tion can actively participate in Parliament. What we do with proposals with regards to how we can renew more traditional sical generation was gaining ground. The older and by following the International Monetary Fund’s plan. The THE LIBERAL PARTY – to completely reject the demand that the Icelandic people pay the Króna is a matter that the nation needs to decide upon in professions such as agriculture, fishing, and other domestic Progressive Party also wishes to start negotiating with the EU FRJÁLSLYNDI FLOKKURINN back the debt of Icesave, which the people did not run nor bear direct and middleman free democracy. We cannot trust MPs food industries. We would also like to see an increased support dudes that had grown up on jazz gave way for the about joining, on the basis of a permit from Parliament that will Offense is the best defense in fighting unemployment and loss any responsibility for. that are ruled by corrupt party owner coalitions to make such of the travel industry, for example, by increasing culturally ori- ensure Icelanders’ interest and the local economy, especially of property. 7. L-listinn is the only party taking a complete and total stance important decisions for the nation. ented travel service, increasing the number of stop-over places the fishing industry and agriculture. The negotiation process The Liberal Party was originally founded to fight the against any and all attempts to bring Iceland into the European 4) We wish to hire the most capable experts, both locally and in the countryside – here we consider it possible to create a few young dudes that “understood” rock ‘n’ roll. The should be open and democratic, and, should the negotiations unjust fishing quota system law that was passed by Alþingi Union. We believe that before the question is even addressed internationally, to form an agenda. We can already see what thousand jobs, especially while Iceland is an advantageous lead to an agreement, the Icelandic nation shall immediately (parliament) in 1991 and the party's objective has always been we need to see a vote of 2/3 of the Icelandic people in favor of a a mistake it was to allow MPs, with their limited knowledge, destination for travelers, from an economic point of view. women were not big participants in the revolution take a stand through national elections preceded by enlight- that Iceland's habitants have a righteous and fair fisheries con- constitutional change, which assumes a democratic collapse. to interfere in these matters in the past months. The Icelandic 5) To rescue families from losing their homes, we need to ened discourse. trol, as fisheries are the nations fundamental industry. In the L-listinn will fight against such a change to the constitution. economy is badly isolated after poorly thought out emergency lower interest rates and eventually do away with indexation by, 7) The Progressive Party wishes to apply for EU membership current economic situation, The Liberal Party emphasizes the 8. The responsibility for the economic crisis is broad, but two laws and government action. among other ways, offering long term non-indexed loans. In yet. During the summer of 1960, new bands featur- and has made a resolution about the conditions that should abolishment of the quota system to fight unemployment. things matter most. On one hand, the poorly thought-out plat- 5) The Democracy Movement believes we can amplify the addition to mortgage payment consolidation we will eventu- be the grounding for any talks of joining. If we reach an agree- The Liberal Party also emphasizes the importance of form of the Central Bank that held too high an interest rate, problem even further by announcing a policy for the next four ally need to examine the rising principle of indexed real estate ing rock-thirsty teenagers blossomed. Bands such ment, we need to put this up to the nation’s judgment, for ap- professions that increase the influx and circulation of foreign creating an unbelievably flammable situation in our economic years in such a matter that demands a speedy process and con- loans and keep this portion aside without inflation adjustment proval or rejection. currency, e.g. tourism, codfish farming, and mussel farming. life. On the other hand is the EEA agreement, which is one stant circumstantial change. Therefore, we will hire the best or interest. We consider this the responsible path to take, rather 8) The responsibility for the economic collapse is widespread Furthermore, the Liberal Party places emphasis on those pro- of the unhealthiest steps the government of this country has experts to work on these cases, and through www.almannath- than blindly shunting debt off onto the people. With regards as Junior, Eron, Uranus and Falcon played where and can in part be traced to the international recession that fessions that preserve national currency, such as grain farming, ever taken. ing.is, the nation can participate in prioritising the matters and to currency insured loans, we want to be able to give those most states now struggle with. The Progressive Party partici- vegetable farming and handcraft. 9. L-listinn believes constitutional changes are needed in, voting on them through direct democracy. who take out loans the option of moving their loans over into and whenever they could, but Plútó soon became pated in privatising the banks and the party’s chairman has The Liberal Party has always fought for abolishing loan among other areas, giving parliament more independence 6) We need participation from international banks and finan- Icelandic crowns [as opposed to euros, Swiss francs, dollars, stated that not ensuring proper distribution of the ownership indexation, pointing to the fact that the current system is direct- whereby non-affiliated candidates have greater chances. We cial institutions. The Democracy Movement’s spokesmen im- etc.] We also want to increase interest relief by 25%, the pro- the premier band. The band had to change its was a mistake, and apologised for it. However, the Progressive ing homes into heavy debt. Therefore, The Liberal Party has are not opposed to a popular parliament but, at the same time, mediately suggested we seek the talents of George Soros and cess for which has already begun in the current government. Party left the government in 2007 and was in no position to put forth a bill to Alþingi to limit price-increase compensation we warn that such a legislature could be very costly. other thinkers and economists to advise on re-building our In short, the Leftist-Green platform is to ensure that everyone react after alarm bells started chiming, but repeatedly pointed to avoid mass bankruptcy of the public. 10. With a general saving sense and wisdom, L-listinn places banking system. This advice wasn’t heeded, and the results are has a roof over their heads even if they can't pay back their name when a silver crafting company, also named out that firm action was needed if we were to avoid collapse. The Liberal Party believes that the nation, as a whole, emphasis on cutting down our bloated bureaucracy in the pub- an isolated banking system, just as we had predicted. loans right away. At that time, the Independence Party and the Alliance Party has an unconditional right to a complete revaluation of the lic sector and many types of regulatory organizations, which 7) We will not take a stance on the matter and want the nation We also have to ensure that the economic crisis doesn't Plútó, complained. The band choose Lúdó, and were in government. countries administrational branch and its economy. Cliquish- have grown in the past years. We also emphasize that, despite to choose in a direct and middleman free democracy. We can- harm our children and young people, or disrupt their daily 9) It is the Progressive Party’s opinion that we need to hold ness due to political-ties and nepotism must be rooted out with the national debt, we need to ensure health services for those not trust MPs that are ruled by corrupt party owner coalitions lives. We want to see free and healthy meals in the primary elections for a constitutional parliament, which will draft a critical and honest methods. who need it the most. to make such important decisions for the nation. schools of this country. Unemployment payments for families added “og Stefán”, probably echoing Cliff Richards new constitution for Iceland. That constitution will then be The Liberal Party is the only party in Parliament that 8) The Icelandic party rule is the cause of the corrupt politics needs to be increased, in addition to increasing services for subject to national vote. has never been a part of government, and now expects this THE CITIZEN MOVEMENT – that have caused this collapse. We wish to oust the corruption the unemployed so they can get back into the job market as and the Shadows, who were all the rage by then. 10) We need to exercise restraint in every field, but we wish to change. It is necessary that The Liberal Party's standpoints BORGARAHREYFINGIN out of Alþingi and the political system using direct, middleman soon as possible. The biggest issue for the Icelandic household to take care that equal accessibility to healthcare and the are a part of the heavy work ahead in our country. The Liberal One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that free democracy. though is probably to defend the social and education systems Stefán Jónsson sang for Lúdó og Stefán, and in the education system will be upheld, and that our welfare system Party has courage and boldness to tackle the matters that need you end up being governed by your inferiors. -Plato 9) This is easy to accomplish with direct, middleman free de- of this country, as the Leftist-Greens have always fought for. ensures everyone a minimal standard of living. We can, how- to be dealt with. The money that has been made away with has The Citizen Movement is, as the name indicates, a broad mocracy, as we present on our website, www.xp.is 6) There is no magic solution in this matter. We simply need to ever, optimize in these fields, for instance a reference system to be returned to the nation, regardless of the time and effort movement of active citizens in a democratic society. That dem- 10) The nation should get a chance to decide on these matters engage in a more responsible economic policy. We need to pay early sixties they were Iceland’s hottest band. in the healthcare industry has been pointed out, as has home needed to make that happen. ocratic society turned out to have certain flaws; flaws that were using direct, middleman free democracy. We cannot decide back our debts and rebuild Iceland's economic life on realistic nursing. We have also mentioned that we need to ensure full Iceland has much potential invested in its people, its clearly revealed in the aftermath of the economic collapse last now and for the next four years on matters like these. People creation. Part of the solution will be to show the world that The band could in part thank their manager cooperation between the unemployment insurance agency nature and its natural resources, and, in order to get back on fall. The economic collapse brought together the people be- need to be able to discuss such matters at least once a year Iceland defends its social and education system, and therefore and the economy, so we can use the strength of those that are track, we must think of the needs of society as a whole, stand hind the Movement. The Citizen Movement consists of people and the Democracy Movement’s platform of direct, middle- has a future – it has been proven time and again that nations able and willing. If we start the economy again by using the united and get back on track so our future can be bright and with diverse backgrounds and different values; people living man free democracy will give the people a chance to make which pay attention to the foundations of society come best Guðlaugur Bergmann for the popularity. He later resources we have pointed out, there won’t be as much need our country can be a place where we are at ease and comfort- under different conditions from across Iceland are within its these decisions. out of economic crises. Probably the most important thing, for cutbacks in various fields. able yet again. ranks. though, is not to run out of steam but rather to always believe became a big shot in the Icelandic fashion world The Citizen Movement ideology is to ensure justice, THE ALLIANCE PARTY – SAMFYLKINGIN that we'll get ourselves out of our economic troubles. Remem- THE INDEPENDENCE PARTY – THE LIBERAL PARTY’S ANSWERS equality and democracy in the past, present and future. The Alliance Party is Iceland’s social-democratic party, a rep- ber that despite everything else, Iceland is a rich country in an when he opened fashion store Karnabær (named SJÁLFSTÆÐISFLOKKURINN 1. The Liberal Party wants a society characterized by equality Past: We wish to expose Icelandic banking, at least from resentative of the political ideology that has built the power- economic crisis, not a poor one. The Independence Party is the biggest mass movement in Ice- and justice, where free members of the community are active the foundation of the IceSave accounts, as a giant fraud. That ful welfare states of Northern-Europe while ideologies to the 7) The Leftist-Greens believe now as always, that Iceland's land. Registered members are close to 50 thousand. Yearly, a and responsible participants in society’s development. way, we can appeal to the sense of justice of those nations left and right have collapsed in recent years. In place of the economic life is better situation outside of the EU than within after Carnaby street in London), and as a band great number of men and women aged 15 and up participate 2. The party's chairman is running again, as are two other of that were exposed to our racketeers. We will simply ask them old fashioned crony-privatisation and the intertwined power it. However, we believe that the question of whether or not in the parties operation through over 100 local party divisions. the party MPs who have been in Parliament for the past two for help to locate the money - because it is somewhere to be structures of other political parties’ business relationships to join the EU is a matter that needs to be put to a national manager he was very inventive. For instance he Work within the Independence Party revolves around years. Other frontrunners have never been MPs. All those run- found - and let them keep what they find. Obviously some of and administrations that drove Iceland into the ground, social referendum. politics. It is infinitely varied, as politics revolve around ideas, ning for second seat on the party's lists have never before run the money evaporated in the bubble. Our aim is to hold the democrats wish to ensure fair regulations and freedoms to 8) The Leftist-Greens have never been in the ruling majority un- actions and people. for parliament. racketeers and banksters responsible for what’s lacking. act in pursuit of healthy competition, social responsibilities, til 1 February and have always been the strongest opponents of advertised that the band would play “Gagarin- The Independence ideology is the grounding for the 3. Due to the current economical turmoil, we most likely need Present: The most reasonable and fair way to right the environmentalism, a social safety net and opportunities for the neo-libertarian and privatization policies that are the roots party’s stance on every matter. Its core is the faith in freedom to continue using the króna for the next 4-5 years. We have to Icelandic household situation is by moving Iceland’s price all, especially in the field of education. International col- of our economic crisis, so we believe we are hardly responsible rock” and “Horror-rock”. The band had no clue of the individual and equal opportunity for all to grow and reap manage our problems with the króna. There is no other cur- indexation back to what it was in January of 2008. It is clear laboration and an open society form the basis for a healthy for the economic crisis we now face. On the other hand, we the fruits of their talent. The independence and safety of the na- rency available to us given the current state of things. that the government knew where we were headed at that time. standard of living. could have always done a better job in criticizing the previ- tion is also an important facet of the ideology. The freedom to 4. Fight for lower interest rates and that the banks start giving They did not tell us, and thus we could not react. Therefore, this ous government and the “business vikings,” and could always when they read those ads in the papers. When they operate and act for both individuals and corporations must be businesses normal loans again. No business can handle the correction is an unquestionable matter of fairness. Company THE ALLIANCE PARTY’S ANSWERS stand to improve ourselves. ensured, even though freedom comes with great responsibility current cost of capital and unemployment will rise even more write-offs should not be a priority. First, it should be attempted 1) Freedom, equality and brother/sisterhood The responsibility for the crash, in our judgment, lies asked, Guðlaugur answered: “You just try to jam and care must be taken. The party greatly emphasises the need if no action is taken. to sell the company; if not possible to get an acceptable price 2) The Alliance Party has elected a new chairman, Jóhanna with the previous government foremost, secondly with public to support those that are in need of a strong safety net. 5. Abolish price indexation and partially write off the publics for it, then the employees should be offered the chance to take Sigurðardóttir, a new VP, Dagur B. Eggertsson, and half of those officials who stood by as things fell apart, and thirdly on the some outer space kind of music!” As for “Horror- housing loans by passing a law on temporary accounts for the the company over. Their owners' debt will not be automatically running for Parliament now are newcomers. “business vikings” and bank managers themselves who were The coalition of young Independence Party members works on rest of the year. This way it is possible to determine write offs written off, but they will be given the chance to accrue favour- 3) We believe that using such a miniscule currency as the kró- motivated primarily by their own greed, fully aware that the the matters of young people within the party, and many char- from actual real estate prices, which have been going down able loans or change the debt of promising companies into na will be too expensive and cause too much uncertainty for Icelandic people would have to pay for their debts. rock” – “You just put nylon socks on your heads!” ters are operated throughout the country. The association of while loans have been going up. government equity. the country’s households to be a feasible choice for the future. 9) Yes, we believe a popular parliament should be called female Independence Party members has also been operated 6. By negotiating contracts with foreign lending institutions Future: We must make radical democratic reform to This is why we aim to negotiate with the EU for membership in together which would be elected by the people directly. Ste- Lúdó og Stefán are still operating and have for many years, and the coalition of elder party members works regarding joint ownership, of up to 1/3, of the now government ensure that the events of the last months will not repeat the union and adopting the Euro. ingrímur J. Sigfússon, the chairman of the Leftist-Greens, is in favour of seniors within the party. owned banks, we need foreign financial resources into our themselves. We underwent a great shock, and will need to 4) We plan to quickly re-establish our financial system and actually one of the affirmative speakers for a bill submitted The Independence ideology is in constant formation. Ev- banking system. work our way out of it some way. It is obvious that the current faith in the Icelandic economy, so that companies can receive to parliament and currently in process that would set such a released many, many records. They played at Sigur eryone who so wishes can participate in the varied party activi- 7. National (domestic) resources are a priority for Iceland and system failed us. In our mind, it seems irrational to cosy up to normal services and grounds can be laid for a fast drop in in- popular parliament into motion. ties, and can influence its course, for instance by enlisting in therefore Iceland should not join the EU. the last remaining wall of the house, light a fire and try to get terests. Responsibility, restraint and good operating conditions 10) Cuts in the social and education system should be avoided Rós’ end of tour party in 2008 and totally lifted the any of the fifteen different subject committees operated by the 8. The plunderers in the group of so called “investment Vi- comfortable. We must build from the bottom up. To ensure this matter much more to the economy than any “magic solution” first and foremost where possible. The Leftist-Greens want to party or by partaking some of the party’s many open meetings kings” receiving excessive salaries and those political parties is possible we need to instigate a constitutional parliament. A that will eventually cause more debt and taxation. reduce spending by ceasing any and all military-related opera- roof off the house with their eternally cool rock ‘n’ and events. in government in the last years. The Liberal Party was not mem- constitutional parliament, if done correctly, would initiate a 5) We plan on bridging the gap in these times of trouble with tions, by cutting down on spending within ministries, public The party recently completed a splendid national con- ber of government in the last 10 years. The Independence Party discourse on what kind of society we want, what values we integral actions that meet the needs of different groups and offices and embassies. In many instances public offices will be vention, thrown under the axiom “Let’s get to work.” At the led the government and held both the Prime- and Financial wish to uphold and how we want to distribute power to those ensure that each and every króna goes where it is needed. The consolidated, but as always we will do this with a continuous roll music. convention, we honestly came to terms with the events that Ministries. They wanted free flow financials, and they slept on that seek to represent us in government. Post collapse, the welfare-bridge spans everything, from the increased payback open dialogue with the people working in these offices. We happened this winter, and also laid down lines for the future. their guard. Shame on them for their apathy and inaction! build up and investigation needs to be put on a certain path of interests to payment-adaptations for individuals so their debt will in this way do all we can to preserve jobs; it wouldn't make The party emphasises that the restrictive and tax-raising poli- 9. We want to change the constitution and we support the – we believe a constitutional parliament is that path. load is in tune with their fiscal abilities. sense for the government to fire people only to pay them unem- cies of the current government aren’t the way out of the reces- bill regarding that. We also support ideas of a constitutional 6) By applying to negotiate EU membership and requesting to ployment payments once they're out of work. sion, rather we should trust in private enterprise and the power assembly. THE CITIZEN MOVEMENT’S ANSWERS both adopt the Euro and join the ERM currency collaboration We won't hide the fact either that part of our solution to By Dr. Gunni, based on his 2000 book Eru ekki allir that resides within individuals. 10. Surely, cutbacks will be required when laying out our na- 1) Let’s bring the people to Parliament. to support the Króna as soon as possible; as well as following the economic crisis that the Conservatives bear a great deal tional budget because the treasury's revenue has decreased 2) As was to be expected, the renewal in the party ranks is next through the plan that was agreed with the International Mon- of responsibility for is to increase taxes for those in the high- í stuði? (Rock in Iceland). A revised edition of the THE INDEPENDENCE PARTY’S ANSWERS by billions after the financial collapse. It is essential to cut back to none. We encouraged those who are aligned with us and etary Fund – and showing responsibility. est income brackets, and those with high investment income, 1) The policy of the Independent Party is based on the power, and adjust in all fields, but at the same time, guard the welfare wanted to join any of the parties to do so. Unfortunately, far too 7) It is necessary to initiate negotiations for Iceland to fully join while protecting the middle class and investments of a modest initiative and hard work of the people. Enterprise and welfare system and ensure good health services, while effectively cut- few from our ranks got selected to represent them. the EU, so we can become a nation among nations and allow nature. In this way we will ensure to maintain a strong welfare book is forthcoming in 2010. are and will be the building blocks of the Independent Party’s ting back. Foreign- and defense affairs should be contracted 3) We will seek ways to solve our currency problems by joining our people to vote on the outcome of such negotiations. The state, and that the economic crisis doesn't hurt those who bear policy. as much as possible, and we should rely more on police and currency coalitions with other nations or, if need be, by the one EU and the Euro will not automatically solve our problems with the least responsibility. DAY TOURS WE’LL TAKE YOU TO ALL THE MOST EXCITING PLACES IN ICELAND

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BSÍ Bus Terminal / 101 Reykjavík / +354 580 5400 / [email protected] / www.re.is 8 | REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 4—2009

FEATURE BY HAUKUR MÁR HELGASON — PHOTO BY BALDUR KRISTJÁNS The End of Neo-liberal Neverland

The Meaning of Success turning 30, most have taken student loans, a real- cussing politics, people take refuge in metaphors 'How to succeed in Modern Business: Lessons from estate loan, a ‘car-loan’, travelled on VISA, and of fishing and farming. On BBC’s Hard Talk ex-PM the Icelandic Voyage' is the title of an address given raised a baby on overdraft. Since the country has Geir Haarde repeated the prevalent meteorologi- by Iceland’s president Ólafur R. Grímsson to Brit- its own currency, the Króna (ISK), there isn’t much cal analysis of last autumn’s events: “We were in ish business leaders in London’s Walbrook Club in difference between this system of debt and so- the middle of a hurricane. A global financial hur- 2005. In his lecture, the President enumerated 13 called ‘truck systems’, where a labourer buys goods ricane. Our banking system and the resources of national characteristics to explain 'our’, that is Ice- from the company he works for. His work and his our government were not big enough to withstand landers’, ‘success' in finance: “Eighth on my list is consumption are noted in a single book of debit the wind. That came from that hurricane.” Ask not the heritage of discovery and exploration, fostered and credit, while the worker sees little or no ‘real’ which way the wind blows – it blows at thee. by the medieval Viking sagas that have been told money. Young people took their parents’ advice All media in the country, state-run or private, and retold to every Icelandic child,” he said. “This and borrowed up to 100% of the heavily inflated, is edited by members of the Independence party. is a tradition that gives honour to those who ven- London-priced real estate. Now many of them are Media policy has been in line with party policy, the ture into unknown lands, who dare to journey to stuck. The real estate market has now collapsed, most crucial element of which is optimism. Davíð foreign fields, interpreting modern business ven- making the highly leveraged apartments impossi- Oddsson, who started his career as a radio enter- tures as an extension of the Viking spirit, applaud- ble to sell. Since the loans are linked to the local re- tainer, is also a published author of short stories ing the successful entrepreneurs as heirs of this tail price index, in times of inflation the homeown- and poetry. In 1983, Freedom magazine printed proud tradition.” ers’ debt grows: a young woman who borrowed 24 Oddsson’s admiring article about poet Tómas President Grímsson was not the first to my- million ISK to buy an apartment five years ago, and Guðmundsson where he compares the poet with thologize Iceland's rapid implementation of global has duly paid her rising monthly payments since, Winston Churchill, in terms of their unwavering capitalism with Viking references. In the late 1970’s now owes the bank 30 million ISK for that same optimism. In the recession of 1933, Guðmundsson and early 80's, a handful of young men, members of loan. The technical term for this is ‘price-insurance’ published a popular collection of romantic poetry the so-called Locomotive group [Eimreiðin], made but colloquially it is known as ‘the Hell-machine’. about Reykjavik, entitled Beautiful World. ‘It can be themselves busy importing Milton Friedman's free When you travel to Iceland, the Martian landscapes assumed,’ writes Oddsson, ‘that to many this ques- market ideology. Davíð Oddsson was a prominent between the airport and Reykjavík may look a lot tion must have sounded peculiar, whether they did member of this group. He would later implement like lava, but don’t be fooled: it’s hardened debt. not find the world beautiful. But Guðmundsson did Friedman’s ideology as the Independence Party not ask. He announced this to his nation.’ leader, Prime Minister (1991-2004) and, since 2005, ‘There is No Such Thing as Non-fiction’ The poetic announcement sheds light on chairperson of the Central Bank. Milton Friedman’s Most of the country’s citizens live in debt but pre- Oddsson’s political theory and policymaking, as dogma is now well known: privatize, deregulate, cise statistics are hard to find. Thatcher’s dictum well as a peculiar sort of journalism. As national then look away. In The Shock Doctrine, Naomi ‘There is no such thing as society’ was taken very dogma, this optimism verges on the totalitarian. Klein has exposed to us how Friedman’s disciples seriously by policy makers under Oddsson’s rule, In October 2008, when ‘the perfect storm’ set in, went about doing this, by using the disorientation and institutes that had the role of providing social as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) called it, caused by traumatic events, such as natural catas- data were disciplined and silenced, or simply shut that is when all of Iceland’s banks were bailed out trophes or economic depression, to push through down. When the National Economic Institute re- from bankruptcy by the state, the newspapers were programmes that otherwise would never have peatedly published unsuitable information, Odds- busy doing other things. Morgunblaðið, which been democratically approved. A lesser known son passed law through the Parliament to abolish originated as the Independence Party’s own organ, proponent of ‘more radical capitalism’ is Milton the institute. That was in the late 1990’s. He then ran the front-page headline ‘The intrinsic power of Friedman’s son, the self-professed 'anarcho-capi- redirected the institute’s role to the Central Bank our Nation’ underneath a photograph of a waterfall talist' David Friedman. In 1979, Friedman Jr. pub- and years later appointed himself as Central Bank (Sep 27). ‘What will ‘our girls’ do?’ the front page lished an article entitled 'Private Creation and En- manager. This is why key figures, such as the inter- then asked its readers (Sep 28) referring to female countries like to see themselves as one community, forcement of Law: A Historical Case'. The historical national Gini index, meant to measure equality of soccer. When the events could no longer be evad- this signal was unambiguous: sink, Iceland, sink. case in question is medieval Iceland, when law was wealth distribution, do not exist for Iceland. ed, editors bypassed the news and went straight to And sink it did. The country’s first response not upheld by a state, but by individuals: “Medieval problem-solving: ‘Want to strengthen the banks’ was to take offence, and in an episode that reveals Icelandic institutions […] might almost have been (Sep 29) – and whitewashing: ‘It was unavoidable’ a sublime combination of the cartoonish and the invented by a mad economist to test the lengths to (Sep 30). A day later ‘Want to honour equality’ is ac- Shakespearean, Davíð Oddsson announced that which market systems could supplant government companied by ‘We know as little as the public’. Oc- Russia would lend Iceland all the money it need- in its most fundamental functions,” wrote the young tober 3, Morgunblaðið scoops: ‘Economic uncer- ed. Russia did not agree – and instant-mix articles Friedman. In such a society, he goes on, seats in Our beloved Vikings took tainty’ – oh, no! – but helps the country heal for the about the deep ties and common history of the two parliament are a commodity and justice is upheld the money and ran, and next few days: ‘Only to a safe haven’, ‘Good conver- countries stopped appearing as suddenly as they by the threat of thralldom as punishment for any of- left the Icelandic state sation is good fortune’ and ‘The public’s savings are had commenced. Iceland was falling, but in the fence. The Old Norse term ‘thralldom’ is a bit of an safe’ (Oct 6). These are the actual main front-page manner of a cartoon character who runs off a cliff with a foreign debt of obscurity in modern English. Its modern Icelandic - headlines running while two of the country’s three and then stops in midair: it’s easy enough to stand variant – Þrældómur – is transparent enough; it just € 20 billion. Divided be banks were nationalized –to the world’s attention. on nothing, as long as you don’t look down and rea- means slavery. tween the country’s 300 The third nationalization did make it to the front lise. Sheer optimism may hold you for a breathless In 1979, the Locomotive group invited David page, as: ‘Kaupþing bank admits defeat’ (Oct 9). moment – then you fall. Friedman to Iceland for a seminar about his thesis thousand inhabitants, Smaller catastrophes, which abounded, received on the benefits of slavery. The lecture was then that is € 70 thousand no mention. In a radically capitalist state, negativ- Revolution translated by the future Viking executive Hreinn per person. ity is too risky, true words too dear. This is media as The original version of this article, published in Loftsson and published in the Locomotive’s maga- a police force, doing crowd-control, with a poetic Italy’s Il Manifesto October 2008, concluded that zine, Freedom [Frelsid]. touch. ‘There is nothing to see here, move away,’ these events were ‘already revolutionary in mea- these front pages say, while dispersing the crowds. sure’. The editors of The London Review of Books Life in Debt edited the revolution thing out before publishing it Iceland’s three publicly owned banks were priva- Motherless Iceland in November. I found that very reasonable: revolu- tized in the early 2000’s and the republic thrown Yet another term non-existent in Icelandic is ‘strate- tions are rare. The term should be used sparingly. into the deal, as mortgage. This mortgage was con- For a few years, from mass privatization in gy’. During ‘the blessed war’, as older people fondly Then, every Saturday, ever growing thou- sidered solid, the rising (now 18%) local interest the early 2000’s until October 2008, Reykjavík ca- remember World War II, Iceland began to leave pre- sands of people came together for protest in the rates luring, and the banks accumulated enormous fés would present you with laid-back high school industrial poverty behind: this spot in the Atlantic main square of Reykjavík, united on very clear de- assets. The banks grew ten times bigger than Ice- students chatting mainly about currency rates and was strategically important and so was its fish. In mands. For the last twenty years, Icelanders have land’s economy. When international bankers start- the benefits of short-selling. But this small linguis- 1944, Iceland the colony declared independence been very reluctant protestors – and to begin with ed having doubts, the Icelanders reached for Eu- tic community seems to uphold only one line of from Denmark’s modest empire and became Ice- most felt hesitant to support such actions as hurl- ropean private savings with ‘ingenious’ schemes, thought at a time. Non-financial vocabularies were land the Republic. This proudly independent coun- ing eggs at parliament. As daring activists waged as Sigurjón Árnason, the manager of Landsbanki left to wither. ‘The ever-present danger of perish- try was however already occupied by US forces, further and further – with symbolic action, such as bank, called their Icesave offer: “The only thing ing would not permit of a language restricted to and would be until 2006, when the Bush adminis- raising a discount supermarket’s flag on parliament I have to do is look each day and see how much gesture,’ said Rousseau on the origin of language tration found some better things to do with the two but also direct action such as carrying a bank man- money came in,” he says, laughing, in a 2006 inter- in the North: ‘And, the first words among them remaining fighter-jets. While the US dollar is sup- ager out of her bank – and as these actions started view, “picks up the phone and a moment later says: were not love me, but help me.’ Admittedly, there ported by 300 million citizens, industry and mili- showing success, while politicians refused to utter ‘50 million pounds came in, just last Friday!’” Our is no Icelandic word for ‘gesture’, which helps ex- tary intervention, the Icelandic Króna is used by a word of apology, let alone resign, support for the beloved Vikings took the money and ran, and left plain awkward moments in foreign relations. The 300 thousand people, whose main export remains protest became as close to unanimous as can be the Icelandic state with a foreign debt of € 20 bil- local term for ‘hegemony’ [forræði} also covers cod. Disillusion hit mere days before the banks expected. On the 21st of January, police used tear- lion. Divided between the country’s 300 thousand ‘administration’ and ‘child custody’. The recently collapsed: On September 24th 2008, the US Fed- gas for the first time in Reykjavík since people dem- inhabitants, that is € 70 thousand per person. coined translation for ‘structure’ [formgerð] still eral Reserve announced it would make currency onstrated against Iceland joining NATO in 1949. Icelanders, however, are already familiar feels forced. This conceptual lack is supported exchange deals with the Central banks in Sweden, When polled the day after, 70% of the country’s with debt. Home ownership is public policy, sink- by official linguistic policies, which have aimed Norway and Denmark, to support them through the population declared their support of the protest ing most people in debt in their early 20’s. Before at ‘purification’ since the 19th century. When dis- global recession – but not Iceland. As the Nordic actions. A people, so long fenced-in with optimis- REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 4—2009 | 9

tic silence, learned to show anger, resentment and der to undermine the protestors’ own achievement, been charged with any crime. tion.) Grímsson evaded the subject of thralldom shout. and to postpone the obvious hard question: what The first revolutionary stroke in Iceland’s his- altogether. Let’s go back a day: On the 20th of January now, then? – both the protest movement and its tory re-established the possibility of meaning. Just It's got geothermal heating, so at least no one 2009, Parliament intended to resume its activities opponents have cute-ified the happening by nam- that. Then everything is left unsaid and undone. will freeze to death’, wrote Time Magazine about after a vacation seen by some as ludicrously long. ing it ‘the cutlery revolution’ [búsáhaldabyltingin]. How far back do the lies reach? Was Iceland rigged Iceland’s prospects in October 2008. According to A call for action was voiced: let’s make noises! A And the newspapers, of course, acknowledge no up to feed the US army? It may not be much harder rumours from more experienced third-world coun- few hundred showed up in front of parliament be- such thing as revolution. The event, as event, is a to forge a national identity than decorating a Pizza tries, the IMF might beg to differ. We have every fore noon. Before long, these few hundred hesitat- priori excluded from their agenda. The day after Hut: one Nobel Prize here, Viking myths there, put reason to fear that they and other representatives ingly and shyly crossed a police ribbon that had the government was toppled, their headlines ran: a ‘The world’s oldest democracy’-plaque on the of global market interests will want to use this op- been strung around the building at a few metres ‘Left-wing government seems likely’. wall …. portunity for a full-scale Friedmanite Shock Doc- distance. Once the ribbon was broken, the protes- Camouflaged in elegant white, we thought trine. Already in early October, right-wing forces tors surrounded the building, banging pots, pans that we had passed through as Europeans. As long tried to create consensus on the dogmatic “Now and the windows of parliament. When police ap- as we’d keep proper distance from the Inuit and al- nothing can be holy”, i.e. now is the time for en- plied pepper spray, the demonstrators showed ways correct those who think we live in snow hous- vironmentalists, feminists and socialists to shut up resolute solidarity, ready with diluted washing-up es, we hoped that no one would notice. Will they and let business do its business. Venture capital- liquid and milk to take care of each other. A garden “The only thing I have to now despise us? During the self-professed ‘good ists have made bids at the state’s total real estate. behind the house of parliament became a site of years’, a lot of people left Iceland. In 2007, some 60 It’s Don Corleone’s world, full of ‘offers they struggle, where the police arrested dozens, mostly do is look each day and thousand Icelandic citizens permanently resided can’t refuse’. We know little about the IMF’s agree- underage teenagers. In a few hours police gained see how much money elsewhere, 20% of its inhabitants. Now Icelanders ment with Icelandic authorities, only that they control of the garden, but protestors kept banging. came in,” he says, have suddenly become Europe’s cheapest work- promised each other to suspend the full force of the As dusk set in, the one or two hundred peo- - force. We all know how this works – Norwegian collapse until 2010. It’s a gluey sort of Apocalypse. ple who were still relentlessly banging whatever laughing, in a 2006 in worker rentals have already set up shop in the city Eight thousand of the country’s 300 thousand in- bangable items they had brought that morning, wit- terview, “picks up the hall, recruiting from those already unemployed. habitants are currently studying business and fi- nessed something bewildering: the action was not phone and a moment Those who were not in on any scam and gained nance, acting as if nothing happened. Everyone still fading. On the contrary, new streams and flocks of nothing from Iceland’s rise and fall, ask: Will we be acts as if money has a function and basically every people appeared. In a few hours, after the evening later says: ‘50 million treated like we treated our immigrants? Or worse? trick in the hysteric’s toolbox is currently applied to news, the hundreds turned to thousands and the in- pounds came in, just No, we are not numerous enough, someone an- hide the fact that there is no way back. Tomorrow cessant tribal beat was accompanied by a bonfire last Friday!’”. swers. They won’t notice. may be capitalist, but tomorrow’s capitalism would in the square in front of parliament. The fire lasted ‘Ninth,’ President Grímsson went on in his be a dystopian remix of Fukuyama’s universe, with- for hours, but grew to most splendid heights when London address on Icelandic success, ‘is the im- out any pretences towards freedom. In a silent act the City's own Christmas tree was brought down portance of personal reputation. This is partly of minimal decency, local right-wing ideologues and carried on to the fire. And as it turned out, this rooted in the medieval Edda poems, which em- have stopped uttering the word. For the next year is one way to off a government: the noise continued Lessons from phasise that our wealth might wither away but our or two, our brutally real choice will continue to be and they were gone in a week. the Icelandic Voyage reputation will stay with us forever. Every Icelandic revealed: between capitalismo puro, capitalism as This is revolution. It is a revolution of mind- Neoliberal Iceland was run as a secret conspiracy entrepreneur knows that success or failure will re- mere, brutal fact and – through a thick layer of ridi- set, born of deep anger, resentment and a categori- worthy of a James Bond screenplay: it was ex- flect not only on his or her own reputation but also cule, this word still demands its way out as the only cal demand for justice. But this is also a good-old changed for gambling money in a plot involving on the reputation of the nation. They therefore see fitting one – revolution. ‘The King is Dead! Long Live the King!’ factual sort Russian oligarchs, offshore accounts in the Carib- themselves as representatives of a proud people of revolution, where the public throws off the bur- bean, and luxury yachts no less kitschy than your and know that their performance will determine den of unbearably bad rulers and demands new average dictators’ – not to mention Elton John, Tina their reputation for decades or centuries to come.’ ones. A constitutional convention is underway, to Turner and Duran Duran entertaining in private par- Grímsson forgot to mention the most prominent ad- meet basic demands, such as a separation of gov- ties, and a lot of cocaine. Or so they say. Rumours vice in the Edda-poems: ‘The ignorant booby had ernment, parliament and the courts. In a supposed abound, but no details, no facts: no single money best be silent / When he moves among other men republic where citizens still tend to refer to them- transaction has been publicly verified. In Iceland, / No one will know what a nit-wit he is / Until he selves as subjects, this is, in some ways, 1789. In or- no businessperson, politician or civil servant has begins to talk.’ (Verse 27 in W.H. Auden’s transla- 10 | REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 4—2009

Opinion Opinion OPINION

I’m Not Stupid! Does It Matter?

BY Ingibjörg Rósa Björnsdóttir BY Valur Gunnarsson

You gotta love us Icelanders. We take everything to the In the film Frost/Nixon, former U.S. President Richard extreme. Two of our girls were voted Miss World in the Nixon wonders if his legacy will be an entire generation 80s and we decided that ALL our women were the world’s of Americans losing faith in the political system. The fact most beautiful. One Icelandic guy repeatedly won the title that Nixon was forced to resign was itself proof that the of The World‘s Strongest Man, and we assume our men system, in fact, worked. However, the shock of seeing the are the strongest of all. A few people started behaving like President exposed as corrupt led to people abandoning they were the astronomically wealthy aristocratic class faith in the very system that at that point was proving that that Iceland had always lacked, and the rest of the nation no one was above it. bought into the idea that the nation‘s economy was boom- We all know the story from there. Reagan, Bush, ing like never before. a brief Clintonian intermission, followed by even more A few not-so-good men managed to ruin the bank- Bush. All that is needed for evil to prosper, as the oft- ing system, almost bankrupting the entire nation and quoted Burke once said, is for good men to do nothing. In staining our reputation as content hard-working, honest, the aftermath of Watergate, it seemed that good men took tax-payers... and now we can hardly find words powerful a collective step away from politics. For nearly 30 years enough to describe our self-deprecation. We‘re humiliat- between Carter and Obama, they were to do very little at ed and we blame ourselves for all helping to blow up this all. Many even stopped voting, and the fewer people that bubble that has now burst. Bloggers seem to be competing Denial and Ignorance took a stand, the better the Republicans did. in who-can-use-the-nastiest-language when describing In many ways, Iceland now stands at a similar turn- how utterly stupid we are: myopic, stupid, naive, stupid, ing point to the one the US faced in the 1970’s. Instead of BY AFTAKA - Photo by HÖRÐUR SVEINSSON immature, stupid, overly-confident, stupidly optimistic, Vietnam, we have the banking crisis. Instead of Watergate stupid and irrational. And stupid. Not long ago, the word anarchism was almost meaning- ple protest and fight against capitalism, not the crisis! we have, well, the banking crisis. It seems that every eve- I guess it‘s an understandable psychological reac- less in Icelandic. It hardly existed. But now it seems that The police officer’s words mark the narrow mind- ning, Icelanders are bombarded with still more news of tion to the trauma of watching your country‘s economy it has received a seat in the language and better yet—it is sets and lack of ideals that last years’ social situation lead corruption within both the private and public sectors. crumble to dust. We blame ourselves for not being able getting more and wider understanding. The reason must to. The sentence here above – “although I don’t believe Small wonder that many consider the country to be hope- to prevent it. But enough is enough. I refuse to kick my- be the growing movement of anarchists and their visibil- there is much behind that” – is a schoolbook example of lessly corrupt, even beyond help. self over things I had nothing to do with. I don‘t work in ity during protests and actions concerning the economic denial and ignorance. But saying that all politicians are the same is re- the finance sector; I hardly understand the stock market collapse. But these words are not only the police officers’. ally saying that politics don’t matter. They do matter; they news. And why should I? Only a small portion of the na- Many people’s first reactions to new words and Anarchism is constantly dismissed like this—ignored be- matter a great deal. For those that would say that the Left- tion works in finance and only a small percentage of them ideas are ignorance and denial, especially when the fore properly considered. That’s a childish behaviour that Greens are just as corrupt as other parties, the simple fact are to blame for taking these outrageous risks with the na- ideas challenge and defy the society’s standards and shows the lack of will to learn and get to know things from is that they have never been in government before, and, tion’s money. traditions—when the “truth” is doubted. Anarchists state a variety of perspectives; a lack of will to always have an hence, have not been able to become corrupt to the same We vote for people whom we trust can take care of and argue that something is wrong with the current so- open mind, challenge the “truth” and consider nothing extent, if at all. Beating them with the same stick as a party things for us, like ensuring that our economy is soundly cial structure. This causes disturbance that constantly ex- as holy; a lack of will to improve society. It shows the suc- that has excelled at corruption the past 18 years is as un- run, so that we can get on with living our lives. If the gov- pands when people realise that the anarchists are right… cess of authorities’ silencing campaigns; how well they fair as it is inaccurate. ernment fails, as many of us think they did, we simply get it is inconvenient having to change the “truth”. have managed to create a society of ideological stagna- Major changes in Iceland are needed, but these will a new one. One way to ignore this disturbance, not updating one’s tion, with the help of corporations, PR managers and ad- not come overnight. By turning their backs on the system, I don‘t want to spend my days and nights worrying mind and adapting to new and changed ideas, is to pre- vertisement agencies. by not voting at all or voting for parties with little hope whether the country is being run well or not; I trust others tend that these ideas don’t exist. Another way is to run We could turn this around and state that in the so- of entering government, those that want the system to to do a much better job than I ever could. them down, remove all ideals and ideologies. ciety there is “a group that connects itself with capitalism, change the most will lead to it changing the least. And with trust comes the danger of disappoint- The February issue of Grapevine included an in- but there is not much behind that!” But this statement is In fact, it is hard to see any fundamental differences be- ment. Yes, I‘m disappointed with our former government terview with police officers who took part in the police wrong. Capitalism builds on the idea that an individual’s tween the platforms of the newly formed Citizen Move- and financial structure. Yes, I‘m disappointed with how a actions during the January revolt. Talking about the more freedom is to do business, buy and sell without authori- ment and the present government. It is often those with few of my countrymen have behaved and I honestly be- radical part of the protesters, a police officer titled ‘Senior ties’ interventions. It is based on greed, acceptance of the most in common who argue most with one another. lieve they will get their just comeuppance. But I will not Policeman’ says: “It all starts with a group that connects class divisions, injustice, individuals’ different values In the recent University of Iceland student elections, the talk down to my nation or declare my own stupidity. I was itself with anarchism, although I don’t believe there is inside society and an unequal distribution of resources. Anarchist Party Öskra asked people not to vote for any of a university student during the boom years. I was studying much behind that.” He continues and says that by looking It builds on oppression, exploitation, deprivation of free- the above, instead of the lefty Röskva. Many did not vote at the faculty of humanities, not economy. at the group of anarchists he can’t imagine that they are dom (yes, people’s freedom is constantly deprived in the and the party the far right of the spectrum, Vaka, won. I paid my taxes and debt, took student loans and badly situated financially and adds that he would have name of other’s business freedom) violence and impris- Hopefully this will not be a template for the elections this worked my ass off to make ends meet. I used the bus or liked to see more people in his age group at the protests, onment. April. At the very least, politics are a question of choosing a bicycle to commute. Those three times I went abroad indebted people who have families to support. Therefore it is impossible to deal with capitalism the lesser of two evils. When people forget this, the greater in the past decade, I bought the cheapest bulkhead seats Wait a moment; there is something wrong here: (1) in this manner, as well as anarchism. No ideology, phi- evil prevails. on the longest milk-run flights. That’s how I lead my life, I How can he, by looking over a crowd, see if people have losophy and form of organisation can be dealt with in this and the vast majority of the nation. I believed what I was financial problems or not? (2) How does he know that manner. But since anarchist ideas are new for many peo- told, that our banks were sturdy and our economy was anarchists don’t have families to support? (3) Not being ple and these ideas challenge the society’s fundamental In many ways, Iceland now stands sound. How could I have known better? What could I have indebted is a sign of rationalism and lack of participation values, people repeatedly try to ignore them, hoping they at a similar turning point to the done differently? So I refuse to join the bemoaning, self- in the consumerism that characterised a majority of the will get lost and forgotten forever. deprecating choir of the Icelandic masochists. I will not Icelandic nation during last years and which sucked out In the end, it wouldn’t matter at all if ‘Senior Police- one the US faced in the 1970’s. In- mock my own nation; I will not agree with foreign journal- critical thinking and people’s desire of autonomy. (4) man’ would study anarchism and agree with some of its stead of Vietnam, we have the ists making fun of our misfortune; I will not take our bleak Not being indebted doesn’t take away one’s freedom to ideas. His statement would stay unchanged because it’s a situation and make it worse by kicking myself. I have noth- resist against a corrupt and incompetent government (not part of his job to state this to protect authorities and break banking crisis. Instead of Water- ing to be ashamed of and I‘M NOT STUPID! meaning people’s constitutional “right” to protest but ev- down everything that threatens their position. A police gate we have, well, the banking We have much to be proud of. Those who can‘t see ery living being’s unwritten right to defend itself). (5) Not officer would never accept the legitimacy of anarchist that and truly believe we are an island of idiots should just nearly everybody is protesting against the crisis and ask- ideas. However, that does not change the fact that his crisis. leave and find someplace more befitting their standards. ing for new period of prosperity. No! Some people always words and the way he dismisses challenging ideas is ex- Because that‘s not the spirit we need to get through these saw (and still see) through the so-called prosperity and actly how authorities want the whole of society to behave. next few years. I‘m tired of sarcasm and self-deprecation. still see the class divisions, injustice and corruption that That is something that us anarchists fight against! Quit wallowing in shame and do something. the prosperity period created and sustained. These peo-

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Norræna húsið / The Nordic House Sturlugata 5 (at the Iceland University campus) Tel.: + 354 551 7030 www.nordice.is Get straight to it

New generation of leaders

The Independence Party has fought for the freedom to work and freedom of the individual, abolition of any kind of restraints, cooperation with other nations and other progressive matters. The Party stands for a dynamic and open economy with a strong welfare system.

Present agenda: Create up to twenty thousand new jobs. Restore the current financial sector and ensure a functioning and efficient banking system that enables all individuals and firms access to necessary credit. No new taxes, no tax increases. Launch a new build-up in energy-demanding sectors.

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THE BIGGEST CLUB IN DOWNTOWN REYKJAVIK. LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND. WWW.NASA.IS 12 | REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 4—2009

ART BY Lana vogestad POETRY

Icelandic art makes me feel nothing at all

BY Eiríkur Örn Norðdahl

They tell me that Iceland, and in particular Reyk- javík, is too small an environment to foster a critical arts debate, since the feeling of being able to speak freely is a luxury given only through a certain re- move, a certain distance which is not to be found in the Icelandic arts world (and moving abroad, I assure you, doesn’t help much – unless you decide never to return). Sooner or later you’re gonna share a table at a bar with the artist in question, and al- though the situation is more likely to turn out to be less violent and more strained, repressed and weird, it’s still uncomfortable and religiously avoided by al- most anyone that engages in criticism in Iceland. And thus literary reviews have become a min- imalist art form where the reader is more or less left to interpret what the reviewer thought of the book in question – leaving the option open whether he or she had any thoughts about it whatsoever. All poet- ry is so-and-so – and the few truly lauded seem to be lauded mostly for being old men who have begun to 101 Projects: Silenced believe their own hype writing new books as if they were word for word imitations of their own best-of One last look at 101 Projects collections. Icelandic art seems to be “mostly ok” and the spectrum of quality for Icelandic movies spans three-and-a-half to four stars – while the spectrum A critical part of Iceland’s society, the arts, is feel- quently remarked on the under-representation of lish subtitles of the sound that you hear. There are for music is a tad wider, it still shares the same sort ing the impact of the economic crisis, as businesses women artists in museums and galleries in his writ- twenty-four etchings of sound waves around the of mentality: An utter fright of any concrete opin- are losing sponsors and funding. One art space that ing. The high percentage of women artists shown perimeter of the room with English translations. ion. has sadly fallen victim to this crisis is 101 Projects. at 101 Projects is an example of how the space is It is striking how the voices personally communi- Being “cruel” – or “open” or “honest” or whaty- 101 Projects is tucked away on Hverfisgata and has progressive and significant in the context of the art cate with the viewer. Some share stories and some ouwannacallit – is not going to get you any friends been presenting challenging and thought provok- world. speak of injustice, which demonstrates that these and we all know that without friends you’re basi- ing art shows, under the recent curatorship of Birta languages are anything but silent. The body of cally worthless. Dale Carnegie calls it “How to win Guðjónsdóttir. It has established a programme A Closer Look work focuses on languages that are extinct or on friends and influence people” because the two tend which instigates a more critical discourse in the In November 2008, 101 Projects exhibited the art- the brink of no longer being practiced which is, as to go together. And besides, you should do the work arts here in Iceland, and is unfortunately just in the ist Mathilde ter Heijne. The stark white gallery was Birta sees it, especially relevant for Iceland, since justice: judge it on its own merits. Does it achieve beginning stages. bare except for ten postcard stands on the floor. the Icelandic language is such an old language and what it sets out to do? And by all means, ask not A common thread between the artists The postcards displayed black and white only spoken by around 320,000 in the world. whether what it sets out to do makes any sense, if Guðjónsdóttir has chosen is that most of them are photographs of random women spanning across Susan Hiller is American born and has been it’s any fun or has any merit. Speak carefully, for you not content with the now and want to change and time and regional maps. On the back of each post- living in the UK for the past 30 years. Even though may later prove to have been (historically) wrong. improve society. Leaning towards the opposite side card there was a brief biography about a specific under-recognised, she is an extremely accom- As if discussing arts was a matter of being right or of the commercial art world and exhibiting interna- woman, but not the one photographed. The bio em- plished artist and writer and has influenced many wrong. tional diverse artists, these shows are about art and phasized how this woman contributed to society, artists, such as Douglas Gordon and Ann Hamil- Now let me state that being objective doesn’t the world, and how we see the world. whether as a leader, a fighter or a philanthropist. ton. As a studied anthropologist, inspired by death, deprive you of your right to an opinion – and com- Since the space was turned into a project The photograph created this personal con- memory, language, and perception, her work sits in menting on plausible/possible faults in a piece of space from a gallery last year, three of the four nection with the story even though they are not between art and social practice and science. Hiller work doesn’t mean you hate the artist and all his or shows have featured women artists. Even though it related. Viewers in the gallery were welcome to has demonstrated in The Last Silent Movie, as well her kin. It doesn’t even mean you hate the work in is a rare statistic in the global art world, it is less of take postcards with them. The process of looking, as others such as From the Freud Museum 1991–6, question. And yes, you’re allowed to misread and an issue in the Icelandic art scene. Icelanders have reading and taking a woman who was way ahead that art can be about life and death, and how death misinterpret – just don’t be cowardly. If you’re not a history of a feminist lineage: it is a country that al- of her time and shaped our world today, was an em- can be lived. willing to risk misreading you’re probably not read- lowed women to vote earlier than most nations, as powering experience. As you read this, 101 Projects has been ing at all. well as having a female president in 1980, a female Most recently, 101 Projects has been exhibit- forced to close its doors. It is clear that short-term Arts differ from, let’s say, engineering. If you director of the National Gallery of Iceland in 1988, ing The Last Silent Movie by the monumental art- art spaces are common in Iceland, but it is disap- miscalculate the structure of a bridge it might crum- a female mayor of Reykjavík in 1994, and, now, a fe- ist, Susan Hiller. Upon entering the stripped down pointing and discouraging to witness the true ble – and it means you were probably wrong. A male Prime Minister; women artists certainly seem space you have a sense that the work is emphasis- potential of a space get cut short. As Susan Hiller book? A play? A film? The bridge of a song? – while to have fair representation here. ing something missing. The space is cold and quiet, revealed to us: when something is no longer here, it need not sit well with the artist you’re still entitled It is noteworthy that this high percentage of even though there is the sound coming from the that doesn’t mean it is lost. Hopefully new art spac- to an opinion. And the artist, the artist’s friends, the strong women voices in an art space is disturbingly speakers above. Voices from another time are in- es will emerge to continue what 101 Projects has artist’s mother, fans, other critics and culture en- unusual outside Iceland, even in big cities like New timately talking, whispering and singing to you in started and the existing galleries will not suffer the thusiasts are entitled to have opinions about your York. For instance, the Museum of Modern Art in their endangered language, which may not exist to- same fate. At times like these, creativity and critical opinions – it doesn’t mean you’re wrong and they’re New York still only shows approximately 30% wom- day. The exhibition focuses on a video and sound thinking is what this country needs the most. right. It doesn’t even mean you’re right and they’re en artists. New York art critic Jerry Saltz has fre- piece, which is a projected black screen with Eng- wrong. It means that to some degree you disagree. It’s called a discussion, relax, get over it.

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14 | The Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 4 2009 Drinking by the sea and a delicios lobster Café Press at Fjörubordid in Stokkseyri Second Hand Coffee

Reviewed by Sari Peltonen — Photo by Jói Kjartans

Like any great drug in history, coffee thor- ures and an art-for-sale-exhibition show- Where: oughly entwines itself in the addict’s life. casing images of burning twin towers, Kaffi Port in Kolaportið flea It is not just about the act of drinking but racing cars and fetish figures… market, open in weekends the entire culture around it. Coffee pries In addition to all of this, Port offers an- from 11 to 17.

Spör ehf. -Spör Ragnheiður ehf. Ágústsdóttir one’s eyes open in the morning, offers other warmly welcomed boon: a momen- Tryggvagata 19. an excuse to meet a friend and chat for tary respite from the barging and bashing hours, and provides legal permission to of the crowded flea market aisles, a cul- Recommended: laze around at work. tural treat and local specialty that makes Black coffee and a kleina, At Kaffi Port, of the local flea market mince out of untrained Sunday walkers. 400 ISK. Kolaportið, coffee becomes your entrance You need not fight shopaholic Vikings to ticket to observe a clientele that is far re- enjoy a sweet moment and a serving of 1 E5 moved from the hip 101 coffee houses on Emmess ice cream. Here, everyone has a Laugarvegur. For almost 20 years, Port place, a chair and a table. has served out classics from the local cof- To be honest, I wouldn’t advise you to fee table to suburbanite families, grand- come to Kaffi Port for a great paper mug of dads with shopping bags full of harðfiskur coffee. But I do warmly recommend it as and boys with glowing plastic lightsabres. an antidote to all the cool and as a safe ha- For the longest time I barely noticed ven to heal your bruises and gather your the place. And now that I finally have, I spirits before facing the enemy again. cannot stop looking: plastic flowers and palm trees, neon lights, golden angel fig-

Food & Drink | Venue finder 3 Frakkar menu of vegetarian – an absolute must and Domo grab a tasty bite for a shop in Iceland, Hlölla Baldursgata 14 | F9 and vegan dishes. In- worth the wait. Þingholtsstræti 5 | F7 reasonable price. Bátar has a large we bring the o to sush A seriously Icelandic dian theme on Fridays Brons The elegantly deco- Garðurinn selection of creatively atmosphere and tradi- a hit. Pósthússtræti 9 | E6 rated Domo serves Klappastigur 37 | G7 named sandwiches tional Icelandic dishes B5 Called a bistro, but delicious French-Asian “Ecstasy’s Heart” is with equally imagina- prepared in the good Bankastræti 5 | F6 more a restaurant cuisine, excellent sushi a simple, friendly, tive contents. Good for old-fashioned way. By day a chic little in quality, Brons is and has a great wine family-run vegetarian an adventurous bite. RSVP and keep your bistro with good food settled in the place of list. A sure choice. restaurant on Klap- Hornið ears pricked for wild and a prime loca- former popular Café Einar Ben parstígur. Offers an Hafnarstræti 15 | E6 whaling tales! tion for Laugavegur Kaffibrennslan. Brons Veltusundi | E6 ever-changing menu Since 1979, this Italian Aktu Taktu people watching–by focuses on Mediter- The restaurant Einar of specials and soup restaurant has been Skúlugata 15 | K8 night a stylish bar ranian cuisine and is Ben is named after du jours, alongside a a longtime Reykjavík This drive-in destina- with a “whiskey room” famous for serving one of Iceland’s na- basic menu staple. Famous for its tion in 101 Reykjavík and Manhattanesque dishes that are as tional heroes, the early Grái Kötturinn pizza and stuffed cal- is busy day and night clientele. large as they are deli- 20th century poet and Hverfisgata 16A | G7 zones, it proudly offers and the burgers are Basil & Lime cious. entrepreneur Einar Legendary for its early an affordable menu of especially tasty. The Klapparstíg 38 | G7 Café Cultura Benediktsson, who opening ours, the Gray high-quality dishes. Osushi Lækjargata 2a Og Borgartún 29 I Sími : 561 0562 caramel shakes are a Basil & Lime located Hverfisgata 18 | G6 once lived in the house Cat serves amazing Hótel Holt local favorite. at Klapparstígur 38 Cultura is a café/bar where the restaurant is breakfasts and coffee Bergstaðarstræti 37 American Style serves authentic Ital- with a party feel. The now located. In many that packs a wallop. A | F7 Tryggvagata 26 | E5 ian cuisine and dishes. menu features all sorts ways, the restaurant splendid way to start Housing Iceland´s With a soft bun and Fresh pasta made at of international dishes, Einar Ben pays hom- you off on your day. most renowned res- lots of veggies, you location and an exqui- alongside the staple age to the historic rela- taurant, The Gallery, tions coupled with the Grillhúsið can settle into a booth site Tiramisu dessert salad and sandwich. Tryggvagata 20 | an evening here is an and eat for hours. Big make this one of the house and the person unforgettable experi- Café Loki who lived there. E5/E6 portions for authentic best italian restaurants Lokastígur 28 | G9 With a menu of rea- ence. Delicious French- American dining. in Reykjavík. With a splendid view Eldsmiðjan sonably priced home- inspired cuisine and Argentína Steak- Babalú of Hallgrímskirkja, Café Bragagata 38A | G9 style food, Grillhúsið fine wines await. house Skólavörðustígur 22A Loki is the perfect Totally satisfying has satiated hungry Humarshúsið Barónstígur | I8 | G8 place to take a load oven-baked pizza regulars since 1994 Ammtmanstígur 1 True to its name with It’s tough to miss café off your feet and enjoy with a wide choice of with juicy burgers, | E7 tender steaks and Babalú walking up some solid homemade toppings–snails an sandwiches, steaks One of the oldest res- flamingly vibrant South Skólavörðustigur. A Icelandic food. unusual specialty. Well and fish dishes. taurants in the country, American décor. Gen- cozy place for coffee worth the cost. Order, the Lobster House is Café Paris take away or eat Habibi erous portions, fine and cake, the well- Austurstræti 14 | E6 Hafnarstræti 20 | D5 known of course for wine, liqueurs and ci- worn, homey ambience comfortably among the its lobster and also With an outdoor ter- paintings. A reliable source of gars make an excellent makes it difficult to race, this café gets high quality shawarma its impressive cognac choice in fine dining. leave. busy on sunny days. Fiskmarkaðurinn and falafel. Important lounge. Fine intimate Austurlanda- Balthazar With a cosy interior, Aðalstræti 12 | D6 ingredient for success- dining. hraðlestin Hafnarstræti 1-3 | fine menu and atten- Run and co-owned by ful living. Hressó the national team of Hverfisgata 64A | H7 D6/E6 tive service, it makes a Hamborgarabúlla Austurstræti 20 | E6 Though a bit expensive A hangout for older for- fine spot for evening chefs, this establish- With a spacious ment specializing in Tómasar (“Bullan”) for take-away, it is well eigners, Victor attracts dining as well. Geirsgata 1 | D5 neutral interior and worth it for a spicy bite a diverse crowd, both Japanese cuisine has a varied lunch menu, Café Roma everything planned to Considered by some of this Indian cuisine. in age and origin, a rule Rauðarárstígur 8 | J9 to be the best real Hressó attracts no A few tables to the that extends to the mu- the last detail, ensur- specific type of crowd. Roma, an Italian deli ing a relaxing evening. hamburger in Reyk- side for those who sicians that play there. and café, offers a va- javík, “Bullan” does Tap beer and music choose to dine in. Bæjarins Beztu riety of breads, soups Geysir Bar/Bistro serve some mysteri- makes a fair hangout Á Næstu Grösum Tryggvagata | E6 as well as tempting Aðalstræti 2 | D6 ously delicious burgers, on weekends. Laugavegur 20B | G7 The oldest fast-food in desserts. For a good Situated in the digni- guaranteed to take the Icelandic Regarded by many to Iceland, it is feasibly bargain, come at fied Geysir Building at edge off any hangover. Fish & Chips the corner of Vestur- be the best vegetarian the best hot dog stand lunchtime for the Hlölla Bátar Tryggvagata 8 | E5 place in town, “First in Europe. Don’t be specials. gata and Aðalstræti, Not your average this stylish bistro is Ingólfstorg | D6 Vegetarian” offers intimidated by the The first sub sandwich fish’n’chips joint, but a healthy and tasty perpetual line in front always a good place to a healthy restaurant 15 | The Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 4 2009 Eating Food Salatbarinn Reviewed by Sari Peltonen

One of the highpoints of my curly-haired, It was great – the amount of things on of- The offerings are potentially healthy, barbie-loving early existence was a cruise fer and the feeling of knowing you could but it’s not just rabbit food here. They’ve from my native Finland to Sweden. Back have as much of anything you wanted. got hot vegetarian dishes and clear dairy- in 1985, a Viking Line ferry was pretty You were of course expected to eat until free soups on offer, but also meat and much the coolest thing I could think of. your bursting point. enough pasta salads to keep a big man The luxury of Coke with a paper umbrel- The idea of Salatbarinn is by and going; indeed, I hear Salatbarinn is a la, the excitement of the ball pit and the large the same. For 1500 ISK you can pit stop for sportsmen to fuel up before main ceremony: buffet dinner. stuff yourself full from a mind-blowing practice. The bar seemed to continue forever assortment of around 50 different sal- Needless to say, I stayed true to my and the options felt endless: herring, ad stuffs, 2 types of soup, 3 hot dishes childhood and ate three plates of salad, salmon, salad… By the main course I and home-baked bread, and drink soft leek soup and lamb curry before rolling was inevitably full, but still held out ‘til drinks, water, juice and automat coffee to the bus stop. dessert, with its chocolate mousse and as your heart desires. fruit salad from the can. I have read in my women’s maga- Where: Once I witnessed a man take an en- zines that if you want to be thin, you Salatbarinn, Faxafen 9, Skeifan. tire serving bowl of shrimps to the table must eat small portions, a concept these Open weekdays 11.30-20.30, next to us and eat straight from it. “Ter- all-you-can-eat buffets hardly promote. Sat 11.30-16. rible manners” my mother condemned Then again, I suppose it’s better to stuff and soon the waitress came to fetch the yourself with salad than most other What We Thing: shrimp bowl and scold the gentleman. things, if you’re stuffingly inclined. Healthier food for fuel “You haven't been in Iceland if you haven't been to us“ Don’t miss it! Food 2 E5 Súpubarinn Reviewed by Sari Peltonen

Súpubarinn serves soups and vegetarian hearty and creamy, but not overtly so. es,” said my homesick Swedish lunch food in the Reykjavík Art Museum, fac- The 1-year-old Águst enjoyed his date. ing an incredible view over the harbour beautiful apple salad decorated with Whilst I am not sure that Súpubar- towards Mt. Esja. The menu consists of pecan nuts (usually served with the inn’s ‘workplace-canteen meets chain a set list of soups and a weekly selec- portion of the day, 1.290 ISK) almost as eatery from the mall’ branding suits the tion, with vegetarian dishes for each day. much as he enjoyed running around the most prestigious modern space in town, Viking feasts every night They also serve coffee and cake in the spacious aisles throwing Duplos on the the place does contribute to the greater afternoon. floor and seeing Érro’s colourful paint- good, raising the standard of the lunch - live entertainment The friendly women of “Soup bar” ings, of which “Odelscape” (1982) from offering in the city centre by serving For booking and served me Tex Mex soup (890 ISK) and the series “Around the world” was espe- nice, healthy food at a fair price. further information: half a grilled sandwich with mozzarella, cially to his liking. Tel.: +354 565-1213 www.vikingvillage.is tomato and mango chutney (500 ISK, The sandwiches, made from home [email protected] together with soup, both for 1.290 ISK). baked bread (yeast free), looked tasty and Where: Strandgata 55 Hafnarfjordur My friend went for the same deal but were just that. A good sandwich is hard Súpubarinn, Hafnarhúsið, chose the soup of the day, with lentils to find in Reykjavík, a promised land of the Reykjavik Art Museum. and tomato and a sandwich with aspara- subs served with French fries and filled Tryggvagata 17. Opening hours gus, pineapple, red pepper and chilli with ingredients that come in handy for Mon-Sun 10-17, Thu 10-22. sauce. a hangover but will blow a hole in your My Tex Mex looked pretty, sporting a arteries on a normal weekday. The of- What We Thing: pile of fresh vegetables on top. It tasted ferings from Súpubarinn are a positive Good lunch in a grand setting of chilli and all things healthy. I got torti- improvement on that standard: “This is lla chips too. My friend’s lentil soup was what I would get at home in most plac-

using only organic of a back-alley London restaurant delivering place to relax. Regular ing Asian-fusion fordable lobster. vegetables and qual- Café. On weekends it a buffet of authentic art exhibits add to the dishes. Share the Thorvaldsen ity fish products. The becomes a happening sushi straight to your aesthetic. exotic menu, courses Austurstræti 8 | E6 spiced skyr side a and diverse bar. table. Santa Maria selected by the chef, Dress formally for this special treat. Krua Thai Pisa Laugavegur 22A, | F7 with a friend for the fancy spot, and come Jómfrúin Tryggvagata 14 | D5 Lækjargötu 6b | E6 Authentic Mexican most fun. before 12 to avoid a Lækjargata 4 | E6 We dare you to find In a small-ish cellar by food, directly from the Sólon long line. DJs play These days, good a better meal for the Lækjagata, you’ll find stove of the owner’s Bankastræti 7a | F6 Thursdays, Fridays and Smörrebröd can be an same price anywhere newly opened Italian mother, who is an Truly a jack-of-all Saturdays. elusive delicacy. Lucky else. Every dish is restaurant Pisa. authentic Mexican. trades establishment. Tíu Dropar for us out in the colo- delicious. Just eat what Pizza King Served with a healthy By night a decent res- Laugavegur 27 | G7 nies, it’s alive and well looks best to you on Hafnarstræti 18 | E6 distaste for anything taurant, by day a café/ An old-fashioned café at Jómfrúin with fresh their colorful menu. This little place serves TexMex. Also the best bistro and on Friday with warm atmosphere eel imported specially La Primavera not only the cheap- quality/price ratio in and Saturday nights a and generous coffee from Denmark. Austurstræti 9 | E6 est but largest slices town with every dish nightclub. Art exhibi- refills. A thoroughly Kaffi Hljómalind Though it sounds downtown. A local fa- under 1000 ISK. tions on the walls to pleasant establishment. top it off. Laugavegur 21 | G7 strange, La Primavera vorite, and open until 6 Segafredo Tívolí This organic, free-trade serves delicious tra- on Friday and Saturday Lækjatorg | E6 Sushibarinn Laugavegur 3 | F7 café prides itself not ditional North Italian nights. The Italian coffee chain Laugavegur 2 | F7 A stylish bistro with a only on great lunches cuisine using only local Pizza Pronto makes its way to Læk- Deceptively ordinary wide variety of selec- and food but being a produce. A startlingly Vallarstræti 4 | D6 jatorg Square, bringing Sushibarinn has re- tions and positively strong cultural center, tasty combination and With a convenient strong espresso and cently become the talk charming atmosphere. hosting live music as a local favorite. Italian lunch snacks of the town among location and late hours, Vegamót well as lectures and Lystin a good place to snack to grab on the way to Reykjavík sushi lovers, poetry nights. work or just to enjoy serving, in our opinion, Vegamótastígur 4 Laugavegur 73 | H7 in between bars. Three | G7 Kaffitár Specialising in Icelan- sizes of pizza with on the spot. the very best rolls in city. Vegamót´s kitchen is Bankastræti 8 | F6 dic ingredients, cooked a good selection of Shalimar open until 22.00 daily Kaffitár celebrates in a fusion of Asian toppings. A cheap, if Austurstræti 4 | E6 Svarta Kaffi and sports an appeal- good coffee, and and French cuisine. unhealthy, choice. Shalimar sports the Laugavegur 54 | H8 ing lunch menu. Come serves it in abundance, Mokka Pizzaverksmiðjan conceit of being the A cosy second floor for a tasty brunch on along with sweet Skólavörðustígur 3A Lækjargötu 8 | E6 northernmost Indian café, their fame lies weekends. If you like treats and tasty if pricy | F7 Some say, these guys restaurant in the world partly in their tasty Óliver, try Vegamót and special blends. Eat in Operating since 1958, are making the best and has fine daily spe- Súpa í Brauði (Soup vice versa. or to go, a great way Mokka is the city Pizza in town. You cials. We recommend in Bread) and also in to enjoy your morning the quite addictive their romantic atmo- Við Tjörnina center´s oldest cof- will have to find out Templarasund 3 | E7 boost. fee joint and founder yourself. However they chicken tikka masala. sphere. Good for a few early evening drinks. A Reykjavík classic Kaffivagninn of Icelandic coffee have the most original Silfur with menu exclusively Grandagarður 10 culture. Regular art menu written on the Pósthússtræti 11 | E6 Sægreifinn of traditional cuisine, | D1 exhibits are always wall and the Pesto Extravagant upscale Verbuð 8, Geirsgata as frequented by tour- By the harbor, this worth a look. Pizza is outstanding! restaurant situated in | D5 ists as it is by locals. A lunch and coffee place Nonnabiti Prikið the Hotel Borg. The Right next to the perfect opportunity to is a gathering place for Hafnarstræti 9 | E6 Bankastræti 12 | F6 new French style harbor, Sægrefinn fish try Icelandic delicacies. all sorts of tough folks. “Nonni” is one of the Part of the Reykjavík cuisine is brought shop is like none other If you want traditional with professional and in the country. With a Vitabar more popular junk- bar scene for decades, Bergþórugata 21 | H9 Icelandic food, a great food places in town, this café/bar has a friendly service, you diverse fish selection, place to see another get a selection of fin- exquisite lobster soup Really a bar, but best renowned for its fairly cheap menu and known for its ham- side of Reykjavík. greasy sandwiches attracts a mix of stu- est wines and you can and good service, an choose from an exotic absolute must-try. burgers. Burger and Kebabhúsið and its unique Nonni- dents and old regulars. fries for 500 one of Austurstræti 2 | E6 sauce. Open late for Mostly R&B and Hip- and excellent menu Tapas – assuming that you the best deals in town, The name says it all, midnight cravings. Hop on weekends. Vesturgata 3B | D5 but Forget-Me-Not really. can afford the not less For those with a bit O Sushi Ráðhúskaffi | D7 extravagant prices. blue cheese and Garlic Kofi Tómasar Lækjargata 2A | E6 Tjarnargata 11 of money and time to Extravaganza are alse Frænda Also called “The Located in the City Sjávarkjallarinn spare, Tapas serves winners. Laugavegur 2 | F7 Train”, O Sushi’s most Hall with a great view Aðalstræti 2 | D6 course after course of Nestled in a basement intriguing feature is of the pond, this café Elegant Seafood Cellar delightful miniature location, Uncle Tom´s a conveyor belt that has a good selection focuses on gourmet dishes. Also serves Cabin has the feeling runs around the entire of pastries and a good seafood and tantaliz- tasty and unusually af- Useful Numbers A B C D E F Emergency number: 112 Police: 444 1000 Medical help: 1770 Dental emergency: 575 0505 AA: 551 2010 1 Information: 118 Telegrams: 146 Tax Free Refund ð Iceland Refund, Fiskisló A›alstræti 2, Tel: 564 6400 www.is.eurorefund.com 2 Opening Hours Grandagarður Bars and clubs: According to regula- tions bars may be open until 01:00 on weekdays and 05:30 on weekends. Shops: Mon-Fri 10-18, Sat 10-16, Sun closed. The shopping centres Kringlan The Old Harbour and Smáralind as well as most super- 3 markets and tourist shops have longer Ánanaust M opening hours. ýra rgat Swimming pools: a weekdays 06:30-22:30, weekends 08:00- Nýlenduga 20:30 although some may be open an ta hour longer. svegur 4 amne The State owned ÁTVR liquor stores: Fr Ránargat Mon-Thu 11-18, Fri 11-19, Sat 11-18. Vesturgat a Banks in the centre are open Mon-Fri Bárugat a Geirsgata

09-16. a a Tourist Information Öldugat gisgat Bræðraborgarstígur a Icelandic Travel Market Æ 2 Tryggvag Bankastræti 2, Tel: 522 4979, 5 1 Tourist Information Centre rðastræti at a a A›alstræti 2, Tel: 590 1550, G H Skú Sæbrau Túngat afnars www.visitreykjavik.is a Austurst træti lagat t Both tourist infos offer information for ræti Lindargat a tourists as well as providing internet a a access, booking service, a phone centre, Ban kastræt Sæbraut money exchange service, tax refund and 6 Hver ígur selling the Reykjavík Tourist Card. The i fisgat Hofsvallagat Sólvallagat i a Reykjavík Tourist Card gives admission i ækjargata a L lapparst to city busses, various museums, Reyk- sstræt K ta javík swimming pools, The Family Park i L augavegur tnsstígur Hringbraut rga gholt and Reykjavík Zoo, The Culture House Va ún n Ingólfsstræt Borgart Þi and the National and University Library. arstræt Suðu ð rnargata H a ta Sk ver Getting Around 7 Tj ólavör fisgat a Public Transport Bergs ð tígur The only public transport system in L us City Pond aufásvegur tígur Reykjavík is the bus. Most busses run ev- Skúlagat tún rkjuvegur a rakkas La ery 20 minutes and price per fare is 280 íki F ugavegur a r Nó F ISK for adults and 100 ISK for children. Óðinsgata ígur st Grettisg Complete route map at: www.bus.is. Tel: ta ata 540 2700 Vi 8 Njálsga Hátún Busses run from 07:00-24:00 on week- a t Snorrabraut days and 10:00-24:00 on weekends kimelur a Bir Bergþórugat Barónsstígur Taxi Baldursgat a Laugavegur Hreyfill-Bæjarlei›ir, Sóleyjargata a a Brautarholt Tel: 553 3500 or 588 5522 Bragagat BSR, Tel: 561 0000 Njarðargat

9 uðarárstígur For disabled travellers: Skipholt Reykjavík Group Travel Service, ta r Ra Skipholt Bergst Brunasta›ir 3, Tel: 587 8030, rga Eiríksgata www.randburg.com/is/reykjavik_group_ Barónsstígu tún Hljómskáli aðarstræti a travel_service/ Suðu Hringbrau Park Nó L Airlines aufásvegur t t Air Iceland, Reykjavíkurflugvöllur, 10 Tel: 570 3030, www.flugfelag.is Háteigsv Snorrabraut egur Air Vestmannaeyjar, unnarsbrau Tel: 481 3255, www.eyjaflug.is G Bus Terminal Flókagat Vat rstígur BSÍ, Vatnsm‡rarvegur 10, nsmýrarvegur a

Tel: 562 1011, www.bsi.is Gamla Hringbraut uðará ta Flybus 11 Ra Busses run daily from the BSÍ Bus Terminal to Keflavík International Njarðarga Miklatún

Airport in connection with all departing íð flights. Departures daily from 04:45 to Bus terminal Hringbra

15:00/16:30 (every 15 - 60 minutes). For ut ngahl La Ból Flybus time schedule see: staðarhlí Mi www.flybus.is klabr ð 12 aut Samferda.net glumýrarbraut in A reasonable choice for the budget Kr traveller. You log on to the website www. samferda.net, choose your destination and hopefully find a travel buddy to share the cost. 13 Domestic Airport G H I J K L M N

Reykjavík What’s this ð Center thing? 2 Fiskisló City Map These things are pretty useful, check it out: Every venue that’s mentioned in our Grandagarður info section gets a little marker like this, which will help you locate it on our map. Say you want to try out “Súpubarinn” after reading our review - no problem, sir, just look up the corresponding icon The Old Harbour on the map!

Ánanaust M ýra rgat a Nýlenduga ta svegur amne Fr Ránargat Vesturgat a Bárugat a Geirsgata a a Öldugat gisgat Bræðraborgarstígur a Æ Tryggvag rðastræti at a a G H Skú Sæbrau Túngat afnars a Austurst træti lagat t ræti Lindargat a a a Ban Sæbraut kastræt Hver i fisgat Hofsvallagat Sólvallagat i i a

ækjargata a L 3 lapparstígur sstræt K ta i L augavegur tnsstígur Hringbraut rga gholt Va ún n Ingólfsstræt Borgart Þi arstræt Suðu ð 4 rnargata H a ta Sk ver Tj ólavör fisgat a Bergs

ð tígur L us City Pond aufásvegur tígur Skúlagat tún rkjuvegur a rakkas La íki F ugavegur a r Nó F Óðinsgata ígur st Grettisg ta a Vi ta Njálsga Hátún a kimelur ta Snorrabraut Bir Bergþórugat Barónsstígur Baldursgat Ristorante \Bar a Laugavegur Sóleyjargata a a Brautarholt

Bragagat Njarðargat

uðarárstígur Skipholt ta r Ra Skipholt rga Bergst Eiríksgata Barónsstígu tún Suðu Hringbrau Hljómskáli aðarstræti a Park Nó L aufásvegur t t Háteigsv Snorrabraut egur unnarsbrau G

gur Flókagat Va tnsmýrarvegur árstí a

Gamla Hringbraut uðar ta Ra

Njarðarga Miklatún Bus terminal Hringbra íð ut ngahl La Ból staðarhlí Mi klabr ð aut glumýrarbraut

in

Kr

Domestic Airport

ORIGINAL INDIAN & PAKISTANI TASTE

INDIAN INDIAN LUNCH DINNER 1290.- INDIAN - PAKISTANI CUISINE 1490.- AUSTURSTRÆTI 4, Tel. 551 0292 www.shalimar.is 18 | The Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 4 2009 Listings

The Reykjavík blues festival returns, Music running from April 4th through to the 9th. The festival has become an annual The Reykjavík event to look forward to and has grown UPCOMING in both size and quality each year. This Blues Festival year the three concerts featuring the festival’s biggest acts will take place at the Hilton Reykjavík Nordica Hotel. Two CONCERTS legendary names will be paying Iceland SLEEPING BEAUTY – A FAMILY CONCERT a visit: Willie “Big Eyes” Smith and Pin- etop Perkins, one of the last living first- SATURDAY, APRIL 18TH @ 14 PM generation blues legends. Both artists Conductor | Bernharður Wilkinson have played alongside some of the most Host | Halldór Gylfason famous artists of our times, including Ballet | Students from the Icelandic Academy of Dance Muddy Waters, The Rolling Stones, Bob Pjotr Tchaikovsky | Sleeping Beauty Dylan and Eric Clapton. Of course, all of A RUSSIAN FEAST I Iceland’s greatest blues artists will be FRIDAY, APRIL 24TH @ 7.30 PM playing, including KK, Mugison, Halldór Conductor | Rumon Gamba Bragason and Devils Train to name a Soloist | Cedric Tiberghien few. The festival will start out with an Dimitri Shostakovich | Festival Overture extravagant blues day in the center of Dimitri Shostakovich | Piano Concerto no. 1 Reykjavík to get the whole city into a Pjotr Tchaikovsky | Symphony no. 5 bluesy mood. Café Rósenberg will act A RUSSIAN FEAST II as the festivals base of operations and THURSDAY, APRIL 30TH @ 7.30 PM will host free shows daily throughout Conductor | Rumon Gamba the festival. Tickets can be bought on- Soloist | Natalia Gutman line at Midi.is and 7.500ISK will get you Dimitri Shostakovich | Ballet Suite no. 3 access to the whole festival. Tickets for Dimitri Shostakovich | Cello Concerto no. 1 individual shows are also available. Pjotr Tchaikovsky | Symphony no. 6 A PIANO VIRTUOSO FROM PALESTINE What: THURSDAY, MAY 7TH @ 7.30 PM The Reykjavík Blues Festival Conductor | Ludovic Morlot Where: Soloist | Saleem Abboud Ashkar Reykjavík Claude Debussy | Jeux When: Henri Dutilleux | Métaboles 4th of April to the 9th of April Ludwig van Beethoven | Piano Concerto no. 5 How much: 7500ISK for the whole festival, 3900ISK for Pinetop Perkins and 2900ISK for the other two bigger acts. Tickets sold at www.sinfonia.is or tel. 545 2500. All concerts take place in Háskólabíó.

Music Music Art You want Grapevine The DARK metal. Here Grassroots TRUTH

be metal! #3 On March 21st, Cinzia D’Ambrosi’s opened her private photography exhibi- It is time to choose which Icelandic metal The Grapevine grassroots concert series tion in Gerðuberg. Titled Dark Truth, band will receive the honor of going to continues to give aspiring young artists the exhibition sheds light on modern the annual Wacken Open Air metal festi- a chance to perform for a live audi- slavery: the horrible working condi- val in Wacken, Germany this July. Now in ence. The concerts have proven to be tions of Chinese coalmine workers. its 20th year, the festival draws a crowd an entertaining look into the swarming Coalmining is the foundation of the of 70,000 annually, so the stakes are high underground music scene in Reykjavík Chinese “economic wonder,” as the for the bands competing. There will be and have furthered the already good country is the biggest coal producer in only one band going on to Germany, and reputation of Hemmi and Valdi bar. the world, but their mining conditions which one will be decided in a full-out This time the show will be dedicated to are nevertheless the worst in the world, metal battle between Diabolus, Severed indie/electric type artists. 701, Mikael costing thousands of lives each year. Crotch, Perla, Gone Postal, Celestine, Lind and Magnoose will be playing. Cinzia D’Ambrosi is an independent Beneath and Wistaria on Saturday, The concert will take place on Friday press photographer, working primarily April 18 at Dillon Sportbar. To prepare April 24th and, as always, Hemmi and for volunteer-run organizations. Her for the battle, a warm-up will be held Valdi will be selling large beers for the photography touches topics such as at the venue on the 17th, where bands reasonable price of 550ISK. violation of human rights, refugees Changer, Agent Fresco, Munnriður, In and other tragic social situations. Her Siren and Carpe Noctem will perform. Who: prior exhibits include “War widows of Tickets are only 1300ISK each night. If 701, Mikael Lind and Mag- Kosovo,” “Children in refugee camps in you want metal, you’ve got it! noose. Tuzla, Bosnia” and “Italian Labourers.” Where: The exhibition is open 11 – 17 on week- What: Hemmi og Valdi days, and 13- 16 on weekends through Wacken Metal Battle - When: May 25th. An exhibition no Photography A weekend of metal 24th of April enthusiast can miss. Where: Dillon Sportbar, Trönuhraun 10, 3 G7 Where: 220 Hafnarfjörður Gerðuberg, Gerðubergi 3-5, When: 111 Reykjavík Warmup: Fri. April 17 at 22:00 When: Battle: Sat. April 18 at 18:30 February 28 – April 5 / DV How much: 1300ISK each night

www.grapevine.is Go to Grapevine.is for daily news, opinions, event listings and exclusive articles. 19 | The Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 4 2009 Listings

If you would like to be included Q-Bar Prikið in the Grapevine listings, free of 23:00 K.G.B. 22:00 DJ Danni Boy, open til 5:30. Rósenberg Q-Bar charge, contact the Grapevine by 22:00 Reykjavík Blues Festival. Hrund 22:00 Pub Quiz. email at [email protected]. Ósk Árnadóttir, Park Project, The Lame Rósenberg Dudes and Danni Jón og Ingiberg. 22:00 Reykjavík Blues Festival. Finnsko- Salurinn (Kópavogi) gen Blues Band, Angela Basombrio, 13:00 Germany - France. Teachers from Þrjár Raddir and Arnar Guðmundsson the musical school of Kópavogur will be Sódóma Reykjavík Music & playing. 1500ISK 21:00 Boys in a Band, Who Knew and Salurinn (Kópavogi) Dynamo Fog in Concert. . UPCOMING Entertainment 17:00 Songs of the young in Tíbrá Sólon concert series: Matthías Nardeau plays. 18:00 Champion League Live and DJ FRIDAY april 3 2500ISK Áki Pain from 24 - 05 Sódóma Reykjavík CONCERTS 21:00 Smirnoff spring festival. 8-bit, 800Bar (Selfoss) MEGA(Steed Lord dj set) and Terror- THURSDAY april 9 22:00 Papar host a ball. 2000ISK disco will be handling the music . SLEEPING BEAUTY – A FAMILY CONCERT B5 Sólon B5 SATURDAY, APRIL 18TH @ 14 PM 22:00 DJ Simon Gorillafunk - Pop - Hip 22:00 DJ Simon Gorillafunk - Pop - Hip 23:00 Ground floor: DJ Party. Conductor | Bernharður Wilkinson Hop - R’n’B - Oldies. Upstairs: DJ Áki Pain. Hop - R’n’B - Oldies. Café Paris Thorvaldsen Café Cultura Host | Halldór Gylfason 22:00 Cocktail Night. 23:00 DJ JR. 21:00 Electro band Anonymous in Ballet | Students from the Icelandic Academy of Dance Celtic Cross concert. Pjotr Tchaikovsky | Sleeping Beauty 01:00 Live Music. SUNDAY april 5 Dubliner Dubliner 22:30 Live Music. A RUSSIAN FEAST I 22:30 Live Music. Dubliner English Pub FRIDAY, APRIL 24TH @ 7.30 PM 22:00 Live Music. English Pub 22:30 Live Music. Conductor | Rumon Gamba Hilton Reykjavík Nordica 22:00 Live music Prikið 20:00 Reykjavík Blues Festival. Vinir Soloist | Cedric Tiberghien Hressó 22:00 Hangover cinema with poppcorn Dóra will be celebrating theyr 20 year Dimitri Shostakovich | Festival Overture 22:00 Band Dalton in concert followed on the house. Dazed and Confused will anniversary. Also playing are Andrea, by DJ Maggi. be shown. Dimitri Shostakovich | Piano Concerto no. 1 Ragnheiður Gröndal and Deitra Farr. Jacobsen Rósenberg Pjotr Tchaikovsky | Symphony no. 5 2900ISK 22:00 Reykjavík Blues Festival. Hilmar 22:00 DJ Hjalti and DJ Sexy Lazer. Hressó Örn, Steindór Andersen, Guðmundur A RUSSIAN FEAST II Nasa 22:00 Troubadours from Dalton Böddi Pétursson, Birgir Baldursson, Björn THURSDAY, APRIL 30TH @ 7.30 PM 22:00 Eivør Pálsdóttir in concert. and Dabbi play. Thoroddsen, Jón Rafssoon and many Conductor | Rumon Gamba 2500ISK. Tickets can be bought at midi.is more. Jacobsen Prikið 22:00 Unicersity night, Paul Moritz Dj’s. Soloist | Natalia Gutman 21:00 DJ Gauti starts the Happy Hour Monday april 6 Prikid Dimitri Shostakovich | Ballet Suite no. 3 followed by DJ Danni Deluxe. 22:00 DJ Kári, open til 00:00. Dimitri Shostakovich | Cello Concerto no. 1 Q-Bar Q-Bar 23:00 DJ Kári. Dubliner 22:00 DJ Úlfaldi. Pjotr Tchaikovsky | Symphony no. 6 Rósenberg 22:30 Live Music. Rósenberg A PIANO VIRTUOSO FROM PALESTINE 22:00 Halli Reynis troubadour in con- Rósenberg 22:00 Reykjavík Blues Festival. Bands cert . 22:00 Reykjavík Blues Festival. Jazzy Devils Train and Birting THURSDAY, MAY 7TH @ 7.30 PM Sódóma Reykjavík blues night. Kristjana Stefánsdóttir, Tó- Sódóma Reykjavík Conductor | Ludovic Morlot 21:00 Nokia on Ice music festival. mas R. Einarsson and Budget Jazzblues 21:00 Kimi night #2. Kimono, The Soloist | Saleem Abboud Ashkar Cosmic Call,Bárujárn, Sudden Weather Band Bent Moustache and Sudden Weather Claude Debussy | Jeux Change and Mammút will be perform- Change in concert. Retro Stefsson will ing. . DJ in between. It will rule! Henri Dutilleux | Métaboles Sólon Tuesday april 7 Ludwig van Beethoven | Piano Concerto no. 5 23:00 Upstairs: DJ Áki Pain FRIDAY april 10 Thorvaldsen 23:00 Siggi Hlö will be hosting his Dubliner B5 famous Boogie Night at Thorvaldsen 22:30 Live Music. 22:00 DJ Simon Gorillafunk - Pop - Hip bar. Hilton Reykjavík Nordica Hop - R’n’B - Oldies. 20:00 Reykjavík Blues Festival. Pinetop Tickets sold at www.sinfonia.is SATURDAY april 4 Perkins a living legend in concert. Also Café Cultura or tel. 545 2500. playing are KK, Deitra Farr, Nordic 21:00 DJ Gísli Galdur. All concerts take place in Háskólabíó. All Star Blues Band and Devils Train. Café Paris B5 3900ISK 22:00 Cocktail Night. 22:00 Immo Schram - Pop - Hip Hop - Rósenberg Celtic Cross R’n’B 22:00 Reykjavík Blues Festival. Bands 01:00 Live Music. Celtic Cross Ferlegheit and Solla in concert Dubliner 01:00 Live Music. Sólon 22:30 Live Music. Dubliner 18:00 Champion League Live English Pub 22:30 Live Music. 22:00 Live Music. English Pub WEDNESDAY april 8 Hressó 22:00 Live Music. 24:00 DJ Elli. Hressó Dubliner Jacobsen 22:00 Band TransKvintett in concert 22:00 Lunatech (NOR) also DJ’s Stein followed by DJ Maggi . 22:30 Live Music Hilton Reykjavík Nordica Massiv, Kangoos and FKNHNDSM Jacobsen 20:00 Reykjavík Blues Festival. Willie Kaffibarinn 22:00 Resident DJ. DJ Yamaho and DJ “Big Eyes” Smith in concert. Also Blús- 23:45 DJ Gísli Galdur. Maggi Felix menn Andreu and Mugison. 2900ISK Prikið Kaffibarinn Hressó 22:00 Everyone over 220cm drink free 23:45 DJ Sexy Lazer. 22:00 Band Tepokarnir followed by DJ Elli tonight. DJ Danni Deluxe plays til 5:30 NASA Jacobsen Q-Bar 23:00 Papar host a ball. 1800ISK 22:00 DJ Árni E. and DJ Gísli Galdur 22:00 DJ Manny. Prikið Kaffibarinn Rósenberg 17:00 The Reykjavík Bluesfestival pays 23:45 DJ Alfons X. 00:00 Thin Jim and the Castaways in Prikið a visit. concert. Music & Entertainment | Venue finder Amsterdam Roomy bar floor, nice has pretty good music, Tap beer and music place to sneak off to and poetry. You name it, they Hafnarstræti 5 | E6 sofas and stylish interior too. The mix of students makes a fair hangout on chat with friends over a got it. Kaffi Amsterdam seems make this a comfy café and tattooed tough guys weekends. beer. Frequented also Sódóma Reykjavík to have been around as well as a tavern with always creates a fun Hverfisbarinn by the literary and act- Tryggvagata 22 | E5 forever, though recently good, unintrusive music. atmosphere. Hverfisgata 20 | G6 ing elite. Sódóma Reykjavík is a it’s been reinvented as a Café Cultura Dubliner After a long line, you’ll Óliver brand new venue for live live venue. Good music, Hverfisgata 18 | G6 Hafnarstræti 4 | E5 get in and wonder what Laugavegur 20A | H7 music in Reykjavík. It is cheap beer, and colorful Cultura is a café/bar with The city’s main Irish pub all the fuss was about. This nightclub attracts located on the upper characters to be found. a party feel. The menu attracts quite a lot of for- You may end up here if a crowd of crazy danc- floor on the old Gaukur Apótek features all sorts of inter- eigners, though there´s you’re still going at 4 on ers that may not be for on Stöng and was build Austurstræti 16 | E5 national dishes, alongside an influx of locals on a Sunday morning, in everyone. In which case, up for people to really Sporting a chic and pris- the staple salad and weekends. Good if you’re which case it’s just as air conditioning and fine enjoy live music. tine interior with a healthy sandwich. looking for the darker good as any. food make Oliver a good Sólon club atmosphere. Café Paris stuff on tap. Kaffi Hljómalind lunch spot. Bankastræti 7A | F5 B5 Austurstræti 14 | E5 Glaumbar Laugavegur 23 | G6 Ölstofan Truly a jack of all trades Bankastræti 5 | F6 With an outdoor terrace, Tryggvagata 20 | E4 This organic, free-trade Vegamótastígur | G6 establishment. By night By day a chic little bistro this café gets busy on The premier sports bar café prides itself not only No tricks here. You’ll a decent restaurant, by with good food and a sunny days. With a cosy in town, though after the on great food and coffee want just simple beer in day a café/bistro and prime location for Lau- interior, fine menu and final whistle, DJs take the but being a strong cul- this simple pub. Also the on Friday and Saturday gavegur people watching attentive service, it makes floor and begin a night of tural center, hosting live hangout for Reykjavík nights a nightclub. Art | by night a stylish bar a fine spot for evening feverish dancing. music as well as lectures intellectual circles exhibitions on the walls with a “whiskey room” dining as well. Grand Rokk and poetry nights. Prikið to top it off. and manhattanesque Balthazar Smiðjustígur | G6 Kaffibarinn Bankastræti | F5 Thorvaldsen clientele. Hafnarstræti 1-3| D4 As its Viking theme ac- Bergstraðastræti 1 | F6 Part of the Reykjavík Austurstræti 8 | E5 Bar 11 Victor attracts a diverse curately displays, this A popular place to grab bar scene for decades, Dress formally for this Laugavegur 11 | G6 crowd, both in age and hardcore chess hangout a drink after work, this this café/bar has a fairly fancy spot, and come The sweatiest Rock origin, a rule that extends is no place for the lily daytime coffee joint roils cheap menu and attracts before 12 to avoid a long joint on the northern to the musicians that livered. Take the pub quiz with nighttime activity a mix of students and old line. DJs play Thursdays, / DV hemisphere. Mötley Crüe play there. on Fridays at 17.30, the on weekends with live regulars. R&B and Hip- Fridays and Saturdays. would have played this Celtic Cross winner gets a free case DJs. Parties often pound Hop plays on weekends. Vegamót bar 25 years ago and still Hverfisgata 26 | H6 of beer! until dawn. Q-Bar Vegamótastígur 4 | G6 be talking about it. Arguably the most au- Highlander NASA Ingólfstræti 3 | F6 Vegamót´s kitchen is Bjarni Fel thentic Irish pub outside Lækjargata 10 | E7 Þorvaldsenstræti 2| E6 A roomy gay/straight bar. open until 22.00 daily Austurstræti 20 | E5 Ireland, a very lively If you prefer Scottish to The main live venue in Some of the best DJs in and sports an appealing Named after the Ice- space where you’ll often Irish, this might be the town. If you are look- town play regularly, mak- lunch menu. Come for a land’s most legendary find live music, some- place for a single malt. ing for a decent band, ing it an especially lively tasty brunch on week- sports commentator, this times two bands playing Hressó chances are you’ll find it space on weekends. ends. If you like Óliver, try is the place for the three at once. Austurstræti 20 | E5 at NASA. Rósenberg Vegamót and vice versa. Bs: ball, burger and beer. Dillon With a spacious neutral Næsti Bar Klapparstígur 25 | G7 The party goes on late. Boston Laugavegur 30 | H7 interior, pleasant court- Ingólfstræti 1A | F6 On Live music venue that Laugavegur 28b | H6 The quintessential rock yard and a varied lunch nights where queues has something to offer A fresh addition to the pub Dillion serves mod- menu, Hressó attracts snake down Laugavegur, every single night, rang- Reykjavík bar scene. erately priced drinks, and no specific type of crowd. Næsti Bar can be great ing from rock to jazz to 20 | The Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 4 2009 Listings

Sólon 22:30 Live Music. English Pub 00:00 DJ Áki Pain. Q-Bar 22:00 Live Music. Mười điều tâm niệm Thorvaldsen 22:00 Elín Ey and Myrra open stage. Hressó 23:00 DJ Hlynur. Rósenberg 22:00 Band Napoleon in concert fol- 1. Hãy lạc quan, sẽ yêu đời hơn 21:00 Svavar Knútur Troubadour in con- lowed by DJ Maggi. SATURDAY april 11 cert Jacobsen 2. Hãy góp phần vào việc bạn thích Sólon 22:00 Ge-Ology (USA) Hip Hop band in 3. Hãy tiếp tục học mãi B5 18:00 Champion League Live concert. 22:00 DJ Einar - Pop - Hip Hop - Funk - Café Paris 4. Hãy rút kinh nghiệm qua lỗi lầm của mình Electro. WEDNESDAY april 15 22:00 Cocktail Night. Celtic Cross Prikið 5. Hãy vận động thường xuyên hằng ngày sẽ làm tinh 01:00 Live Music. Café Cultura 22:00 A huge array of DJ’s. Gísli Gal- thần thoải mái. Dubliner 21:00 Female Frequenzies: Session 2: dur, Danni Deluxe, Benni B Ruff, Addi 22:30 Live Music. DJ Flugvél og Geimskip and Kira Kira in Intro, Krúsi and more. 6. Đừng tham gia vào những việc vô ích English Pub concert. Q-Bar 23:00 DJ Svenni. 22:00 Live Music. Dubliner 7. Hãy cố gắng hiểu và khuyến khích ngưòi khác Rósenberg Hressó 22:30 Live Music. 24:00 Band Dalton in concert. 22:00 Bands Ljótu Hálfvitarnir and 8. Đừng đầu hàng, chịu thua vì thành công trong cuộc Kaffibarinn Hvannadalsbræður in concert. Jacobsen đời là sự đúc kết của một chuỗi dài phấn đấu 22:00 FKNHNDSM DJ’s. Salurinn (Kópavogi) 22:00 DJ Hyper Hyper and the Swedish Prikið 20:30 Stefán Hilmarsson in concert. 9. Hãy nhận biết và trau dồi khả năng của mình Connection 3. 22.00 Large beer for 490ISK, shots for 3500ISK Kaffibarinn 350ISK. DJ Moonshine plays. Sódóma Reykjavík 10. Hãy đặt cho mình mục đích và cố gắng thực hiện 22:30 DJ Maggi Legó(Disco Special). Q-Bar 21:00 Ultra Mega Techno Band Stefán giấc mơ của mình Oliver 22:00 Pub Quiz Night. performing with guests. 23:00 DJ Brynjar Már. Rósenberg Sólon Prikið 22:00 Two Big Band will be performing. 23:00 DJ Áki Pain. 22:00 Closes at 03:00. Sódóma Reykjavík Thorvaldsen Q-Bar 21:00 Old local legends Leaves will be 23:00 DJ Hlynur. 23:00 DJ Funky Fleivur. performing with guests. Rósenberg Sólon 22:00 Þóra Björk and her band in 18:00 Champion League Live Saturday april 18 concert. A jazzy concert with original content. B5 Rúbín THURSDAY april 16 22:00 DJ Funky Fleivur - Funk - Pop - 23:00 Páll Óskar in concert. 1990ISK Hip Hop - Electro. Sólon B5 Celtic Cross 22:00 NOREQUEST - Hip Hop - Funk - 23:00 DJ Áki Pain 01:00 Live Music. Electro Thorvaldsen Dubliner Dubliner 23:00 DJ Mokki. 22:30 Live Music. 22:30 Live Music. English Pub English Pub 22:00 Live Music. Sunday april 12 22:00 Live Music Háskólabíó Hressó 14:00 Tónsprotinn family concert series. B5 22:00 Jogvan and Vignir troubadours Selection of elegant Gabor shoes The Icelandic Symphony Orchestra will 22:00 DJ Funky Fleivur - Funk - Pop - play. be playing music around the fairy tale Hip Hop - Electro. Prikið and bags. Sleeping Beauty. 1500ISK. Dubliner 22.00 House DJ. Large beer for 490ISK, Hressó 22:30 Live Music. shots for 350ISK.. 22:00 Seth Sharp and his band in Quality and good price. Hressó Q-Bar concert followed by DJ Maggi. 24:00 DJ Elli. 22:00 DJ Andrea Jónsdóttir. Jacobsen Jacobsen Rósenberg 22:00 Bands Ljótu Hálfvitarnir and 22:00 Shaft. 22:00 DJ’s Óli Ofur, Asli, Mr Cuellar & Hvannadalsbræður in concert. Kaffibarinn Trix and Oculus Impulce Sólon 23:00 President Bongo DJ’s. Kaffibarinn 23:00 Ground floor: DJ playing R’n’B, NASA 23:45 Karius og Baktus. Old School 23:00 The French Icelandic band Prikið Upstairs: Ingó Idol with green thursday Klezmer Kaoz will be performing East- 22:00 DJ Danni Boy, open til 5:30. session. European music. 2500ISK Q-Bar Sódóma Reykjavík Prikið 23:00 DJ Gísli Galdur and Yamaho. 21:00 Killer Queen a Queen cover band 22:00 DJ Addi Intro. The bar closes at Sólon with Magni as front man in conert. 00:00 for a private party. 00:00 DJ Áki Pain Q-Bar 23:00 Karíus and Baktus. Monday april 13 Friday april 17 Salurinn (Kópavogi) 17:00 Melkorka Ólafsdóttir. The songs B5 of the young in Tíbrá. 2500ISK. Dubliner 22:00 DJ Funky Fleivur - Funk - Pop - Sódóma Reykjavík 22:30 Live Music Hip Hop - Electro. 21:00 Deep Jimi and the Zepp Creams Celtic Cross will be performing new material. Tuesday april 14 01:00 Live Music. Sólon 23:00 Ground floor: DJ Party. Dubliner Upstairs: DJ Áki Pain. Dubliner 22:30 Live Music. Art | Venue finder 101 Gallery Gallery Dwarf hosts Wed–Sat 12–17 Hitt Húsið The National Gallery Reykjavík Art Hverfisgata 18A | F6 exhibitions which www.galleriagust.is – Gallery Tukt of Iceland Museum Thu–Sat 14–17 and by speak straight to the Gallerí Ágúst is a Pósthússtræti 3-5 Fríkirkjuvegur 7 | E8 Open daily 10–16 appointment hearts of the “cute” contemporary art | E6 Tue–Sun 11–17 www.listasafnreykja- www.101hotel. generation. gallery in the centre www.hitthusid.is www.listasafn.is vikur.is is/101hotel/101gallery/ The Einar Jónsson of Reykjavík. With an Initially thought of Houses the national Ásmundur Sveinsson Located in the 101 Museum ambitious programme as a hobby centre to art collection and is Sculpture Museum of exhibitions, it also Hotel, features a Eiriksgata | G9 keep the youth from the centre of research Sigtún broad selection of Tue–Sun 14–17 presents and sells art- drinking, Hitt húsið is and documentation of Hafnarhús international and local www.skulptur.is work of Icelandic and still operational and Icelandic art. Tryggvagata 17 | E5 international artists. contemporary art. Features a permanent organises events as The National Kjarvalsstaðir Artótek exhibition on the Gallery Fold well as hosting art Museum Flókagata | K11 exhibitions in their Gal- Specialising in Tryggvagata 15 | D5 sculptor Einar Jónsson Rauðarástígur 14-16 Suðurgata 41 | C9 Mon 10–21, Tue–Thu as well as temporary | J9 lery – Gallery Tukt. Open daily 10–17 contemporary art by 10–19, Fri 11–19, Sat exhibits. Mon–Fri 10–18 / Sat i8 Gallery natmus.is/ local and international artists. Free entrance. and Sun 13–17 Fótógrafí 11–16 / Sun 14–16 Klapparstígur 33 | G7 Established in 1863, www.sim.is/Index/ Skólavörðustígur 4a www.myndlist.is Tue–Fri 11–17 / Sat this museum features Reykjavík City More of an art auction Islenska/Artotek | F7 13–17 and by appoint- exhibits on Icelandic Theatre An Icelandic art www.fotografi.is than just a gallery, Fold ment. www.i8.is cultural heritage. Listabraut 3 also evaluates and exhibition space and Features photographic Represents work by an The Nordic House Presenting Icelandic art dealer. Pieces are exhibits art. eclectic mix of Icelan- music and dance exhibitions by local Sturlugata 5 | C11 available for purchase photographers. Gallery Kling & Bang dic and international Tue–Sun 12–17 performances as well or lease. contemporary artists. as dramatic theatre, Gallery 100° Hverfisgata 42 | G7 www.nordice.is/ ASÍ Art Museum Thurs–Sun from 14–18 Living Art Museum Explores and promotes produces six new Bæjarháls 1 shows each year. Freyugata 41 | G10 www.or.is/Forsida/Gal- this.is/klingogbang/ Vatnsstígur 3 – G7 Scandinavian culture Tue–Sun 13–17 lery100/ Exhibits upcoming Wed, Fri–Sun 13–17 / with regular lectures, Reykjavík Maritime Run by the ASÍ labour Open weekdays from and established Thu 13–22. www.nylo.is films and exhibitions. Museum contemporary artists union, features mostly 08:30–16:00 A non-profit gallery The Numismatic Grandagarður 8 | C3 as well as hosting www.xena.is contemporary Icelan- An art museum run that organises 8–10 Museum With a fishing trawler- dic art. Free entry. screenings, lectures larger exhibitions every turned-exhibit space, by the Orkuveita Einholt 4 | K9 and performances. Árbæjarsafn Reykjavíkur energy year as well as other Open Mon–Fri educates on the Kistuhylur 4 corporation. Features Gallery Turpentine cultural events. 13:30–15:30. maritime and fishing An open-air museum contemporary art by Ingólfstræti 5 | F7 Lost Horse Gallery Presents a cultural his- traditions of Iceland. featuring arts-and- Icelandic and foreign Tue–Fri 12–18 / Sat Skólastræti 1 | F6 tory of Iceland through Reykjavík Museum crafts fairs and exhibi- artists. 11–16 Weekends from 13–19 analysis of collected of Photography tions in the summer. Gallery Auga fyrir www.turpentine.is and by appointment on coins, medals and Tryggvagata 16 | D5 Houses a collection of The Culture House Auga weekdays. books. Weekdays 12–19 / Icelandic contempo- Located in a renovated Sat–Sun 13–17 Hverfisgata 15 | F6 Hverfisgata 35 | G7 Reykjavík 871+/-2 rary artwork as well stable off Laugavegur, www.ljosmyndasafn- Open daily 11–17 Independently run Aðalstræti 17 | D6 as works from old www.thjodmenning.is art museum featuring features work by local Open daily 10–17 reykjavikur.is Icelandic masters both A Museum of Icelandic Icelandic art. artists. Museum on the Features work by for display and sale. local and international cultural history, with Gallery StartArt Hafnarborg founding of Reykjavík. Gerðuberg Cultural photographers, as well an ongoing exhibition Laugavegur 12B | G7 Strandgötu 34, Located in the oldest of the original manu- Centre Hafnarfjörður house in the city. Tours as an archive on the Tue–Sat 1–17 history of photography. scripts of the sagas www.startart.is Gerðuberg 3-5 Hafnarborg is a mu- in English on Mondays and eddas. Contemporary Mon–Thu 11–17 / Wed seum and venue in the and Saturdays at 14.00 Sigurjón Ólafsson 11–21 / Thu–Fri 11–17 Dwarf Gallery Icelandic and foreign center of Hafnarfjörður. Reykjavík Art Gallery Museum / Sat–Sun 13–16 There are three exhibi- Laugarnestangi 70 Grundarstígur 21 | H8 art. Admission is free Skúlagata 28 | H6 www.gerduberg.is Opening Hours: Fri and the gallery is run tion galleries in the Tuesday through Features a permanent Located in Breiðholt, Glæsibæ - tel: 553 7060 and Sat 18–20 without any govern- museum and there is Sunday 14–18 exhibition of sculptor the Gerðuberg cultural www.this.is/birta ment funding. also a café gallery and The city’s public art Sigurjón Ólafsson’s centre hosts both exhi- An independently an entrance installa- gallery features works works. Álfheimum 74 - 104 Reykjavík Gallery Ágúst bitions and events. tion space. run basement Gallery, Baldursgata 12 | F9 by Icelandic artists. 21 | The Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 4 2009 Listings Thorvaldsen lowed by DJ Elli. 23:00 DJ JR. Jacobsen Art 22:00 Club Red Square weekend Sunday april 19 NASA Trans- 23:00 Skítamórall- over 20’s. Dubliner Oliver 23:00 DJ Brynjar Már. 22:30 Live Music. aquania Prikið Prikið 22:00 DJ Gauti followed by DJ Danni 22:00 Hangover Cinema. Free popcorn Deluxe. Artists of international fame gather at with Shaft(the old one). Q-Bar the Blue Lagoon to create an extraor- Rósenberg 23:00 DJ Yamaho 22:00 The Drama company Hugleikur dinary dance instalment this April. The Rósenberg will be performing some short plays event is one-time-only, so book a bus 22:00 Tubilakar. Troubadours from the accompanied by music ticket early to witness this masterpiece band Ljótu Hálfvitarnir. of the Icelandic Dance Company, or Salurinn (Kópavogi) Monday april 20 17:00 Dalton Baldwin. Magic in Tíbrá. you will be missing out on a potentially 3900ISK. life-changing event. The artists promise Dubliner Sódóma Reykjavík to elevate the lagoon to another plane 22:30 Live Music. 21:00 Hardcore night. Sólon of existence where nature, art and man Rósenberg 21:00 Dikta and Kuroi in concert. 23:00 Ground floor: DJ Party. unite. The infamous dancer Erna Ómars Upstairs: DJ Áki Pain. and notorious visual artist Gabríela Tuesday april 21 Thorvaldsen Friðriksdóttir, along with the springy 23:00 DJ Láki. Damien Jalet, will perform whilst you Dubliner Sunday april 26 ,516@7/6;6.9(7/: soak in the lagoon, and, believe me, 22:30 Live Music. they all have their exquisite figures in Rósenberg Prikið HH>DC;G:: and Hugleikur are inviting and the Hressó 22:00 Troubadours Böddi and Dabbi. Dubliner music on offer is usually of the high- Prikið 22:30 Live Music. est calibre. In fact, Karamba has on 22:00 The first day of summer!. Guests Rósenberg will be entertaining til 21:00 when DJ occasion brought to mind the glorious 22:00 Villi from the band 200.000 Nagl- Kári starts. abandon of golden-age Sirkús. The bítar will be performing a troubadour Q-Bar atmosphere of the place is furthermore 22:00 DJ Benni B Ruff. session. heightened by their practice of inviting Rósenberg Prikið 22:00 Milknight with DJ Moonshine. A local musicians and music enthusiasts 21:00 Jazz guitarist’s Bjössi Thors release concert. large beer for 490ISK to serve as DJs – and this was most Sódóma Reykjavík Q-Bar certainly the case a couple of Satur- 21:00 Guitar legend Guðmundur Pé- 22:00 Pub Quiz Night. day nights back, when Retro Stefson tursson in concert with guests. Sólon 18:00 Upstairs: Champion League Live blasted us into oblivion. Gosh, we’re Friday april 24 still recovering. We’d be hard pressed Thursday april 30 to finger what it was exactly about that B5 DJ set that made such a difference. Was 22:00 DJ Simon Gorillafunk - Pop - Hip B5 it the Lil’ Wayne tunes? The Dr. Dre? Hop - R’n’B - Oldies. 22:00 DJ Einar - Pop - Hip Hop - Funk - The Angolese techno? The complete Bar 11 Electro. 00:00 DJ Gulli. Dubliner and utter lack of musical discrimination Celtic Cross 22:30 Live Music. on offer? Refreshing tribal beats and 01:00 Live Music. English Pub general joyousness? The fact that being Dubliner 22:00 Live Music. Háskólabíó fun will always beat being cool? Or 22:30 Live Music. 19:30 The Icelandic Symphony Orches- maybe it’s the decorations and general English Pub tra will be performing russian classics. 22:00 Live Music. atmosphere that Karamba has on offer? 3500ISK. Háskólabíó Hressó 19:030 The Icelandic Symphony 22:00 Troubadours Jógvan and Vignir Where: Orchestra will be performing russian play. classics. 3500ISK Laugavegur 22, 4 G7 Prikið Hressó 101 Reykjavík 22:00 Milknight with DJ Kári. A large 22:00 Band Menn ársins in concert beer for 490ISK followed by DJ Maggi. Rósenberg Jacobsen 22:00 Fabúla release concert. Music 22:00 Club Red Square weekend. Q-Bar Kaffibarinn 22:00 Ýr. Hemmi 23:00 DJ CasaNova. Sólon Oliver 23:00 Ground floor: DJ playing R’n’B, 23:00 DJ Brynjar Már. Old School. & Valdi Prikið Upstairs: Ingó Idol with green thursday 22:00 We start with Friskó and then DJ session. Benni B Ruff. On Monday 6.april the Oki Doki group Q-Bar will be kicking off their first of a string 23:00 Anna Rakel and Hjalti DJ’s. Friday may 1 of gigs with an acoustic night at the Rósenberg quaint Nýlenduvöruverzlun Hemma 22:00 Krumma Fótur, Gypsy jazz. Dubliner Sólon & Valda. Featuring the talents of Loji, 22:30 Live Music. 23:00 DJ Áki Pain. Doddi, Jóhann Kristinsson and Artery English Pub Thorvaldsen 22:00 Live Music. Music, this acoustic night promises to 23:00 DJ Hlynur. Hressó be an event not to be missed. The music 22:00 Band Dalton in concert followed will start flowing at about 20:00. Admis- Saturday april 25 by DJ Maggi. Oliver sion is free, but some merch will be on 22:00 DJ Brynjar Már. B5 sale so its great opportunity to get a Nasa 22:00 DJ Jay Oh Hip Hop - Pop - Funk. taste of good Icelandic alternative folk if 22:00 Eivør Pálsdóttir with band in Celtic Cross that’s your cup of tea. More info about concert. 2500ISK. 01:00 Live Music. Rósenberg Oki Doki and the artist’s music may be Dubliner 22:00 Halli Reynis troubadour. found at okidoki.is. 22:30 Live Music. Sólon English Pub 23:00 DJ Áki Pain. Where: 22:00 Live Music. Thorvaldsen Hressó 23:00 DJ Hlynur. Laugavegur 21, 3 G7 22:00 Band Napoleon in concert fol- 101 Reykjavík 22 | The Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 4 2009 Listings is known for her powerful works that RING OF SEASONS. SURTSEY - AN ECOSYSTEM FORMED Saturday may 2 interpret Icelandic nature in an original ICELAND: - IT’S CULTURE Dr. Sturla Fridrikson describes the birth of the island in way. This exhibition Dubliner will be displaying paintings, photo- 1963 and how in itself it became an interesting AND HISTORY 22:30 Live Music. graphs, videos and massive installa- Terry G. Lacy brings both the geological phenomenon and a biological laboratory, English Pub tions dealing with the ever shifting Icelandic nature. 22:00 Live Music. perspective of an outsider and the where scientists could investigate how organisms i8 Gallery Hressó familiar eye of a long-term resident disperse across the ocean to remote islands and how Mar 27 - May 09. Limboland: An exhibi- 22:00 Troubadours Gotti and Eisi play to this delightful exploration of all plants and animals colonize completely barren areas such tion by Icelandic artist Ólafur Elíasson. followed by DJ Maggi. Living Art Museum facets of Iceland, past and present. as Surtsey. Available in English, French and German Laugardalshöllin Mar 5- Show and See Series. Further She conveys her story with a skillful Surtsey was inscribed on 16:00 Rúnar Júlíusson tribute concert. info at Nylo.is 5900ISK. Lost Horse Gallery interlacing of history, religion, politics, and culture to paint a UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2008. Rósenberg Presents: A Wild Night. Come back vivid picture of the way Icelanders live today. 22:00 Joanne Kearney and her band in to an era when jazz raged and gin 11 YEARS - A DECADE OF concert. flowed(illegaly) and charleston „This fascinating book is a must for anyone who is interested Salurinn (Kópavogi) crazy flappers danced the night away CONTEMPORARY ART behind locked doors. Have a seat at 17:00 Natalia Gutman. Magic in Tíbrá. in Iceland.“ - Dick Ringler our candlelit tables and enjoy popular A selection from Iceland’s leading modern art gallery i8, 3900ISK. drawn from it’s archives in order to paint a coherent standards of the 1920’s by Iriving Bell, „This is an excellent encyclopedia of Iceland's folklore, fact, Sólon Hoagy Carmichael, Fats Waller, The picture of the body of works exhibited over the years. The 23:00 Ground floor: DJ Party. science, history, anecdote, written in clear and lively prose.“ Gershwins, Rodgers & Hart and Ham- selection clearly portrays the pioneering work that i8 has Upstairs: DJ Áki Pain. merstein and Kern. - Bill Holm Thorvaldsen The National Gallery of Iceland done in the past decade. 23:00 DJ Mokki. Feb 13 - May 5 SEVERAL FRIENDS: The exhibition sheds light on the period in Icelandic Sunday may 3 art when formalism, confronted by U N I V E R S I T Y O F I C E L A N D P R E S S informal values, retreated and other at- haskolautgafan.hi.is – [email protected] – tel. 525 4003 Dubliner titudes started to invade the art scene 22:30 Live Music. in the second half of the 20th century. Salurinn (Kópavogi) The National Museum 20:30 Af fingrum fram. Valgeir Guðjóns- Permanent exhibition: The Making of a Nation-Heritage and son in concert. 2900ISK. History in Iceland is intended to provide insight into the history of the Icelandic Friday may 4 nation from the Settlement to the pres- ent day. Jan 31 - Nov 30. Encounters. Archaeo- Celtic Cross logical excavations at many locations 01:00 Live Music. around Iceland have been funded by Dubliner Kristnihátíðarsjóður (the Millenium 22:30 Live Music. Fund). Finds from some English Pub of these excavations are on display in an exhibition suitable for the whole 22:00 Live Music. family. Rósenberg Sep 6 - Feb 25.Child Labour or Training 22:00 The Reykjavík Bluescompany and for Life? Photographs of young children Dóri Braga in concert. at work, on land or at sea, during the period 1930-50. From the National Museum’s Collection of Photographs Art and Prints. ASÍ Art Museum The Nordic House April 04 - April 26 Mar 19 - Apr 5. The Nordic Fashion Bjargey Ólafsdóttir - Running of to Biennale - Focusing on Fashion and South America: New drawings by Jewellery from West-Nordic Nations: Bjargey will be on Display. Faroe Isalnds, Greenland and Iceland. Keiko Kurita - Tree/sleep. The Numismatic Museum The Culture House Permanent exhibition: The Central Bank Permanent exhibitions: of Iceland and the National Museum Medieval Manuscripts; of Iceland jointly operate a numismatic The Library Room. collection consisting of Icelandic notes Current exhibitions: and coins. Surtsey – Genesis Reykjavík 871 +/- 2 The exhibition traces the emergence Permanent exhibition: and evolution of the island Surtsey The Settlement Exhibition until the present day and predicts its Reykjavík Art Gallery geographical and ecological develop- March 27 - April 19 ment over the next 120 years. In celebration of Páll Guðmundsson’s The Late View – Halldór Laxness’ Photo- 50th birthday Reykjavík Art Gallery will graphs be displaying paintings, textiles, draw- Nobel Laureate and cosmopolitan ings and sculptures from his catalouge. Halldór Laxness was better known for Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Mu- his writing but also proved to be a good seum photographer. This is an exhibition of Permanent Exhibition. The Shape of Elegant surroundings his works. Line. A new retrospective of works by Exhibition Series: Weird and Wonderful Ásmundur Sveinsson. The exhibition Superb cuisine Beasts from Icelandic Folklore by Jón focuses on abstract works from 1945 Baldur Hlíðberg is an exhibition of illus- onwards. trations from his book on the magical Reykjavík Art Museum Modern comfort Preserving quality creatures of Icelandic folklore. Hafnarhús The Einar Jónsson Museum Feb 05 - May 10. SHADOW BOY – THE is our business Permanent exhibition: WORLD OF ALFRED FLÓKI. The work of sculptor Einar Jónsson. Jan 5- May 17. Erró - Point to the east, Gallery Ágúst point to the west Open daily for lunch and dinners March 21- April 02 (2009) Jan 17 -May 17. The Erró Game- an- Special off er on Monday Málverkasýning/Paintings: Gallery interactive exhibtion, kids can recon- Ágúst will be dislpaying works by struct paintings by Erró. and Tuesday – 3 course dinner young and prominent artists Magnús March 19 - May 17. Parallax - Elín for only 4200 ISK. Helgason and Marta María Jónsdóttir. Hansdóttir. The artist tries to erase the The exhibition consists paintings and line between personal space and public drawings. space. Reservation: tel. 552 5700, Gallery Kling & Bang Reykjavík Art Museum e-mail: [email protected] Feb 07 – Mar 08 Kjarvalsstaðir Opið, til eru hræ: The exhbition is Jan 10 - Apr 13. Kjarval Complete: A basically a workshop by artists Eva saloon style exhibtion displaying the Signý Berger, Katrín I. Jónsdóttir, Rakel whole collection of Icelands most MacMahon and Una Björk Sigurðardót- beloved painter Kjarval tir. The artists Jan 24 – Apr 13. The Art of Chess: Bergstaðastræti 37 s. 552 5700 will be working on their material over Fifteen unique chess sets and boards [email protected] www.holt.is the period of time given and than made by internationally renowned showing the results at the end artsits. each chess set has its own Gallery StartArt concept reflecting April 04- May 09 artists’ vivid imagination. Artist includ- 6 Artists will be showing at Start Art. ing Damien Hirst, Maurizio Cattelan, Lene Boel, Joseph Henry Ritter, Dagrún the Chapman brothers, and Rachel Matthíasdóttir, Sigurlín M. Grétarsdótt- Whiteread exhibit. tir, Margrét Jónsdóttir painter and Rag- Jan 24 – Apr 13. Creative Move: An on nheiður Ragnarsdóttir. The exhibitions going workshop for the whole family KKvikmyndaveislanvikmyndaveislan will consist of video installations, 3-D where they can create chess sets out of works, photographs, paintings, mixed unusual materials. technique and papier maché Reykjavík Maritime Museum Gallery Turpentine Current Exhibitions: Living Museum April 1 - May 04 by the Sea; Arterial for Country and hefsthefst í aprílapríl ! City; From Poverty to Abundance; The Gallery Turpentine will be displaying and selling works by mixed artists Shark – Light and Life Energy; Hidden Tvær af bestu evrópsku kvikmyndum ársins Gerðuberg Cultural Centre Craftsman. Mar 06 – Apr 19 The Reykjavík Museum of Photography Let the Right One In Boginn gallery: The Land in colour. Jan 17 - May 10. Tíra: The art of Bjargey Popular artist Guðráður Jóhannsson Ólafsdóttir. Wasington Post exhibition of landscape paintings. 101 Projects Ebert March 21 - May 24 Feb 28 - April 05. Exhibition by artist, The Dark Truth: A photo exhibition of Susan Hiller (US) Rolling Stone the reportage “The Dark Truth: Coal Ein af þremur bestu skandinavísku myndum Miners of China” exposes some of the OUTSIDE REYKJAVÍK allra tíma samkvæmt IMDB. working conditions in the world largest coal industry For more information about art outside Gljúfrasteinn Laxness Museum The Baader Meinhof Complex Gljúfrasteinn was the home and work- Reykjavík visit grapevine.is place of Halldór Laxness (winner of the Empire Nobel Prize for Literature in 1955) and Sky his family for more than half a century. It has now been opened to the public Tilnefnd til óskarsverðlauna. as a museum, unchanged from when Sterk mynd um hættulegasta Laxness lived there. Hafnarborg hryðjuverkahóp Evrópu. Exhibition: Veðurskrift (Weather Writing) - Guðrún Kristján. Guðrún 23 | The Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 4 2009 Listings Iða Nakti Apinn Lækjargata 2A | E6 Bankastræti 14 | F7 Shopping A great source for all Offers an amazing array kinds of reading material, of colourful designer wear Venue finder with restaurants on the as well as contemporary second floor. media. 12 Tónar Einvera Kisan Nexus Skólavörðust. 15 | G8 Laugavegur 35 | H7 Laugavegur 7 | F7 Hverfisgata 103 | I8 A record label as well as A cosy little shop with An interesting mix of items The biggest comic book a store, all the best new a great selection of from all around the world and gaming store in Icelandic music on CDs or hand-picked second hand you won’t find anywhere Reykjavík has something live on Fridays at 5 PM. clothing for girls who like else. for everyone. to dress differently. Also 66°¨North available is the Icelandic Rokk og Rósir Bankastræti 5 | F6 designer label Kalda. Kisuberjatréð Laugavegur 17 | G7 One of the most recog- Vesturgata 4 | D5 Second-hand clothing for nised icelandic products Friða Frænka A lovely gallery/gift shop the fairer sex at a reason- 66gráður North provides Vesturgata 3 | D5 run by ten artists and able price. world class arctic clothing. A real treasure chest of designers where they sell antique furniture and Skarthúsið Aftur their products. vintage accoutrements to Laugavegur 12 | F7 Laugavegur 23 | G7 perk up your apartment. Kolaportið Glittery accessory shop Aftur’s internationally Tryggvagata 19 | E5 stuffed with cheap jewel- acclaimed label is proudly G-Star Raw Open on weekends, you lery, bags or other small displayed here in their Laugavegur 86 | I8 can get a bargain on items. shop/studio. A store for the Dutch almost anything at this jeans brand, an edgy Skífan Belleville indoor flea market. collection with innovative Laugavegur 26 | G7 Laugavegur 25 | G7 details and washes. Kraum Selection of CDs, DVDs Stuffed with trendy Aðalstræti 10 | D6 and computer games as streetwear designs as well Galleri Sautján Featuring the best in well as some Icelandic as funky magazines and Laugavegur 91 | I8 contemporary Icelandic films with English subtitles. media. Stocking many hip labels, design of everyday items a unisex store offering Spúútnik Blue Lagoon Store of any kind. casual business wear to Laugavegur 32 | G7 Laugavegur 15 | G7 evening dress wear. One of the best second- All the natural skincare Kronkron hand shops in the country, Whale Watching products from the famous Gilbert Laugavegi 63B | I8 with recycled clothes at a geothermal spa at their Laugavegur 62 | H8 This hip new shop stocks range of prices. outlet here. Watchmaker Gilbert the latest trends in Guðjónsson has sold Systur from Reykjavík Brim everything from socks to watches and clocks on Laugavegur 70 | H7 Laugurvegur 71 | sweaters. H7 Laugavegur for over 40 For whatever women’s Big surf wear, skate wear, years. Recently, Gilbert KVK lingerie needs you might Take part in an adventure at sea and snowboard shop. designed his own line of Laugavegur 27 | G7 have, this is the store to Börn Náttúrunnar wristwatches. Small yet stuffed designer satisfy them. with an unforgettable trip into the Skólavörðustígur 17a shop KVK, which stocks Glamúr Trilogia | G8 a nice selection of local world of whales and sea birds. Laugavegur 41 | H7 Laugavegur 7 | F7 The basement children’s designs. A flashy vintage clothing A collection of trendy Conveniently located in Reykjavík’s toy store sells clothes and shop with everything from Marimekko designer wear fills the toys only made of organic necklaces to fur coats to Laugavegur 56 | H8 shop, summery dresses, Old harbour, a three hour tour can products as well as books kimonos. Finnish designer brand sweaters and skirts. about childcare and Marimekko has found its bring you up close to whales in parenthood. Green Apple spot on Laugavegur. The The Viking Laugavegur 20 | G7 Hafnarstræti 3 | E5 Cintamani Marimekko concept store their natural habitat. The tiny shop combines This large tourist shop Laugavegur 11 | stocks a wide selection F7 massage and other sells all sorts of smart Featuring quality Icelandic of the colourfully printed relaxation products with souvenirs to bring back outdoor gear, you can designer products. organic products. home. Free entry to the Information even book an excursion Mál og Menning Þorsteinn Bergmann on the spot. Gyllti Kötturinn Laugavegur 18 | G7 Centre for our passengers. Austurstræti 8 | E6 Skólavörðustígur 36 | G8 Dead A multi-level store with One of a few second hand Since the 1940s this small Laugavegur 29 | games, books, souvenirs G7 shops that have popped store has offered a huge Artist Jón Sæmundur and a bustling café on the up in recent year, Gyllti selections of household Auðarson’s own hand- top floor. Kötturinn also offers some supplies for a laughable Call us on 555 3565 printed Rock and Roll pieces by locals. Moods of Norway low price. label, Dead, plus others. Laugavegur 51 | H8 Handprjóna- Anatomie or visit Dogma The new clothing shop www.elding.is sambandið Skólavörðustígur | G8 Laugavegur 32 | on Laugavegur closes the H7 Sklólavörðustígur 19A A great little shop with Dogma offers street gap between the clothes | G7 an excellent selection of clothing with interesting you wear on Saturday for All sorts of hand knit sportswear. prints. Hooded sweaters your night off and those woollen clothing as well and T-shirts made by you wear the following Hanna Design Shop as fine yarns and knitting both Icelandic and foreign Sunday at church. From Laugavegur 20B | G7 supplies. designers can be found. casual shirts and pants to Hanna Design Shop the eye-catching tux: they provides elegantIce-landic PIPAR • SÍA • 80693 have it. design, made exclusively out of Icelandic wool.

FOS. 3. FOS. 10. FOS. 17. USA Lunatech HipHop Hjalti Special Invite (NOR) Ge-Ology Sexy Lazer Kangoos LAU. 4. Stein Massiv LAU. 18. resident DJ Fknhndsm Shaft Yamaho LAU. 11. Maggi Felix Hyper Hyper FOS. 24. LAU. 25. MID. 8. Swedish Connection 3 Club SUN. 12. Gísli Galdur Óli Ofur, Asli Mr. Cuellar & Trix Red 9. University Night Oculus Square Paul Mauritz Impulce weekend

De gode tider Austurstræti 9 24 | REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 4—2009

CD REVIEWS CONCERT REVIEW By Þórir GEORG JÓNSSON — PHOTO BY VALDÍS THOR

THE VERDICT Picks up right where we left off on the last album, so no real surprises, but that’s pretty much what everyone wanted, right? listen www.myspace.com/ singaporesling

SINGAPORE SLING Perversity, Desperation & Death reviewed by Sindri Eldon

After the swaggering binge that was Life Is Killing My Rock & Roll and the crisp urgency of Taste The Blood, PD&D is as confident, laid-back and self-assured as Singapore Sling have ever been, and continues to cement their reputation as one of the most robust, colourful and, above all, sonically interesting Icelandic rock bands. It’s one of those great albums that, although it lacks a distinct hit or a specifically memora- ble song, it makes a powerful, consistent whole. It really is a win-win situation: if you hate the Sling, then you’ll just continue hating them for PD&D, and if you love the Sling, then you’ll continue loving them for it. The weird, vacuous sounds of Singapore Sling’s post-apocalyptic road trip, fuelled by a full tank of acid and cocaine, continue to thrill This is some serious emoting right there. us as we stare empty-eyed into the headlight-lit night and barrel on to nowhere in particular. The waiting game THE VERDICT Punk, funk and distortion pedals Groovy, but it’s a bit too slow to party to and a bit too vacant to immerse in, plus Dirty Mutha is obviously ripped off of the Having been born with the curse of punctuality, I is a great band. And they delivered a hell of a set. WHAT SLUGS song MTHRFCKR. entered Nýlenduvöruverslun Hemma og Valda at Heavy, loud and powerful they switched between Grapevine Grassroots listen 21:00, only to be informed that the concert would aggressive rock in the vein of Shellac to a spastic number 2 www.myspace.com/ not start for at least another 45 minutes because of funk fusion that would have made the Minutemen steedlord a show going on next door where they were using proud. They promised a summer release for their WHO some of the equipment needed for the night’s gig. album that will doubtlessly be one of the year’s Me, the Slumbering So I walked over to Kaffi Hljómalind to check out best. Napoleon STEED LORD the bands and kill some time. What came next was certainly not as pleas- Skelkur í Bringu Truth Serum When I arrived, youngsters Muck were finish- ant. Kid Twist are good. And their drone rock is Kid Twist ing off their set of metallic hardcore with a wall of as good as anyone’s, but taking an hour to set up noise. They've just released their first album “Vul- is never a smart move. No matter how good you WHERE reviewed by SINDRI ELDON tures” and are definitely a band to watch. Then are. It just means that when you finally get on stage Hemmi & Valdi came a short set from Bárujárn who, without vo- people will have either left or are getting very im- “Temptation is a bitch / Get on your knees and suck my dick, girl” cals because of a bad P.A., and without Theremin, patient. The latter being the case for me. And to WHEN ...indeed. Steed Lord’s brilliantly named 15-track opus is mostly just because of a broken Theremin, weren't really all make matters somewhat worse, they suffered from Friday, March 20th silly, but the attempts to infuse the silliness with integrity and ingenuity that great—which is a shame because when on some sound problems as well. I've seen Kid Twist make the 65 minutes worth it... sort of. There is real innovation here; form they really are a good band. play excellent shows. Too bad this wasn't one of It’s What U Do 2 Me’s flaunted vocoders and Thirst To Burst’s phasing After Bárujárn's set, I walked back over to them. eighties synth showcase a vitality to Steed Lord that easily outshines Nýlenduvöruverslun Hemma og Valda just in time After the wait for Kid Twist, I had done my fair their techno contemporaries; but in the end, it’s just so much fluff. The to see Me, the slumbering Napoleon set up. They share of standing around. So I left Nýlenduvöru- vocal effects and movie samples can’t quite disguise the fact that Steed are very often referred to as promising due to their verslunin before Skelkur í bringu got to the stage. Lord’s bark is a lot harder than their bite, and their desire to be stylish young age, both as people and as a band, but I Their show is something I'll have to experience an- and relevant a lot more powerful their drive than to write a good song, really don't think that is a fair description. Very other time. which is kind of a shame; their song writing, in the moments it does good doesn't even do them justice. What they are poke through, is pretty good. The fact that they still manage to be more interesting than the other bands of their scene just says more about how useless their scene is. THE VERDICT THE VERDICT Complex and totally wound Sinister, political hip-hop. up jazz-rock, not for the faint of heart. listen THE VERDICT www.myspace.com/dalek The new Strokes, but listen uglier, fewer, more stoned www.myspace.com/zuband and better endowed in the testicular area.

listen www.myspace.com/ wavves ZU Dälek Carboniferous Gutter Tactics

WAVVES reviewed by Florian Zühlke reviewed by Florian Zühlke Wavves I guess ZU make it even harder to categorise their sound than la- Since forming in 1997, Dälek has mixed traditional hip-hop with belmates Dälek. Being silhouetted from the classical rock outfit, Zu drone and rock elements, gaining attention from audiences far be- reviewed by Sindri Eldon is a trio consisting of a drummer, a bass player and a saxophonist. yond the genre’s usual borders. Since 2002, they have been signed to The free-jazz madness these three Italians make reminds me of the Mike Patton's extravagant label IPECAC. Dälek did not change their After a somewhat unnecessary intro begins the most shockingly direct Dillinger Escape Plan – which is not that surprising if you remember music very much for the new album. They still produce a sinister and and vital American rock album in years. All playful drums, raw, chunky band buddy and publisher Mike Patton sings one EP for the band – unique hip-hop sound, in which massive beats and noisy sampling distortion and flangey, sedated vocals, it blasts through its fourteen or of fellow Italian jazz-metal band Ephel Duath (especially because is dominating and led by MC Dälek's insisting and sharp rap. While tracks with such simple, random energy that the whole album would of the saxophone), but lacking the hectic spirit of both of those. Zu not very musically surprising, “Gutter Tactics” is an intriguing record seem almost improvised, were it not so powerfully propelled into its are danceable and funky in their own strange way. “Carboniferous” when its lyrics and political context are taken into consideration. The own unique direction. Opener ‘Loser Year’ and the title track, ‘Wavves’ is less hard-hitting and more experimental, in part due to Mike Pat- lyrics deal with racism and the ingenuity of the social phenomenon are particularly endearing, almost anthemic in their simplicity, and eas- ton’s trademark guest vocals, for example in the tune “Soulympics.” called 'Obamania' in relation to persisting war and violence world- ily two of the most put-together indie rock songs of the decade. The Anyway, this is no easy stuff! But if you bring your patience and an wide and the unbroken participation of the US. That is why this album album admittedly slows towards the end, wallowing a bit too much in interest in weird sounds, then you and the record ought to share some is outstanding. “Gutter Tactics” brings hip-hop back to the civil rights effect-fiddling and such foolery. But let’s not split hairs here: this album nice hours together. movement, after it has been ruled by dull pimps and gangsters for kicks brutal amounts of ass and you’d be a fool not to recognise that. too long. LET THE FUN BEGIN! Beautiful and accessible handbook with great ideas for fun family days in Reykjavík. The activities are endless: Horseriding, museums, whalewatching ... along with theme parks of all kinds, and so much more ...

Taste the best of Iceland ...... with a little bit of spanis thrown in! ThereThere areare ooverver 70 ccoursesourses oonn oourur Tapas menu so drop by and indulege in our exellent food in the greatest of atmosphere.

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A MUST TRY Our famous Puffin with RESTAURANT- BAR bluberry and brennivín Vesturgata 3B | 101 Reykjavík Tel: 551 2344 | www.tapas.is sauce is something that will make your visit unforgettable. Iceland’s very first Tapas-bar 26 | REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 4—2009

INTERVIEW By RAGNAR JÓN HRÓLFSSON

Lost in Berlin

Composer Hildur Ingveldardóttir Guðnadóttir is certainly one of the most prominent Icelandic artists to emerge in a long time. Raised in a musical environment, she has been writing and performing music since the tender age of thirteen.

Her career is highlighted by successful collabora- tions and has been on the rise ever since she first laid hands on the cello. Since graduating from the Berlin University of Arts, Hildur has gone on to play with many famed artists; Pan Sonic, Nico Muhly, Angel, Ben Frost and Jamie Lidell, to name a few. Her sophomore solo album, Without Sinking, has already been ranked as one of the top albums of 2009 by some publications. It was released by Touch, one of the biggest labels for electronic music. We called up Hildur to ask a few questions about her album and her career and to glean some info on the fabled Berlin kebab.

Has the cello always played a big part in your compositions? No, of course I first went through the phase of be- ing in teenage rock and pop bands and that kind of HILDUR SHOWING OFF HER PATENTED CELLO-DRESS stuff. But I think it was around the year 2000 that I started writing primarily for the cello. working on is mostly all written and performed that attitude as of late. I am looking back a lot more I am composing for the organ so there is a whole by me, and then I'm trying to work a lot more in- now, returning to stuff that I was working on before new world of sound involved in the process, and I When making or working with music, do you ward trying to locate more personal experiences. and looking at it from a different perspective. have been getting more acquainted with the instru- find that education matters? ment in the process. Elín Hansdóttir will have an Both yes and no. When creating music, I feel Without Sinking Since yours is a very experimental music, do installation accompanying this piece that I am very education doesn't really matter except that when Hildur’s latest LP was released in March and has you feel that you’ve maybe reached a wider excited about. I think of music a lot of the time as you’ve studied you learn a certain way of handling already made a big critical splash. I asked Hildur audience than you expected? lights and shadows, and I feel that she shares my it. When composing, I work a lot instinctively, but to tell me a bit about the album. Recorded both in That was the case with my first album, at least. perspective with her art. on the other hand when playing a string instrument Iceland and Berlin, Hildur says the creative process The cello is an instrument that people know very like the cello I think it helps immensely to have the was in retrospect a natural one, without any stress well. Since it has the same sound spectrum as the Will you be following up the album with a experience of a classic education. or discomfort. human voice, it gets very close to people, and of tour? “This is my second solo album and it’s a little course the way the instrument resembles the hu- With this kind of music the follow up process is dif- You’ve worked with all kinds of sound instal- bit different from the one before it because spent a man form, people have a lot more to relate to than ferent than with popular music for instance. You lations, but also with music that is meant for lot more time working on it. The oldest material on with many other instruments used in experimental don’t go out and tour clubs and live in buses for commercial release. Do you think there is a the record is probably about three years old. music. And since the album is mostly based on the a month. This kind of music doesn’t have the base strong relationship between the two? Like the other album its fairly short, short cello, people sometimes prefer to classify it as clas- for that kind of touring. It’s a lot more playing in art Well I see music – most of the time – as sound. songs, and the cello plays the lead role. What is sical music. That isn’t a very big deal for me, since I events and that kind of setting. Of course there are But of course, there is a great difference between also different about this album is that I have a few don’t really care what people want to call it. I have a lot of concerts but you might say I won’t be living sound installations and the music I release in al- guest players on this one. Jóhann Jóhannsson, been more affiliated with the experimental scene out of a suitcase to promote this album. bum form. When you make music for a certain Skúli Sverrisson and Guðni Fransson, my father, all and my working methods are more close to it, but installation or performance, you work a lot more contributed to the album.” since there is something in my music that people Well to finish things of, where can I get the with the space you are playing in. At those perfor- can relate to I think they’re a lot more open to it. best Kebab in Berlin ? mances, I work a lot more with just the materials How do you make your music? Is it a constant Hah, this I have a very good answer to. It’s on Kol- I have at that given time. So it’s more like a sound process or do you work in intervals? Thus far you have worked with a wide range mutsrasse on the corner of Danzigerstrasse and happening, where I channel certain emotions It’s a bit different. I work very intensively, and I’m of artists and people. Are there any interest- there is a place called Zweistrum. They serve a and experiences. But on the other hand, when often more manic than not. Working on something ing projects or collaborations on the horizon? wicked kebab that I sincerely recommend. I’m making music for publication, the process is for fourteen hours straight and then putting it away Right now, I am working on an organ piece for an a lot more intimate. The solo stuff that I’ve been used to be my M.O., but I have been reconsidering arts festival in Riga, Latvia. This is the first time that

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The program will be available at www.visitreykjavik.is www. grapevine.is 28 | REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 4—2009

DESTINATION By JÓI KJARTANS & SIGGI EGGERTSSON — PHOTOS BY JÓI KJARTANS

the owner of this house allegedly grows roses Hrísey's movie theater

have to go to for isolation when being imported The townspeople are proud of their recently reno- to Iceland. After their three month stint they can vated swimming pool, which is located on a hill finally meet their impatient owners, all germ free, with a great view over the rustling ocean. It also Ice-o-lation pure and slightly insane (Iceland is notorious for houses a brand new sports hall that has come to its strict animal importing restrictions; for instance, house the annual Þorrablót festivities, where the Fighting Snow on a Desert Island Icelandic horses who leave the country are never five locals get together and eat the most repulsive, allowed to return. This is why you can find an an- old, improperly stored but delicious food avail- nual Icelandic Horse World Championship on Eu- able. rope's mainland, featuring only expat stallions). In Hrísey, they’re used to driving around in Hrísey is Iceland's second largest island. It's locat- trying to get in or out of their houses. According to Hrísey used to be the shark-fishing capital of massive Massey-Ferguson tractors. During sum- ed in Eyjafjörður, around 30 kilometres from the Sigurður Högnason – a retired electrician and self- the north, and the most notorious sharksman (that’s mer, people can take an enlightening tour around north’s capital, Akureyri. It used to be a prosperous taught painter who lives in a small house called a word) was Hákarla-Jörundur (“Shark-Jörundur”). the island in a small carriage carried by such a ma- fishing village with a lot of action all year round, Njálshús – it hasn't snowed like this in the north He begat eighteen children and built his first family chine, narrated by an actor said to be living in the but the small village lost its fishing "quota" to the for over seven years. We ourselves had not seen so mansion, Syðsti-Bær, out of Norwegian wood from island. nearby village of Dalvík a few years back, and now much snow since viewing Ice Age and kind of felt a brutally stranded ship out of Norway. Later he Hrísey has only a single shop, aptly named many of the houses are only in use during the sum- like we were stuck in a winter wonderland. It was built a bigger mansion out of more solid material Verslun (“shop”), where you can only buy bare ne- mer. This is exactly why us Grapeviners wanted to good. than driftwood, but the old one now houses an in- cessities, like bread, butter and toy guns. They also visit the island during high winter and experience Hrísey has been a home to many eccentric es- teresting museum about the island's history and its give away free coffee, which astounded us greatly. its extremely isolating surroundings. The only way tablishments throughout the years. It is the breed- inhabitants. It's also the island's only museum. Un- The Grapevine has been to Hrísey a couple of to get to the island is to take the small but cosy ferry ing ground for the Galloway-Bull, a very special fortunately, we failed to see any sharks during our times before, mostly during summer, when it could Sævar from Árskógssandur. A return ticket will breed of bull with an unusually big head, almost stay, but we’re told we might get lucky next time. easily be mistaken for the most wonderful island put you back 1000 ISK and the sailing experience similar to the North American buffalo. They are And there will be a next time. in the world. But then again, we were astonished alone is very well worth it. The ferry departs every now also being bred on the opposite coast, in the Hrísey is also the only place where the Ice- that anyone could possibly take the hassle of liv- two hours during winter and crosses the sea, even Árskógssandur area. The island’s only restaurant/ landic ptarmigans (“rjúpa”), an extremely clumsy ing in such isolation and darkness for the rest of though no passengers are aboard. hotel is called Brekka. It's mostly open during the looking, unflappable bird, is protected. Everywhere the year. These two hundred (or five) people must Hrísey is often jokingly referred to as “Akurey- summer and serves the most delicious Galloway else those guys are hunted down and shot like clay know something we don't. When we find out, you ri’s Manhattan” by locals, since it couldn't be fur- steak you'll ever get your teeth on. Not to be con- pigeons, mostly due to their popularity as a main will be the first to know. ther from the truth. The population counts around fused with the more famous Japanese Kobe steak, Christmas dish. It's therefore an extremely amusing two hundred, of which we met only five during our whose bulls are fed beer and massaged to death, sight to witness a group of dozen ptarmigans walk Trip provided by: Air Iceland short stop. This number must therefore be fixed. the Galloways are more used to fighting snow- around oblivious in the middle of the street, like www.airiceland.is The day before it had snowed cats and dogs and storms and sharks, which gives their meat a distinct football hooligans in Manchester or something. the five villagers had been keeping themselves flavour. The law protects ‘em here, and they won’t be shot. busy by battling the average two metres of snow, Hrísey is also the place all cats and dogs That’s a nice thought.

GRÍMSEY

ÍSAFJÖRÐUR Air Iceland ÞÓRSHÖFN

VOPNAFJÖRÐUR AKUREYRI www.airiceland.is destinations EGILSSTAÐIR

CONSTABLE POINT Greenland IIULISSAT Greenland KULUSUK

SIA.IS FLU 44114 11.2008 Greenland Fly and discover NUUK

ÍSLENSKA Greenland REYKJAVÍK NARSARSSUAQ FAROE ISLANDS Greenland

Get your action-packed day tour brochurehure / tel. 570 3030 WESTMAN ISLANDS at hotels, airports or any travel agent. REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 4—2009 | 29

THERE'S NO ESCAPING DOING THESE DISHES ICICLES ARE CALLED GRÝLUKERTI IN ICELANDIC... TROLL'S CANDLES

YOU ARE LUCKY GOD, THAT I CANnot REACH YOU! ISLANDERS PAINT THEIR HOUSES BRIGHT SO THEY CAN FIND THEM THE RJÚPA IS ON HRÍSEY's COAT OF ARMS

GRÍMSEY

ÍSAFJÖRÐUR Air Iceland ÞÓRSHÖFN

VOPNAFJÖRÐUR AKUREYRI www.airiceland.is destinations EGILSSTAÐIR

CONSTABLE POINT Greenland IIULISSAT Greenland KULUSUK

SIA.IS FLU 44114 11.2008 Greenland Fly and discover NUUK

ÍSLENSKA Greenland REYKJAVÍK NARSARSSUAQ FAROE ISLANDS Greenland

Get your action-packed day tour brochurehure / tel. 570 3030 WESTMAN ISLANDS at hotels, airports or any travel agent. 30 | REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 4—2009

DESIGN BY Sigurður Kjartan Kristinsson — PHOTOS BY JÓI KJARTANS ILLUSTRATION BY HUGLEIKUR DAGSSON

pressed mixed feelings about the whole scenario. Monsters and Mythical Beings A Design For Life Composer Ólafur Arnalds, one of Mundi’s follow- ers, found the deed magnificent and explained that Grapevine gets if Mundi’s designs were human, they’d definitely have the extra 21st chromosome, thus his choice of lost in style model was not in any sense exploitative.

During the last few weeks, it has undoubtedly been hard to ignore the various (and often minimal) de- sign instalments scattered around town. Don’t get me wrong though, to the untrained eye it might just seem that Icelanders are a colourful and artsy pack. But they aren’t. These design figments float- ing around were apart of the several fashion hap- penings going down during the last two weeks or so. The festivals responsible for making some of our lives seem a bit more dazzling were The Nordic Fashion Biennale and DesignMarch, but they alone cannot be held responsible, as several ‘off-venue’ events played a crucial role. Nábuxur These pants will keep you fat through any economic

"DANCING WITH chlorine IN MY EYES" recession!

The Opening of “The Opening” and a cultural Mecca in the Swamp The dance company bearing the magnetizing name “Spiral” premiered the piece “The Open- ing” in downtown’s only swimming pool, Sundhöll Reykjavíkur. Choreographer Andreas Constatanti- nou depicted a world were nightmares and dreams emerge, and his intentions were, amongst others, to attack the spectator while in his most vulnerable by HAUKUR S MAGNÚSSON state. This he achieved through various strategies, such as separating every guest from their compan- This twelfth instalment in our Hugleikur Dagsson il- possible. ion, given that they had one, and, with no hope of lustrated series of Iceland’s monsters and mythical Once you put them on, the fleshy pants will MUNDI's design has an extra chromosome a shoulder to cry on, he attacked. An anonymous beings (or are they...?) uncovers a fashionable and immediately graft onto your skin. To activate member of the dance group described Constatan- lucrative garment entitled nábuxur (also: “nábrók” CORPSEPANT-POWER, you must then steal a coin Miniature Communities tinou as a somewhat deranged artist, but after a and “finnabrækur”). For the record, nábuxur trans- from a poor widow during Christmas, Easter or Pen- One of these off-venue events was an exhibition short pause she took it further: “well, not exactly lates as: “corpsepants.” How cool is that? tecost (and you must steal it between the time your hosted by the Icelandic Academy of the Arts, deranged, he’s a complete wacko to be honest, and Now, corpsepants don’t really classify as a minister reads his sermon and the Gospel). Place where architecture students had fabricated a mi- really the most nitpicking diva I’ve ever worked “monster” or “being,” as they do not have a mind of that coin firmly in the aforementioned nutsack of cro version of Hverfisgata and its surroundings. with.” their own and cannot move around freely. They’re your cool new pants and voila – you will never be After having knocked back a few-too-many cups a At the Nordic House an infinite party was more of a mythical tool or entity, if you will, one short on spare change again! coffee, and having read up on the phenomenon all- operated under the name “The Nordic Fashion that grants its owner great powers and serves a very Yes, you read correctly. Given that you fol- too-well, it felt like I was actually hoofing down the Biennale,” and when there wasn’t champagne and specific purpose: bringing home the bacon. And lowed the above directions to a tee, your stolen coin street itself. Well, not really, but it was rather awe- fancy lectures up for grabs, there were a hip bands, since “the bacon” is in high demand these days, we will now generate an endless amount of fresh coins some to see an area you know so well from a gi- like Mammút or Agent Fresco, ravishing the crowd. felt these awesome pants merited a mention. in your pants’ nutsack. Whenever you need money, ant’s perspective, and it must have taken those kids All in all, the events that took place definitely lit up To make your very own pair of corpsepants, you can simply reach in and pull some out. Change months to replicate the street so thoroughly. There the bankrupt atmosphere currently prevailing in you must simply make an arrangement with a friend for a dollar? There you go. Vending machine soda, was also a selection of other works by students the streets of Reykjavík. And yeah, although I’m no or acquaintance that entitles you to make use of his anytime you like? No problem! However, be sure from other departments, probably on par with the David Fricke, and am maybe a little short on experi- flesh after he’s dead (you might want to get that in to not remove the original widow’s coin, as that’ll architectural work, but fearing I would fall into an- ence in these matters, I’d definitely rank this as the writing). Make sure that your friend is of the male break the spell and leave you penniless. other trance, I fled the scene. hippest long weekend on the annual design-festival variety, as the corpsepants’ magical powers reside Though it’s unbelievable that anyone would Down at Hafnarhúsið, Mundi, the alleged calendar. in the nutsack, which is exclusive to dudes. After want to remove such an awesome pair of pants, prodigy of Icelandic design, exhibited his newest your friend passes away, you must venture at night keep in mind that taking them off is no mean feat. offerings. What struck the eye immediately were to the graveyard (or wherever he’s buried), exhume To go pants-free, you must convince a buddy to those walking down the catwalk. Mundi had very the corpse and flay it from the waist down, being take them on, putting on one pants-leg as soon as obviously deviated from the norm of having the extra-careful not to puncture the skin anywhere. you slide it off. He won’t be able to back out once standard anorexic, apathetic models modelling his There must be no holes on your corpsepants, save he has taken the first step, either, so try and con- designs, opting instead for individuals with Down for the ones you stick your legs through. Anyway, vince him or her while drunk, if you can. syndrome to showcase his work. While taken as a this should leave you with some leg-skin, which novel gesture by the bulk of the crowd, some ex- you must hoist over your own bare legs as soon as

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Once you put them on, the fleshy pants will immediately graft onto your skin. To acti- vate CORPSEPANT-POWER, you must then steal a coin from a poor widow during Christmas, Easter or Pentecost... This whole thing with the corpsepants is rather unpleasant. Page 30

Since it has the same sound spectrum as the human voice, the cello gets very close to people, and of course the way the instrument resembles the human form, people have a lot more to relate to than with many other instruments used in experimental music. Hildur Guðnadóttir talks to Ragnar Hrólfs- son about her most excellent new album. Page 26 !"#$%&"'()*+( + ,"#'"-$.'/ 0*1*$/2'/ 30"45*'. ,.35%) 3" #%6'%' Bloggers seem to be competing in who-can-use-the-nastiest- Kynntu þér úrræði vegna greiðsluerfiðleika language when describing how utterly stupid we are: myopic, !"#$#%&'#()*+,-./-012)31(+$4%5&"467".8%40#-509: stupid, naive, stupid, imma- ture, stupid, overly-confident, ;%5<010#=+/>0#,?'40#@A#,B'%)<.'239;50' stupidly optimistic, stupid and Познакомьтесь с возможными решениями проблемы выплат по займам irrational. And stupid. Some bloggers are apparently making Hãy tìm hiểu về các giải pháp cho những khó khăn về tài chính stupid statements. Imagine that. Page 10 HãyOlaksice tìm za hi one7u kojiv8 cácimaju gi problema9i pháp sa cho placanjem nh:ng kredita khó khCónoce;n v las8 tài distintas chính soluciones a tus problemas de pago Hrísey used to be the shark- Zapoznaj się z możliwościami rozwiązywania problemów finansowych fishing capital of the north, and the most notorious Check out our options in case of financial difficulties sharksman (that’s a word) was Hákarla-Jörundur (“Shark- OlaksiceSeneste nyt za vedrörende one koji lösninger imaju problema af ökonomiske sa problemer Jörundur”). He begat eighteen placanjem kredita Conheça os recursos disponíveis áqueles com dificuldades de children and built his first family mansion, Syðsti-Bær, pagamento de empréstimos out of Norwegian wood from a brutally stranded Norwegian ship. Although currently lacking in sharksmen, Hrísey is still damn nice. Page 28 www.ils.isCónoce / www.hff.is las distintas soluciones a tus Borgartúni 21, 105 Reykjavík Tel: 569 6900, 800 6969, [email protected] problemas de pago

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