Reykjavík Grapevine - 11.09.2009, Page 35

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#44 - Issue 11 - 2006
"It doesn't matter if you ask an Icelander who just so happens to be
looking for some rope to hang himself with - when asked how he's
doing, he's still going to respond with the classic Icelandic "Really
good, thanks!" - Iceland in 2006, when times were good. JT/OK
Sadly, not one of our finest moments. The feature was an interview
with the new director of the Reykjavík Art Museum. The cover
shot was from a current exhibition and features a likeness of Roy
Orbinson. Sort of. Actually, I think that piece was actually called Roy
Orbinson, so I guess we are the only magazine in Iceland to ever put
the old guy on the cover. SBB
The Grapevine's relationship with Iceland's most celebrated folk
rocker, Bubbi Morthens, had been at Cold War status since earlier
that year, following a scathing review by Sindri Eldon of his 50th
birthday concert. The big thaw came when Bubbi reached out to us
and asked if we'd like to interview him. The cover was shot by one of
Iceland's most respected photographers, Spessi. SBB
Our very own Nobel Laureate, Halldór Laxness, was under con-
stant observation by the CIA. Historian and Laxness scholar Chay
Lamoine wrote the issue's feature, detailing the trouble he had ac-
quiring papers regarding Laxness through the Freedom of Informa-
tion act, and what that might mean. Artist Sara Riel drew the cover
illustration of Laxness. SBB
Once more, the Grapevine proved it's limitless love of Sigur Rós by,
well, putting them on the cover. This was the first issue I wrote for, a
story on small town Flateyri; the aftermath of its horrible avalanche,
its immigrant population and its future. I remember being in awe of
the whole thing, and generally being thankful for getting to work
with people that I still look up to. HSM
This pretty boy came across our path in Greenland. Grapevine pho-
tographer Skari was there on assignment with journalist Steinunn
Jakobsdóttir, covering the changes taking place in Greenland as it
moves towards modernity. SBB
Immigrant issues had been in the spotlight for some time, and we
felt we should to make the non-Icelandic minority more visible.
The story of the Icelandic Yule lads is one of our most cherished
traditions, so combining the two felt like a good way to celebrate
Christmas. SBB
The immortal GusGus were set to release a new album. The band
graciously granted Grapevine an interview. This great cover shot
was done by respected photographer Ari Magg and might be the
last official shot of this lineup. SBB
After 27 issues, Bart Cameron edited his last issue. In farewell edito-
rial he wrote: "I plan on coming back in two years and pointing at a
Grapevine far superior to any product I ever edited.” While the man
left giant footsteps for anyone that would follow, we still hope there
was some merit to his prophecies. HSM
Inspired by writer Andri Snær Magnason's attempt to black out
Reykjavík by turning off all the lights in the city, the Grapevine pre-
sented its own black out. I think ours was pretty successful, but the
Reykjavík attempt left something to be desired. SBB
We polled several music scribes and other experts to asked them to
help us select the album of the year 2006. Reykjavík!'s debut album
came out on top, so the band was an obvious choice for the cover.
For those observant readers wondering: Yes, that is Grapevine’s
current editor Haukur S. Magnússon in the back. SBB
The feature was on how Iceland was doing with ‘nation branding’.
So we went ahead and designed a new coat of arms for the country,
one that reflected on how ideas Icelanders had of themselves at the
time. Our new figureheads were: The most beautiful women in the
world, the strongest men in the world, whales and puffins. I only
wish we had had the good sense of putting a 'business Viking' on
there as well. A classic.SBB
Grapevine 101
#46 - Issue 13 - 2006#45 - Issue 12 - 2005
#48 - Issue 15 - 2006#47 - Issue 14 - 2006 #49 - Issue 16 - 2006
#50 - Issue 17 - 2006 #52 - Issue 1 - 2007#51 - Issue 18 - 2006
#53 - Issue 2 - 2007 #54 - Issue 3 - 2007 #55 - Issue 4 - 2007