SUGARCUBES,THE - The Great Crossover Potential (Sealed) (CD)

14 track best of compilation. They seemed to be from outer space, but actually they were just from Iceland. Arriving from the ultra-arty rock scene of Reykjavik, the Sugarcubes redefined the modern rock paradigm as a truly limitless thing, expanding the boundaries and raising the bar for a generation of artists. Though only Bjork was fated for global conquest, the Sugarcubes are assured their own place in the pantheon, as is attested indisputably on the Sugarcubes: The Great Crossover Potential. Driven by the harmony of opposites, the Sugarcubes pitted the otherworldly wail of Bjork against the anarchic ranting of Einer Orn, who added a voice of abstract rage as a foil to her childish innocence. From the overt sensuality of Cold Sweat to the philosophical absurdity of Deus, the Sugarcubes were always unpredictable - Regina features a majestic vocal by Bjork, contrasted by Orn's shouts of 'i really don't like lobster!'. Pump adopts a sultry groove, soon punctuated by Orn's leering shrieks of 'i hate you!' the absurdist drama and the constant tug-of -war between heaven and hell exemplify the confusing, magical and infinitely satisfying power of the Sugarcubes.