Blue Plate Special: The Sugarcubes
The Sugarcubes were an Icelandic alternative rock band from Reykjavík, active between 1986 and 1992. Formed by Björk Guðmundsdóttir and an eclectic mix of Icelandic musicians, including Einar Örn Benediktsson and Þór Eldon, the group brought a quirky, avant-pop sound to the international stage. Their debut album, Life’s Too Good (1988), introduced the world to the unique blend of Björk’s captivating voice and Einar’s erratic vocal style, producing hits like “Birthday.” This track became a sensation on UK radio and launched the band as Iceland’s first major international musical export, greatly impacting Icelandic popular music and inspiring future Icelandic artists.Following their debut, The Sugarcubes experimented with a more diverse sound in their second album, Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week! (1989), which met with mixed reviews. However, their final album, Stick Around for Joy (1992), was well-received, producing singles like “Hit” and “Leash Called Love.” Despite their growing popularity, internal tensions and individual creative pursuits led to the band’s disbandment in late 1992. The Sugarcubes left an enduring legacy, credited as Iceland’s biggest rock band and paving the way for Björk’s groundbreaking solo career. In 2006, they briefly reunited for a celebratory concert, marking two decades since their influential debut single “Birthday.”
Some of my favorites from their brief catalog:
Hit – from the album Stick Around for Joy (1992)
Motorcrash – from the album Life’s Too Good (1988)
Leash Called Love (Tony Humphries Mix) – from the album It’s It (1992)
A Day Called Zero – from the album Here Today, Tomorrow, Next Week (1989)
Walkabout – from the album Stick Around for Joy (1992)
Birthday (Justin Robertson 12″ mix) – from the album It’s It (1992)
Regina – from the album Here Today, Tomorrow, Next Week (1989)
Blue-Eyed Pop – from the album Life’s Too Good (1988)
