Musiclectic

"Riena" by Varttina

Varttina is a Finnish folk (and also somewhat rock-ish) band, one of my favorite musical groups!  "Riena" is from their 2006 album, Miero (which I don't have yet so I was glad to run across this song on YouTube). 

Some of Varttina's most energetic songs can have the most depressing lyrics, and this one is no exception:

I throw off sparks,
I tear from my tongue words as twisted as tree-roots.

I poke the fire of hatred with my words,
I hurl hate back at you.

My mood blackens,
blacker than the mind of any mortal.

My loathing drips blood,
my pain slashes, curses, drenches with pus.

The snakes also curse you, serpents of death –
oh, that hissing will enter your head…

The snakes also curse you, serpents of death –
even the snakes…

I throw off sparks,
I tear from my tongue words as twisted as tree-roots.

You crushed me underfoot, you evil betrayer.
You punish me with rage, you poisoned my mind.

So I heap blame on you, spit words from my mouth.
So I accuse you - pathetic worm that you are.

 

 
Moomin Light posts on Varttina:

• Listen to Laulutytto 
• Varttina's music for the play of Lord of the Rings

Fonix (Phoenix) by Annbjorg Lien

I Like compilation albums that give you a chance to hear various musicians at their best.  Wizard Women of the North has Norwegian, Swedish, and Finnish musicians.  Some of the music is eerie, some is playful, and most of it is fairly unusual. 

One of my favorites is Fonix by the Norwegian fiddler, Annbjorg Lien* from her CD Prisme.   It's definitely on the playful side.

RootsWorld has an article about her music, with an interview - click here.
Here's an article about the hardanger fiddle with an interview with Annbjorg Lien.

* The o's in Fonix and Annbjorg have a little slash through them, but I can't do that on my keyboard.