Björk Sings Joy Division, Unveils Biophilia Track

If news from my favorite Icelandic singer proves anything this week, it’s that predicting Björk’s next musical move is no easy feat: First off, she performed at a karaoke rally to recruit signatures for a petition against Magma Energy’s proposed takeover of her native country’s geothermal and thermal energy production. In a press release, Björk and friends stated ahead of the 3-day event:

Elves, hidden people, sports people, hobby musicians and professionals … everyone who cares for Iceland, come and join forces and perform a powerful ode to the nature of Iceland… Let’s bring our natural resources back to us with song.

For her part, Björk sang duets with politician/former singer/environmentalist Ómar Ragnarsson and took on Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” solo. Check out some shaky audience-shot footage of both performances below.

Meanwhile, we may have gotten our first taste of her so-called “scientific musical” with Michel Gondry in the form of an instrumental soundtrack to the new iPad app Solar System. An announcement for the app details the untitled composition as being born of her “forthcoming Biophilia project.” An odd, unexpected week from Björk indeed, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Hear that song below, as well: 

“Love Will Tear Us Apart” (Joy Division “Cover” in Reykjavík)

Duet with Ómar Ragnarsson

Tune from Future Biophilia Project