Music Mondays: Eurotrash

Welcome to the second installment of Music Mondays and you're in for a treat today because it's all about Eurotrash! You may be thinking, 'trash? That's a bit harsh' but Eurotrash is just a colloquial term for fun, flashy and glitzy European pop music! P.s. We all know we love it, there's no shame in that! So pop into the international aisle of your local supermarket, grab some sauerkraut and jalapeños and enjoy the wonderful eccentricity of the European artists that defined the 90s music scene!

1. Björk 

Key Song: It's Oh So Quiet

Year: 1998

Country: Iceland





Björk Guðmundsdóttir, most commonly referred to by themononymously as Björk,  is an Icelandic singer-songwriter eclectic with an eclectic musical style that incorporates aspects of dance, jazz, electronic, classical and avant-garde music.







On the origins of the song and her less fond opinions on it, Björk commented:

"It was sort of a joke really. It was a song Guy Sigsworth used to play on the bus when we were touring. Ever since, I almost regret doing it because I wanted to put so much importance on making new music. So many people are doing old music and you've even got new bands doing old music. If I put something out in this world, it would be the courage to go ahead and invent things, so it's ironic 'It's Oh So Quiet' became my biggest song. The best bit was the video."

Despite her lukewarm feelings about the song, she acknowledges the creativity and joviality captured by the video. The video was directed by Spike Jonze and was inspired by musicals of the 1940s-60s, notably the 1964 film The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. 

Interesting fact: Björk was ill with a fever and could only speak in a whisper during the shoot.

2. Eiffel 65

Key Song: I'm Blue

Year: 1999

Country: Italy

YO LISTEN UP, HERE'S A STORY!!!! Seriously, this song needs no introduction. Just hit play and appreciate the kindness bestowed upon you by one of the most innovative forces in 90s music - Eiffel 65.

Feeling confused by this masterpiece of a video? If you need clarity turn to this great example of the blue man syndrome: Tobias Fünke - the Never Nude, innuendo prone aspiring actor from Arrested Development.

3. Los del Río

Key Song: Macarena

Year: 1994

Country: Spain

Take a look at that album cover. You're probably thinking to yourself, 'wow these dudes are old'. And yes, you would be correct in thinking that. But what you don't know is that these two gentlemen are responsible for all those unforgettably fun nights you did Macarena. So, without further ado, here for your entertainment, is the Macarena! (Don't resist, follow your bodily urges & get up & join in!)

 And don't worry if you forget the steps! Dr Evil & a magical unicorn are here to help out!

Thanks for reading! And check in again next Monday and bring your black eyeliner and your hair straightener because it's time for pop punk!