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I recently found out that the song ‘My Way’ is not originally from Frank Sinatra. As a matter of fact, it comes from France and is called ‘Comme d'habitude.’
Some probably feel disappointed learning this. And others will say that it somehow diminishes the Frank Sinatra version. Makes it less American.
I don’t agree. An Icelandic saying sums up my opinion perfectly: Who cares where good comes from?
Along the same lines, I started digging into Icelandic music. Is there an Icelandic version of ‘My Way’?
No, not really. But we do have a lot of songs that are borrowed from abroad. And what makes it interesting is that not many Icelanders know about the origin.
So, I’ll drop the bomb. Below, we have ten famous ‘Icelandic classics’ and the originals.
And finally: Comme d’habitude, Claude François (French), 1967.
Jóhannes Benediktsson - johannes@icelandreview.com
Jóhannes is filling in for Katharina.
Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós are set to appear on Jay Leno’s The Tonight Show on NBC on Friday next week.
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Chairman of the Progressive Party Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson will become Iceland’s next prime minister and leader of the Independence Party, Bjarni Benediktsson, will take up the position of Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, as reported in the Icelandic media yesterday.
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The festival Reykjavík Music Mess kicks off at KEX Hostel in the center of the capital with an opening party on May 23 at 8 pm. An art exhibition themed around the participating bands will open at the occasion and Boogie Trouble will play a few songs. Entry is free.
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Coalition talks between the Independence and Progressive Party are in the final stages, set to be completed today or tomorrow, and a decision on a new government for Iceland is expected to be announced tomorrow or on Tuesday.
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The 2013 April-May issue of Iceland Review & Atlantica has been released. Packed with informative and entertaining stories, highlights include an interview with outgoing Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir and the people who know her best, a photo essay of ice caves in Europe’s largest glacier and a colorful feature on life in the West Fjords.
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REVIEWS
The 11th Reykjavík Shorts & Docs. Catch it while it lasts!
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Fida Abu Libdeh moved to Iceland from East Jerusalem at 16, made her way through the Icelandic education system and now runs a promising startup company.
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The 27th Reykjavík Arts Festival starts this week.
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