Good Move for Bad Taste

Smekkleysa or Bad Taste Records, founded by the Sugarcubes (for which Björk fronted), has now moved its base of operations and the Bad Taste Record Store and Gallery Lobster and Fame to Klapparstígur 27. Smekkleysa has introduced and produced countless bands, including having some of Iceland's best music, whether it be Sigur Rós, Björk or múm. Smekkleysa does not only have a great nose for talent but are also important contributors to Reykjavík's music scene. All summer long they have been hosting weekly concerts with the Reykjavík Grapevine newspaper, showcasing the hottest talent in their shop with a second concert the same day at Café Amsterdam. Featured bands have included Jan Mayen, Æla and the artist Bela. The concerts are every Thursday and will continue until September 7th. If you feel like shopping for Icelandic music, make beeline to Smekkleysa for the best of it, either live or to purchase before you go home. Of course, the biggest kick for some is looking at Björk's highly controversial fashion sense through the years.

Still, musical diversity is not the only thing that sets Smekkleysa apart from mainstream stores; also of note is their collection relating to the founding of Smekkleysa and various connected memorabilia, contemporary music and Björk. The newest addition to their collection is Björk's Alexander McQueen-designed dress, worn in the video "Who Is It" from the album Medúlla. -mld