THE MUSIC BLOGGING HIVE MIND
ben gibbard
ben gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie/ The Postal Service
Add To My Trusted Moggers

Popol Vuh

Posted over 2 years ago
hello all,since my friend Zach first played me the music of Popol Vuh i've been kinda obsessed with it. as a cast of musicians that revolved around one Florian Fricke (pictured above) throughout the 1970's and early 1980's they made some of the most hauntingly beautiful music i've ever heard. if you've seen any of Werner Herzog's films you've probably already heard Popol Vuh. he composed the soundtracks for 'Aguirre, Wrath of God,' 'Fitzcarraldo,' and this track from 'Cobra Verde' amoungst many others. if you like this you should pick my two favorite Popol Vuh albums: Die Nacht Der Seele: Tantric Songs' and 'Letzte Tage - Letzte Nächte.' hopefully i'll see some of you out on the road in may...xoben
0

Comments (44)

  1. B42
    B42 says uh, that was supposed to be tag your posts not yag...
    Permalink posted 04/24/2007
  2. B42
    B42 says Not familiar with the music of "Popul Vuh", off to check them out now. Rember to yag your posts, it makes it easier for readers to find the music!

    Popol Vuh

    Popol Vuh is a German experimental rock band founded by Florian Fricke in 1970. It began with an electronic approach as heard on first album Affenstunde. Other important members during the next two decades included Daniel Fichelscher and Bob Eliscu. The group evolved to include all kinds of instruments: wind, percussion and strings, electric and acoustic alike, combined to convey a mystical aura that made thir music spiritual and introspective. more...

    [via FoxyTunes / Popol Vuh]

    Mog More!
    Permalink posted 04/24/2007
  3. Stacey
    Stacey says Very haunting. See you in Chicago.
    Permalink posted 04/24/2007
  4. ChelseyH
    ChelseyH says see you in Austin!
    Permalink posted 04/24/2007
  5. egroeG
    egroeG says I wonder if these guys influenced the members of Godspeed You! Black Emperor.... More than likely.
    Permalink posted 04/24/2007
  6. Michael Pan
    Michael Pan says Sounds great. I love the sound and feel of it.
    Permalink posted 04/24/2007
  7. link5001
    link5001 says I like! See you in North Carolina! (I will...doubt you'll see me)
    Permalink posted 04/24/2007
  8. ROCKNROLLPIMP
    ROCKNROLLPIMP says SEE YOU ON THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON
    Permalink posted 04/24/2007
  9. Hello Mimi
    Hello Mimi says See you in Nashvegas!
    Permalink posted 04/24/2007
  10. Groon
    Groon says I recently got into Popol Vuh (before, the only Florian Fricke I was familiar with was his excellent work on the Tangerine Dream album Zeit), and have four albums now. A band that I just can't get enough of. Hauntingly beautiful, and the music just fills my mind with images constantly. My favorite is Seilispreisung (or however it's spelled, don't have it in front of me right now and don't feel like looking it up). I hope more people check them out from this post!
    Permalink posted 04/24/2007
  11. rearrangethefurntrasyousleep
    rearrangethefurntrasyousleep says haunting yes, but this was also a quite peaceful piece. i love how there's just like, a hint of instruments in the background, but they're not overpowering.
    Permalink posted 04/24/2007
  12. Anonymous says wow! I've never heard of Popol Vuh (like alot of music) but this is really good stuff. I don't see the haunting part about it (it is hauntingly beautiful though), it's kind of got a happy sound instead. Nice post. :)
    Permalink posted 04/24/2007
  13. colizzle
    colizzle says Is Popol Vuh anything like Popozao? See ya in the funny papers...
    Permalink posted 04/24/2007
  14. Cinful
    Cinful says That actually feels relaxing to me just listening to it!
    Permalink posted 04/24/2007
  15. ciphermedia
    ciphermedia says Great Post! Have always had an interest in German electronic music from that period, but didn't know of these guys. (Although I have seen just about all of Herzog's films).
    Permalink posted 04/24/2007
  16. Hmmm
    Hmmm says lol @ pimp Yeah, this sounds familiar, I'll definitely be sure to look into this
    Permalink posted 04/24/2007
  17. msquared64
    msquared64 says very good. I'll have to check out more.... Ben, see you in Boston (well Somerville)
    Permalink posted 04/25/2007
  18. MisterBo
    MisterBo says Never heard of them, just find it kinda weird that a german band would take the name of the great mayan book (which by the way is required reading in junior high school down here in Mexico). Seen Cobra Verde a bunch of times and do like the music, just never knew who composed it. See you in Mexico? (One can only dream, right?)
    Permalink posted 04/25/2007
  19. five-four
    five-four says It's been 5 minutes since I've played the song, and the melody still haunts my head. I can almost hear the crackling of the record and the soft sounds of the acoustic guitar.
    Permalink posted 04/25/2007
  20. moovyphreak
    moovyphreak says I've always enjoyed the obscure and eclectic musicians you've been recommending. Thanks for keeping us satiated with musical goodness.
    Permalink posted 04/25/2007
  21. lmnop805
    lmnop805 says I dont recall it being required reading in mexico but I read it last fall and I'm wondering if it was an influence for the music? It may even work as a soundtrack for the book? A Floyd Wizard of Oz type of relationship.
    Permalink posted 04/25/2007
  22. vincentvega2387
    vincentvega2387 says Thanks for the great music recommendations, look forward to listening to it. And thanks for adding a second show at the Metro, see you there!
    Permalink posted 04/25/2007
  23. Treppenwitz
    Treppenwitz says Florian puts in a cameo as a piano playing idiot savant in Herzog's "Every Man for Himself and God Against All," his movie about Kaspar Hauser. One of my favorites by Herzog.
    Permalink posted 04/25/2007
  24. barefootedphilosopher
    barefootedphilosopher says It does sound like it's made for a soundtrack of a very dramatic documentary. Now I know why Werner Herzog looks so familiar... I watched Lessons of Darkness in film class and also had to write an essay about it on the final exam.
    Permalink posted 04/26/2007
  25. Jonh Ingham
    Jonh Ingham says The opening of Aguirre is just about a perfect marriage of image and music, as - in one shot - an endless line of conquistadores and indians climb down one mountain side and up another, with a heavenly swell of sound courtesy of Popul Vuh. Nice post.
    Permalink posted 04/27/2007
  26. Rackle
    Rackle says See you May 18! Ahh can't wait!!
    Permalink posted 04/28/2007
  27. vickytoria11
    vickytoria11 says Going to see you at the Fillmore May 18th with my friend Rackle who also posted comment. We think your music is amazing! I can't wait! You're awesome and I hope things go well for you during your tour. See ya!
    Permalink posted 04/28/2007
  28. Ragamuffin
    Ragamuffin says Hello all, as I'm new to this mog malarkey, what is the best way to chase down these reccomends, short of going to record shops. Is everything web based now? Love this by the way, can I suggest 'Johann Johannsson - ibm 1401, a user's manual' as a similar if a little updated foray in to the ethereal?
    Permalink posted 04/30/2007
  29. raggedyandie
    raggedyandie says wow. i loved that. it reminded me of something, i just can't put my finger on it. anyway, i am going to listen to more of Popol Vuh and i shall see you on may 17 in LA!! stoked about that! xoxo.
    Permalink posted 04/30/2007
  30. whyrcloudswhite
    whyrcloudswhite says You were incredible in chicago tonight. wonderful wonderful ! thanks for coming back on stage after you left! i was expecting one more song, but of course you outdid my expectations again and thanks to you, popol vuh is creeping into my music player more and more !
    Permalink posted 05/04/2007
  31. Jac22x
    Jac22x says Popol vuh is also the name of the ancient Maya creation myth.. just thought I would share a little non-Western art history knowledge.
    Permalink posted 05/07/2007
  32. DenRA
    DenRA says Aloha Ben!I found it and wasn't looking for it...but the best things come announced as a surprise! Iam going to add you as a trusted mog solely on taste...not technical mathematics. Check out my new music ...been collaborating with Jim Morrison on some new stuff:"Space","Movin ON" and "Helena". Best Alohas,DenRA
    Permalink posted 05/09/2007
  33. IndieJones
    IndieJones says Wonderful sound! Yeah and hey, I will see you in like less than 2 days in Carroboro, NC! YAY! Can't wait. Until then... peace from the east.. coast. post script: Did you know DCFC had some vinyls out? Yeah, got one the other day ... i'll show it to u at the concert. Much support and hope.
    Permalink posted 05/09/2007
  34. link5001
    link5001 says Hey Ben! Just saw you at Cat's Cradle in NC. Thanks for coming, highlight of my month! The north specific version of "Carolina" was awesome. Hope the rest of the tour is a blast!
    Permalink posted 05/11/2007
  35. jckgirl
    jckgirl says on an unrelated note... amazing show last night (in NC). can't wait to see you again!
    Permalink posted 05/12/2007
  36. microbes
    microbes says Those jeans looked so nice on you last night, Ben Gibbard. >:D
    Permalink posted 05/13/2007
  37. link5001
    link5001 says Oh yeah, and as a side note, I just studied Werner Hertzog this semester in as a part of the German New Wave in a film class I'm in. I guess I was probably hearing Popol Vuh without realizing it. I mostly remember Hertzog as the guy who ate his shoe when he lost that bet with Errol Morris.
    Permalink posted 05/14/2007
  38. BeingLolita
    BeingLolita says Ben, I saw you play in Portland tonight. As always, you were absolutely stunning. I got all the way to the front this time! That was one hell of an encore. :) Thank you for sharing your art, the world is a much more enjoyable place because of it. :)
    Permalink posted 05/20/2007
  39. Andy Szela
    Andy Szela says Saw you at the Fillmore the other night. Sorry for the Bay Area panhandlers haha.
    Permalink posted 05/21/2007
  40. m0nadikh
    m0nadikh says interestinggg ;)
    Permalink posted 05/23/2007
  41. Zaorish
    Zaorish says I like this song...it's very solemn and yet emotionally upbeat. I've heard nothing like it before...thanks for introducing me to it, Ben.
    Permalink posted 06/23/2007
  42. Paulo Grua
    Paulo Grua says

    Awesome music - very dream-like!

    Permalink posted 03/18/2009
  43. Paulo Grua
    Paulo Grua says

    Awesome music - very dream-like!

    Permalink posted 03/18/2009
  44. indieshows
    indieshows says

    Beautiful. This music is really inspiring! I think I'll go grab my guitar right now. Another more recent group that I've found that creates some hautingly good stuff is Sigur Ros out of Iceland.

    Permalink posted 03/23/2009

Comment on this Post

Login using email and password below.

Forgot Password?

Don't have an account?
Join MOG. It's Free!

Top Artists

Our Daily Picks

RSS

Top Artists From A to Z

© 2006-2009 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved