Review Summary: The limited live version of Vulnicura is probably the best live record she has ever released.
On 21 October 2015, the official Rough Trade website posted an early listing of separate 2 x CD / 2 x LP sets entitled Vulnicura Live, a collection of 14 songs recorded on Björk's 2015 tour to promote her critically acclaimed album, Vulnicura. The live album was mixed and put together by Björk herself with help from Arca and The Haxan Cloak, her co-producers on Vulnicura. The sets were officially announced the following day, and are limited to 1000 copies for each format and available exclusively through Rough Trade. Initial reports incorrectly stated that the double album would feature 8 Vulnicura songs and 6 songs from Björk's previous albums, but the final track list contains 8 Vulnicura cuts and only 6 from her back catalog.
Björk has said she is ready to move on from her acclaimed, but emotionally taxing, LP, recorded in the aftermath of vocal surgery, a breakup with her longtime partner, her mother's heart attack and the death of studio collaborator Mark Bell. In August, Björk postponed, then canceled, a handful of European dates, citing her eagerness to focus on new music.
The results are fascinating. Here, there is a version edited and produced by Arca from her 'Debut' album back in 1993. That song is 'Come To Me', and it's probably the best song from this record, way better than the original version. With strings, hard beats and experimental instrumental from Arca, this record is a jewel.
Another good thing is that 'Vulnicura Live' respects initial story of 'Vulnicura', the first six songs that compose it; 'Stonemilker', 'Lionsong', 'History of Touches' and 'Black Lake'.
Björk vocals sound better here than in the 'Biophilia' era. It sounds soft yet strong, calm yet angry, and humble yet ambitious.
'Vulnicura Live' is not as amazing as 'Vulnicura', but is still being amazing. And darker.
