She’s never played Las Vegas before, and she’s not exactly a regular on our radio airwaves, so the acclaimed 13-time Grammy nominee might be something of an unknown quantity around these parts. The Cliffs Notes version, just in time for Saturday’s show:
1
“Birthday” (The Sugarcubes’ Life’s Too Good, 1988) Before she joined Prince, Madonna and Beck as a single-named solo artist, Björk Guðmundsdóttir sang for John Peel’s favorite Icelandic rock group.
2
“Human Behaviour” (Debut, 1993) The song that put Björk on the map in America and got her onto MTV (remember the bear video?). Just don’t expect to hear it in concert.
3
“Army of Me” (Post, 1995) Its industrial grate has made it a favorite of heavy metal bands searching for that perfect Björk cover to add to their repertoire.
4
“Hyper-Ballad” (Post, 1995) Björk fans’ favorite tune (according to an official website survey) also gets our award for most fittingly titled ditty ever.
5
“Jòga” (Homogenic, 1997) The string-aided single from Björk’s second five-star All Music Guide entry (Post was the first) is a dedication to her homeland.
6
“Bachelorette” (Homogenic, 1997) “I’m a fountain of blood in the shape of a girl/You’re the bird on the brim, hypnotized by the whirl.” So dramatic you’d swear it was ripped from a theatrical production.
7
“Unison” (Vespertine, 2001) An epic closing number, featuring glitchy electronics courtesy of San Francisco duo/Vespertine production team Matmos.
8
“Where Is the Line” (Medúlla, 2003) Entirely composed of human vocals, assuming you consider beatboxer Rahzel to be of this earth.
9
“Earth Intruders” (Volta, 2007) The foot-stomping first single from her latest album, co-produced by some dude calling himself Timbaland.
10
“The Dull Flame of Desire” (Volta, 2007) Antony Hegarty possesses one of the few voices capable of dueting with Björk without being pitifully overshadowed.
With Ratatat. December 15, 8 p.m., $75-$125. The Pearl, 942-7777.