Phonology

    So here I am, quite innocently listening to a preview copy of the new Björk album Medúlla, when I realise that the track Ancestors has a very fine example of that peculiar phenomenon, Inuit Throat singing . This technique doesn't employ the rich overtone technique found in the Central Asian styles discussed previously, but is a completely different method, based on rhythms of breathing and grunting. This is usually performed by two women standing close together, and originally their mouths were touching, using each other's oral cavities as resonators, although this has largely died out.
    Very refreshing to hear this on a mainstream artist's recording. Once I have the sleeve notes I'll be finding out more about the performers.