After spending the last 72 hours immersed in the crazy music-and-dancing-filled desert Thunderdome that is Coachella, I was hard-pressed not to choose one of the phenomenal acts I saw over the weekend for today’s Music Geek Track of the Day, but when Sigur Ros not only covers a song as infamous in geekdom as “The Rains of Castamere,” you make like a Lannister and pay your debts. Originally recorded by The National for season two’s “Blackwater”, “The Rains of Castamere” tells the heartwarming tale of House Reyne of Castamere rising up against their liege lord, Tytos Lannister. Never one to take a slight, Lannister the Elder sent his son Tywin to take them to task, which Tywin did by putting them to the sword and relieving them of all of their blood. A real pick-me-up, right?
As if appearing on last night’s episode wasn’t enough, Sigur Ros, Iceland’s number one source for ethereal, hauntingly beautiful music, has made their mark on the iconic track with this aching, plaintive version of the hottest wedding song in Westeros since “Twist and Shout (Winter is Coming Remix).”
Which version do you prefer, The National’s or Sigur Ros’? Let us know in the comment below. And, if you have any suggestions for Music Geek Track of the Day, tell us on the brand new Nerdist Music Twitter account!
I like the National’s better, but this one isn’t without its charms.
Love it…didn’t know Sigur Rós had done this. Very fitting, but would have loved to hear the whole song.
The hold steady, the bear and the maiden fair
I would have liked this version more if they’d done the whole song and not just the second half.