Jóhann Jóhannsson - Fordlandia

nursofiawy

Review by Nur Sofia W Yahya

Fordlandia by Jóhann Jóhannsson: A Haunting Journey Through Sound and Space If you’re into music that feels like stepping into another dimension, Fordlandia by Jóhann Jóhannsson is the album for you. Released in 2009 under labels like 4AD and NTOV, this record blends electronic vibes with classical undertones, creating something both modern and timeless. It’s hard to pin down—ambient pop? Experimental electronic? Maybe just "sound art"? Whatever it is, it hits different. The whole thing feels cinematic, like a soundtrack to a movie that doesn’t exist yet. Tracks like “Melodia (Guidelines For A Space Propulsion Device)” and “How We Left Fordlândia” stick out because they grab you emotionally without needing words. Let me break it down real quick: Why I Can’t Forget “Melodia (Guidelines For A Space Propulsion Device)” This track sounds like what would happen if NASA hired Brian Eno to compose music for deep space exploration. There's this eerie, pulsing rhythm layered over lush strings from The City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra—it gives me goosebumps every time. You can almost picture yourself floating through galaxies or staring at some alien sunset. And then there’s Jóhannsson himself on piano, weaving these delicate melodies that feel fragile but so powerful at the same time. It’s not just background noise; it makes you stop and think about how small we are compared to the universe. “How We Left Fordlândia”—A Perfect Ending Now, this one hits home. It starts off slow, almost melancholic, like saying goodbye to something beautiful but broken. By the end, though, it builds into this sweeping crescendo that feels bittersweet. I imagine it as the closing credits of an epic film where the hero walks away from the ruins of their dream. The mix of Guðni Franzson’s clarinet and Matthias M.D. Hemstock’s percussion adds layers of texture that make it unforgettable. Honestly, it left me sitting in silence for a good five minutes after it ended. What’s wild about Fordlandia is how much detail Jóhannsson puts into everything—the arrangements, the production, even the artwork (shoutout to Vaughan Oliver). Every little sound has its place, whether it’s the hum of an organ or the rustle of experimental electronics. Even the liner notes by Феликс Сандалов add depth, making you feel like you’re holding more than just an album—you’ve got a piece of art. But here’s the unexpected part: listening to Fordlandia feels less like entertainment and more like therapy. It’s heavy, sure, but also comforting. Like when life gets too loud, this album reminds you it’s okay to sit quietly for a while and let your thoughts wander. So yeah, give it a spin if you’re ready to lose yourself in sound. Just don’t blame me if you start daydreaming about space travel or abandoned locomotives covered in vines. Final Thought: If Fordlandia were a person, it’d probably be the quiet friend who says profound things at random moments and leaves everyone speechless.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: jhann-jhannsson-fordlandia.zip
  • MP3 size: 132 mb
  • FLAC size: 1515 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
The Great God Pan is Dead4:55
The Rocket Builder (Lo Pan!)6:24
Melodia (Guidelines For A Propulsion Device Based On Heim's Quantum Theory)9:04
Fordlândia13:42
Melodia (iii)3:12
Melodia (Guidelines For A Space Propulsion Device Based On Heim's Quantum Theory)
Melodia (i)1:56
How We Left Fordlândia15:24
Abandoned Locomotive Overgrown By Luxuriant Vegetation
How We Left Fordlandia15:25
Fordlandia - Aerial View4:33
Melovia (IV)02:45
The Great God Pan Is Dead4:56
Melodia (I V)2:45
The Rocket Builder (Io Pan!)6:25
Melodia (Guidelines For A Space Propulsion Device Based On Heim's Quantum Theory)09:03
Fordlandia13:43
Melodia1:56
Melodia (I I)1:49
Melodia (I I I)3:12
Melodia (iv)2:45
Melodia (Guidelines For A Space Propulsion Device)9:03
Fordlandia-Aerial View
Melodia (ii)1:49
Fordlândia - Aerial View4:32
Melodia (I)1:56
Chimaerica3:22
Miracle, Mystery And Authority
Melodia (III)03:12
Melodia (II)01:48

Video

Jóhann Jóhannsson - Fordlandia
Melodia (Guidlines for a Space Propulsion Device..)
Johann Johannsson - How We Left Fordlandia
Jóhann Jóhannsson Fordlandia
Jóhann Jóhannsson // Fordlândia (HD)
Jóhann Jóhannsson - The Rocket Builder (Lo Pan!)

Images

Album herunterladen Jóhann Jóhannsson - Fordlandia
ladda ner album Jóhann Jóhannsson - Fordlandia
télécharger l'album Jóhann Jóhannsson - Fordlandia
descargar álbum Jóhann Jóhannsson - Fordlandia
last ned album Jóhann Jóhannsson - Fordlandia
lataa albumi Jóhann Jóhannsson - Fordlandia

Catalog Numbers

  • CAD 2812 CD
  • NTOV06
  • NTOV7
  • CAD 2812 CD P
  • WPCB10097
  • CAD 2812LP

Labels

  • 4AD
  • NTOV
  • 4AD, Beggars Japan

Listen online

  • kuunnella verkossa
  • escuchar en línea
  • lyssna på nätet
  • online anhören
  • online luisteren
  • écouter en ligne
  • lytte på nettet
  • ouvir online
  • ascolta in linea

Formats

  • CD
  • Album
  • Digipak
  • 2 × Vinyl
  • LP
  • Reissue
  • CDr
  • Promo
  • Limited Edition
  • Clear
  • Repress
  • Advance
  • Remastered

Companies

RoleCompany
Manufactured ByArvato Digital Services
Published ByMute Song
Recorded AtBarrandov Studios
Mixed AtStudio Sýrland
Mastered AtAbbey Road Studios
Designed Atv23
Phonographic Copyright (p)ООО "Союз Мьюзик"
Licensed FromBeggars UK Limited
Copyright (c)EMI Music Publishing Ltd.
Distributed ByCobraside Distribution Inc.
Remastered AtCalyx Mastering
Pressed ByArvato Digital Services Bertelsmann, USA

Credits

RoleCredit
Art DirectionVaughan Oliver
DesignVaughan Oliver
CGI ArtistMarc Atkins
ChorusThe City Of Prague Philharmonic Chorus (tracks: 1, 9 to 11)
ClarinetGuðni Franzson (tracks: 2, 4, 8)
ConcertmasterBohumil Kotmel (tracks: 1, 9 to 11)
ConductorMiriam Nemcova (tracks: 1, 9 to 11)
ContractorJames Fitzpatrick
Design ConceptJóhann Jóhannsson
Mastered BySteve Rooke
Mixed ByJóhann Jóhannsson
OrchestraThe City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra (tracks: 1, 9 to 11)
Orchestrated ByArnar Bjarnason (tracks: 10, 11), Jóhann Jóhannsson
OrganGuðmundur Sigurðsson (tracks: 7)
PercussionMatthias M.D. Hemstock (tracks: 3, 5, 10, 11)
ElectronicsMatthias M.D. Hemstock (tracks: 3, 5, 10, 11)
PianoJóhann Jóhannsson
Organ [Pipe OrganJóhann Jóhannsson
Electric Organ]Jóhann Jóhannsson
GuitarJóhann Jóhannsson
Recorded ByJan Holzner
Recorded By [Pipe Organ Recorded ByBragernes]
StringsGreta Guðmundsdóttir (tracks: 3, 5), Guðmundur Kristmundsson (tracks: 3, 5), Hrafnkell Orri Egilsson (tracks: 3, 5), Una Sveinbjarnardóttir (tracks: 3, 5)
Written-ByJóhann Jóhannsson
Arranged ByJóhann Jóhannsson
ProducerJóhann Jóhannsson
ArtworkJóhann Jóhannsson
Liner NotesФеликс Сандалов
OtherJames Fitzpatrick
Organ [PipeJóhann Jóhannsson
Electric]Jóhann Jóhannsson
Recorded By [OrchestraPrague]
Recorded By [Pipe OrganDrammen]
Recorded By [String QuartetReykjavik]
Pipe OrganReykjavik]
Recorded By [String Quartet Recorded ByFinnur Hákonarsson
Pipe Organ (Langholtskirkja) Recorded By]Finnur Hákonarsson
Remastered ByBo Kondren
Artwork ByJóhann Jóhannsson

Notes

  • Orchestra recorded at Barrandov Studios, Smecky Soundstage, Prague.
  • String quartet recorded in Langholtskirkja, Reykjavik.
  • Pipe organ recorded in Langholtskirkja, Reykjavik and Bragernes church in Drammen, Norway.
  • Additional recordings in Copenhagen, Reykjavik and Tokyo.
  • Mixed in Sýrland, Reykjavik and in NTOV, Copenhagen.
  • Mastered at Abbey Road.
  • Published by Mute Song
  • Art direction and design at v23.
  • Manufactured in the UK
  • Packaging: 6-panel digipak.
  • Promotional release. Professionally printed CDr with printed silver side & green coloured playing side. Released in slimline jewel case with clear tray and four panel picture insert (printed on outside only). Text in Japanese and English.
  • Track times are not mentioned on release info and were taken from a CD player.
  • 2008.11.26 ON SALE
  • WPCB-10097 ¥2,580 (tax in)
  • NOT FOR SALE / FOR PROMOTIONAL USE ONLY
  • For sale in Russia and CIS countries only.
  • ℗ 2009 ООО "Союз Мьюзик" по лицензии BEGGARS UK LIMITED.
  • Mixed in Syrland, Reykjavik and in NTOV, Copenhagen.
  • CD package: jewel case with Obi strip + 4-page booklet.
  • Edition of 300.
  • Issued in a jewel case.
  • Printed CDr. "For promotional use only. Not for re-sale", in printed card wallet.
  • Comes with an 11½" square insert, printed on both sides.
  • 12 & 13 are bonus tracks.
  • NOT FOR SALE - no front art, generic B&W label group back art w/essay and street date/ label contact info.
  • Gatefold Sleeve. Remastered.

Barcodes

  • Barcode (String): 652637281224
  • Barcode (Text): 6 52637 28122 4
  • Matrix / Runout (Variant 1 & 2): arvato digital services 52943449/CAD2812CD 21
  • Mastering SID Code (Variant 1 & 2): IFPI LP 73
  • Mould SID Code (Variant 1): IFPI 0752
  • Mould SID Code (Variant 2): IFPI 0757
  • Label Code: LC 05807
  • Matrix / Runout: 74 PE7063
  • Barcode (String): 4601250359922
  • Barcode (Text): 4 601250 359922
  • Matrix / Runout: CAD2812CD BEGGARS GROUP / ООО "СОЮЗ МЬЮЗИК"
  • Mastering SID Code: IFPI LZ18
  • Mould SID Code: IFPI ACH03
  • Barcode: 8 29707 95721 5
  • Matrix / Runout: CAD2812CD 01 LLC UK
  • Mastering SID Code: IFPI LY33
  • Mould SID Code: IFPI AEW22
  • Barcode (Text): 8 29707 95721 5
  • Barcode (Scanned): 829707957215
  • Barcode (Scanned): 652637281200
  • Barcode: 6 52637 28122 4
  • Matrix / Runout: CAD 2812 CD + + HQ38402
  • Mastering SID Code: IFPI L028
  • Mould SID Code: IFPI 1002

About Jóhann Jóhannsson

Icelandic composer and songwriter, producer and co-founder of . Born 19 September 1969 in Reykjavík, Iceland. Died 9 February 2018 In Berlin, Germany. Worked with , and , , and many others. He was well known for his music and soundtracks for the theatre, documentaries and feature films.

Real Name

    • Jóhann Gunnar Jóhannsson

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know that Jóhann Jóhannsson's *Fordlandia* is like a sonic journey through history and imagination? The album blends haunting ambient sounds with orchestral grandeur, featuring contributions from musicians across the globe. For instance, the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus brought lush depth to several tracks, while Icelandic string players added delicate textures. One standout detail: the pipe organ used in the recording was captured in a church in Reykjavik, giving it an otherworldly resonance. It’s not just music—it feels like stepping into a forgotten world.

Comments

kellcey24
2025-03-15
Such talent and beauty in your work. Thank you for helping me get past great physical pain. Rest well sweet prince
jem5555
2025-03-15
this song melts my heart!
Your music mimics a way that life on earth unwinds; in all of its elegant chaos. I am thankful for your existence Johann for your music has opened up doors in my mind. Some lead to peace and some lead to an anxiety or unrest that I need to face. I've shed tears, I've reveled on memories of pain, and turn them into something beautiful with the assistance of your sound. Thank you so much. You have truly stretched your existence and feelings beyond the physical realm and each time I listen to your music I can feel your presence, and although I never personally knew you, I can feel what I know is a piece of you reaching out. Thank you Johann and onwards to your next journey.
balazs1026
2025-03-13
Very Good!... #215 ✝ {7-26-2022}
basmoham1440
2025-03-13
Our song under human presence.. greys will always conduct
gaelseymore
2025-03-13
RIP My best musical friend ???
rafligitarakustik
2025-03-13
He told music in one sentence, to portray such skill is hard to find now a days. RIP my inspiration
kakhagagnidze
2025-03-12
gör beni 67* ?
msgaravatti
2025-03-11
Azra Kohen-Gör Beni kitabından gelenler ?
lostchild23
2025-03-10
Magique
magdalenamichalak
2025-03-10
RiP [*] [*] on All Saints' Day
akkrual
2025-03-10
- We are born, we live as we can, as we know, in this mystery called life. We left behind this world, we slowly die. - very deep music.
jndegz
2025-03-10
categorically based
Wowww....questa canzone per 15 minuti ma fatto sentire in un altra dimensione, nella dimensione di johann che è una meraviglia piena di emozioni e pensieri oltre a questo mondo...
pdmcwvcst
2025-03-08
@azrakohen İnsan olmayı başarabilmek için doğduğunu anlamadıysan, hangi dine inandığının hiçbir anlamı yok- #görbeni
oliverojm
2025-03-07
I could totally hear this ending a Christopher Nolan film.
danaemck
2025-03-07
Much like ARVO PART...
fbsirkavithai
2025-03-06
this must be how north korean refugees feel when they make it to seoul.
greenmacgal
2025-03-06
a masterpiece!
Azra Kohen Gör Beni❤️ "İnsan olmayı başarabilmek için doğduğunu anlamadıysan, hangi dine inandığının hiçbir anlamı yok"
dlwatkins0523cu
2025-03-06
Gör beni den geldim?
kunalipadte236
2025-03-05
Listening to this now for maybe the 4,000th time?
Amazing how, at just past the halfway point, this piece descends from its peak - and spends over 7 minutes drifting away.

We all miss you Mr. Johannsson
naida6675
2025-03-04
make great music..
amymartinpastc1617
2025-03-03
One of the greatest composers of the XXI Century
butathu001
2025-03-02
Gör Beni’ den geldik ??