Björk - Family Tree

How very Björk. This six-CD collection, packaged in a custom-made transparent pink plastic case designed by Parisian design team M/M with illustrations by Icelandic artist Gabriella Fridriksdottir, is easily this season’s most eccentric box set. Each of the CDs (five 3-inch discs and one 5-inch disc) has its own theme: roots and strings (two discs each), beats and greatest hits (as chosen by her and not to be confused with the also available Greatest Hits, which was selected by fans who voted for their favourite songs at Björk’s official website). Are you still with us? There’s also a 16-page lyric booklet and a “family tree map,” basically a credit list with the elfin artist’s own handwritten introduction. It’s all highly self indulgent yet beguiling, especially early rarities like the abrasive “Fuglar,” from her days in the post-punk band Kukl, and the quirky “Mamma,” from her stint with avant-popsters The Sugarcubes. But what else would you expect from someone who wore a swan dress—complete with matching egg—to the Oscars?