As of April 2012, Norwegian ‘folktronica’ band Flunk are celebrating the ten year anniversary of the release of their acclaimed debut album For Sleepyheads Only. The band’s career has blossomed since those beginnings, with numerous singles, follow-up albums, and live performances worldwide. Before moving to their next step, Flunk has chosen to commemorate this decade-long achievement with The Songs We Sing - Best Of 2002-2012, a collection that not only gathers sixteen highlights from the band’s career but also pairs this with twelve excellent remixes of their original tracks.

Flunk consists of Anja Øyen Vister (vocals), Jo Bakke (guitar) and Ulf Nygaard (electronics), along with associated member Erik Ruud (drums). Their debut album is still one of the biggest releases on their Norwegian label Beatservice Records. For Sleepyheads Only was propelled by a downbeat cover of New Order’s “Blue Monday” (championed by the late, great John Peel) and a licensing deal with beloved US house and electronica label Guidance Records. Its trip-hop beats and gentle guitar melodies merged with Anja’s lovely vocals captured the ears of fans all over the globe. Subsequent albums by the band explored moodier and more experimental sounds while maintaining their melodic, bittersweet pop vibe. Film, television, and advertisements came calling, as did the country of China which saw a rare Flunk tour just last year.

On The Songs We Sing, highlights from all of Flunk’s albums are collected, including big hits like “Blue Monday” and “Play,” download-only rarities like “On The Balcony” and “Common Sense,” and live favorites like “Sit Down.” The bonus disc features a varied assortment of remixes of Flunk’s favorite tracks, produced mainly by Norwegian electronic artists. Rising Beatservice artists like Rune Lindbæk and Kohib are here with appropriately spacey versions, and British electronic dream-pop band Blue States make an appearance with their gorgeous remix of “Blue Monday.” Twelve remixes make up the second half in all, ranging from housier doings to more experimental electronica excursions. It’s a fine complement to Flunk’s original recordings, showing the permeance of their songwriting and how their melodies enhance differing interpretations.

But the story doesn’t end there. Flunk is in the studio working with their next album, planned for release winter/spring 2013. To be continued …

All Good Funk Alliance - “Nice funkin’ late night grooves to get the lounge popping!”
Severino (Horse Meat Disco) - “Yes! Very groovy.”
Recloose - “Nice mix of music, all tasty.”
Chris Coco (Melodica) - “Yes, good stuff. ‘Blue Monday’ takes me back.”
Gareth Richardson (RTM FM, Australia) - “The Rune Lindbaek kicks some serious space disco ass.”
Flash Atkins (Paper Recordings) - “Fantastico package! Tunege for every occasion!”
Hardway Bros - “Thoroughly excellent!”
Mark Reynolds (Just Chillin Radio Show) - “What a wonderful journey these tracks take you on! Can’t get enough of the ‘Blue Monday’ cover.”
TJ Norris (Igloo Magazine) - “This is an honest snapshot of a decade of interesting funky Flunk. The mixes bring another dimension to the originals.”
Tyler Withrow (KCSC Radio) - “Super sick release. I love the electronic and psychedelic feel this album has. Reminds me of getting lost deep within Coachella!”
Velanche (Urban Landscapes) - “I like the different styles of the mixes. Easy on the ears as well as warm in the soul. Really nice.”

Also supported by Gavin Hardkiss, Sleazy McQueen, Makossa & Megablast, James Flavour (Dirt Crew), Toby Tobias, Djuma Soundsystem, Soft Rocks, 6th Borough Project, and Roual Galloway.

Available now on Juno Download