Ásgeir - Heart-Shaped Box (Cover)

Ásgeir's version of Nirvana’s ‘Heart-Shaped Box’ is the b-side to the single 'Here It Comes' - made available on an exclusive 7” picture disc for Record Store Day..
Originally performed in session for Dermot O’Leary’s BBC Radio2 show last November.
New album 'Bury The Moon out now!
Listen: asgeir.lnk.to/...
Follow Ásgeir online:
asgeirmusic.com
/ asgeirmusic
/ asgeirmusic
bit.ly/subscrib...

[@Awen24]

holy crap. I came here randomly after searching for Heart Shaped Box. I did NOT expect that. Amazing work - and what a unique voice!

[@shreyashp]

Been a Nirvana for over 15 years and I have to say this is the best redos Ive come across. Soulful, No fluff, Pure music! Amazing. Cant wait to hear more.

[@SomeBrioche]

how can you even begin to slate this? it brings to light the hurt in kurt's lyrics and his poetic capacity and capabilities in a way grunge doesn't. I nearly cried, and art rarely induces my tears. each to their own I guess.

[@lukedacho8540]

Stanley Yelnats fucking brilliant comment. fully explanatory to how i feel about this

[@shekelboob]

are you the real stanley yelnats?

[@claricesackville5559]

As much as I love the original, I have to say this version is out of this world! So beautiful...

[@user-jj1wv6os2m]

Asgeir has changed a frustrated grunge song into a despairing ethereal love tune; works well like this and is a sublime interpretation in my opinion (Y)

[@dopehat868]

I will never get over this cover.. It's absolutely stunning. Goosebumps every time.

[@amirulazmil962]

ikr! first time i heard this version when he's having a gig at Tivoli Garden, Copenhagen and i tried to Shazam-ed it but it didnt match to any song at that time. So i recorded the whole performance and listen to it over and over again and i google it and i found him! Good times =)

[@dopehat868]

amirul azmil yep! I saw him in Melbourne, Australia but he didn't play this 😞 Still goosebumps!!

[@happymanstongue]

I almost had the same experience, at Slottsfjell, I was volunteering as a guard, and while talking to a small group of people, I heard this song in the background and immediately ran over, watching the entire song in pure awe. Took me ages to find this song on spotify, as I had no idea who the artist was, but I'm so glad that I did, it was a truly amazing experience.

[@84mikerider]

Hah goosebumps is an understatement. I almost got tears in my eyes over this the first time I heard it.

[@bbreviewsmoviesattemptscom6382]

It seems stupid to me, but this is my favorite cover song ever. Your sentiment echoed, Lady L Burns 8)

[@samnaps1]

Guys, a cover is a cover if it satisfies one of the two criteria: A) It mimics the song instrument by instrument; note by note. B) It mimics the song musically and artistically from another point of view. As a huge Nirvana fan, I like this cover because it gives another point of view to the grunge rock song.

[@rhyspekt]

Im confused...this would not be a cover by your definition, as none of the instruments used by nirvana are used in this cover, and its definitely not note for note. I think your point B is accurate enough alone. IMO the best covers reinterpret the tempo, mood and arrangement of the original. Again, just in my humble opinion, this is a nice enough cover, but i cant quite reconcile the lyrics with the new mood so i wouldn't call it a great cover. Asgeir's cover of Stolen Dance i would call great however, probably better than the original. Anyway not having a crack at you Sam....just doing that thing people do on youtube :)

[@samnaps1]

rhyspekt Sorry I should reiterate: It should satisfy one of two criteria.

[@rhyspekt]

Sam Naps np =) ps covers that satisfy the second are waaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than those that satisfy the first ;)

[@dalimadith2105]

Completely agree with you. I've grown up with Nirvana and they were my favorite band for a long time. And this is a really good cover because Asgeir isn't trying to reproduce the same song at all and gives a beautiful aspect to this grunge song.

[@thisoverthatoverthis]

Kala Rose (singer from 46 & 2 video) singing Heart Shaped Box facebook.com/video.php?v=499545333517871&set=vb.325735477565525&type=2&theater

[@darren767]

the best covers look at a song from a new angle rather than then jut replicating the original....I think this guy totally gets the song , but expresses it well using a view of sadness rather than aggressive sarcasm......like most people I will always prefer the original but I tip my hat to asgeir....great cover!!!

[@jaketripp]

for anyone wanting the piano chords, it's basically B min 9, A, E, G then B min 9, A, E, E7

[@shekelboob]

Jake Tripp thanks

[@pierregeorges6512]

One of the best cover I heard since years

[@christopherritsch9244]

I've been looking everywhere for a version if this on iTunes. Such a great version.

[@TheZubin66]

SO this is one of the best covers of any Nirvana tracks. Instead of taking the easy route of sounding like the track itself / absent of any imagination, this bugger here has laid his style of vocals / was creative with the chord progression to bring a different dimension to an already undecipherable feel To ‘Heart Shaped Box’. Good cover.

[@drummaboi5879]

100% phucking hate copy & paste cover songs, sooo boring & like u said, ZERO creativity/imagination. This dude nailed it, covers should be done in the artist own style

[@nathanhouston5]

HEY. WAIT. This is fucking awesome. From a REAL Nirvana fan.

[@dyazwa]

My new favorite cover of all time. Truly stunning gents!

[@aidanventer1463]

All those high notes! AMAZING!!! :D

[@DofunkyAu]

I don't usually like people covering Nirvana, but this works. Nice job :-)

[@elliotwallstrom606]

+Emilio Vicente it's Portuguese not Italian

[@mickthebarman]

Wow...I was born in 81 and love Nirvana. Asgeir does this song justice. AND THAT'S A BIG CALL!!!

[@flembo3254]

I miss kurt so much. He was a gifted man who let it all get to him. What he means to so many people around the world is beyond words. Just a magnificent being... One of the best! Rip kurt. Forever

[@j.t2548]

This is so beautiful I can't even describe how I feel.

[@ElgarsRatnieks]

Best cover of Nirvana I've heard.

[@mephiztofel]

Minimalist, heartfelt, original. The growing intensity at 2:35 is amazing

[@laweffect]

Amazing voice. Don't forget those behind the production.

[@XStacyAveryX]

This gave me the wildest chills, and the guy looks like a character from Vikings, which makes sense I guess, since he's from Iceland(I think?)

[@mahboubabouguetaya7827]

that's what i thought..he looks like Garnar

[@XStacyAveryX]

Mahbouba Bouguetaya you mean Ragnar

[@mahboubabouguetaya7827]

yeahhh....well innocent mistake :)

[@Toothpick91]

Freja Rößle I actually think he looks a lot more like Rollo, Ragnar's brother. And i'm Icelandic too by the way :)

[@XStacyAveryX]

Toothpick91 Well Rollo and Ragnar are supposed to be brothers, so it makes sense he could look like both :) You're Icelandic? Awesome! I'm Danish but I really wanna move to Norway or Iceland, not Sweden though, fuck Sweden (jk, Sweden is awesome I just don't like swedish)

[@catrmr8]

This guy made Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus sound like a masterpiece, so he's brilliant no doubt, his voice is truly unique.

[@hellovanite]

Not so much as it appears....Jørgen Dahl very similar

[@kriseya67]

If you thought the original was bad you be on something. But that's cool too that you like this song.

[@caitlynwolfington8523]

I was hoping that you'd be some beautiful, angelic voice that I was just now discovering. You were exactly that. Such a beautiful soul doing beautiful things. I'll definitely be listening to your other songs soon following this cover.

[@theena]

In my late 30s but in those rare moments when I return to Nirvana, it's always In Utero, and it's always this song that kills me. Cobain at his finest as a lyricist and songwriter. Fantastic cover, guys.

[@Shadey54]

I love this cover and will never stop listening to it. I heard it about a year ago and I love that it has over a million views. His voice is beautiful. I hope to hear more haunting, dark songs like this in the future, in his original music. I feel this cover stands above the rest of his music as something almost transcendent. Chills.

[@Stoneth]

Usually I don't like covers, but I don't mind this one so much. I like how you made it your own thing.

[@IonutTudorica]

Song is high enough. This guy does it an octave higher. Sounds very good. Goes to my favs

[@xanderscotland4525]

I'd say asgeir is a pretty dedicated fan of nirvana given the inutero tattoo on his fore arm. I think cobain would be pleased♥

[@zabre2011]

It says a lot about Kurt Cobain and Nirvana's music, that a song like this, can survive a treatment such as this, so far from the point blank honesty of the original. How anyone has the heart to call Kurt Cobain a mediocre songwriter is beyond me. The man was divine.

[@waynelawson436]

Wow, such a hauntingly, beautiful voice! Love it!

[@drummaboi5879]

no words 4awesome this cover is, exactly how a song should be covered, in the artist own unique style. R.I.P. N I R V A N A

[@rhs2881]

Can't remember what got me here on 20th Feb 22.?! *Did this song feature in a popular show or something??* I'm literally dying to reconnect to the moment I discovered this song.

[@DiscombobulatedKluska]

I was speechless when he sung this at splendour in the grass. Gives me chills everytime

[@ayoubniyaz]

Best cover hands down. It's like a nirvana and civil twilight fusion. Damn it delivers at a whole different level. Got goosebumps

[@dzamija922]

This performance broke my hymen clean off

[@timokirchler]

dzamija922 that's not how it works....

[@timokirchler]

no

[@randiboston9858]

dzamija922 lol

[@DisBishEmpty_yeet]

dzamija922 Best comment i have ever read

[@brandiearmitagefrancisfran9888]

dzamija922 lol i love you

[@melrussell8736]

COOLEST voice~ Technically brilliant! LOVE this Artist! XX There will always be critics! Push ahead, you are WAY above them all.

[@ARidenour]

I was lucky enough to see him perform in Columbus, OH when he opened for Hozier. I couldn't of imagined a better opening act for that show if I tried. Such an amazingly beautiful voice and soul. I hope he comes back through the area, I will buy a ticket to that show so fast.

[@patwolfe6501]

kurt would have loved this

[@jakdaripper100]

I like this and I'm a major nirvana song but I doubt he would like, it because of its mainstream effect and on

[@tobyhowell1868]

He kind of looks like Kurt!

[@jakdaripper100]

Toby Howell kinda kinda kinda

[@Toothpick91]

+jakdaripper100 I don't think you could call Ásgeir mainstream.

[@wonderpinky5092]

+Pat Wolfe no he would have hated it simply because its everything he didnt liked

[@alexaramsey7185]

this is stunning. i live how it captures the sadness of the lyrics while making it unique. his voice is gorgeous.

[@Guilhermegsm08]

Asgeir, your voice is so soft and soothing. Your music brings me peace and calms my mind against panic and anxiety. I appreciate your existence.

[@johnsimper6578]

This makes me cry. The song is beautiful, the way kobain sings it is perfect. The way you sing it is special too. Good work.

[@flowerhay4355]

"I've been locked in your heart shaped box for weeks!! damn!! what an amazing description of "heartache!" ...hats off!!!

[@chrisd6736]

Man I used the think there were certain songs that should never be covered because the original was perfect. I stand corrected.

[@indiadevon608]

This guy was amazing opening for Hozier :)

[@pullyaoverhamilton219]

Leila Ard that's my dream team. so jealous lol

[@rogerpbsmusic]

Wish i saw that. They're both great modern songwriters

[@4Distractiononly]

That would be a concert I would have loved to be at

[@monsieurcandie8894]

Well that's a little girl's voice for a Viking

[@monsieurcandie8894]

Nice cover doe

[@mattikolb]

If you want "man´s" (or cookie monsters voice) then check out the Icelandic band Skálmöld

[@monsieurcandie8894]

El Matteo Pas mal du tout

[@bmwf1joel]

I bet a million dollars u can't sing a lick...douche

[@monsieurcandie8894]

like i said " Nice cover doe" so please stop being a "douche" yourself!!

[@miranda1234651]

The emotion in this..... so beautiful. So different, yet entirely reminiscient of the original. Chilling.

[@anonyagami8267]

She eyes me like a pisces when I am weak I've been locked inside your heart-shaped box for weeks I've been drawn into your magnet tar pit trap I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black Hey! Wait! I've got a new complaint Forever in debt to your priceless advice Hey! Wait! I've got a new complaint Forever in debt to your priceless advice Hey! Wait! I've got a new complaint Forever in debt to your priceless advice ...your advice Meat-eating orchids forgive no one just yet Cut myself on Angel Hair and baby's breath Broken hymen of your highness I'm left black Throw down your umbilical noose so I can climb right back Hey! Wait! I've got a new complaint Forever in debt to your priceless advice Hey! Wait! I've got a new complaint Forever in debt to your priceless advice Hey! Wait! I've got a new complaint Forever in debt to your priceless advice ...Your advice She eyes me like a pisces when I am weak I've been locked inside your heart-shaped box for weeks I've been drawn into your magnet tar pit trap I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black Hey! Wait! I've got a new complaint Forever in debt to your priceless advice Hey! Wait! I've got a new complaint Forever in debt to your priceless advice Hey! Wait! I've got a new complaint Forever in debt to your priceless advice Your advice Your advice Your advice

[@callumwarren3342]

I want to cry, this is astonishing, Kurt would be proud, I think I've said that before on another Nirvana cover but this Is something

[@VctoHugo]

Sweet Jesus. This feels so fucking good to listen to. How come I have never heard it before?!

[@Joaza998]

He sounds good. Not a lot of pop elements and not trying to sound like the original. The music sounds the same so I like it.

[@ia5662]

+TheJadedNomad (JD) the melody itself is the pop element

[@rogerpbsmusic]

He sounds amazing

[@user-qt8my3mj5w]

I’m crying right now why Kurt we miss you so much now I’m locked in my own heart shaped box...💔🖤

[@apple5610]

On my flight back from Iceland i had the pleasure of stumbling on his music, and with this song i am more than hooked! great cover

[@ericasmith8298]

Biggest goosebumps explosion.

[@halloweencrap101]

Absolutely mesmerizing.

[@glytchharkness7737]

I'm meant to be showering but I am enthralled by this man.

[@umamahmad6342]

ohh damn it, how beautiful this cover is. i can't describe my feeling.

[@mv-id2uj]

I keep coming back to this. SO GOOD

[@picolichula]

theres nothing like Nirvanas but this cover makes its own, amazingly beautiful

[@joaliemerten7597]

Magnifique asgeir , une vraie découverte! King and cross est géniale, celle-ci aussi nous emmène dans son monde bien spécial!

[@phillipoflynn4576]

Huge nirvana fan here best cover of one of their songs ive ever heard

[@treefrogabby]

FUCKING AWESOME! i love how you made this your own and all i can say is if kurt were alive and heard this im pretty sure he'd love it too.

[@InfernusLair]

Pure perfection, bringing a complete new life to an already incredible song

[@jones5541]

Esto sí es un cover hermoso y con clase, la mayoría de los artistas pop no logran algo decente pero esto, capta la hermosura.

[@theasianintrovert7890]

At first I was a bit sad that there was no guitar and only piano in the intro (although I love the piano), but oh my god his voice legit gives me chills. I am honestly memorized and drawn in by the beauty of his voice.

[@richardryder5045]

What a beautiful version, and such a wonderful voice.

[@Sinistic]

You are a star mate. That was incredible.

[@joda2413]

Beautiful, Kurt would approve. :)

[@reesehall1846]

.

[@marcoramos8189]

I first heard this on a quiet late winter night driving from Akranes to the farm. Funny to stumble across it almost one year later.

[@jerryharvey7782]

This little gem is a permanent on my playlist

[@AWarriorsSpirit_]

An angel's voice that can cut glass. Hard to breathe ...

[@RhuneforgeArt]

This is absolutely stunning. It shows Cobain's music conception and Asgeir's taste of turning it upside down.

[@chromesthesia]

You are so good at music and should do this forever.

[@lizardmind]

so sensitive, pure and this makes me calm...

[@sdawson2406]

it shows how good the song is, because it works in this genre, the fact you dont like it is irrellevent, you probably would listen to any song done like this

[@Lacadiim]

Наверное это и есть величие музыки,где новое поколение не забывает поколение прошлое-великое,сделавшая нас такими какими мы себя представляем.Спи спокойно Курт,спасибо Асгер!

[@AntisocialSka1]

When I bought the nevermind album and put it in the casette player in my room some 20 years ago, I found myself going crazy and jumping and dancing. And I am a pretty calm person. Their music was that strong. Everyone in his high schools around those times understand

[@shagmefrida4176]

These kids don't understand. Not really a passionate bunch.

[@Turbo2ur]

Hey that's not completely true. It's some people who aren't passionate about music and whatnot, but not all of us.

[@fatrown3]

Lovely. I like covers that add a different twist, as if I wanted the same old same old, I would listen to the original. Like Bastille's, No Angels for example.

[@Vitavoid]

Why dont exists a double like button. I'm shocked and loving so hard this.

[@brittanyking504]

Its a cover not a copy therefore very good 👍

[@waynelawson436]

Brittany King I concur. :)

[@thisoverthatoverthis]

Kala Rose (singer from 46 & 2 video) singing Heart Shaped Box facebook.com/video.php?v=499545333517871&set=vb.325735477565525&type=2&theater

[@brokenseatbelt]

Man what a voice.

[@FrankFootBANG]

I've really only ever listened to rock, metal and grunge and I've only learned songs from those genres on guitar but after hearing this and Chet Faker it's given me a new perspective and a new interest interest, I've got an old key-bored that i haven't really used in years but after hearing this i'm interested in playing key-board, if anyone knows how to play this version on piano could you please tell me where you learnt it.

[@rw6283]

Bon Iver

[@wesseldegeus3767]

dotan

[@gham911]

The voice of an angel!

[@karenmatthews605]

He has a beautiful tone to his voice & could listen for hours. Loved the lyrics!

[@jessirowley5301]

I am a massive fan of Nirvana and I love what you did to the song.

[@kahneshamazey8450]

Honestly still loving this. Have it on repeat to often.

[@AnyRoadAnyTime]

When recording or performing a cover song the artist ONLY has to maintain the integrity of the song. This version does it completely. All other liberties are free to be taken. This version is very good.

[@raphaelvillareal1026]

Chegou aqui no Brasil o seu cover, como bom fã da banda Nirvana eu fiquei meio pensativo pois essa música é uma das minhas favoritas, mas você me surpreendeu e fez uma das melhores coisas que eu pude ver em matéria de cover do Nirvana. Amei! Parabéns a todos envolvidos, ficou esplêndido.

[@Cissish]

This is so beautiful. Your voice and arrangement of this song touches me and cuts like glass through my soul. Thank you for this amazing version, and for making fabulous music!

[@jesmarina]

Just proves - as if we didn't know - what a great song writer Kurt was. Exposes yet another dimension of the song. Great great cover.

[@giselleziviani2040]

This voice is wonderful, pure and clear !!!!

[@mjt11860]

very cool. when i 1st heard the piano, i thought, oh man, this is the wrong song w/the same title. but i heard some familiar chords & decided to listen. great piano & vocal. coming from a huge nirvana fan.

[@Exxplorerrr]

I Just imagine Kurt Cobain walks again with his angel smile.

[@kristilicious3]

Love how low key this is - it lets his gorgeous vocals shine through. Well done again Asgeir!

[@celinesulmon7717]

Just perfect! Continue on this path I love what you do ! *.*

[@metaloidmurder7652]

Love it how when a star dies everyone goes crazy and if someone does a cover, people hate it,but if the star is still alive its OK, cobain wanted people to spread thought and knowledge of music,even when its a cover.Well I prefer to see different versions of songs and heres one thing. People can have different opinions, and it would be better if hate commenters could leave politely through the gates of he'll.

[@KttnWnk]

Can never get enough of this cover! 💙

[@tanzeel6387]

So brave of him and Its like he is casting a spell with his voice!

[@RachP22]

possibly THE BEST cover I've ever heard, so beautiful & one of my favourite Nirvana songs. Well done! Heart wrenching!

[@mybedlam]

Wow! It feels like listening to a completely different song and yet... . So, so great

[@futhark3]

I never really listened to Nirvana so this is actually how I first knew this song properly. As much as I appreciate Nirvana's talent, I actually prefer this version of this song