Ágætis byrjun is Sigur Rós' second LP, originally released by Smekkleysa in 1999, receiving later worldwide distribution from Fat Cat in May of 2001. This album began a hype storm for the previously unheard band, earning endorsements from many critics and musicians, famously including Thom Yorke's glowing approval. It is generally considered their best-liked album, and it appeared on many critics' "best of 2000 / 2001" record lists. The album's title came from a friend hearing the first song they had written for the album, which would become the title track. After hearing the song, he said it was "a Read more on Last.fm.
