weltschmerz

Work starts in four days. I spent the afternoon polishing shoes and gardening. Very Zen, I know.

The mood isn't as bleak as the title suggests; in fact, quite the opposite. I was informed of -- and hurriedly booked tickets for -- The New Pornographers' visit to London on 2nd November. O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! I have no idea whether they're playing any more dates in the capital; the official website currently mentions only "UK/EU shows in November and more in December". Anyway, a perfect birthday present (from me to me). Twin Cinema is a definite grower; "Use It", "The Bleeding Heart Show" and "Sing Me Spanish Techno" have buried themselves in my head. My brother is furiously deliberating the possibility of travelling back from uni for the gig. Classes? Pah!

And of course there's Sigur Rós a week later. My limited edition copy of Takk... has arrived, replete with beautiful packaging, additional artwork and -- fine, I'll stop drooling now. "Hoppípolla", an obvious highlight, is on repeat on the CD player; of the songs I hadn't heard already, "Saeglopur" was immediately striking in its intensity. I eagerly await the live performances.