an intermission

Recently, I've been busier than I think I have ever been in my life. I mentioned the other day how my life has been a whirlwind of working, work travelling and studying, with socialising and, of course, music listening squeezing in there in small intervals. As such, my time hasn't been spent finding music to write to you about, and as much as I would love to write something special about some recent discoveries, I haven't listened to them enough to give these special bands the words and time they deserve. So perhaps you'll receive that entry in the next couple of days, before I embark on my journey to the other side of the world.

In saying that, there are two things I'd like to write to you about:

1. Tyler Brûlé
In late 2006, I developed an infatuation with Canadian-born journalist, editor, columnist, entrepreneur and man-about-the-world Tyler Brûlé. He produced a series for the BBC called "Counter Culture", which explored aspects of consumerism within different societies throughout the world. Just yesterday, I bought my first copy of his magazine, Monocle, which openly targets the well-heeled travellers and business types of the world. Clearly, the intellectual wank points are high here, but he just has such charisma and appeal, and, most of all, he's on the mark with his thoughts on design, research and media. If you are exactly like Tyler and aren't gay, please marry me now. Here is a video of him at a design conference in Germany:



2. Travels and mix CDs
As I prepare for my first big holiday in five years, I have been thinking about how songs can influence various moments in one's life. I still have a copy of the mix CD I made for my wonderful friend Lina before I went last time, and it defined the three weeks I spent in Scandinavia and London. Since then, I can't listen to songs such as Broadcast's "The Book Lovers", Ride's "Vapour Trail", or The Raveonettes' "Attack of the Ghost Riders" without thinking of this trip, which is such a good memory to have. Similarly, when I hear Clinic's "Walking With Thee", I automatically think about sitting around a campsite at Roskilde with a bunch of Danes and Swedes, not understanding a single word they are saying.

I haven't made such a CD this time around, but I am sure that, over the few weeks I am away, certain songs will come to define this period. What they are, I don't think I will be able to say until a few months from now at the very least.