The Haul: Magnús Jóhann Knows What’s Good

Welcome to The Haul, where we give you a peek into our shopping bag (or the shopping bag of someone far more interesting than us) and an idea of what’s worth browsing and buying in Reykjavík these days. This issue, we reached out to classical music aficionado, pianist, composer, and State of the Art music festival co-founder Magnús Jóhann, who, as it turns out, has suspiciously good taste in things beyond music. You can catch Magnús performing with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra on May 22.

​​1. Sandárbókin by Gyrðir Elíasson — I was missing a few books by Gyrðir and bought a few of them at the book fair in Garðheimar recently. But I’m still missing Sandárbókin! — 4.490 ISK, available at Forlagið, Fiskislóð 39 or via forlagid.is

​​2. France Chair by Finn Juhl — I have a strange obsession with chairs, and right now this chair tops my list of chairs I obsess over. It’s incredibly comfortable! EPAL were gracious enough to lend it to me and GDRN for our Christmas album cover. — 587.500 ISK, available at Epal, multiple locations or via epal.is

3. LUX by Rosalía — Rosalía’s new album has been sold out every time I’ve visited Reykjavík Record Shop for the past few months. One day I’ll make it mine! — price unavailable, hopefully available soon at Reykjavík Record Shop, Klapparstígur 35 or via rrs.is

4. In Icelandic Colours by Birgir Andrésson — I’m a big fan of his and this recent book about him has been on my wish list for a while — 17.500 ISK, available at the Reykjavík Art Museum shop, Tryggvagata 17 or via listasafnreykjavikur.is

5. Annual pass, Skvassfélag Reykjavíkur — The Reykjavík Squash Society not only has excellent squash courts but also a great gym, sauna and cold plunge! I love the sport and have been playing every week for a few years. And I must say that in my opinion squash far exceeds padel in my books — 125.000 ISK, available via skvass.is

6. Glazed mirror by Salóme Hollanders — Love these mirrors by Salóme! — starting from 49.000 ISK, available at Epal, multiple locations or via epal.is

7. Incense sticks from Fischersund — Such a nice mood for a cosy evening at home — 4.500 ISK, available at Fischersund, Fischersund 3 or via fischersund.com

8. Hexensalbe, Stora Skuggan perfume — One of my favourites! Stora Skuggan is a very cool brand as well and worth checking out in Stefánsbúð! — 28.900 ISK, available at Stefánsbúð, Laugavegur 7 or via stefansbud.com

For all your non-essentials, visit the Grapevine store here.