Svefn-g-englar (9:16)

“Svefn-g-englar” is a song by Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós, from their second album, Ágætis byrjun.

“Svefn-g-englar” was released as a single in 1999, featuring two studio recordings — “Svefn-g-englar” (Icelandic pun “sleepwalkers” or “Sleep angels”) and “Viðrar vel til loftárása” (“good weather for airstrikes”), both from Ágætis byrjun — and two songs recorded live at the Icelandic Opera House in Reykjavík — “Nýja lagið” (“new song”), which has not yet been recorded in studio, and “Syndir Guðs” (“God’s sins”), from the group’s first LP, Von.

The single was the first UK release for the band, issued on Fat Cat Records in 1999. Upon release it was named “Single of the Week” in NME. In 2001, it was re-issued, in the United States, on PIAS records. The single is available both on compact disc and 12 inch vinyl, with somewhat different selections of tracks.

The music video for “Svefn-g-englar” was directed by August Jacobsson.