So, I chose this story because it was super short and I could finish it within the 20 minutes before The Daily Show starts; plus, it's been a long weekend, and all I wanna do is, you know, relax with a nice summery drink. Wait, no -- NO I DIDN’T. I am not that much of a slacker. NOPE. I chose the story because I am a good journalist! And I like Depeche Mode. Really, that’s why.

First up, Sigur Rós vocalist Jónsi Birgisson has announced that he is working on his first solo album, which will feature string arrangements by Nico Muhly. The as-yet untitled album will be in addition to his Riceboy Sleeps project (TMT News), which will hit the market July 20. According to Eighteen Seconds Before Sunrise:

we are happy to announce that jónsi is now working on his first solo album. the album will be largely acoustic and feature string arrangements from contemporary classical composer nico muhly. according to nico, jónsi’s solo music can be described as “ecstatic.” the as-yet-untitled project will be produced by peter katis, who has recently produced albums by the interpol, national and tokyo police club. we will bring you more official info about jónsi’s solo album when we have it.

Jónsi has also remixed Depeche Mode's “Come Back,” which will be available on the “Peace” 7-inch single June 15 through the Mute label. “Peace” is the second single from Depeche Mode’s latest album, Sounds of the Universe, and the first ever to be remixed by a native speaker of a pretend language. Birgisson has stepped up to the ol’ remix plate in the past, most recently with occasional Sigur Rós collaborators/fellow Icelandic band Amiina’s single for “Seoul.” His remix for “Come Back” is only available on the 7-inch version of the single, so if you’re a fan of Birgisson and his band of merry Hopelandic men, don’t sleep on it.