Album leaks and the right listening conditions

I had a lovely experience today. I've mentioned the new Final Fantasy - or well, Owen Pallett (the FF moniker has died) - album 'Heartland' multiple times even though I had never had the chance to listen to it. I've known just about every single song on it in one version or another though and it has made my anticipation for the real record huge. During the last few weeks I've been telling myself multiple times 'GOSH, I CANNOT WAIT ANY LONGER. LEAK FOR GOODNESS' SAKE!'. It's weird, because I don't really like the idea of albums leaking on the internet early and being downloaded illegally all over the world. But I'd just become so impatient - and today, quite unexpectedly, the leak actually happened. And since I have waited for this record for so long and been wanting it, I couldn't help myself. I had to listen to it. I've already paid for my vinyl pre-order and the faster shipping. That's how excited I've been for this album.
Therefore I decided that I also wanted to listen to it for the first time under the perfect conditions. And luckily the conditions seemed quite right - the Christmas holiday began today, outside my window a snow storm was raging beautifully, covering the neighborhood with a layer of white. Suddenly the otherwise boring view from my windowsill had turned into the perfect place for enjoying the winter wonderland unfolding itself outside. I turned the lights off and decided to sit on my bed, underneath my duvet for the niceness and warmth. Then I found my big, dearly beloved Sennheiser headphones and lit three candles. At last I pressed 'play'. It was like going on a mindblowing adventure, from beginning to end - strangely it felt right for the first three tracks to sit on my bed, then on my piano bench right in front of the window for the next four, then on the floor for the eighth (while staring out the window from the little spot underneath the electric piano) and then leaning against my bed while staring into the ceiling for the last tracks. Listening to this album for the first time was like a journey through wild, amazing stories and landscapes. It made me think of dragons, witches and the fantasy books I used to love when I was younger, making for a fascination like few I have felt when listening to an album for the first time. The atmosphere is always important when you listen to music - and listening to the chaos of 'The Great Elsewhere' while staring at three candles of which the two had fluttered, waving flames and the third had a stagnant, calm one somehow just feels more fitting and enchanting than anything. Also, I don't think there's anything more perfect to look at while listening to songs like 'Oh Heartland, Up Yours!' and 'Lewis Takes Off His Shirt' than tiny, white snowflakes being thrown around.
I wrote about winter albums a few days ago and if I had heard 'Heartland' back then it would definitely be a contender. To me it is a masterpiece of a record, a beast of beauty filled with unexpected elements and flaws that make it something truly special. I am definitely not disappointed... I cannot wait for my vinyl now.