Albums vs. Playlists

Three months ago, we decided to mostly avoid the convenience of algorithmic playlists and instead select full albums when putting on music at home.

The results have been mixed. Breaking out of your algorithmic bubble and diving deep into the work of a specific artist can be an enriching experience. On the other hand, not all albums—even those from artists we love—are that good, at least not from the first to the last song.

Maybe our listening habits have changed.

Before digital, vinyl was the only way to have at least 15 to 20 minutes of uninterrupted music before you had to turn the record around for another 15+ minutes. Alternatively, you could make the time-consuming effort (which we did!) to record songs on cassettes in real-time.

Now, the possibilities to listen to virtually infinite music streams are endless. Playlists are also easyly accessible, and selecting an album requires extra effort.

Is it that we can only listen to albums for nostalgia? Perhaps the abundance of good music at our fingertips made us lose the necessary focus to immerse in the work of a single artist. Maybe albums have become merch like t-shirts and posters things we buy to show appreciation or monetary support?

Another reason to offer more curated playlists, like the brand new glamglare favorites. The Tin Building at the Seaport in Manhattan inspired another recent idea. This culinary paradise in a former Fulton fish market hall runs a surprisingly eclectic, feel-good playlist throughout its venues that could easily include some of our Song Pick of the Day tracks. Actually, they already played at least one, eee gee’s “Ghost House”. What do you think about a playlist with songs that immediately bring you into a relaxed vacation mood? Stay tuned; we’re working on it.

glamglare favorites

Listen to glamglare favorites on Spotify or below on YouTube.

Elke’s Notes

Selecting five new songs for this week’s playlist update could not have been easier. I knew I wanted to go electronic, and Eli & Fur’s brand-new song has exactly the hypnotic dance-floor vibe that I was looking for. This time, the duo teamed up with two other DJs/producers, and “Love Again” is very much still their own sound yet a touch more intense. The next track, “Hustler,” by Conway came out in 2016, but I heard it yesterday for the very first time and knew immediately that I wanted to have it for this music feature. It also reminded me faintly of “Rock the Casbah,” and while I, of course, love The Clash’s original, I decided to go with the 1999 version of Solar Twins. The next one was a no-brainer. A 2002 song, “Bloodsport,” by Sneaker Pimps, rounded up by my always favorite W. H. Lung and their 2021 gem, “Pearl in the Palm.” I hope you enjoy this slightly darker/moodier side of electronic music.

Song Pick of the Day

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Listen to/watch all seven songs on YouTube. Follow our daily updated playlists on YouTube and Spotify for the 50 latest Song Pick of the Day features. Thank you for following us and sharing the excitement.

• Chloe Qisha - I Lied, I’m Sorry
• Brothertiger - Stained Glass
• EDIE - Forget Me
• infinitefreefall - Desecrated Landscape
• Fie Eike - Fluid
• Maxïmo Park - Quiz Show Clue
• Blondshell - What’s Fair

New Albums Out This Week

We are not giving up on albums, and this one – at least the three already released songs – fits perfectly into our envisioned chill-time playlist. When a Thought Grows Wings is the name of the new record by Toronto musician Luna Li and the title alone invites you to daydream away on a sunny morning.

Nine Photos of a Lovely Lunch at The House of the Red Pearl

Are you a lunch or dining-out person? Are you eating lunch at all? And if so, ever in a restaurant? In our beautifully many years together, Oliver and I rarely have lunch together, let alone go out for the midday meal. However, last Saturday, we decided to give The House of the Red Pearl a go, thinking they would still serve the New York Restaurant Week’s options. They didn’t yet, but this didn’t stop us from enjoying their regular lunch options and deciding on three mega-delicious appetizers. From the relaxing atmosphere to the unpretentiously attentive waitstaff and, of course, the food itself, the experience was one to remember and one to definitely repeat. Highly recommended! Enjoy nine photos of the Chinese-inspired restaurant and its immediate surroundings.