Record Store Days

On Avenue A in the East Village of New York, there used to be a small record store, Etherea, in the 2000s. We often popped in there, sometimes late at night, and spontaneously bought CDs. In the windows, they displayed posters for new records — mainly CDs at that time, not vinyl. These visuals kept us informed about the most talked-about albums.

When I went through the list of the 150 favorite albums of the 21st century in Treble magazine, I remembered many of them from exactly that record store window.

One clerk in the store – sadly, we forgot his name – was particularly helpful with music recommendations. He was very much into indie music with female vocals, which was still a rare combination in the 2000s. He introduced us to Bat for Lashes, the project of Natasha Khan. Her debut album, Fur and Gold, was an instant favorite of mine, and I used the intro of “What’s a Girl to Do” as my phone ringtone for a long time.

The 2000s were the heyday of the blog, but we didn’t read those; instead, we discovered music through old-school magazines like Entertainment Weekly or Time Out New York, and early streaming services like MusicMatch. We also did not use any of the “unauthorized” download services, aside from some experimentation. But all this felt like a geeky novelty. In other words, in the 2000s, we were firmly stuck in the 90s.

But gradually, then suddenly, everything changed. I remember when I bought the first single on my phone – coincidentally “Daniel” by Bat For Lashes. Then the record stores closed, and we relocated our CDs into boxes in the back of the closet, and the once precious HiFi equipment was destined for the electronic junkyard.

Enjoying music is much more convenient now, but opening an app to find new music is certainly not as inspiring as a late-night chat with a record store employee. Not all is lost: an increasing number of people, in particular younger ones, are questioning where technology serves them and where too much convenience sucks out the fun of being human. Hopefully, we will find a way back to a healthy mix of online and in-person experiences.

Also, despite all those changes, Bat For Lashes continues to produce wonderful music.

glamglare favorites

Listen to glamglare favorites on Spotify, Apple Music, or below on YouTube.

In my long-ongoing effort to create a tight Apple Music library, I recently started listening through my albums alphabetically. I’m now at “B” — which brought Bat for Lashes back into focus.

I’ve always loved her debut record Fur and Gold, but I understand her music much better now than I did nearly 20 years ago. Back then, I was drawn to the darker tones in her work, but found her whimsical melodies and playful arrangements a bit distracting. Now, though, they feel sweet and elevating — a beautiful contrast to the often heavy, haunting stories she tells.

This feels like the right moment to revisit all six of her albums. To give you a head start, we’ve picked five iconic tracks for this week’s playlist.

1. “What’s A Girl to Do” from Fur And Gold, 2006.
2. “Daniel” from Two Suns, 2009
3. “Laura” from The Haunted Man, 2012
4. “In God’s House” from The Bride, 2016
5. “The Hunger” from Lost Girls, 2019

Song Pick of the Day

Listen to/watch all seven songs on YouTube. Follow our daily updated playlists on YouTube, Apple Music, or Spotify for the 50 latest Song Pick of the Day features, or subscribe here to receive them in your mailbox in real-time. Thank you for following us and sharing the excitement.

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• The UK singer/songwriter Kathryn Williams announced her 15th album Mystery Park this fall with a stunning new song, "Personal Paradise," inspired by her dog.
• "We’re all made to feel like it’s the end of the world every day," says Nashville singer-songwriter Sam Varga , and writes the brilliant and upbeat song, “Minute Man” to test us.
• "Archangel" is a dark dance-pop track by Montreal singer-producer Wrené. "Something you feel in your bones before you fully understand why," she says.
• UK singer-songwriter Eliza May is tired of chasing money. "We should be LIVING. not just surviving," she says, but instead of complaining, she gives us the cheerful "Money."
• Hillary Reynolds has been working on her debut album for years. It will be released later in 2025. The first single is the gorgeous “Gaslight.”
• By Your Side" is a lively, bouncy synth-pop song from the new EP "Reach" by NYC duo Paperwhite. "We made it for anyone who’s ever felt lost in a dream or found comfort in a feeling they couldn’t quite name," the band says about the record.
• The New Delhi-based singer-producer Sijya releases her new EP Leather & Brass in September with six slow-burning, dark electronic tracks, including the latest single “Do I Know.”

Nine Photos of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks on the East River

In my over twenty years in New York City, this was hands down the best fireworks display I’ve ever seen. Oliver and I found ourselves in a prime viewing location and made the most of it. We didn’t have to compete with the 100,000 free tickets that were distributed, nor did we have to shell out $300 or more for exclusive viewing and drinks at the Seaport’s restaurant scene. Instead, we watched the early preparations from our private terrace and got up early Friday morning to grab one of the coveted wristbands our building offers to residents. These gave us access to the rooftop on the 31st floor, from which we enjoyed a truly spectacular show. Bravo, Macy’s — and to everyone who made it happen. I’ll cherish this beautiful event and the lovely connections I made throughout the day. Enjoy these nine impressions.

(1) East River-bound firefighters are testing their equipment.
(2) Projection testing on July 3rd.
(3) The Brooklyn Bridge devoid of pedestrians and vehicles starting late on July 3rd.
(4) Somewhere... still July 3rd but very promising. Even the weather plays along!
(5) And now, the Brooklyn Bridge sports the desired colors!
(6) Before... looking over to Pier 17.
(7) One happy couple.
(8) Let the fireworks begin.
(9) That was it all about — magnificent!