Luxurious Sounds

Last Sunday, Apple Music recommended the 1995 Oasis album What’s the Story (Morning Glory)?, and I thought, why not? A couple of songs in, the doorbell rang. There stood a neighbor, whom we had previously seen only sparingly and in passing, who congratulated us on the excellent music!

We were delighted and baffled. Most tenants in our building are in their twenties, so you would not typically hear a 1990s classic in the hallways. On the other hand, Oasis – in particular that album – is not exactly an eclectic choice. Even more so, since Oasis makes headlines again with their recent reunion tour announcement.

Also, as glamglare, we are very much into new music, and only from time to time indulge in nostalgia. But no doubt, What’s the Story? is a fantastic album, then and now. We still won’t break the bank to see Oasis live this summer.

Recently, I started seeing many ads for the OP-XY, a new music-making device by Teenage Engineering. This is a Swedish company known for its quirky products, primarily for electronic music creation. In 2011, they released the OP-1, a synth and sampler, with design and portability inspired by the Casio VL-1. That’s an 80s toy synth and calculator that I remember having played around with at department stores, but never owned. Teenage Engineering’s devices have always been too expensive for just having fun with them, but the OP-XY reaches a new high with a price tag of $2,300.

For that, you get “no compromises.” That is a fascinating approach: what can you build if money is not a primary concern? In the case of the OP-XY, it is a battery-operated multi-engine synthesizer, sampler, and sequencer that can do pretty much everything you need to create and perform a song anywhere, anytime.

Just keep in mind that this is an illusion. Like a $1,000 handbag, the OP-XY is a luxury purchase. The price may not be inflated, as it is customary in fashion, because building hardware is expensive. But you can get similar portability with far more capabilities for less than half the money with a laptop or an iPad, plus adequate software and accessories. After all, the OP-XY is nothing but a computer in a special case optimized for making music. While that can get new creative juices going, it is also a product that shows you made it as a musician. That is what luxury is for.

Still, if I ever find myself with a few grand burning a hole in my pocket, I’d get one.

glamglare favorites

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

One of the albums released this year is Seren Demon by Art d’Ecco, and track number eight, “Honeycomb” inspired the theme of these five new playlist additions. “Honeycomb” offers a deliciously dreamy vibe with sprinkles of steelpans. That’s just so fab! 

I then thought of other releases that would fit right in, and here are the other four additions:

1. The last track on Toby Sebastian’s debut album Eyes Light Up is -hands down- my favorite, and I’ve listened to it in the three-digits already. So. Good. “Will You Be… My Wife?” is perfect after “Honeycomb.”
2. Hachiku’s “Time Wasted Worrying,” which can be found on her brilliant 2025 album The Joys of Being Pure at Heart.
3. Another glamglare favorite is TORRES, who, together with Julien Baker, released the very laid back album Send A Prayer My Way, and from it I chose “Bottom of the Bottle” to follow this mini-playlist’s vibe.
4. What better closer for this mini-playlist than “Simplify” by Ynana Rose & Ann Lewis, what a great reminder!

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.

The second single “Happy Sad (It’s a Party)” off Robin Kester’s upcoming album, Dark Sky Reserve, is a banger. We can’t wait to see her at The Greast Escape. We're always happy to hear new music from NYC singer/songwriter Olivia Reid. She dreams of "Space to Roam," which is sparse in our city. Gemma Hayes updated her song "Central Hotel" with an electrifying alternate mix and a gorgeous video. "Solar Eclipse" by LA indie rock duo Dream, Ivory tells the story of two former lovers who find back to each other again. As fans of the first hour, we’re excited about a new song, “Mysterious Girl,” by electronic music wizard Neggy Gemmy. Her third album is planned for a summer release. The Brighton indie rocker Opal Mag summarized “the emotional tug-of-war between love and frustration” in a perfect title: “I Don’t Like You, but I Love You.” The London singer/songwriter Eden Rain is honest in her new song. "I love a good cry and shame spiral, so this song makes me wanna thrash around or take up jogging or howl at the moon or something when I hear it," she says about "It's Always Been Like This."

Excited About This Album

I did not get “SURFACE TENSION” out of my head for days, and the other singles off the new Lights album A6 – including the brand new one, “Cling” – are no less catchy. Tomorrow, the Toronto artist reveals the whole thing, and we cannot wait to listen.

Nine Photos of Spring in Central Park

Last weekend, I spent two mornings working on the Upper West Side. I spent a gorgeous but still slightly chilly day on Sunday in Central Park. Afterwards, Oliver and I enjoyed a walk through the park and over to the 72nd Subway station. Enjoy a few photos from that occasion here.