Latest news with #LFO
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The 19 most wanted dance releases on vinyl, according to Discogs
With the second weekend of Tomorrowland 2025 this week and our very own Creamfields taking place next month, now seems the apt time to have a peruse through Discogs once again, only this time taking a look at some of the lucrative vinyl releases from the world of dance and EDM that users of the website and online marketplace are seeking. While some are household names, others might pique your attention to give them a listen – certainly, your plants might be keen on listening to at least one item in our round-up of 19. I myself am probably going to look up some of the more 'obscure' titles that people are seeking. We've included the year of release and, if possible, the catalogue number of the specific release in question – failing that, we've included the barcode instead so you can verify if indeed the copy you have in your hand is the one that people are seeking on Discogs. The only question then is: if you do have one, do you dare part with it? 1 . LFO – LFO (WAP 5, 1990) A foundational track in the history of UK electronic music, LFO's self-titled single LFO is wanted by 7,138 Discogs users, cementing its legendary status. Released in 1990 as one of the very first offerings on Warp Records label, this track by the Leeds duo pioneered the distinctive "bleep and bass" sound. LFO is renowned for its devastatingly deep sub-bass and relentless rhythmic drive, becoming a massive club anthem. The original 12-inch with its iconic purple sleeve is a highly sought-after collector's item, representing a pivotal moment in the evolution of techno and IDM. 🔍 7138 | Getty Images/Discogs Photo Sales 2 . Mort Garson – Mother Earth's Plantasia (H-101, 1976) A true cult classic with a charmingly eccentric concept, Mort Garson's Mother Earth's Plantasia is wanted by 7,198 Discogs users, making it a surprisingly popular entry on this list. Released in 1976, this album of whimsical electronic compositions was famously "warm earth music for plants... and the people who love them," originally available only with a houseplant or mattress purchase. Composed entirely on a Moog synthesizer, its surprisingly intricate and melodic arrangements predated ambient music, with original pressings now highly coveted pieces of musical oddity and electronic history. 🔍 7198 | Sacred Bones/Discogs Photo Sales 3 . Nujabes – Metaphorical Music (HOLP-002, 2018) A cornerstone of the lo-fi hip-hop and instrumental jazz-hip-hop genres, Nujabes' debut album, Metaphorical Music, is a highly coveted vinyl, with 7,267 Discogs users eagerly wanting this limited edition reissue. Originally released in 2003, this album introduced the world to the Tokyo-born producer's unique fusion of intricate jazz samples, soulful melodies, and laid-back hip-hop beats. Its mellow yet intricate production, combined with its profound emotional depth, has cultivated a dedicated global following, ensuring the persistent demand for Nujabes' work on vinyl. 🔍 7267 | Instagram/Discogs Photo Sales 4 . C418 – Minecraft Volume Alpha (GI-243 LP, 2015) Perhaps one of the most surprising entries on a "most wanted" dance vinyl list, C418's Minecraft Volume Alpha commands the attention of 7,442 Discogs users. Released in 2015 by Ghostly International, this vinyl brought the iconic soundtrack of the world-dominating video game Minecraft to a physical format. Daniel Rosenfeld crafted a uniquely minimalist, ambient, and melancholic score that became synonymous with the game's expansive world, making this limited edition green translucent vinyl a highly coveted item for gamers and ambient music enthusiasts alike. 🔍 7442 | Bandcamp/Discogs Photo Sales Related topics: BoostMusicDanceVinylAlbums
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The 19 most wanted dance releases on vinyl, according to Discogs
With the second weekend of Tomorrowland 2025 this week and our very own Creamfields taking place next month, now seems the apt time to have a peruse through Discogs once again, only this time taking a look at some of the lucrative vinyl releases from the world of dance and EDM that users of the website and online marketplace are seeking. While some are household names, others might pique your attention to give them a listen – certainly, your plants might be keen on listening to at least one item in our round-up of 19. I myself am probably going to look up some of the more 'obscure' titles that people are seeking. We've included the year of release and, if possible, the catalogue number of the specific release in question – failing that, we've included the barcode instead so you can verify if indeed the copy you have in your hand is the one that people are seeking on Discogs. The only question then is: if you do have one, do you dare part with it? 1 . LFO – LFO (WAP 5, 1990) A foundational track in the history of UK electronic music, LFO's self-titled single LFO is wanted by 7,138 Discogs users, cementing its legendary status. Released in 1990 as one of the very first offerings on Warp Records label, this track by the Leeds duo pioneered the distinctive "bleep and bass" sound. LFO is renowned for its devastatingly deep sub-bass and relentless rhythmic drive, becoming a massive club anthem. The original 12-inch with its iconic purple sleeve is a highly sought-after collector's item, representing a pivotal moment in the evolution of techno and IDM. 🔍 7138 | Getty Images/Discogs Photo Sales 2 . Mort Garson – Mother Earth's Plantasia (H-101, 1976) A true cult classic with a charmingly eccentric concept, Mort Garson's Mother Earth's Plantasia is wanted by 7,198 Discogs users, making it a surprisingly popular entry on this list. Released in 1976, this album of whimsical electronic compositions was famously "warm earth music for plants... and the people who love them," originally available only with a houseplant or mattress purchase. Composed entirely on a Moog synthesizer, its surprisingly intricate and melodic arrangements predated ambient music, with original pressings now highly coveted pieces of musical oddity and electronic history. 🔍 7198 | Sacred Bones/Discogs Photo Sales 3 . Nujabes – Metaphorical Music (HOLP-002, 2018) A cornerstone of the lo-fi hip-hop and instrumental jazz-hip-hop genres, Nujabes' debut album, Metaphorical Music, is a highly coveted vinyl, with 7,267 Discogs users eagerly wanting this limited edition reissue. Originally released in 2003, this album introduced the world to the Tokyo-born producer's unique fusion of intricate jazz samples, soulful melodies, and laid-back hip-hop beats. Its mellow yet intricate production, combined with its profound emotional depth, has cultivated a dedicated global following, ensuring the persistent demand for Nujabes' work on vinyl. 🔍 7267 | Instagram/Discogs Photo Sales 4 . C418 – Minecraft Volume Alpha (GI-243 LP, 2015) Perhaps one of the most surprising entries on a "most wanted" dance vinyl list, C418's Minecraft Volume Alpha commands the attention of 7,442 Discogs users. Released in 2015 by Ghostly International, this vinyl brought the iconic soundtrack of the world-dominating video game Minecraft to a physical format. Daniel Rosenfeld crafted a uniquely minimalist, ambient, and melancholic score that became synonymous with the game's expansive world, making this limited edition green translucent vinyl a highly coveted item for gamers and ambient music enthusiasts alike. 🔍 7442 | Bandcamp/Discogs Photo Sales Related topics: BoostMusicDanceVinylAlbums
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Make The Most Of Late Summer With These 41 Products
Reusable water balloons that'll magnetically seal and are made of eco-friendly material — sooooo easy to fill so you'll spend less time prepping and more time indulging in an intense water balloon battle alongside your kiddos. Or a hilarious poop-shaped version your kids won't be able to stop giggling about all summer long. All they'll need to do is fill it with water and let the magnetic seal do the rest. A waterproof version of the beloved Taco, Cat, Goat Cheese, Pizza game — it's a card game you can play with your family for guaranteed giggles and a way to catch your breath from traipsing around in the ocean. A ribbed button-up tank that very likely could have inspired LFO's hit "Summer Girls" lyric, "I like girls that wear Abercrombie & Fitch," because it has *such* similar vibes to one of their trendiest pieces right now (but for way cheaper!) A tennis skirt with built-in shorts *and* an absolutely essential hidden pocket (who doesn't LOVE a pocket?!) so even if you have zero plans to hit the court (ever) you can rock the cutest little 'fit all summer without fear of a breeze revealing your fave pink undies to the world. A Dreo oscillating tower fan with six (!!!) speeds you can aim directly at yourself to ensure your always-too-hot body is kept at the epitome of comfort at all times. Since it's bladeless, it won't make a racket while you're trying to get some shut-eye or listen to your fave murder mystery podcast. A set of DEET-free mosquito-repelling bracelets that'll use the magic of essential oils (think: geranium and lemongrass) to keep those nasty little buggers away from your too-sweet skin. No more swatting around wildly while trying to hold a conversation at a BBQ! Bonus: these fit both kids and adults. Hawaiian Tropic's SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush to finally solve your dilemma over whether to spray/rub sunscreen onto your exposed scalp. Simply brush this translucent powder along your exposed part/hairline (after applying it all over your face, of course) to add some much-needed protection from the sun. Burt's Bees After Sun Soother lotion for when you get attacked by the sun's harsh rays despite your best efforts. This lotion is packed with aloe and coconut oil to help your skin feel cooler after you accidentally got a bit too crispy sitting by the pool. An inflatable couch that'll convince you to actually go out once in a while since you'll be able to take the comfort of your couch with ya — plop this bad boy in the middle of the beach, a park, or your own backyard for a cozy, relaxing, good time. You won't even need a pump to blow it up (just trap some air inside it) and it can hold up to 440 pounds, in case your entire squad wants to pile in and snug under the stars. A sand-removal bag filled with a talc-free, reef-friendly powder to help remove the pesky particles your kiddo will likely have all over them after rolling around in the local playground's An outdoor bug zapper to stop pesky bugs from eating you alive while you're trying to grill some burgers and hot diggity dogs. I'm sure your family will miss the "show" of you swatting around wildly mid-cooking, but they'll just have to entertain themselves with a card game or some music instead. (Sorrrray!) Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Moisturizing Gel Cream made with a super light, non-greasy formula that'll feel like a refreshing drink of water for your skin. Just imagine how incredible it'll feel to apply after your post-beach shower... soooo good. Vanilla Velvet Touchland Power Essence Hydrating Body and Hair Fragrance you can easily stow away in your tote to freshen up your scent throughout the day (a must during these gross, sweaty, summer days). Highwaisted athletic shorts with built-in underwear that'll solve all of your what-should-I-wear-when-it's-100-degrees dilemmas this season — they're made from quick-dry fabric that'll help you get through your workouts and hot summer days. A bag of Liquid I.V. electrolyte drink mix in a festive firecracker Popsicle flavor that'll give you the perfect excuse to try it out if you've been putting off putting this bev to the test — it'll keep you hydrated while also helping you feel like you're indulging in a classic summertime treat. Reviewers can't help but rave about how delish it is! A bladeless personal neck fan that'll be your new answer to the question, "If you could bring one thing to a desert island, what would it be?" Toss this baby around your neck, stretch out on your bed, turn on The Real Housewives of Miami and enjoy the cool breeze you've been missing since your AC conked out on ya. Or a battery-operated stroller fan with a flexible handle you can wrap around your headboard or prop up on a coffee table to keep you at the perfect temperature — a must-have if you don't have a ton of space in your room for a tower fan! Oxo's compact Brew Rapid Brewer that'll have anyone wondering, "Where has this been all of my life?" You can use it to make cold brew or hot coffee without the need for a bulky, countertop machine. It doesn't even need to be plugged in or charged! Iced coffee at the beach? Why the heck not! Plus, a Java Sok to keep your drink chilled and prevent it from dripping all over — it's a must-have for anyone who is tired of drinking watered-down iced coffee because they got caught up in a chaotic morning and didn't have a spare moment to sip on it. A foldable dog pool so your pup can hang with you all the live long day — even when it's hotter than heck outdoors. This easy-to-store pool simply folds up and down (no need to inflate or deflate in the hot sun) and features a slip-resistant bottom that'll be perfect for preventing Fido from getting hurt if he starts to get a bit wet 'n' wild. And an orthopedic memory foam dog bed packed with a cooling gel that'll be a prime spot for your beloved pup to rest their tired-from-playing-all-day paws on. In addition to being comfy-cozy, it has a removable cover you can pop right into the washing machine after they track dirt all over it. An ice roller, which is said to help decrease under-eye puffiness, minimize fine lines, and shrink the look of pores, as well as relieve headaches and sore muscles. Most importantly, it'll become your I'm-way-too-hot lifeline — roll it along your neck for an instant cool-down. A cooling sheet set with thousands of positive reviews to give you the confidence to give 'em a shot despite only being 30 bucks! The set comes with pillow cases, a flat sheet, and a fitted sheet — everything you'd need to give your bed an upgrade. An at-home slushy-making cup for anyone who has been debating changing their name to "Sweaty Betty" this summer — cool yourself down with a daily slushy instead of trudging over to Social Security to fill out all that paperwork. A Ninja Swirl machine you won't regret purchasing for a single second when you've been feeling like an actual hot mess all day and desperately need to cool yourself down. This gadget can make soft serve ice cream (GASP!) as well as frozen yogurt, frozen custard, sorbet, milkshakes, and scooped ice cream — you'll basically feel like you've just bought the ability to transform your kitchen into an ice cream shop whenever the mood strikes. A rechargeable heated ice cream scoop so you won't have to wait for your Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey Ice Cream to soften before *literally* digging in. Not a moment to waste!!! A pair of anti-chafing shorts you'll slide on and want to shout, "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN FOR ALL OF MY LIFE?!" because they are that life-changing. Throw 'em on under your dresses and skirts and kiss those sweaty thighs goodbye. Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick to help you fight the good fight against your thighs and summer chafing — is there anything more irritating (literally) then wearing your favorite dress only to be left with red, painful welts by the end of the day? I think not. A set of absorbent bra liners made from a seemingly magical blend of cotton and bamboo who will work together to keep your uncomfortable underboob sweat at bay. You'll also be happy to have it on hand when your only clean bra is the one with a pesky underwire — these can add some extra cushion! SweatBlock antiperspirant wipes that'll become your saving grace if you're running around so much, you're constantly dripping in sweat. These babies are prescription strength and designed to take on hyperhidrosis, nervous sweating, and hormonal sweating. These wipes did NOT come to play! A sweat-controlling whole body deodorant designed to be applied to ANYWHERE you typically get sweaty — and it's designed to keep you sweat-free for up to 72 hours in addition to being odor-free. Witchcraft? Perhaps, but, BRB, I need to dip my entire body in this substance for the next few months. An adjustable mister with a neck that's more flexible than your yoga instructor — rig it up above your fave place to catch some sun and let it ensure you're kept nice 'n' cool even when the sun is at its strongest. Apparently, it can keep any outdoor area up to 20 degrees cooler (sign me up). Round sunglasses for anyone who constantly loses their favorite pair and is sick and tired of spending far too much money on replacements — these are stylish and *so* cost-effective you can stock up for the summer! Or polarized heart-shaped sunglasses with rainbow mirrored lenses for the finishing touch on the flawless outfits you've put together to wear while boppin' between summer soirées. A sand-free blanket designed so that sand (or dirt) rolls right off it — because is there anything worse than finding debris in every crevice of your car after lounging at the beach all day? It can fit four adults on it and and folds up nice 'n' small, so you can carry it around with ease. A longline sports bra that'll function as a shirt or a bra — yes, she's a two-for-one special you'll daydream about throwing on the second you walk in the door after work. See ya later, business casual blazer! This beauty comes in 29 colors (SHEESH!) so you can truly load up and make it your post-workday uniform. Trendy boxer-style shorts you'll pat yourself on the back for choosing over the $98 ones from Reformation — I mean, should any pajama-like bottoms cost more than 10 bucks? Doubtful! These are cute to boot, affordable, and reviewers praise them for being light and lovely for hot summer days. A watermelon pool ball made of PVC material that'll hold up stronger than your willpower when your kiddo makes their eyes super big and very sweetly asks for an ice cream cone. Be warned: this isn't just any beach ball! It can be dribbled underwater (I KNOOOOW!), can be inflated in seconds with a water hose using an included needle-sized disaster, and weighs over 14 lbs when it's full! A splash pad you'll thank your lucky stars for when it's hotter than the sun itself outside and your kids are looking for a way to have fun and cool down. An inflatable lounge pool even adults can enjoy, so you can pretend you're on vacation in the Hamptons instead of sweating your butt off on your apartment's tiny patio.
Buzz Feed
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
43 Must-Have Products For Your Best Summer Ever
Reusable water balloons that magnetically seal and are made of eco-friendly material — sooooo easy to fill so you'll spend less time prepping and more time indulging in an intense water balloon battle alongside your kiddos. Or a hilarious poop-shaped version your kids won't be able to stop giggling about all summer long. All they'll need to do is fill it with water and let the magnetic seal do the rest. A waterproof version of the beloved Taco, Cat, Goat Cheese, Pizza game — it's a card game you can play with your family for guaranteed giggles and a way to catch your breath from traipsing around in the ocean. A ribbed button-up tank that very likely could have inspired LFO's hit "Summer Girls" lyric, "I like girls that wear Abercrombie & Fitch," because it has *such* similar vibes to one of their trendiest pieces right now (but for way cheaper!) A tennis skirt with built-in shorts *and* an absolutely essential hidden pocket (who doesn't LOVE a pocket?!) so even if you have zero plans to hit the court (ever) you can rock the cutest little 'fit all summer without fear of a breeze revealing your fave pink undies to the world. A Dreo oscillating tower fan with six (!!!) speeds you can aim directly at yourself to ensure your always-too-hot body is kept at the epitome of comfort at all times. Since it's bladeless, it won't make a racket while you're trying to get some shut-eye or listen to your fave murder mystery podcast. A set of DEET-free mosquito-repelling bracelets that'll use the magic of essential oils (think: geranium and lemongrass) to keep those nasty little buggers away from your too-sweet skin. No more swatting around wildly while trying to hold a conversation at a BBQ! Bonus: these fit both kids and adults. Hawaiian Tropic's SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush to finally solve your dilemma over whether to spray/rub sunscreen onto your exposed scalp. Simply brush this translucent powder along your exposed part/hairline (after applying it all over your face, of course) to add some much-needed protection from the sun. Burt's Bees After Sun Soother lotion for when you get attacked by the sun's harsh rays despite your best efforts. This lotion is packed with aloe and coconut oil to help your skin feel cooler after you accidentally got a bit too crispy sitting by the pool. An inflatable couch that'll convince you to actually go out once in a while since you'll be able to take the comfort of your couch with ya — plop this bad boy in the middle of the beach, a park, or your own backyard for a cozy, relaxing, good time. You won't even need a pump to blow it up (just trap some air inside it) and it can hold up to 440 pounds, in case your entire squad wants to pile in and snug under the stars. A sand-removal bag filled with a talc-free, reef-friendly powder to help remove the pesky particles your kiddo will likely have all over them after rolling around in the local playground's An indoor plug-in fly trap that'll make a valiant effort to keep your kitchen fruit fly–free (and mosquitos, gnats, moths, etc). These pesky little bugs always seem to turn up the *second* the weather slightly improves. Instead of crying out, "THIS IS WHY WE CAN'T HAVE NICE THINGS!" just plug this baby in and let it get to work. And an outdoor bug zapper to stop pesky bugs from eating you alive while you're trying to grill some burgers and hot diggity dogs. I'm sure your family will miss the "show" of you swatting around wildly mid-cooking, but they'll just have to entertain themselves with a card game or some music instead. (Sorrrray!) Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Moisturizing Gel Cream made with a super light, non-greasy formula that'll feel like a refreshing drink of water for your skin. Just imagine how incredible it'll feel to apply after your post-beach shower... soooo good. Vanilla Velvet Touchland Power Essence Hydrating Body and Hair Fragrance you can easily stow away in your tote to freshen up your scent throughout the day (a must during these gross, sweaty, summer days). Highwaisted athletic shorts with built-in underwear that'll solve all of your what-should-I-wear-when-it's-100-degrees dilemmas this season — they're made from quick-dry fabric that'll help you get through your workouts and hot summer days. A bag of Liquid I.V. electrolyte drink mix in a festive firecracker Popsicle flavor that'll give you the perfect excuse to try it out if you've been putting off putting this bev to the test — it'll keep you hydrated while also helping you feel like you're indulging in a classic summertime treat. Reviewers can't help but rave about how delish it is! A bladeless personal neck fan that'll be your new answer to the question, "If you could bring one thing to a desert island, what would it be?" Toss this baby around your neck, stretch out on your bed, turn on The Real Housewives of Miami and enjoy the cool breeze you've been missing since your AC conked out on ya. Or a battery-operated stroller fan with a flexible handle you can wrap around your headboard or prop up on a coffee table to keep you at the perfect temperature — a must-have if you don't have a ton of space in your room for a tower fan! Oxo's compact Brew Rapid Brewer that'll have anyone wondering, "Where has this been all of my life?" You can use it to make cold brew or hot coffee without the need for a bulky, countertop machine. It doesn't even need to be plugged in or charged! Iced coffee at the beach? Why the heck not! Plus, a Java Sok to keep your drink chilled and prevent it from dripping all over — it's a must-have for anyone who is tired of drinking watered-down iced coffee because they got caught up in a chaotic morning and didn't have a spare moment to sip on it. A foldable dog pool, because your pup shouldn't have to suffer from your lack of reliable air conditioning all summer! This easy-to-store pool simply folds up and down (no need to inflate or deflate in the hot sun) and features a slip-resistant bottom that'll be perfect for preventing Fido from getting hurt if he starts to get a bit wet 'n' wild. And an orthopedic memory foam dog bed packed with a cooling gel that'll be a prime spot for your beloved pup to rest their tired-from-playing-all-day paws on. In addition to being comfy-cozy, it has a removable cover you can pop right into the washing machine after they track dirt all over it. An ice roller, which is said to help decrease under-eye puffiness, minimize fine lines, and shrink the look of pores, as well as relieve headaches and sore muscles. Most importantly, it'll become your I'm-way-too-hot lifeline — roll it along your neck for an instant cool-down. A cooling sheet set with thousands of positive reviews to give you the confidence to give 'em a shot despite only being 30 bucks! The set comes with pillow cases, a flat sheet, and a fitted sheet — everything you'd need to give your bed an upgrade. An at-home slushy-making cup for anyone who has been debating changing their name to "Sweaty Betty" this summer — cool yourself down with a daily slushy instead of trudging over to Social Security to fill out all that paperwork. A Ninja Swirl machine you won't regret purchasing for a single second when you've been feeling like an actual hot mess all day and desperately need to cool yourself down. This gadget can make soft serve ice cream (GASP!) as well as frozen yogurt, frozen custard, sorbet, milkshakes, and scooped ice cream — you'll basically feel like you've just bought the ability to transform your kitchen into an ice cream shop whenever the mood strikes. A rechargeable heated ice cream scoop so you won't have to wait for your Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey Ice Cream to soften before *literally* digging in. Not a moment to waste!!! A pair of anti-chafing shorts you'll slide on and want to shout, "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN FOR ALL OF MY LIFE?!" because they are that life-changing. Throw 'em on under your dresses and skirts and kiss those sweaty thighs goodbye. Or a splurge-worthy option from Thigh Society (who you've likely seen all over your Insta feed) that'll become your holy grail undergarment for summer and beyond — they're called "the cooling" slip shorts for a reason! Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick to help you fight the good fight against your thighs and summer chafing — is there anything more irritating (literally) then wearing your favorite dress only to be left with red, painful welts by the end of the day? I think not. A set of absorbent bra liners made from a seemingly magical blend of cotton and bamboo who will work together to keep your uncomfortable underboob sweat at bay. You'll also be happy to have it on hand when your only clean bra is the one with a pesky underwire — these can add some extra cushion! SweatBlock antiperspirant wipes that'll become your saving grace if you're running around so much, you're constantly dripping in sweat. These babies are prescription strength and designed to take on hyperhidrosis, nervous sweating, and hormonal sweating. These wipes did NOT come to play! A sweat-controlling whole body deodorant designed to be applied to ANYWHERE you typically get sweaty — and it's designed to keep you sweat-free for up to 72 hours in addition to being odor-free. Witchcraft? Perhaps, but, BRB, I need to dip my entire body in this substance for the next few months. An adjustable mister with a neck that's more flexible than your yoga instructor — rig it up above your fave place to catch some sun and let it ensure you're kept nice 'n' cool even when the sun is at its strongest. Apparently, it can keep any outdoor area up to 20 degrees cooler (sign me up). Round sunglasses for anyone who constantly loses their favorite pair and is sick and tired of spending far too much money on replacements — these are stylish and *so* cost-effective you can stock up for the summer! Or polarized heart-shaped sunglasses with rainbow mirrored lenses for the finishing touch on the flawless outfits you've put together to wear while boppin' between summer soirées. A sand-free blanket designed so that sand (or dirt) rolls right off it — because is there anything worse than finding debris in every crevice of your car after lounging at the beach all day? It can fit four adults on it and and folds up nice 'n' small, so you can carry it around with ease. A longline sports bra that'll function as a shirt or a bra — yes, she's a two-for-one special you'll daydream about throwing on the second you walk in the door after work. See ya later, business casual blazer! This beauty comes in 29 colors (SHEESH!) so you can truly load up and make it your post-workday uniform. Trendy boxer-style shorts you'll pat yourself on the back for choosing over the $98 ones from Reformation — I mean, should any pajama-like bottoms cost more than 10 bucks? Doubtful! These are cute to boot, affordable, and a huge win for your summer wardrobe. A watermelon pool ball made of PVC material that'll hold up stronger than your willpower when your kiddo makes their eyes super big and very sweetly asks for an ice cream cone. Be warned: this isn't just any beach ball! It can be dribbled underwater (I KNOOOOW!), can be inflated in seconds with a water hose using an included needle-sized disaster, and weighs over 14 lbs when it's full! A splash pad you'll thank your lucky stars for when it's hotter than the sun itself outside and your kids are looking for a way to have fun and cool down. An inflatable lounge pool even adults can enjoy, so you can pretend you're on vacation in the Hamptons instead of sweating your butt off on your apartment's tiny patio.
Spectator
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Spectator
Brave and beautiful: Longborough's Pelléas et Mélisande reviewed
King Arkel, in Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande, is almost blind, and he rules over a kingdom of darkness. Debussy's score is so luminous that it's easy to forget just how dark it supposedly is, this mythical realm of Allemonde – even despite the libretto's references to gloomy caves, shadowy castles and forests that block out the sunlight. Many productions take their visual cues from the music rather than the words, providing endless opportunity for shimmering effects and the subtle play of light and shade. Jenny Ogilvie's staging for Longborough Festival Opera doesn't just embrace the darkness; it goes all in. Shadows texture the huge, brutalist wall of Arkel's castle and occasionally – briefly – it's pierced by shafts of sunlight. But the visual default here is inky blackness, in which occasional points of light are almost characters in their own right. A single lightbulb darts about like a moth; a fluorescent bar makes a foil sheet glitter like water. Occasional low washes catch faces in profile and turn the scene icy-blue, or flood it with soft gold as the two lovers accept their destiny. It's a hugely impressive achievement; one of a growing list of recent opera productions in which the lighting designer (here, Peter Small) makes the running. Still, gloom has its drawbacks. I was sitting five rows back from the orchestra, and even there the mystery sometimes felt a little too profound. How it came across to visually impaired audience members, I wouldn't like to guess. On the other hand, the Longborough auditorium is so compact that no one is very far from the performers, and there are huge benefits in staging a lush, late-romantic opera in a venue where both orchestra and cast can whisper or roar without inhibition. As Pelléas, Karim Sulayman was practically conversational, in a role usually sung by a rather heavier voice. He barely needed to project at all – the embodiment of openness against Brett Polegato's tormented, slow-burn Golaud. As a lover, Sulayman made a desperately naive counterpart to Kateryna Kasper, a Mélisande who gave nothing away. And I mean nothing. Dressed like some Singer Sargent heiress, with a face that flickered between radiance and china-doll blankness, Kasper was as enigmatic (and as compelling) as Debussy and Maeterlinck surely intended. Bell-like and bright at volume, she placed her quieter phrases gently into the silence – a sonic equivalent of those solitary light sources, throwing the surrounding performances into powerful relief. She was especially potent alongside Julian Close's Arkel, a role that feels even more tragic when the old King is as compassionate, and as majestically sung, as he was here The conductor was LFO's Wagnerian-in-chief Anthony Negus, a master of intimacy coupled to long-range command. In this venue you can really feel the grain of the orchestra, and Negus stretched velvet expanses of shadowy sound between sudden, flashing glimpses of ecstasy – moments when the orchestra was as agile (and as soft) on its feet as a cat. True, not everything in Ogilvie's production worked, and in the last scene – with the dying Mélisande encased in a Damien Hirst fishtank – you could practically hear the collective 'eh?' from the audience. But by then, a spell had been cast. There's an authority and assurance about this Pelléas that feels like a company stepping up to the next artistic level. It was brave, and – at its best – very beautiful indeed. Grange Park Opera also deserves points for courage; its new production of Tchaikovsky's Mazeppa delivers a brutal torture scene immediately before the picnic break. Big respect, too, for the way that GPO has given director David Pountney a platform for his ongoing love affair with the Slavic operas that no one else will touch. Mazeppa was a Ukrainian Cossack leader who rebelled against Peter the Great, but Pountney avoids overt point-making, which is probably wise. A couple of years back an opera at Grange Park featured a simulated storming of the theatre by Vladimir Putin's Spetsnatz. Impressive, but giving your audience heart attacks is not a sustainable business model. Anyway, the setting – a generic modern war zone – is vividly realised; the singing sounds admirably Eastern Bloc and Pountney does his best to energise the story, presenting Mazeppa (David Stout) as a hairy biker and his child bride Mariya (Rachel Nicholls, who can do melancholy as well as cold steel) as a sort of groupie. The main problem is Tchaikovsky, who can't decide whether Mazeppa is hero or monster, and never quite gets a grip on his material. A string of extended lyrical soliloquies and duets works a treat when you're adapting Eugene Onegin, but it's less effective when your story climaxes with the Battle of Poltava. Still Mazeppa is a bucket-list opera for Slavophiles, and for the foreseeable future we're unlikely to see it done better. Or, to be honest, at all.
