Daytrotter Sessions

My recent obsessions: Sufjan Stevens, The Black Keys, The Arcade Fire, Wild Beasts, and everything Justin Vernon's ever done. While I plan on reviewing a few of them in the future (though with my new job demanding 3 hrs/week, I may have a tough time), I wanted to draw some attention to something else that is absolutely fantastic. Maybe you have heard of it, maybe you haven't. But you should definitely check out Daytrotter. Based in Rock Island, Illinois, the folks at Daytrotter have artists come record original, exclusive, and unreleased tracks in their studio, and release 95% of it. For free. Download the Daytrotter Download Manager, and you'll get your songs quickly and automatically updated to your iTunes library.

But enough of logistics. The music is why I really wanted to write about it. I love the sound of the Daytrotter sessions. In general, they sound less 'produced' and more like a live show. But they're not. They have their own feel that just has that exclusive sound to it. Each session ranges from 2-10 songs, but most are about 4 songs, like mini EPs. Some of my favorite

sessions are Dr. Dog (they have 2), GAYNGS (a new one), Local Natives, and Wild Beasts. But there are literally hundreds of sessions. I have forty sessions in my itunes library including Margot and the Nuclear So & So's, Beach House, Bad Veins, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Yoni Wolf, Pomegranates, Bon Iver, Dawes, and The Temper Trap. The list goes on.

I talk to too many people who have never heard of Daytrotter. Take advantage of this awesome, free, and unique group. They record an artist every day of the week. Plus they have awesome artwork. Sick.

And be sure to keep an ear out for the Welcome to Daytrotter Movie in the next few months.

Margot and the Nuclear So & So's

Other Pictures:

Daytrotter Logo (Top Center)

GAYNGS (Left)

Local Natives (Right)

Top Artists/Albums/Songs to Sleep and Nap To

Sometimes, going to bed in silence is out of the question. Maybe your roommate's having sex in the bed next to you. Or maybe sirens have turned the peaceful night into a parade. Or maybe you just want to fill the silence around you with emotion, passion, and melody. Either way, looking for a good album to play can be quite tricky. And thus, The Top 10 Artists To Go To Sleep to:

Artists
Suggested Albums

10. Iron and Wine - Super mellow, super relaxing. Our Endless Numbered Days. The Shepherd's Dog.
9. Art Tatum - Mellow old jazz. Just great. The Complete Capitol Recordings.
8. Kings of Convenience - Slow, non-directional, comforting, familiar tunes. Riot on the Empty Street, Declaration of Dependence.
7. Sufjan Stevens - Long-time favorite. Expansive, easy flow, easy-listening. Seven Swans, Greetings from Michigan: The Great Lakes State, Come On Feel The Illinoise!
6. Vetiver - Smooth, easy, simple, happy acoustic tunes. Tight Knit, Things of the Past.
5. Elliott Smith - Classic. Sad, beautiful melodies to focus on before bed. Elliott Smith. XO. Either/Or.
4. Au Revoir Simone - Smooth, easy beats, relaxing. Perfect to drift off to. Still Night, Still Light.
3. Mark Kozelek - Red House Painters. Sun Kil Moon. Both of Mark's bands clear the air and leave a sad, peaceful atmosphere. Songs for a Blue Guitar (Red House Painters), Tiny Cities (Sun Kil Moon).
2. Sigur Rós - One of my favorite bands of all time. Awesome to head to sleep listening to the soft, layered sounds of the classic Icelandic band. ( ), Takk..., Ágætis Byrjun.
1. Justin Vernon - As himself, Bon Iver, or Volcano Choir, Justin Vernon has a gift at making sleep music. For Emma, Forever Ago. Blood Bank EP. Hazeltons. Unmap. In that order.


But sleep comes in different forms. Sometimes, you listen to music to go to sleep for the night. Other times, you want to close your eyes, sleep for a half hour or so, and listen to the music. So, for those times, The Top 15 Albums to Nap to:

15. Ambulance Ltd - Ambulance Ltd.
14. Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore - Dear Companion
13. The Dodos - Visiter
12. The Antlers - Hospice
11. Explosions in the Sky - The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place
10. Holly Miranda - Sleep on Fire EP
9. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes (Sun Giant, too)
8. Wilco - Sky Blue Sky
7. Jose Gonzalez - Veneer
6. Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young - So Far
5. Department of Eagles - In Ear Park
4. Mark Olson and Gary Louris - Ready for the Flood
3. Andrew Bird - Noble Beast
2. Beach House - Teen Dream
1. The xx - The xx

And a few sleeping songs that are great by themselves:

3. Avett Brothers - If It's the Beaches
2. Pomegranates - I Feel Like I'm A Million Years Old
1. Kevin Drew - Love vs. Porn