Other Stuff You Might Like: Daytrotter

Chances are, you already know Daytrotter.  But in a series about excellent music websites, it’s almost criminal not to mention Sean Moeller’s extraordinary website.  Since 2007, the site has been serving up excellent, intimate music sessions for the masses.  Their motto: “One band a day, every day, 28 Daytrotter Session songs each week.”  Here’s how it works: Bands take a couple of hours out of their travels to visit The Horseshack in Rock Island, IL., where they then record a variety of tracks.  Daytrotter puts together some art, and an oft-amusing description of the session, and gives the music away on their site.  It’s an amazingly expansive collection, too, and a true marvel that it’s all done in a not-for-profit enterprise.  And while picking out highlights in this collection is like trying to pick out a favorite piece of sand on a pristine beach, I’ll do my best.

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Other Stuff You Might Like: Mountain Stage

Ages ago, I found this R.E.M. bootleg at a now-defunct record shop.  It was wonderful, and intimate, and full of strange cover versions I had never heard.  Just before launching into “World Leader Pretend,” Michael Stipe says: “We’re really happy to be here at Mountain Stage.  We’re surrounded by really good people, and we’re gonna do a couple songs for you.”  At the time, I had no idea where, or what, Mountain Stage was… but I wanted to be there.  Years later, thanks to the magic of the Internet and NPR Music, I get to experience amazing, live concerts by an enormous array of musicians. And so can you!

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Things I Should’ve Mentioned…

Hey, Everyone!  Not as long a collection, this time, as I’m knee-deep in dissertation.  Even so, I’m sure you’ll find a little something to help get you over the “peek of the week” (as a former English teacher of mine used to call it).  Come and have a look, won’t you?

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