Nylon - November 2008 - (Page 110) log on: DAYTROTTER.COM Since starting music website Daytrotter.com out of his recording studio in Rock Island, Illinois three years ago, Sean Moeller says, “it’s taken on a life of its own, but at its core, it is a place where we give people no excuse but to listen to and explore the musicians that we can’t get enough of.” Bands visit the recording studio while on tour, and lay down four exclusive tracks, which are then posted for free, legal download and stream through the website. Accompanying these unique tracks are paintings, illustrations, and articles by Moeller and other contributors, most of which are inspired by the musicians. Bands that have been featured on Daytrotter. com range from big names like Death Cab for Cutie and Spoon to more under-the-radar groups like Bon Iver, Dri, and Basia Bulat. “We choose what we like, plain and simple. Music that moves us, that’s all it comes down to,” explains Moeller. “It’s not about what’s hip for us, we don’t invite someone in unless we mean it.” Who might be next? “Willie Nelson is number one on our list,” Moeller says. “Always has been, always will be.” LUCIA DELLA PAOLERA THE GONZO TAPES S. Thompson’s The opening of Hunter Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, (“We were somewhere around Barstow when the drugs began to take hold ”), is an epic one—the undiluted kind that transports the reader and drags them down the page. With his tape recorder and Gonzo philosophy in tow, Thompson made his name with this gritty, participatory style of journalism. Now, previously unreleased recordings from Thompson’s meticulously maintained archives—featuring the Hells Angels, assignments in Saigon, his work on the campaign trail, and, of course, Vegas— will be released in conjunction with the DVD of Alex Gibney’s documentary, as a five CD box-set titled, The Gonzo Tapes: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. A recording on CD #2, which opens with the lilting sound of Thompson’s flute, followed by his arresting voice, will send goosebumps down the spines of those whose quoting of Fear and Loathing goes beyond the first lines: “It’s Monday afternoon. We have a white Cadillac convertible and we just got sent $500 from Rolling Stone ” MALLORY RICE MIXTAPE: american musical map From sea to shining sea, America is a pretty inspiring place—especially, it seems, if you are a musician. There are countless tunes devoted to this country’s towns, cities, rivers, and highways. Here, find a few of our favorites for a mixtape we like to think of as our own interstate love song (sorry, STP). FIORELLA VALDESOLO “CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’” by the Mamas & the Papas Of all the songs about the sunshine state, this dreamy ’60s anthem remains our perennial favorite. My apologies to Joni Mitchell, 2Pac, David Lee Roth, Phantom Planet, the Eagles… “CHICAGO” by Sufjan Stevens The best track on Stevens’s second state-focused album, Come On Feel the Illinoise!, is this exuberant ballad about the windy city. “PRIVATE IDAHO” by The B-52s I dare you to sit still while listening to this shimmyinducing song that inspired the 1991 Gus Van Sant movie. “SWEET HOME ALABAMA” by Lynyrd Skynyrd Damn you, Kid Rock, for ruining this Southern rock anthem. “DIRTY WATER” by the Standells Boston was not, as the lyrics implied, home for members of the Standells—the ’60s surf rock band included a former Mouseketeer and actress Amber Tamblyn’s uncle—but the song about the filthy Charles River remains a local favorite. “STREETS OF PHILADELPHIA” by Bruce Springsteen If this mournful song doesn’t bring a tear to your eye, you have a cold, black heart. “DETROIT ROCK CITY” by Kiss Ignore the face paint, spangly jumpsuits and platform boots, and focus only on the rock. 110 mixtape illustration by travis stearns. “I WISH I WAS IN NEW ORLEANS” “(DON’T GO BACK TO) by Tom Waits ROCKVILLE” A classic Waits tune, filled with by R.E.M. scratchy vocals and twinkling Supposedly Mike Mills wrote this piano, has taken on a whole new song for his girlfriend in an effort poignancy since Katrina. to keep her from returning to her hometown in Maryland. It would “ROCKAWAY BEACH” by The Ramones have worked for me. Their pasty complexions were “THE TRAIN FROM KANSAS CITY” proof that the members of the by the Shangri-Las Ramones didn’t make it out to Complete with train whistles and the Brooklyn beach they sang woeful crooning. about nearly often enough. http://www.DAYTROTTER.COM http://www.Daytrotter.com http://www.Daytrotter.com
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