I often listen to and write about hectic, loud and lively songs, but this evening I found myself searching for something slightly calmer - so I thought I would share them with you. Take a break, make a cup of tea, and enjoy!
Box Of Stones - Benjamin Francis Leftwich
I first listened to this song with what I can only describe as the world's very worst hangover, and it made more of a difference than Berocca or a bacon sandwich could ever hope to. Over-consumption of alcohol isn't a necessity to listen to this, though (thankfully!). It's my go-to insomnia song, he has one of the best sleep-inducing voices I've ever heard. In a good way, of course.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sin9PRz583E
Nothing Is The News - Damien Jurado
As a general rule, it seems more likely that a song will be good, if it has some fuzziness to it. This definitely does, and sounds like a run of the mill acoustic song, which has had 80's rock guitar and drums superimposed. An odd combination really, but it works. It's also incredibly hard to age, it really could have been written anywhere between 1960 and 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyhKQKtPLl4
Furr -Blitzen Trapper
Remarkably Dylan-esque, simple and definitely calming. It also includes a harmonica, which are shamefully diminishing in current bands, it must be said. I'm all for music which sounds like it belongs in the countryside, Mumford & Sons can't hog all the limelight.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqtlcHiSHTE
New Slang - The Shins
The Shins are probably the kings of modern indie-rock, and this song is just lovely. I dare you to listen to New Slang and not feel even just slightly compelled to sway along. James Mercer (singer) has a beautifully atmospheric voice, but fits into the band like rhythm guitar or drums do. This makes it a wonderfully relaxing song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD7qIthSdkA
The District Sleeps Alone Tonight - Frank Turner
Turner has a lot of calming music (infact, most of it is), but this cover of The Postal Service seems to stand out. Rough around the edges and undeniably soothing, it warrants a place in all sleepy-music playlists. However, if said playlist has been designed to act as post break-up music, it's probably advisable to avoid it. But if you're just looking for a calm and enjoyable tune, then this is definitely the way to go.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqPDdO2JwSU
Elephant Gun - Beirut
Orchestrally and melodically perfect, Elephant Gun is powerful as well as relaxing. Concocted with more instruments than you can count and with somewhat nonsensical lyrics, it enables less thinking and more enjoying. It also makes me want to dance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWSz_PAfgNc
I Try - Ben Taylor
A cover of Macy Gray's hit, it seems to somehow have even more soul. Constructed of simple but beautiful vocals and guitar, it's oddly hypnotic and undeniably likeable. Every so often you stumble across a singer with a voice that's prompts you to question whether they're actually magical. Ben Taylor is one. An equal contender for bad break-up music as The District Sleeps Alone Tonight however, you have been warned.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eV3ReWUZIe0
Get Me Away From Here - Belle & Sebastian
This song will get into your head, should you listen to it a few times. And it'll persistently stay as well. I'm sorry about that. It's so chirpy and likeable though, I doubt you'll really mind. With a lyrical theme of thinking and wondering it strikes me as the perfect soundtrack to those pondering thoughts that somehow only ever appear at night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS_DcqPkEYM
Hiding Tonight - Alex Turner
A creation by the Arctic Monkeys front man, it's exactly what you'd expect from the band, just toned down massively. If the feeling that can occur on rainy, lazy days could be transferred into song-form, then this is what it'd be. It reveals a lonelier, contemplative side to the singer, not normally found in Arctic Monkeys songs, which is really kinda nice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6C6SXTqE18
Better Days - Amos Lee
Amos Lee has a more powerful and apparent voice than most on this list, which makes this song a little bit more believable. It's thought-provoking and sad, but the calming melody and soulful vocals stem any harshness. I also have a lot of respect for people who can sing and play guitar well, at the same time. I'm fairly sure it should be classed as impossible.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcqqCM4RVJM
Winter - Joshua Radin
Known for providing the soundtrack to probably the saddest episode of TV show Scrubs, one listen and its easy to see why. It's a very simple acoustic song, but it does so much with so little. The vocal melody is astonishingly beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHlf08yTPiU
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