In Between Dreams

Although at first this seems like a reference to a terrific Jack Johnson CD, it isn't. What I am really talking about is that period when you are falling asleep. You are slowly drifting out of conscious thought and into 20 second scenarios....then you are back to thinking about your day...then out again in a strange half-imagined dream world. These are the songs I like to take with me.

Lua, Bright Eyes- This is stage one of falling asleep. Still coherent lyrics that keep you thinking and awake- but Conner Oberst's shaky voice and lonely guitar is enough to comfort you into sleeping. The song is so gentle and lyrics are so empty and cold that you feel safe in your bed. Ironically, the album is called "I'm Wide Awake It's Morning."

The Predatory Wasp Of The Palisades Is Out To Get Us!, Sufjan Stevens- This isn't my favorite song on the Illinois album, but it is still amazing. I just find Sufjan's voice gorgeous and the instruments that find their way into his songs always come together to make a masterpiece. At this point in our sleep journey, you are still awake but begin to drift away to his story and dreamlike flute in the beginning.

The Dream of Evan and Chan( The Postal Service Mix), Dntel & The Postal Service- Just an awesome, awesome electronic song. We take Ben Gibbards voice, put it to this dreamlike beat, with sweet, pretty lyrics and a slight voice distortion. At this point you are nearing the sleep world. Repetition is great way to help you sleep- but instead of counting sheep, you can listen to -"Ringing, ringing, ringing on...," repeated again and again at the end of the song, as it slowly fades out into silence.

Brothers On a Hotel Bed, Death Cab for Cutie- The intro of this song is unbelievable. Nothing that special is really happening, but the pianos tune meets up with the drums and I simply love it. This song is soothing and perfect when you aren't really awake enough listening anymore.

House of Cards, Radiohead- Last song on the list because Thom Yorke's voice is so unbelievably chill here that I can barely stay awake listening to this song at any time. It echos in and out along with the guitar and, honestly, you are asleep by the time it is over. In a good way, of course.