Weekend Wind-Down No. 14: Sung to Sleep

–Words & list by Kevin Madert

Remember childhood? The scale balancing your life experiences and your understanding of them was tipped decidedly in the direction of the former. No matter your upbringing, there were plenty of times when you were confused – even scared – of what you did not know or comprehend. That’s where the adults in your life came in, whoever they were; in my case, it was my mom. I’d lay down to sleep with thoughts swirling around my head, but she knew just how to handle that. Sometimes she’d sing – I still know every word to Peter, Paul & Mary’s “500 Miles” thanks to her – while other times she’d simply hum unintelligible, soothing melodies. Any worries I possessed would fade with my consciousness as I’d drift off to sleep.

That long-winded reminisce provides the inspiration for this round of our regularly scheduled wind-downs. The power of a calm, reassuring voice is often unrivaled, and these ten tunes all feature confident, nuanced vocalists at their helm. As we kick it off with Monique Hellenberg’s silky tones atop a quiet, shuffling beat, lie back. Relax, and allow this collection of voices to fill you with their combined warmth. They’re not exactly your mother, but they’re certainly an admirable substitution.

Tracklist:

Goldfish – Trees And Jets (Ft. Monique Hellenberg)
The Spring Standards – Bells And Whistles
Imogen Heap – Hide And Seek
Jesse L. Martin – I’ll Cover You (Reprise)
Something Corporate – As You Sleep
Death Cab For Cutie – Tiny Vessels (Demo)
Billy Joel – Vienna
Alison Krauss & Union Station – Gravity
Kim Richey – The Absence Of Your Company
Brand New – Soco Amaretto Lime