You know what I really miss from the 2010’s? In studio live versions of songs. Yeah, we still have them with KEXP and Tiny Desk, but stuff like Daytrotter, man, those things were amazing.

Daytrotter was a one of a kind thing of beauty: live sessions sold as subscription where you could get the best possible version of a band: their live setting. It helped me find new artists, it consolidated my love of some bands, like Headlights and Counting Crows, who were kings of Daytrotter.

Dan Sartain was a garage punk rocker musician who tragically passed away in 2021. Signed to One Little Indian for most of his career, Sartain had a knack for the memorable riff and the almost fleeting nature of his songs. Fuck Friday, In Death, Back again. All seedy tracks with mostly short timespans. No time for filler, it was all curt. Loved his energetic swagger and it’s a real shame he never got the attention he deserved.

I don’t wanna go to the party speaks to the introvert in me highly. The daytrotter version is the best, of course, with that magical Ramones’ count to get things going. His session for DayTrotter is easily one of the best and if you can find it, give it a go. If not, Sartain’s Bandcamp has a sweet collection of tracks for your listening pleasure.

-Sam J. Valdés López