Say hello to Lansing, MI resident Daniel Hempie, the single most dedicated patron of the Shea Stadium Archives. Upon a comprehensive analysis done earlier this year, he has since been crowned the undisputed champion of listenership, clocking in nearly TWICE as many plays as the site's second most frequent user. With little or no ties to any band, label, or anything else that resembles the "industry", 38-year old Mr. Hempie is about as pure of a true music lover as they come.

Although he is a die hard fan of his native perennial division-winning Detroit Tigers, Dan is no stranger to the plight of the underdog. When asked to curate this list, the back story he shared with us about his ascent from depressed man in a even more depressed economy to a stable, happy, and productive member of society was a jaw-dropping inspiration to us all. The fact that these tracks aided in providing the soundtrack to his late-inning life comeback is both a humbling honor and privilege.

Hempie's participation in Shea is one of the most global aspects of our small universe. Without ever having seen a show or even having set foot in the venue, he is the personification of the concept constructed nearly five years ago, that could allow bands (and audiences alike) who may not even be able to afford to pay for live recordings an opportunity to be heard in the far reaches of internet-connected Earth.

If you believe that numbers are one of the few truly objective entities in this world, then you would also be forced to believe that no other playlist has been constructed with as much consideration and careful listening as this one. Thank you Dan for taking the time to explore the outer reaches of this vast musical ocean. - Adam Reich