Originally released in 2002, 'Daylight' EP was the follow-up to Aesop Rock’s critically-acclaimed 'Labor Days' album, a cult classic released only six months prior. The EP was built around its titular opening song, 'Daylight', one of the standout tracks from 'Labor Days', and continued expanding upon the range and depth of Aesop’s multi-talented gifts for writing and producing. In addition to the title track, 'Daylight' EP also included its counterpoint, 'Night Light', an alternate version in concept whose paraphrased lyrics simultaneously refer back to– and stand in stark opposition to– the original's, over darker, more menacing production. The tracklist for 'Daylight' EP boasted seven songs plus a hidden track for a total of eight, and collectively featured production by Blockhead, El-P, Blueprint and Aesop Rock himself, as well as guest appearances from Vast Aire (Cannibal Ox) and Blueprint.

At the time of its initial release, 'Daylight' EP was only offered in CD and digital formats, while the vinyl was stripped back, available only as a three-song 12” single. Now, Rhymesayers Entertainment is pleased to present the complete EP on vinyl for the first time ever, pressed on two-color side A/B effect orange & blue vinyl to complement the original artwork. Finally, fans and vinyl collectors everywhere can own this integral piece of Aesop Rock’s legacy and enjoy the genius behind this project. 

TRACK LISTING

1. Daylight
2. Night Light
3. Nickel Plated Pockets Feat. Vast Aire
4. Alchemy Feat. Blueprint
5. Forest Crunk
6. Bracket Basher
7. Maintenance 

"Be not afraid! Whether you’re simply sightseeing, enjoying temporary flights of fancy or considering a more permanent relocation, the all-new Spirit World Field Guide offers twenty-one insightful chapters of firsthand know-how into the terrain, wildlife, and social customs of our parallel universe. The narrator’s vast expertise of multiple global entry points and various modes of interdimensional transport informs a rich tapestry of tips, tricks and tools to unfailingly aid in your ultimate survival. If you are among the countless individuals who find themselves feeling both dead and alive at the same time, the information contained within may serve as an invaluable asset to your journey. Godspeed and good luck."

Those are the words of the album’s narrator -- an attempt to prepare listeners, both old and new, for a safe entry into the Spirit World.

It’s been a long road for Aesop Rock to get here, releasing a steady stream of impressive albums, singles, and collaborative projects that have continued to invigorate, solidify and grow his diverse fan base, but he shows no signs of slowing down or deviating from his path, constantly pushing his creative limits. Last year saw the release of Malibu Ken, a joint effort featuring the psychedelic and trippy sounds of producer Tobacco, providing a different type of intrigue for Aesop's descriptive, compelling, and often humorous, writing. Then, he kicked 2020 off with a hard-driving single, "Rogue Wave", followed not long after by Freedom Finger, which found Aesop immersing himself in the video game world that the music was written and produced for. And this year still has a few exciting releases on the horizon yet, including the infinite heroics of "Long-Legged Larry", a 20-year anniversary vinyl release of his debut album, Float, and now his brand new album, Spirit World Field Guide.

Since his debut in the late nineties, Aesop Rock’s writing has been of the highest caliber, but one thing that has continually evolved is his near-flawless and diverse flow, now perfectly infused with his personality and a gift for visual imagery. On Spirit World Field Guide, characters, inanimate objects, and their surrounding environments vividly come to life as Aesop describes each passing moment throughout the album’s twenty-one chapters.

Welcome to the Spirit World. Explore with intention.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: 'Spirit World Field Guide' sees Aesop Rock mix some brilliantly rich beats with Bavitz' unmistakeable flow and background brimming with VHS saturated 8bit arpeggios and thumping bass.

TRACK LISTING

01. Hello From The Spirit World
02. The Gates
03. Button Masher
04. Dog At The Door
05. Gauze
06. Pizza Alley
07. Crystal Sword
08. Boot Soup
09. Coveralls
10. Jumping Coffin
11. Holy Waterfall
12. Flies
13. Salt
14. Sleeper Car
15. 1 To 10
16. Attaboy
17. Kodokushi
18. Fixed And Dilated
19. Side Quest
20. Marble Cake
21. The Four Winds