So glad to hear that things are turning around for you Steve. Getting a bunch of home improvement in and wrangling the garden and veggie beds into shape both feel like big wins. For my part, I’m finding it rewarding to see things beginning to come together in our new place close to two months in.
I’d never heard of Edith Frost but really liked that song. I’ll have to give her work a further listen. Any suggestions on where to start?
I too love a good storyteller. I’ve found The Delines to be very good, particularly on “The Sea Drift” from 2022. I’m still warming to their latest album released earlier this year. A different style of music but have you ever listened to Andy Shauf? His 2016 album “The Party” is a fantastic story album.
Ambient can be hit or miss for me—there’s a time and a place and I need to be in the right state of mind—but I REALLY liked what I heard of the Lawrence English album. I’ll need to check out the whole thing.
Somebody turned me on to Clara Mann earlier this year and I’ve been enjoying her album. Adrienne Lenker is a good comparison; at times I get a Meg Baird feel from her as well. If you haven’t heard Baird’s 2023 album “Furling”, I’d highly recommend giving it a listen.
I haven’t had a chance to really dig into the Florist album yet - so much music, so little time!
I loved the Denison Witmer track but the Tunng didn’t really grab me.
In terms of quieter albums for 2025, here are some I’d recommend:
Mark, I can always count on you to provide an epic, thorough response!😃 And I'm glad the Lawrence English hit the right ambient buttons. I do try to seek out ambient that is both calming and challenging. I'll check out the picks you suggested. I have listened to Anna B. Savage, and I liked it okay, but not as much as her last album. I'll give it another couple shots as her previous took a couple of listens to fully appreciate. I don't know any of the others you list, so I got some homework this week!
Regarding Edith Frost, it's been forever since I listened to her previous 4 albums, but I remember them all being great. Maybe start with her debut, Calling Over Time?
I do try where possible to leave thoughtful comments on people’s posts. When people take their time to share their thoughts and their music through their writing, particularly if I enjoy what I read, it feels like the least I can do.
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on those albums if/when you get a chance to listen to them but no pressure of course.
I’ll take a look at Edith Frost’s debut and go from there.
I’m slowly getting through your recommends. I think Toria Wooff might be my favorite. Grabbed me right away. Same with Ablaya Cissoko and Cyrille Brotto. I think that one will get the most plays. I liked Nadia Reid, she reminds me of someone I can’t place. A little bit of Christine McVie at times. And you know I’m a fan of Anna B. Savage. Kopium is pleasant enough but didn’t do much for me on first listen. It feels like an album that needs multiple listens to get into its layers though.
I struggled with Rose City Band and Dusqk. RCB reminded me too much of the Grateful Dead, who I never liked, even though I played in 3 bands that covered them. And Dusqk has that hyperactive electronic percussion sound found in a lot of “chill” music. I think I would have liked it a few years ago when I listened to similar music.
I don’t think I know Meg Baird, so I’ll check her out.
Yes, I really connected with the Toria Wooff album as well. The Cissoko/Brotto collab is also fantastic. They also released an album in 2022 which I just discovered earlier today. Nadia Reid’s previous album 2020’s “Out of My Province” was far superior for me but I’m slowly warming to her latest. The Kopium album has a bit of a National vibe for me, a sunny afternoon lying on a hammock kinda feeling. I’m seeing Anna B. Savage in a couple weeks opening for Cassandra Jenkins in Manchester. Very excited!
I can see where you’re coming from on the RCB and that album is kind of a right time, right place album for me. Not sure it’ll make the AOTY conversation. The Duskq album hasn’t really held up for me after a week where I played it a lot back in February. A little bit of nostalgia but not a lot of staying power.
Loved the Florist and Clara Mann albums. Going to dig into Edith Frost more based on this.
Endorse the Nadia Reid and Ablaye Cissoko/Cyrille Brotto albums that Mark N lists. Would add Kristin Daelyn’s excellent album Beyond The Break.
Nice - thanks for the album suggestion. Am not familiar with Kristin Daelyn, so will check it out today!
So glad to hear that things are turning around for you Steve. Getting a bunch of home improvement in and wrangling the garden and veggie beds into shape both feel like big wins. For my part, I’m finding it rewarding to see things beginning to come together in our new place close to two months in.
I’d never heard of Edith Frost but really liked that song. I’ll have to give her work a further listen. Any suggestions on where to start?
I too love a good storyteller. I’ve found The Delines to be very good, particularly on “The Sea Drift” from 2022. I’m still warming to their latest album released earlier this year. A different style of music but have you ever listened to Andy Shauf? His 2016 album “The Party” is a fantastic story album.
Ambient can be hit or miss for me—there’s a time and a place and I need to be in the right state of mind—but I REALLY liked what I heard of the Lawrence English album. I’ll need to check out the whole thing.
Somebody turned me on to Clara Mann earlier this year and I’ve been enjoying her album. Adrienne Lenker is a good comparison; at times I get a Meg Baird feel from her as well. If you haven’t heard Baird’s 2023 album “Furling”, I’d highly recommend giving it a listen.
I haven’t had a chance to really dig into the Florist album yet - so much music, so little time!
I loved the Denison Witmer track but the Tunng didn’t really grab me.
In terms of quieter albums for 2025, here are some I’d recommend:
• Nadia Reid - Enter Now Brightness
• Anna B. Savage - You & i are Earth
• Kopium - The Weeping Willow
• Rose City Band - Sol Y Sombra
• Dusqk - Sanctuary OS
• Ablaya Cissoko, Cyrille Brotto - Djiyo
• Toria Wooff - self titled
Mark, I can always count on you to provide an epic, thorough response!😃 And I'm glad the Lawrence English hit the right ambient buttons. I do try to seek out ambient that is both calming and challenging. I'll check out the picks you suggested. I have listened to Anna B. Savage, and I liked it okay, but not as much as her last album. I'll give it another couple shots as her previous took a couple of listens to fully appreciate. I don't know any of the others you list, so I got some homework this week!
Regarding Edith Frost, it's been forever since I listened to her previous 4 albums, but I remember them all being great. Maybe start with her debut, Calling Over Time?
I do try where possible to leave thoughtful comments on people’s posts. When people take their time to share their thoughts and their music through their writing, particularly if I enjoy what I read, it feels like the least I can do.
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on those albums if/when you get a chance to listen to them but no pressure of course.
I’ll take a look at Edith Frost’s debut and go from there.
I’m slowly getting through your recommends. I think Toria Wooff might be my favorite. Grabbed me right away. Same with Ablaya Cissoko and Cyrille Brotto. I think that one will get the most plays. I liked Nadia Reid, she reminds me of someone I can’t place. A little bit of Christine McVie at times. And you know I’m a fan of Anna B. Savage. Kopium is pleasant enough but didn’t do much for me on first listen. It feels like an album that needs multiple listens to get into its layers though.
I struggled with Rose City Band and Dusqk. RCB reminded me too much of the Grateful Dead, who I never liked, even though I played in 3 bands that covered them. And Dusqk has that hyperactive electronic percussion sound found in a lot of “chill” music. I think I would have liked it a few years ago when I listened to similar music.
I don’t think I know Meg Baird, so I’ll check her out.
have a great weekend!
Yes, I really connected with the Toria Wooff album as well. The Cissoko/Brotto collab is also fantastic. They also released an album in 2022 which I just discovered earlier today. Nadia Reid’s previous album 2020’s “Out of My Province” was far superior for me but I’m slowly warming to her latest. The Kopium album has a bit of a National vibe for me, a sunny afternoon lying on a hammock kinda feeling. I’m seeing Anna B. Savage in a couple weeks opening for Cassandra Jenkins in Manchester. Very excited!
I can see where you’re coming from on the RCB and that album is kind of a right time, right place album for me. Not sure it’ll make the AOTY conversation. The Duskq album hasn’t really held up for me after a week where I played it a lot back in February. A little bit of nostalgia but not a lot of staying power.
Enjoyed this post. With you on music that calms the mind and tells a story. I liked the Clara Mann song.
Thanks, Beth! Are you getting ready for the new season of The Bear?😀 By getting ready I mean eating out at a lot of restaurants.
I gave up on “The Bear” last season! I’m not sure I can go back. But I am eating just fine, chef 🧑🍳
I know, I’m teasing…
Oh phew. 😅