Various artist compilations and series can be showcases of artistic inspiration & collaboration and deep wells of discovery. Much more than just samplers, each of the albums presented here contain original pieces of new or reworked music not previously released and provided some of the most memorable musical journeys of the past year
Click on any album title in the list below for more information
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The EP is often overlooked when it comes year-end retrospectives, but this format can provide us with some very special musical moments. Here are 15 of the most memorable of such I enjoyed this year across a variety of genres – Click on album titles in the list below for more information
Editors note: An EP or not an EP? For the purposes of this list I considered anything the artist or label specifically presented as an EP or anything less than 30 minutes in length. Then I stretched that to include digital-only releases up to 35 minutes long (up to 40 minutes for single long form pieces). Once again, I encourage the reader not to be overly concerned with such definitions. They are merely tools to help organize and present the main focus – the music. Continue reading
An admittedly eclectic category, here are fifteen wonderful albums steeped in elements of acoustic, primitive, folk, or pop music. But those are only references and common threads. Each one is its own unique and memorable musical journey. – Click on album titles in the list below for more information
Editors note: Few of the albums presented in these lists fit neatly into a single genre and we would not have it any other way, nor would the artists. The categorizations used here should not distract the reader from the joy of discovery. They are simply a way to organize and present based on my perceptions of compatible listening experiences and I was not above stretching the boundaries and making exceptions to fit in the most music possible. Continue reading
A look back at some of the most memorable journeys in music taken this year in post rock and electronica. It is clearly not a comprehensive look at either genre, but rather a selection of albums I connected with, enjoyed, and enthusiastically recommend. Expansive, dynamic, sophisticated, clever, and cathartic – all those qualities are here in some measure and sound best when played loud.- Click on album titles in the list below for more information
Editors note: Few of the albums presented in these lists fit neatly into a single genre and we would not have it any other way, nor would the artists. The categorizations used here should not distract the reader from the joy of discovery. They are simply a way to organize and present based on my perceptions of compatible listening experiences and I was not above stretching the boundaries and making exceptions to fit in the most music possible. Continue reading
A look back at some of the most memorable journeys in music taken this year in modern classical with an emphasis on solo, ensemble, and chamber compositions. From the delicate and intimate to the passionate and exhilarating, this is an exceptionally vibrant and beautiful collection of music. – Click on album titles in the list below for more information
Editors note: Few of the albums presented in these lists fit neatly into a single genre and we would not have it any other way, nor would the artists. The categorizations used here should not distract the reader from the joy of discovery. They are simply a way to organize and present based on my perceptions of compatible listening experiences and I was not above stretching the boundaries and making exceptions to fit in the most music possible. Continue reading
A look back at some of the most memorable journeys in music taken this year in modern classical with an emphasis on project that incorporated experimental and ambient elements to produce something mesmerizing and immersive, as rich in texture and imagination as is emotion (note there will be a separate list of albums focused on solo, ensemble, and chamber compositions). – Click on album titles in the list below for more information
Editors note: Few of the albums presented in these lists fit neatly into a single genre and we would not have it any other way, nor would the artists. The categorizations used here should not distract the reader from the joy of discovery. They are simply a way to organize and present based on my perceptions of compatible listening experiences and I was not above stretching the boundaries and making exceptions to fit in the most music possible. Continue reading
A look back at some of the most memorable journeys in music taken this year in ambient music with an emphasis on electroacoustic, tape loops, and field recordings. Organic, warm, tactile, often improvisational, but always beautiful – among these albums we find as much decomposition as composition, an embrace of stillness and naturally occurring beauty.
Editors note: Few of the albums presented in these lists fit neatly into a single genre and we would not have it any other way, nor would the artists. The categorizations used here should not distract the reader from the joy of discovery. They are simply a way to organize and present based on my perceptions of compatible listening experiences and I was not above stretching the boundaries and making exceptions to fit in the most music possible.
A look back at some of the most memorable journeys in music taken this year in ambient music with an emphasis on drone, rich atmospheres, and deep emotional undercurrents.
Editors note: Few of the albums presented in these lists fit neatly into a single genre and we would not have it any other way, nor would the artists. The categorizations used here should not distract the reader from the joy of discovery. They are simply a way to organize and present based on my perceptions of compatible listening experiences and I was not above stretching the boundaries and making exceptions to fit in the most music possible.
