[Snuggler]

Nice bump :) . I've only made 2 threads so it's kind of neat to see it rise from the grave.

I've never heard Ben Frost, will check out ASAP.

"Ambient" is one of those weird terms that's too broad for anyone's good.

As a response to your post from way back, I guess I wasn't necessarily just looking for music that fit neatly into the "ambient" genre, just music that captured that ambient feeling, if that makes any sense. So anything from post rock like Explosions in the Sky to Brian Eno could qualify for this thread.

Someone mentioned Vangelis. The Blade Runner thread is the obvious mention, but I love a few of their other tracks, like "Elsewhere"

[Snuggler]

One more for the road

Brian Eno - "Spirits Drifting"
& just...
"Drift"
This is like late-night driving epiphany music.

[hateradio]

^ You might like P-MODEL, although I've never heard them live: Zebra

Cyborg

They do use vocals, and not everything is like this.

[Snuggler]

Yeah, I watched those video, P-MODEL sounds really cool, I'll definitely acquire some of their musics.

Ben Frost is really good. I like this.
Also, "You, Me and the End of Everything" is really good.

I couldn't find a link when I posted this thread, but I found it this time.
Probably my most favorite ambient song...

"Dopamine Clouds over Craven College" by Stars of the Lid.
It pulls so much nostalgia and emotion out of me, so beautiful, so great.

[Cosmic Bus]

Ben Frost is really good. I like this. "Dopamine Clouds over Craven College" by Stars of the Lid. It pulls so much nostalgia and emotion out of me, so beautiful, so great.

Thanks for that Ben Frost/starlings video, I didn't see it during my cursory search on Youtube last night. A shame it's in that tiny postage stamp size, though!

Lovely Stars of the Lids track, too. I don't find myself listening to them a lot (probably because I'm always after something new) but there aren't many examples of the genre that are as pure and perfect as them.

[Snuggler]

Self bump for the ambient song of the night.
Eluvium - "We Say Goodbye to Ourselves"
and
Brian Eno - "Deep Blue Day"
Eno, again, "Thursday Afternoon" <-- great track. :)

Any new rec's would be nice.

[El Papa]

Fucking awesome thread. Here my contribution, leaning more toward the Space music side, think Hearts of Space (if anyone knows what I'm talking about):

Rody Coronel aka Minister
Nightshift
Floatation
Internal Interlude
Crystal Ambience
Chillin

Steve Roach (Ambient & Space legend)
The Memory
Cloud Motion
Closer
The Reflecting Chamber
Seeking
Infinite Shore
Magnificent Gallery

Bassic
Phase Two

[innervision961]

Haven't listened to all these tracks, but could you guys point me to some ambient music with a definite space-age feel? Akin to something in Moon soundtrack or even Mass Effect (but obviously neither of those two since I already know them :D )

BTW really digging Dopamine Clouds Over Craven Cottage

Edit: missed the post above :( Checking out Steve Roach now!

[Cosmic Bus]

think Hearts of Space (if anyone knows what I'm talking about)

Boy, does that bring back memories. HoS was my first exposure to this sort of music almost 20 years ago when my dad inadvertently started listening to it because the show came on after a '50s/'60s music program we'd always have on during our weekend campfires in the backyard. :)

[neoism]

Seconding Helios. Check out The American Dollar too: The American Dollar - Anything You Synthesize: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9wukyl_lyg

THANK YOU kind sir!!
Age of Wonder The American Dollar... This ia one of the most amazing songs I've ever heard, had it on repeat for the past 4 hours! <3! I just bought their Atlas album. Thanks again!:D :D :D

[ten5ive9ine]

I approve of this thread.

[WTFing]

- Pantha

- Lawrence

- and Pawel

[WTFing]

Can someone share some nice music, thanks.

[mattiewheels]

I listen to ambient pretty much any downtime I get these days. It all seems to spring from Eno for me. His albums that you can't go without listening to:

- Ambient 1: Music For Airports (the breakthrough for him; long, spacious and incredibly gorgeous loops that map out the geography of 4 very unique 'places' with each track)

- Ambient 2: The Plateaux of Mirror (instead of a handful of long tracks, this is full of short piano pieces that focus more on melody and structure, but still completely transcendent and amazing)

- Ambient 4: On Land (most consider this his ambient masterpiece, back to synth sounds and much darker, much more organic, kind of a submerging experience that sounds like the sountrack to the creation of earth or something; strange and unsettlingly hypnotic)

- Discreet Music (the title track is Eno's very first ambient song, a 30 minute meditation and a great experiment with delayed tape loops that still sounds great; the rest of the album is him playing with and warping Pachabel's Canon to interesting effects)

- Music For Films (much more song-oriented but still a great chill-out record with really memorable soundscapes; the sequel is FAR more ambient and spacious, like the son of Ambient 4 and the first MfF, and my current go-to-sleep album)

And Eno's ambient collaborations are really superb too, his work with the German group Cluster being the best. He worked with members of Cluster and Neu when they formed Harmonia, too, one of my favorites:



Eno and Harmonia: Tracks and Traces (one of the absolute greatest collections of krautrock-influenced, intense ambient music; the songs rumble, but they're also placid and soothing)

Cluster and Eno (another classic collaboration album that has a lot in common with Eno's 'Before and After Science' because it's half ambient, half inventive 'proper' songs; very relaxing/stimulating)

Last but not least, Eno's collabs with Robert Fripp are probably the most impressive ambient pieces he ever created:

No Pussyfooting (two huge, landmark songs with Eno's droning synth and Fripp's gliding guitarwork, sounds like 'speed-of-light through space' music, still haven't heard anything like it and equally chill/intense)

Evening Star (their attempt at shorter and more defined songs with the same guitar/synth buzz, possibly even greater than the first collab)

[Snuggler]

this is an awesome post, I will definitely check out that music since I haven't heard most of it

thank you kindly

-also kind of funny to see my first thread get bumped, I was so young and naive back then

[kmfdmpig]

The album below is not purely ambient, but it's certainly close:
Phylr- Contra La Puerta.

A thoroughly great album, in my opinion.

A few others to consider:
Scorn - Evanescence or Ellipsis albums
Delirium - Spheres 2

[hateradio]

this is an awesome post, I will definitely check out that music since I haven't heard most of it thank you kindly -also kind of funny to see my first thread get bumped, I was so young and naive back then

This thread seemed familiar, but then I realized it was old. :lol

So many different avatars.

[mattiewheels]

this is an awesome post, I will definitely check out that music since I haven't heard most of it

Oh my pleasure, I'm obsessed with Brian Eno and all the people he's worked with so it was just a quick brain dump :lol

One thing I really appreciate about Eno is his concept of ambient music being like map or a picture of a particular place, something that a standard rock/pop song can't really achieve so effectively. The map iconography is all over his ambient releases, too, the covers look like blown up legends of creepy looking maps. It's like he's charting territory that doesn't exist, so awesome.

And plus: to anyone looking for a good Mass Effect-type sci-fi ambient album that has the bubbling synth and driving sound, check out Tangerine Dream's Phaedra. It's such a cool album, just 4 songs I believe, and what I think is their greatest stuff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqWwbMdMrhQ

[∀ Narayan]

Been listening to David Helpling, lately. Great stuff. I highly recommend his album Sleeping on the Edge of the World.

Here's a track from said album: Deeper Still

[BlueTsunami]

If you guys haven't listened to the Harold Budd suggestion on the former page, I suggest you do so... right now,

Harold Budd - Bismillahi 'Rrahman 'Rrahman.

[Snuggler]

If you guys haven't listened to the Harold Budd suggestion on the former page, I suggest you do so... right now, Harold Budd - Bismillahi 'Rrahman 'Rrahman.

I actually just finally got around to listening to him, he's great.

I really like his more recent album, Avalon Sutra.

"Arabesque 3"

[Nard Bagman]

http://www.myspace.com/iandthewhy

take a listen

[BlueTsunami]

I actually just finally got around to listening to him, he's great. I really like his more recent album, Avalon Sutra. "Arabesque 3"

Definitely need to get that. Budd's composition is very apparent in most of his songs, its just strikingly beautiful.

[Sweedishrodeo]

ben frost and stars of the lid were already mentioned and are top of their game

my other go-tos:

spencer doran and white sunglasses
tim hecker
dolphins into the future
dylan ettinger
chihei hatakeyama
yellow swans


also want to comment on the direction of the scene in recent years, especially drone. ambient has become quite disposable due to the prolific nature of the underground, the number of artists who sound so similar, and the limited run formats (especially cassettes) that are taking focus away from quality. for a while i denied it, but genre crossovers are gonna save ambient from stagnation. deerhunter, gold panda, and kurt vile / war on drugs are all examples of this

[Cosmic Bus]

There's an excellent new album from Bvdub out now that he chose to give away for free after three years of trying to get it distributed:

"3 years ago I made an album titled "One Last Look at the Sea"... As many of you know, it was supposed to be released on Somnia, but the label closed. Then it was supposed to come out on 2 other labels, one of which also closed, and the other of which went on an indefinite hiatus. So what I have decided to do is to offer my humble thanks to all who have supported not only Quietus in the past, but my music in general both past and present. As some of you know, from China I am currently unable to run Quietus in its original form for a myraid of reasons, so I have decided to do a one-time digital release, and to show my thanks to everyone by giving it to you for free."

http://www.filesonic.com/file/98660592/B-Sea.rar

Samples: "My Only Friend," "Just You Wait," "One Last Look at the Sea"

[Kraftwerk]

Your recommendations have always been supered Cosmic Bus.

Also, I commend the artist on this.

[RobertM]

I discovered Bonobo and Emancipator because of this thread. Thanks.

[lush]

Some favorites:

The Seven Fields of Aphelion - Lake Feet
Great synth-based ambient music from a member of Black Moth Super Rainbow, the song posted is actually a cover of one of their tunes.

Grouper - Stuck
Absolutely gorgeous song from one of my favorite albums.


Casino vs. Japan - Aquarium
Lovely tune from a great artist, if you enjoy Ulrich Schnauss, check it out.

Pantha du Prince - Im Bann
Ugh, gorgeous.

Fennesz - Circassian
My favorite Fennesz song, I can seriously tear up to this. Definitely an experience....

Slowdive - Blue Skied an' Clear
Really you could put alot of Slowdive here. Definitely the best music to float to....

I would've posted An Ending (Ascent) but you covered that in the OP, probably the best ambient tune.

[Kraftwerk]

If you guys haven't listened to the Harold Budd suggestion on the former page, I suggest you do so... right now, Harold Budd - Bismillahi 'Rrahman 'Rrahman.

I actually just finally got around to listening to him, he's great. I really like his more recent album, Avalon Sutra. "Arabesque 3"

Sogood.jpg

[Cosmic Bus]

I (always) like this thread. Here are some of my other favorites that I don't think have been mentioned:

Rafael Anton Irisarri
"Lit a Dawn"
"Traces"
"Deception Falls"

Talvihorros
"Blue Cathedral"
"And Then They Walked Into the Sea"

Thomas Koner
"Meta Incognita"
"Teimo"
"35° 40' N 139° 42' E"

BJ Nilsen
"Meter Reading"
"Space Finale 2.1"

Brian McBride (half of Stars of the Lid)
"Silent Motels"
"Melodrames Telegraphies"

Christopher Willits
"Flowers into Stardust"
"Towards Water" w/ Ryuichi Sakamoto
"Saturn"

Marsen Jules
"De la mort d'un cygne" (from Herbstlaub, probably one of my favorite albums from the last 25 years)
"Rainy Days in Milan"

[Kraftwerk]

Damn you Cosmic Bus.... At this rate, I'm going to be homeless in about a week.

So much to buy, so little monies D:

[eravulgaris]

Surprised that this hasn't been posted yet:

Red Glowing Dust

I always listen to this when playing Sins of a Solar Empire. :)

[neoism]

AES DANA



SOLAR FIELDS....


These two are some of my favorite artists ever...... fucking love all their albums..

[DD]

Northcape

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhnIFt5s-_4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOCAGYjuLcg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqkCuZU2lvc





Dementio13

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6eepYlVZMg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKlEsFjVEl8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNpxavu1jMY

[BlueTsunami]

I was really getting frustrated with my search for a certain style, a mood or emotion of music recently. In a last ditch effort for the night I ran a Similar Artist search of David Sylvian and flipped through what last.fm spit back. The duo Alva Noto + Ryuichi Sakamoto caught my eye, I right clicked and brought them up in YouTube. The itch has been scratched...

Alva Noto + Ryuichi Sakamoto — Halo (Album: Summvs)

[Miizy F Baby]

Wow, thanks for the bump. I had no idea this thread even existed. Such awesome music to be found in here.

[MetalAlien]

GAF stay out of my head. I was just listening to this...


Magic by Olivia Newton john

[Extollere]

I'm here!

Man, I've become a huge fan of Bvdub in the past couple months. It took me a while to get into his music, but hoooly shit. It's hard to judge this stuff on a glance. Many of the songs span for 10, 15, or even 20 minutes, slowly, slowly building subtle complexity. There is often a kind of white-noise, or something (a constant tone), washing back and forth, and changing in pitch. After several minutes it just sort of sets into the background of your mind and you barely hear it as the rest of the music captures you. It also works incredibly well for concentrated sessions while doing work. Recommended headphone listening:

Bvdub - Descent To The End

Bvdub - The Art of Dying Alone

Bvdub is a self described existentialist, apparently obsessed with the topic of death and dying. Many of his songs have a sort of downer edge to them, but in a good way - like a bittersweet ending sort of way.

Some reading from the artist:
http://reviews.headphonecommute.com/...vdub-part-one/

I also concur with the poster above recommending Aes Dana and Solar Fields. And while we're talking Ultimae label artists, I highly recommend Hol Baumann, and his album Human, which is retard good.

[Jakeh111]

Keep it going GAF I love it

[hateradio]

Although I only heard a few of their songs from the Naoshimabox compilation, Pollypraha had a few good tracks.

Here's one: Jule 0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSurj5jPMqk

Burzum has some great albums. Here's the first track from Hliðskjálf.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZftPfoeBLs0

I was really getting frustrated with my search for a certain style, a mood or emotion of music recently. In a last ditch effort for the night I ran a Similar Artist search of David Sylvian and flipped through what last.fm spit back. The duo Alva Noto + Ryuichi Sakamoto caught my eye, I right clicked and brought them up in YouTube. The itch has been scratched... Alva Noto + Ryuichi Sakamoto — Halo (Album: Summvs)

You should check out Cendre with Sakamoto and Fennesz.

Search for A Dead Bridges Into Dust by Carousell.



I couldn't find any links to it on YT, but you won't be disappointed, I promise. (Well, I can't guarantee, but it's still good.)

[Extollere]

Haven't listened to all these tracks, but could you guys point me to some ambient music with a definite space-age feel? Akin to something in Moon soundtrack or even Mass Effect (but obviously neither of those two since I already know them :D )

Try this. One of my fav artists (Benn Jordan) does an ambient space tribute to Carl Sagan.

Teaser
Sample:
Benn Jordan - Looking Upwards


Arc of Doves also has an album called The Lights, with each song having a space centered theme:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pER3E...Doves - Quasar

And there is also Murcof's album Cosmos.



Murcof - Oort And if you like it, check out his previous album Remembranza.

I also have to plug this album since I hadn't seen it mentioned yet (...for shame)



Bersarin Quartett - St. Petersburg

Just an outstanding album that I can't stop listening to. Absolutely haunting. Leans a bit more instrumental at times than it does ambient though.

And also want to mention Antonymes, Federico Durand, Jacaszek, Julien Neto, Alva Noto + Ryuichi Sakamoto (all albums) FS Blumm, Monolake - Silence, Marsen Jules, and Yasume

And mufuckin Deaf Center!!

Deaf Center - Hunted Twice So good.

[Cosmic Bus]

Ugh, such a large amount of great stuff in your last post there, Exto. I've been wondering if we'll ever here from Bersarin Quartett again; he seems like the kind of guy who would disappear for a long while, then come back under a different pseudonym and I'd never know it was him, potentially missing out on something great in the process. Also wanted to go back to Bvdub for a second...

Man, I've become a huge fan of Bvdub in the past couple months. It took me a while to get into his music, but hoooly shit.

...since his album with Ian Hawgood is out now and it is incredible, definitely one of the best I've heard this year. Fluid Radio has a super-long interview with both of them along with some samples from the disc. "Lie In Lone," which is 25 minutes long in its full version, had my jaw on the floor.

[hateradio]

I listened to "Buried Dreams" a day or two ago, and I instantly fell in love. The album wasn't as great as I would have imagined, however.



The title track.

[BlueTsunami]

The title track.

Oh man, I literally let out an "Oooo", that's one deep ambient track. Gonna have to get that. Also thanks for the previous suggestion, enjoying "Cendre".

[besada]

I guess this is as good a place to mention it as any other, even though it's a bump. I released my first album today. The band is Chimerical Sound Engine, and the music is experimental ambient -- I guess. It has features belonging to Spacemusic, field recordings, more traditional ambient, and noise.

The album is learning curve, and you can find it at http://chimericalsoundengine.bandcamp.com

It will be up on iTunes and AmazonMP3 in a couple of weeks. If you like it, but you're broke, hit me up via PM. Bandcamp has discount and freebie tokens that I'd like to try out anyway. If you like it, please tell others about it. This has been the project that has sustained me through the last few months, which have been pretty rough. Some of that shows up in the music.

Also, why don't we have a Bandcamp and Soundcloud permanent thread? I know there are a bunch of people here who make music. Anyone interested?

[Conciliator]

Wow, cool thread, I'm a big ambient guy, in fact it's kind of becoming my primary genre.

Didn't see any of the classicists here, anyone down with Steve Reich/Phillip Glass etc.? About to go to bed so I'm not going to post anything right now. I think the listening experience for those composers is primarily an ambient one.

Similarly, do you guys feel that some bands working in modern black metal, like Agalloch comes to mind immediately, provide a listening experience comparable to ambient? I'm not really into extreme metal but I've gotten into black metal a bit recently.

[besada]

I've listened to quite a bit of Reich and Glass. I don't know why you couldn't do metal ambient. I'd guess it would list more to the drone side of ambient. I did a piece for my brother, who does noise/drone as the band Korperschwache, and it was basically metal drone that worked as ambient, I think.

Ambient is sort of a big field, which is great.

[LethaL ImpuLse]

I'd love to bump this thread.

Anyone heard of Chihei Hatakeyama? Wonderful, beautiful minimalistic ambient. His music takes me to another place.



Waves

July

[Cosmic Bus]

Really looking forward to A Winged Victory for the Sullen's album, which is a collab between one of the Stars of the Lid guys and pianist Dustin O'Halloran.

[Extollere]

NO fuckin way!!! :O