Posts: 196
Threads: 9
Joined: Jun 2014
Hello All!
I'm a new convert to the ambient pop genre (I've loved progressive metal bands for a long, long time - Dream Theater, Amorphis, Blind Guardian) after hearing Silvery Ghosts' song "Vivid in the Valley" (bless Sound Cloud, rdio and the rest for exposing folks to new music!).
I've gone down the ambient pop rabbit hole and listened to everything from Porcupine Tree to The National to Sigur Ros to another recent discovery, Kan Wakar. There's so much music to listen to!!
As far as who I am, I'm a 47-year old college instructor who also works in retail. I blog about following one's dreams and about all the things that happen when the path gets long and strange.
I'm here to listen and learn more about music, so I welcome any recommendations, information, or rants about why you love (or hate) something!
Cheers!
Mary
Posts: 9,643
Threads: 255
Joined: Jun 2010
You have to try 2 albums from the inventor of the genre, Brain Eno. Firstly 'Music for Films' and secondly 'Apollo - Atmospheres and Soundtracks' - true ambient albums.
'The purpose of life is a life of purpose' - Athena Orchard.
Posts: 196
Threads: 9
Joined: Jun 2014
Thank you, Jerome! I'll definitely add these to my list of albums I must listen to!
I love Roxy Music ! Does that fit in the ambient genre?
And do genres even matter anymore? Everyone seems to be crossing over everywhere!
Posts: 9,643
Threads: 255
Joined: Jun 2010
I would not say they fall into the category but some of their albums, most notably 'Avalon', have been produced with an ethereal 'sheen' to them, courtesy of Rhett Davies (I think). If you like Roxy Music, try 'The Bride Stripped Bare' a solo album by Bryan Ferry & the live Roxy Music classic - The High Road. RM at their best.
'The purpose of life is a life of purpose' - Athena Orchard.
Posts: 9,643
Threads: 255
Joined: Jun 2010
Or in about half an hour or so you can try one of my own concoctions - a simple guitar theme that dissolves into an ambient theme in preparation for the next track. Try this link in about 30 minutes or so -
http://www.auralscapes.com
'The purpose of life is a life of purpose' - Athena Orchard.
Posts: 196
Threads: 9
Joined: Jun 2014
Ah, okay! Avalon was what made me fall in love with Roxy Music. I'm going to have to dig it out and give it a listen - there's so much music to listen to that sometimes some of it falls to the wayside as new things emerge! Ah well, it's good to go back and listen to the old favorites every now and again! I will definitely check out "The Bride Stripped Bare"!!
I'm adding all of the new music to my play list in the various streaming media sites. Speaking of which, is there a site that has *everything*? I know that's a lot to ask, but I'm finding that I maintain about 4 different players because not one of them contains *all* the things I look for and like.
I've clicked on your link, and am listening to your music! Thank you, Jerome! I love it - it sounds like a modern world take on Pink Floyd and a calmer version of Ozric Tentacles! This is the kind of music I love to play when I'm writing.
Posts: 9,643
Threads: 255
Joined: Jun 2010
Can't answer your question about a site that has everything. Some of the other members on the forum will probably have better advice for you than I would. Pink Floyd were and still are my 'go to' band so I am sure some of that rubbed off along the way. You are the second person to mention Ozric Tentacles, a band I have never listened to so there's something to try out. Thx for the comments and let me know how you get on with the Brian Eno stuff once you get a chance. Going to read your blog next week (just busy at the moment) and let you know. Looks interesting and well written - and quite thought provoking as well. Welcome to the site.
'The purpose of life is a life of purpose' - Athena Orchard.
Posts: 13,354
Threads: 236
Joined: May 2011
Welcome aboard the great MD, Mary! I also love prog music and I am familiar with your choices! As for ambient, try The Knife, Boards of Canada, Jon Hopkins, Colin Stetson, and Ulrich Schnauss for now!...like you said there's so much music out there one tends to be overwhelmed!
The ultimate connection is between a performer and its' audience!
Posts: 196
Threads: 9
Joined: Jun 2014
Wow! Thank you so much, Jerome, I hope my blog/writing doesn't disappoint! I'll let you know about Eno!
And SteveO, thank you for the additions to my list!! There's something about new music recommendations that makes me feel like I'm opening a really great present every time I start to listen to a new artist!
I was really nervous about joining music discussion boards because I'm not a musician and I have a million questions, but this has been wonderfully welcoming! And I love both of your sig files. Love them!
Posts: 13,354
Threads: 236
Joined: May 2011
Feel at ease Mary, we are not all musicians here...just obsessive music lovers! I agree with you, listening to a new artist is like opening presents...lol
mile:
The ultimate connection is between a performer and its' audience!
