Much of this upstart's music favors texture and darker tones, but this lighter exploration is a welcome dose of warmth for winter.
Mediæval Bæbes – “Jennet’s Song”
Equally ethereal and creepy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS94BYurDmw
Extended Ambient/Atmospheric/Soundtrack Mix
This is...a bit different, but winter sometimes invites a little bravery where music is concerned. https://soundcloud.com/aurorax/the-mirthless-symphony
On Hiatus…
Due to time constraints and health problems, I need to take a breath for awhile. Feel free to sift through previous posts at your leisure (this is not a self-hosted site and it will not expire or disappear).
Sam Sergeant – “Searching”
Another foray into trippy but deliciously tense ambient-atmo land.
Jo Blankenburg – Various Selections from “The Feather Dance”
How about a good honest piano jag or two (or three)? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7IeLsyQNf8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MdZvYCtmD4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gjmoC9uf18
Friday Album: James Newton Howard – “The Hunger Games” OST
The Hunger Games is...sort of the weird kid, whether in book or movie form. It should naturally follow that the tone, direction, and scheme of its soundtrack are a bit uncommon. Vibey dulcimers and glimpses of ferocious, tribal percussion square off against unapologetically keening (yet perfectly civilized) strings, warm but bitter violin solos, and the [...]
Justin Bell – “Ondra’s Gift” (Pillars of Eternity OGST)
Calming, structured harmonies and a languid harp - if that's not the picture of methodical afternoon contemplation, I'm not sure what is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prDeHXsR05Y
Neal Acree, Russell Brower, Et Al. – “Eternal Blossoms” Mashup (World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria OGST)
Yes, this is a 17-minute track. No, I don’t expect you to sit through all of it – but after awhile, some of you might want to. If you like strings and Asian-flavored melodies, this is a chance for you to go wild. https://soundcloud.com/marcus-lin-1/eternal-blossoms
Mikko Tarmia – “Back Hall” (Amnesia: The Dark Descent OGST)
Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a horror game best left for the strong of stomach, but the soundtrack contains some rare and fine tracks, including this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7wFuaD3zdE
David John – “Machine Hymn”
Spooky, organized ambient with a pinch of a snarl. I was unable to embed this properly in a blog post, but check it out >>here<< on the composer's official site (you can also download it from there for free if desired).
Paul Leonard-Morgan – “Snatcher”
Paul Leonard-Morgan’s scope is a bit unpredictable. Though this particular style of music is middle-of-the-road likeable, I tend to avoid it since it can also easily wander into unhelpful territory. Nevertheless, the piano riffs in this track are too good to pass up. https://soundcloud.com/mihau/02-paul-leonard-morgan
Tidbit (Not Exclusively) for Novelists: On Being an Enthusiastic Fool [Or, Some Shameless Pats on the Back…Because Maybe No One Else in Your Life Does That Where Your Writing is Concerned]
To the outside world, writers have long been seen as harebrained, aloof, and probably a bit naïve. I’d rush to say that these are lies, stereotypes, or unfair judgments, but it recently occurred to me that I am, in fact, all of the above on some level – and I’m okay with that. Writing comprises [...]
Mary Gunderson – “Beckon the Moon” {Free Download}
Mary Gunderson’s watery approach already appeared once before on this blog ("Behind the Red Door"). While some might call it verging on New Age, I fail to see why a) this actually matters and b) where the rationale comes from. In my opinion, this kind of track has too much momentum, drive, and intent for [...]
Another Fine Day – “Scarborough Fair”
Something very different and quirky to offset those profound thoughts weighing all of us down. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDnR_QKQuIo