ACL 2015: The Top 20 Albums of the Year

Rich picked Matana Roberts, Chris picked Michael Price, James picked Ian William Craig, David picked Holly Herndon and Joe picked Heroin in Tahiti.  But this year’s #1, one of the longest albums ever recorded, drew support from across the board.

ACL 2015: Top Ten Ambient

We received and reviewed more ambient music in 2015 than any other genre.  Yet conversely, we also received and didn’t review more ambient music than in any other genre.  Ambient is a tricky form, so often eager to melt into the background.

ACL 2015: The Year’s Best Album Covers

Album art can draw listeners to music, or push them away.  The best album art enhances the overall presentation, while the worst detracts from it.  In some cases, we’ve reviewed albums because of the art, while in others we’ve declined.

Ian William Craig ~ Cradle for the Wanting

Oh, what beauty!  Ian William Craig‘s second album is gossamer and glass, as gentle as music can be while still stimulating the soul.  Vocal loops swirl like snowflakes and smoke, tumbling through the ether, exposing every side before falling to