These end-of-the-year lists are usually labeled "Best Albums of the Year" - Best Ambient, Best Jazz, Best Indie, etc. I have been doing that for years. It has been pointed out that calling a list the "Best of the Year" is not only a bit snobby, it's also a little ridiculous because there is so much ambient music released every week that it's impossible to keep up. Plus this list is just my opinion, how can it possibly qualify as the "best"?
With that in mind I was moving towards labeling these as my favorite albums of the year. In this case I called it "2023 Rewind" simply because I found a cool stock photo for the cover art. Anyway, on to the mix.
These lists and mixes are tough to compile. It's so easy for even good albums to get lost in the shuffle. The ones that definitely did not get lost are my top 5 albums:
DUNE - an alternative soundtrack
The Restless Thrum
always ambient
Out Past Dark
Quiet Indie Songs #3 - Autumn 2021
Music for Covered Airports
The wind blows, just off-kilter
Always Autumn by Paul Asbury Seaman
Slow Road - The Endless Potential of the Pedal Steel Guitar
Vantage - Curated by Time Rival
Moteer - sounds like this
purely ambient
Chill Summer Guitars
Mystical / Train - by Paul Asbury Seaman
Cello Mood Swings
I will not be sad in this world
Sunday Morning Music Vol. 21 - Dreamland
Last Night the Moon Came - A Tribute to Jon Hassell
The Cloud Appreciation Society
Aromas from the East - by Paul Asbury Seaman
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