This was meant to be a ten, but I just couldn’t leave any of the songs out. In the same series though.

They are songs with their roots in folk, but few would be classified purely as folk. They are all, but for one, sung by women alone. Not a deliberate choice, but I guess the female voice, in all its variety, suits this gentle, reflective feeling.

It’s music that will soothe, that won’t annoy your neighbours on holiday. But it’s not bland. The feelings are deep, permeated by a fragile beauty. You can chill or you can wallow.

A few of these songs I’ve recommended before. Others are quite new to me. There’s even one about winter, but let’s not get pedantic!

These are the songs:

No Me, No You, No More, from “If I Was” – The Staves
Let Me Down, from “If I Was” – The Staves
Flutter, from “Mount The Air” – The Unthanks
All In Cahoots, from Bashed Out – This Is The Kit
Actually, from “Friend” – Rozi Plain
Keep, from “Because I Was In Love” – Sharon van Etten
Kathleen, from “Under Branch & Thorn & Tree” – Samantha Crain
Give Out, from “Tramp” – Sharon van Etten
For the Rabbits, from “Own Side Now” – Caitlin Rose
In The Winter I Returned, from “Dear River” – Emily Barker and the Red Clay Halo
Bonnie Portmore, from “Fair Warning” – The Rails
Stay Gold, from “Stay Gold” – First Aid Kit
Are You With Me Now? from “Mug Museum” – Cate le Bon

And you can listen to a playlist I’ve made on Spotify. Apologies if you’re unable to access Spotify. My techie skills don’t extend any further.

Just sit back and chill – or wallow!