“Did you ever stop to notice all the blood we’ve shed before…did you ever stop to notice the crying Earth the weeping shores…AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!” As ever, that tumbly-faced monster Michael Jackson was right. What a right old state this old world is in. I pick up the paper, and what do I see? Death. I turn on the news, and what do I see? Death. I step outside my door and start aimlessly stabbing passers-by, and what do I see? Yup, death, and lots of it. Is there anywhere on this planet untouched by the reaper’s sickening sickel swinging? Is there anywhere nice outside the confines of my head?

I’m guessing that this is pretty much how Audiobulb pitched this project to the musicians involved. Although without all the stuff about death. We’re left with this lovely compilation in which ten artists tell us all about their favourite places, using mixtures of field recordings and music. Their pitch was strong enough to get some big names too - Taylor Deupree watches the sun rise with New York state wildlife, while Biosphere thankfully opts not to drag himself back up to the Himalayas, settling instead for viewing terns noisily circling a Norwegian lighthouse. Some of my favourite tracks are by those I’m less aware of - RF’s meander around Shimogamo Shrine accompanied by the heart-melting vocals of Midori Hirano (”A Place For Saving“; we could all use some of that), and Build’s cinematic drive to a menacing-sounding ocean.

I find it interesting is how many of these tracks are recorded in or near the artist’s home - Deupree’s back garden, Dot Tape Dot’s bathroom, Claudia’s apartment, Leafcutter John’s studio, Nomad Palace’s childhood holiday cottage. Maybe that is what is responsible for lending the album a gorgeous, safe, comforting feel, like a warm blanket and a mug of cocoa. Maybe I was right earlier - time to batten down the hatches and hide away; just me, my duvet and my Michael Jackson records. Far away from any sharp things.

Available any day now from Audiobulb.