The problem with the term "new age" is that a lot of stuff that's not even "new age" per se gets lumped in with it. Back when record stores (and big box stores too) had "new age" sections in their CD racks you might see Robert Rich, Steve Roach, or even Tangerine Dream next to a CD compilation called "Celtic Atmospheres" or "Peace Meditation" by some anonymous artist backed by a major record company. Stereotypes like that cause people to avoid legitimately good artists. I was guilty of it for a awhile too, since I discovered ambient music through the post-industrial scene during the 90s. If people don't have an interest in ambient music beyond Eno that's fine, but it's sort of like listening to Bob Marley and not exploring the vast depth of reggae music, or thinking Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye is all you need for soul music, etc.
I've started to consider the difference between ambient and new age in the same way grunge had its wave of horrid also-rans when record companies realized there was money to be made. The previous remark about new age being "made for sale in incense shops" covers the bases for me. Unfortunately, it's hard to know going in which you're going to get, so it's a case by case setup and very individual. Two artists I found to be interesting in spite of the "new age" tag typically associated with them are Kitaro and David Arkenstone. Granted, both have their.. shall we say "insubstantial" moments, but they have both created some really pleasing works as well.
An analogy with jazz. Would you prefer to listen to: - Miles Davis or Kenny G. ? Any other recommendations of quality ambient artists?
Fell asleep last night listening to the new Forrest Fang album. Impressions on first listen are good, though too early to tell if it is on par or better than his amazing double album from last year. Following The Ether Sun, by Forrest Fang
David Bowie - All Saints Miles Davis - In A Silent Way, Bitches Brew, Jack Johnson, On The Corner,... ambient funk/jazz/rock/blues/...Miles!
If you like Lux, then there's no reason not to get Reflections, his latest release. Without getting dragged inot having to define just what Ambient is to you.... I'll admit this wouldn't usually come under that category. However, it works at the same level, and you should check it out: (David Lang: The Passing Measures). If you don't mind something with perhaps a slightly darker edge, then three Tangerine Dream releases come to mind: Phaedra, Rubycon, and Zeit. Also, anything by Thomas Koner would suit. It's a long list, basically.
ASHRA - New Age Of Earth (1976) This ASHRA album creates a wonderful atmosphere wherever you listen. It was recorded in 1976 but seems not to have passed the time for him.
Aphex Twin - Selected Ambient Works Volume II It can be somewhat unsettling in places, but none the worse for that.
The Orb's recent Chill Out, World album is their first entirely ambient album and I'd say their best. The ORB COW/Chill Out, World! vinyl at Juno Records.
I probably wouldn't start with My Love Is Rotten to the Core. An Imaginary Country is a pretty safe bet for those seeking his mellowest vibes.
There are a lot of great sites dedicated to ambient music out there, even though some have not been updated in years. If you have any interest in this music, check out some of these sites. This one might be a good place to start: Ambient Music Guide - Turning you on to extraordinary sounds since 2001
Listening to the first Cluster & Eno record today because of a thread about the great Carla Dal Formo You Know What It's Like record from last year (forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/carla-dal-forno-you-know-what-its-like-2016.613540/), this and their next record possibly being one of the influences mentioned by @Sprocket Henry, and he's probably right, sounding much better played back in reality than from my foggy memory, this is really good stuff.
Brian Eno for sure. If you decide to go to the more "pop friendly" route and venture into new age, try Andreas Vollenweider.
