Canadian Chillout

It's time for the comedown, the lie-down, the love-in . . . and the chillout, as we set the mood for endless days of minimum resistance, and maximum contentment, with a bright gathering of homegrown indie artists. Loreena McKennitt sets out our stall of infinite mellowness with "The Mummers' Dance," with sublime additions from the likes of Caribou (aka Daniel V. Snaith) and Vancouver's P:ano. Landscapes are alchemically transformed into glimmering sound, in Next Steps.

Allan Carl Newman played with indie outfits Superconductor and Zumpano before emerging as a leading force within the New Pornographers, but he's also released songs under the solo moniker A.C. Newman — "Waterspout (Labrador Daydream)" is an exceptionally fine atmospheric cut. Sometime Broken Social Scene member Jason Collett keeps it exquisitely simple on "Almost Summer." Soak your bones in the ambient glow of our Deep Cuts.

Hinterland, featuring the ethereal vocals of Michaela Galloway, made a huge impression with the dream pop of their 2003 debut, Under the Waterline — "aspidistra" leaves an indelible mark. Instrumental five-piece Bell Orchestre, delayed the release of their debut, Recording a Tape the Colours of the Light, so that a couple of members could concentrate on their other job . . . as members of Arcade Fire.

This home-based Canadian Chillout selection is not just the ideal excuse to kick back and sink into some of mankind's richest and most satisfying soundscapes . . . it's also a testament to the vibrant, ever-evolving pool of musical talent that has put Canada firmly on the world map in the 21st century. The influence of Arcade Fire, Feist, and Stars is felt far beyond native shores, the neo-shoegaze movement has taken root in acts like Sianspheric and Hinterland, and there seems no end of incredible Canadian solo talents (Emm Gryner, Julie Doiron, Ariane Moffatt). Blissful.