It gives us great pleasure to welcome Mark Peters (above) for the latest Arcana playlist guest turn.

Mark has recently released a new album, Red Sunset Dreams, through the rather wonderful Sonic Cathedral label, complementing his previous release Innerland. Where that album painted pictures of the windswept countryside in the north of England, the new opus reports from across the Atlantic with a set of weather-beaten, dusty portraits.

Peters – whose interview with Arcana will be published soon – has given us a snapshot of his listening habits while the album was being made. They show a form of ‘ambient country’ along the lines of his own blissful achievement.

Among the many highlights are slow burning tracks from Cowboy Junkies (a smoky, harmonica-infused Powderfinger), a layered treat of vocals and slide guitars from Nancy Sinatra, in sorrowful mode with When It’s Over, and a rich set of strings setting the scene for Lee Hazlewood to sing Your Sweet Love.

Other high points include the beautiful Optimistic from Skeeter Davis and the airy Dreaming My Dreams, showcasing the sonorous voice of Waylon Jennings. Dolly Parton also appears, In The Good Old Days, while you should definitely take time for gems from Ry Cooder, Gene Clark, Floyd Cramer and a breezy final song from Michael Nesmith, Two Different Roads.

Our grateful thanks to Mark for his selection. Give yourself an hour, turn off all distractions, kick back and enjoy: