Style: No Wave, Post-Punk, Experimental Rock, Noise Rock
Vibes: Angsty, Visceral, Hypnotic, Urban, Intertwined, Aggressive, Dystopian, Brooding, Cathartic, Cryptic, Dark, Moody, Ominous, Passionate, Raw
Musical Qualities: Noisy, Dissonant, Vocal Harmonies, Heavy, Lo-Fi
Ut – In gut’s House Read More »
with Charlie Haden, Jack DeJohnette, Denardo Coleman
Style: Jazz Fission, Free Jazz
Vibes: Entropic, Bombastic, Triumphant, Futuristic, Abstract, Chaotic, Climactic, Complex, Manic
Pat Metheny / Ornette Coleman – Song X Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Experimental Songwriter
Vibes: Warm, Meditative, Spiritual, Compassionate, Tender, Introspective, Romantic, Hypnotic, Contemplative, Light, Lonely, Longing, Poetic, Buddhist
Musical Qualities: Soft, Home Recording, Melodic, Sparse, Percussive, Rhythmic
Arthur Russell – Another Thought Read More »
Style: Outsider Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Weird Americana
Vibes: Loner, Pastoral, Playful, Reflective, Rootsy, Warm, Aquatic, Peaceful, Mellow, Morning, Rural, Surreal, Relaxed
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Lyrical, Melodic, Simple
Michael Hurley – Blue Navigator Read More »
Style: Sophisti-Pop, New Wave, Progressive Pop
Vibes: Spring, Uplifting, Bittersweet, Sentimental, Anthemic, Passionate, Introspective, Spiritual, Peaceful
Musical Qualities: Sleek, Catchy, Melodic, Lush, Rhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Chora
Talk Talk – The Colour of Spring Read More »
Style: Progressive Electronic, Film Score, Experimental
Vibes: Dystopian, Hallucinatory, Mysterious, Suspenseful, Gloomy, Hypnotic, Futuristic, Exploratory, Ominous, Cinematic, Haunting, Imaginative
Musical Qualities: Suite, Vignettes, Atmospheric, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Progressive
Instrumentation: Synthesizers, Piano, Experimental Vocals, Drums
Robert Wyatt – The Animals Film Read More »
Sonny Sharrock, Peter Brötzmann, Ronald Shannon Jackson, Bill Laswell
Style: Free Jazz, Noise Rock, Jazz Fission
Vibes: Aggressive, Dystopian, Chaotic, Bombastic, Urban, Powerful, Deconstructed, Angular, Cold, Dark, Intense
Last Exit – Last Exit Read More »
Style: Synth-Pop, Singer/Songwriter
Vibes: Dramatic, Rebellious, Sleek, Angry, Eccentric, Mechanical, Anthemic, Bright, Cold, Sentimental, Conscious, Driving
Neil Young – Landing on Water Read More »
Style: Guitar Soli, Brazilian Classical, Samba-Jazz
Vibes: Forest, Passionate, Nature, Mystical, Warm, Healing, Morning, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Instrumental, Sparse, Technical, Suite, Improvisation, Solo
Bola Sete – Jungle Suite Read More »
Style: Ethereal Wave, Ambient Pop, Ambient
Vibes: Mysterious, Dreamy, Whimsical, Ethereal, Reflective, Meditative, Nocturnal, Eclectic, Intimate, Soothing, Exploratory, Haunting, Bittersweet, Healing, Hypnotic
Musical Qualities: Soft, Minimalistic, Atmospheric, Sparse
Deux Filles – Silence & Wisdom Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Folk Pop, Americana
Vibe: Warm, Tender, Romantic, Reflective, Playful, Love, Compassionate, Rustic, Bittersweet, Intimate, Mellow
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Lyrical, Lush, Home Recording, Acoustic, Melodic
Instrumentation: Vocals, Cello, Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Drums, Keyboards, Organ, Vibraphone, Tabla, Violin, Bongos, Horns, Flute, Bass
Arthur Russell – Iowa Dream Read More »
Style: Ambient Pop, Electro-Acoustic, Post-Minimalism, Avant-Folk
Vibe: Introspective, Deconstructed, Intimate, Surreal, Exploratory, Mysterious, Aquatic, Ethereal, Hypnotic, Mystical, Warm
Instrumentation: Vocals, Cello, Keyboards, Guitar, Harmonica, Echoes
Arthur Russell – Pictures of Bunny Rabbit Read More »
featuring Alex Cline, Nels Cline, Vinny Golia, Roberto Miranda, & John Rapson
Style: Post-Bop, Avant-Garde Jazz
Vibe: Busy, Urban, Knotty, Energetic, Driving, Bombastic, Complex, Powerful
Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Collective Improvisation, Dynamic, Shredding, Technical, Thematic, Rhythmic
Style: Kosmische, Progressive Electronic, Space Rock
Vibe: Nocturnal, Hypnotic, Introspective, Exploratory, Cosmic, Stoned, Meditative, Psychedelic
Instrumentation: Synthesizers, Flute, Tapes, Percussion, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Dulcimer, Voice
Fumio Miyashita – Live on the Boffumundo Show Read More »
Amina Claudine Myers – Piano, Organ, Voice
Reggie Nicholson – Drums, Percussion, Voice
Thomas Palmer – Upright Bass, Electric Bass
Style: Post-Bop, Vocal Jazz, Gospel-Influenced
Vibe: Sunny, Groovy, Playful, Energetic, Passionate, Warm, Bluesy
Amina Claudine Myers Trio – Jumping in the Sugar Bowl Read More »
Style: Progressive Folk, Jazz Fusion, ECM Jazz
Vibes: Mystical, Pastoral, Ethereal, Ancient, Pagan, Earthy, Exploratory, Smooth, Spiritual
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Atmospheric, Complex, Instrumental, Uncommon Time Signatures, Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Progressive, Shred, Technical
Instrumentation: Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Congas, Drums, Kalimba, Synthesizer, Tabla, Electric Bass, Bongos
Steve Tibbetts – Yr Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Dream Folk, Chamber Pop
Moods: Ethereal, Tender, Apocalyptic, Spiritual, Contemplative, Cosmic, Christian, Raw, Existential, Melancholy, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Loose, Atmospheric, Sparse, Improvisation
Bill Fay Group – Tomorrow Tomorrow and Tomorrow Read More »
Style: Avant-Folk, Post-Minimalism
Moods: Hypnotic, Mysterious, Meditative, Ritualistic, Nocturnal, Haunting, Ethereal
Musical Qualities: Pulse, Homemade Instrument, Minimalistic, Solo, Improvisation, Repetitive, Electro-Acoustic, Extended Technique, Sparse
featuring Abdul Wadud, Fred Hopkins, Amina Claudine Myers, Steve McCall
Style: Avant-Garde Jazz
Moods: Colorful, Triumphant, Energetic, Spiritual,
Instrumentation: Alto Saxophone, Tuba, Cello, Drums, Upright Bass, Organ, Electric Guitar, Piano
Arthur Blythe – Blythe Spirit Read More »
Style: Gothic-Pop, Post-Punk
Moods: Moody, Bittersweet, Romantic, Depressive, Ethereal, Dramatic, Playful, Nocturnal, Longing, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Chorus & Reverb Heavy, Atmospheric
The Cure – A Head on the Door Read More »
Style: Fourth World, Tribal Ambient, Psychedelic Tape Music, Senoi Folk Music
Moods: Aquatic, Dreamy, Spiritual, Tribal, Hypnotic, Surreal, Exploratory
Musical Qualities: Electro-Acoustic, Atmospheric, Percussive, Dub, Field Recordings, Instrumental, Repetition
Jon Hassell – Dream Theory in Malaya (Fourth World Volume Two) Read More »
Style: Free Funk, Jazz Fission, Abstract Groove
Moods: Confident, Triumphant, Passionate, Angular, Cathartic, Groovy, Kinetic, Knotty, Energetic
Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Harmolodic, Improvisation, Thematic, Riffs, Live, Bluesy
James ‘Blood’ Ulmer – Live at the Caravan of Dreams Read More »
Styles: Samba-Jazz, Progressive Folk, Tribal Ambient
Moods: Ethereal, Tropical, Spacious, Ritualistic, Hypnotic, Pastoral, Open, Suspenseful, Soothing, Airy
Musical Qualities: Percussive, Sparse, Dynamic, Acoustic, Heavy Reverb, Electro-Acoustic Processing
Instrumentation: Berimbau, Acoustic Guitar, Flute, Dilruba, Piano, Percussion, Voices
Egberto Gismonti / Nana Vasconcelos – Duas Vozes Read More »
Style: Progressive Folk-Rock, Welsh Folk
Moods: Medieval, Mystical, Sentimental, Epic, Passionate, Earthy, Communal, Intricate
Instrumentation: Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Vocal Harmonies, Celtic Harp, Flute, Bodhran, Congas, Bongos, Keyboard, Electric Bass, Recorder, Drums, 12-String Guitar, Mandolin, Mellotron
Pererin – Haul ar yr eira Read More »
Style: Post-Bop, Modern Creative
Moods: Elegant, Intertwined, Warm, Reflective, Airy, Colorful
Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Thematic, Improvisation, Acoustic, Live
Instrumentation: Saxophones (Baritone, Alto, Soprano, Tenor), Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
World Saxophone Quartet – Live at Brooklyn Academy of Music Read More »
featuring Bill Frisell, Alex Cline, Hank Roberts
Style: Jazz Fission, Avant-Garde Jazz
Moods: Gritty, Angular, Apocalyptic, Aggressive, Bombastic, Chaotic, Dark, Disorienting, Driving, Dystopian, Futuristic, Heavy, Intense, Urban
Musical Qualities: Dissonant, Improvisation, Uncommon Time Signatures, Progressive, Rhythmic
Tim Berne – Fulton Street Maul Read More »
Style: Free Jazz, Abstract Groove, Avant Jazz-Funk
Moods: Funky, Playful, Angular, Driving, Passionate, Intertwined, Eccentric, Triumphant, Uplifting, Knotty, Exploratory, Kinetic, Spiritual, Energetic
Musical Qualities: Thematic, Rhythmic, Uncommon Time Signatures, Progressive, Dense, Collective Improvisation, Technical
Arthur Blythe – Illusions Read More »
Style: & Influences Singer/Songwriter, Soft Rock, Celtic Folk, New Age, Gospel
Moods: Triumphant, Mystical, Passionate, Religious, Ethereal, Grandiose, Poetic, Existential, Uplifting
Musial Qualities: Anthemic, Lush, Sleek, Catchy, Groovy, Tight
Van Morrison – Beautiful Vision Read More »
Style: Zolo, Experimental Rock, Avant-Prog, Rock in Opposition, European-Folk Influenced
Vibe: Angular, Playful, Eccentric, Surreal, Disorienting
Musical Qualities: Dissonant, Uncommon Time Signatures, Progressive, Rhythmic, Technical
Fred Frith – Gravity Read More »
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NiIEJ4UB1A&ab_channel=VanMorrison-Topic
Van Morrison – Common One Read More »
Styles: Jazz-Funk, Japanese Folk, Prog
Moods: Triumphant, Spring, Smooth, Mysterious, Epic, Adventure
Musical Qualities: Lush, Groovy, Progressive, Uncommon Time Signatures, Orchestral, Improvisation, Instrumental, Technical
Instrumentation: Shakuhachi, Koto, Shamisen, Synthesizers, Biwa, Acoustic Guitar, Strings, Electric Bass, Drums, Percussion, Rhodes, Saxophone, Piano, Ehru, Gong, Organ
Osamu Kitajima – Masterless Samurai Read More »
LP, On-U Sound Records (1981/2016 RE) Styles: Industrial Dub, African Folk Music, Psychedelic Electronic Moods: Mysterious, Nocturnal, Earthy, Spiritual, Surreal, Tribal, Mechanical, Dark, Hypnotic, Groovy, Exploratory, Psychedelic, Woozy Musical Qualities: Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Studio-as-an-instrument, Repetitive, Loops My Life In A Hole In The Ground by African Head Charge
African Head Charge – My Life in a Hole in the Ground Read More »
Style: Mystical Chamber Music, Neoclassical New Age, Kosmische
Feeling: Devotional, Flowing, Meditative, Ethereal, Hypnotic, Solemn, Elegant, Exploratory
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Atmospheric, Choral, Chamber
Popol Vuh – Agape-Agape, Love-Love Read More »
Style: Free Folk, Organic Music, Progressive Folk, Psychedelic Chamber Music
Moods: Ritualistic, Ancient, Flowing, Tribal, Earthy, Communal, Hypnotic, Intertwined, Medieval, Mysterious, Mystical, Nocturnal
Musical Qualities: Percussive, Collective Improvisation, ?Acoustic, Suite, Thematic, Progressive, Atmospheric, Repetitive
Style: Dream Pop, Neo-Psychedelia
Vibe: Ethereal, Sensual, Moody, Nocturnal, Messy, Abstract, Dreamy, Eclectic, Hedonistic, Psychedelic, Surreal
Musical Qualities: Washy, Catchy, Raw, Dub FX, Noisy
Style: Chamber Jazz, Solo Cello
Vibe: Longing, Contemplative, Elegant, Focused, Introspective, Driving, Passionate, Searching
Musical Qualties: Virtuosic, Acoustic, Sparse, Instrumental, Improvisation, Dynamic, Rhythmic, Melodic
Dave Holland – Life Cycle Read More »
featuring Ryuichi Sakamoto, Holger Czukay, Jon Hassell, Danny Thompson, & Mark Isham
Style: Sophisti-Pop, Art Pop, Ambient Pop
Vibe: Longing, Introspective, Elegant, Ethereal, Sentimental, Sleek, Melancholy, Contemplative, Autumnal, Mellow, Sombre, Nocturnal
Musical Qualities: Polished Production, Melodic, Rhythmic
David Sylvian – Brilliant Trees Read More »
Style: Spiritual Jazz, World Fusion, Soul Jazz
Vibe: Devotional, Communal, Flowing, Peaceful, Warm, Mysterious, Longing, Conscious, Uplifting, Cosmic, Airy, Groovy, Lush, Eclectic
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Percussive, Improvisation, Thematic, Instrumental (Except A1, B3)
Instrumentation: Flute, Harp, Electric Guitar, Mbiri, Upright Bass, Drums, Gong, French Horn, Harmonica, Berimbau, Electric Bass, Percussion
Brother Ah and the Sounds of Awareness – Key to Nowhere Read More »
Style: Free-Funk, Jazz Funk, Abstract Groove, Funk Rock
Vibe: Bombastic, Manic, Angular, Knotty, Confident, Energetic, Communal, Groovy
Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Dissonant, Complex, Rhythmic, Dense, Technical, Group Vocals
James ‘Blood’ Ulmer – Black Rock Read More »
Style: Industrial Jazz-Funk, Abstract Fusion, No Wave
Vibe: Futuristic, Menacing, Cold, Groovy, Mechanical, Hypnotic, Industrial, Dystopian
Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Repetitive, Dub Production, Instrumental, Percussive, Sampling
Instrumentation: Saxophone, Electric Bass, Drums, Percussion, Electric Guitar, Rhythm Box, Prepared Piano, Clarinet
Material – Temporary Music Read More »
Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Country-Jazz, Jazz Theater
Vibe: Rural, Historical, Sombre, Resolute, Intertwined, Passionate, Storytelling, Determined, Resolute, Heartfelt, Complex, Theatric, Conceptual
Musical Qualities: Suite, Acoustic, Progressive, Collective Improvisation, Polyphonic, Dynamic, Technical
John Carter – Fields Read More »
Style: Glam Rock, Art Pop, Funk Rock
Vibe: Sleek, Eccentric, Energetic, Anxious, Grandiose, Urban, Dystopian, Theatric, Playful, Passionate, Futuristic, Manic, Sleazy, Surreal
Musical Qualities: Groovy, Polished, Dense, Catchy, Riffs, Anthemic, Rhythmic
David Bowie – Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) Read More »
Style: Inner Space Music, Ambient Pop, Tape Music, Minimal Wave
Vibe: Ethereal, Suspenseful, Introspective, Soothing, Nocturnal, Hypnotic, Meditative, Cinematic, Dreamy, Ominous (A2, B2, B3)
Musical Qualities: Pulse, Home Recording, Minimalistic, Atmospheric, Vignettes
Instrumentation: Keyboards, Drum Machine, Vocals, Tape Loops, Electric Guitar, Marimba, Echo
Peter Kardas – I Saw You Read More »
Style: Afro-Jazz, Post-Bop
Vibe: Warm, Communal, Groovy, Spiritual, Sunny, Dance
Musical Qualities: Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Improvisation, Melodic
Yusef Lateef – In Nigeria Read More »
Style: Ambient Folk, ECM-Jazz, New Age
Vibe: Soothing, Airy, Meditative, Pastoral, Winter, Open, Hypnotic, Nature
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Percussive, Sparse, Progressive
Instrumentation: 6 & 12-String Acoustic Guitars, Percussion (Kalimba, Shaker, Bongos, Congas, etc), Tape Loops
Steve Tibbets – Northern Song Read More »
Style: Innervisionary, Psychedelic Tape Music, Ambient Dub, Future Folk, Experimental, New Age
Vibe: Alien, Mystical, Woozy, Nocturnal, Exploratory
Musical Qualities: Collage, Loops, Electro-acoustic, Percussive, Dub Fx, Dissonance
Dennis Wise – Wize Music Read More »
Style: Ambient Pop, Progressive Pop (LP1), Ambient (LP2)
Vibe: Ethereal, Introspective, Sombre, Sentimental, Spiritual, Winter, Lush, Meditative, Longing, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Progressive, Polyphonic, Polyrhythmic, Polished, Ballads
David Sylvian – Gone To Earth Read More »
Style: Cosmic Folk, Caribbean Folk
Vibe: Mystical, Tropical, Poetic, Cosmic, Earthy, Ecletic, Intertwined, Groovy, Spiritual
Musical Qualities: Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Repetitive, Dense, Technical, Polished
Instrumentation: Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Vocals, Electric Bass
Gratien Midonet – A Cosmic Poet from Martinique 1979-1989? Read More »
Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Afro-Jazz, Experimental Big Band
Influences: Ghanaian Music & other West African Music, Hindustani & Carnatic Music, Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Ritualistic, Communal, Hypnotic, Intertwined, Spiritual
Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Improvisation, Repetitive, Percussive, Polyphonic, Acoustic
Bitter Funeral Beer Band – Live in Frankfurt 1982 Read More »
Style: Experimental Big Band, Avant-Garde Jazz, Flamenco
Vibe: Mournful, Communal, Political, Anthemic, Conceptual, Conscious, Liberation, Sombre, Traditional
Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Suite, Acoustic, Complex, Dynamic, Thematic Improvisation, Instrumental, Orchestral, political, Technical
Charlie Haden / Liberation Music Orchestra – Ballad of the Fallen Read More »
Style: Hip-Hop (East Coast, Political, Hardcore)
Vibe: Rebellious, Gritty, Political, Dystopian, Angry, Energetic, Confident, Anxious, Conscious, Urban, Heavy, Passionate
Musical Qualities: Dense, Sampling, Noisy, Rhythmic
Public Enemy – It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back Read More »
Ry Cooder’s beautifully spacious ambient-western compositions are a transcendent pairing with this meditative, expansive film.
Ry Cooder – Paris, Texas (Soundtrack) Read More »
LP, Originally released in 1981 by Unlikely Records Freedom to Spend Reissue (2021) Style: Ambient Pop, Experimental Home Recording, Minimal Wave Vibe/Mood: Aquatic, Nocturnal, Hypnotic, Impressionistic, Moody, Intertwined, Dreamy, Headphone album Musical Qualities: Loops, Home Recording, Atmospheric, Percussive, Polyphonic, Pulse, Electro-Acoustic Instrumentation: electric guitar, casio vl-tone, vocals, marimba, electric bass, acoustic guitar, digital organ
The Same – The Same Read More »
Style: Art Rock, Progressive Pop
Vibe: Anxious, Eccentric, Romantic, Cerebral, Complex, Catchy, Bombastic, Dramatic, Surreal, Slick, Intertwined
Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Uncommon Time Signatures, Polished, Progressive, Technical, Rhythmic
King Crimson – Beat Read More »
Style: Ecstatic Minimalism, New Age, Drone
Vibe: Spiritual, Meditative, Heavenly, Cosmic, Hypnotic, Mystical, Longing, Intertwined
Musial Attributes: Just Intonation, Instrumental, Minimalistic, Repetitive, Suite, Improvisation, Drone
Instrumentation: Yamaha YC-45D Organ with multiple digital delay channels for live layering & interactions
Terry Riley – Shri Camel Read More »
Style: Art Rock, Prog, Experimental Rock, Progressive Pop
Vibe: Anxious, Angular, Cerebral, Mechanical, Catchy, Ominous, Philosophical, Suspenseful, Dystopian, Urban, Confident
Musical Attributes: Complex, Uncommon Time Signatures, Polyrhythmic, Polished, Progressive, Technical
King Crimson – Three of a Perfect Pair Read More »
Style: Free Improvisation
Vibe: Abstract, Frenetic, Responsive, Primal, Active Listening, Surreal
Musical Qualities: Atonal, Collective Improvisation, Percussive, Acoustic
Instrumentation: Trombone, Upright Bass, Viola, Violin, Banjo, Experimental Vocals, Electric Guitar
Gunter Christman, Torsten Muller, LaDonna Smith, Davey Williams – White Earth Streak Read More »
Style: Creative Music, Chamber Jazz, Free Jazz, Post-Bop
Vibe: Colorful, Sentimental, Impressionistic, Eclectic, Energetic, Introspective
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Dynamic, Poly-free Improvisation, Complex, Spacious
Muhal Richard Abrams – Colors in Thirty-Third Read More »
Style: Free Funk, Electric Blues, Jazz Fusion
Vibe: Energetic, Triumphant, Angular
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Complex
James Blood Ulmer – America – Do You Remember the Love? Read More »
Style: Jùjú, Afro-Pop
Vibe: Warm, Catchy, Sunny, Groovy, Intricate
Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Percussive, Group Vocals
King Sunny Ade and His African Beats – Aura Read More »
Style: Dream Pop, Art Rock
Vibe: Warm, Hypnotic, Peaceful, Bright, Ethereal, Dreamy, Lush, Intertwined, Soft
Musical Qualities: Loops, Atmospheric, Pulse, Melodic, Sparse
The Durutti Column – LC Read More »
Style: Dream Pop, Ethereal Wave, Neofolk
Vibe: Ethereal, Cryptic, Dreamy, Lush, Mysterious, Soft, Soothing, Lethargic, Longing, Witchy, Winter
Cocteau Twins – Victorialand Read More »
Bobb Trimble’s 1980 debut (originally released on his own label) contains nightmarish folk-pop that fits on the fringe of the loner-psych lineage of Syd Barrett and modern bedroom-psych artists like Alex G or Holy Sons.?
Bobb Trimble – Iron Curtain Innocence [Review] Read More »
Style: Experimental Singer-Songwriter, Art Pop, Canterbury Scene, Jazz-Rock
Vibe: Political (Anti-Capitalist, Anti-Imperialist), Satirical, Conscious, Melancholy, Hypnotic
Musical Attributes/Instrumentation: Sparse, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Layered Vocals, Digital Keyboards, Drum Machines, Percussion, Synthesizers, Piano
Robert Wyatt – Old Rottenhat Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Free Folk
Vibe: Airy, Bittersweet, Intimate, Love, Poetic, Romantic, Heartfelt
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Sparse, Loose
Kath Bloom & Loren Connors – Restless Faithful Desperate Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Goth, Post-Punk
Vibe: Cold, Dark, Moody, Psychedelic, Nihilistic, Nocturnal, Depressive
The Cure – Pornography Read More »
Style: Free Blues, Free Jazz
Vibe: Bluesy, Triumphant, Anthemic, Cathartic, Passionate
Musical Attributes: Solo Improvisation, Loops (Overdubs), Improvisation, Thematic, Instrumental, Melodic, Distorted
Sonny Sharrock – Guitar Read More »
Style: Synth-Funk, Soul
Vibe: Conscious, Groovy, Political, Poetic, Spacey
Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson – 1980 Read More »
Style: Post-Bop, Jazz, Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Uplifting, Straight Ahead
Musical Attributes: Melodic, Technical, Modal, Improvisation
Billy Higgins – Mr. Billy Higgins Read More »
Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Free Jazz
Vibe: Abstract, Communal, Exploratory, Rootsy
Musical Attributes: Collective Improvisation, Poly-Free Improvisation, Dynamic
Art Ensemble of Chicago – Full Force Read More »
Style: Minimalism, Tape Music, Chamber Music
Vibe/Themes: Pulsing, Hypnotic, History, Meditative
Musical Attributes: Repetitive, Sampling, Electro-Acoustic, Spoken Word
Steve Reich with Kronos Quartet & Pat Metheny – Different Trains; Electric Counterpoint Read More »
Released in 1980 on Warner Bros. Format: LP
Black Sabbath – Heaven and Hell Read More »
Released in 1987 on Paisley Park Records Format: LPx2 Style: Funk-Rock, R&B, Pop Vibe: Eclectic, Sensual, Playful, Eccentric, Groovy
Prince – Sign ?? the Times Read More »
Style: Poly-Free Improvisation, Modern Classical, Avant-Garde Big Band
Vibe: Complex, Hypnotic, Intense, Suspenseful, Cerebral
Musical Attributes: Polyrhythmic, Polyphonic, Odd Time Signatures, Acoustic, Poly-Free Improvisation, Repetitive
Instrumentation: Orchestral, Mallet Percussion (Marimba, Vibraphone, etc) Violin, Cello, Piano, Trombone, Drums, Flute, Bass Clarinet
Anthony Davis – Epist?m? Read More »
Released in 1984 on Rift Records Format: LP
Skeleton Crew – Learn to Talk Read More »
Originally released in 1981 on Rough Trade Modern Classics Reissue (2016) Format: LP
This Heat – Deceit Read More »
Released in 1983 on Columbia Records Format: LP
James Blood Ulmer – Odyssey Read More »
Released in 1987 on Virgin Records Format: LP
David Sylvian – Secrets of the Beehive Read More »
Released in 1981 on Ralph records Format: LP?
Fred Frith – Speechless Read More »
Style: Ambient, Progressive Electronic
Vibe: Suspenseful, Desert, Desolate, Earthy, Mysterious, Eerie, Ethereal, Contemplative, Lonely, Impressionistic
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Instrumental, Analogue, Abstract
Brian Eno – Ambient 4: On Land Read More »
Released in 1982 on Mango Records Format: LP
King Sunny Adé and His African Bears – Juju Music Read More »
Originally released as 2 separate releases in 1988 and 1989 on Venture Records 2019 Grönland compilation Format: LPx2
David Sylvian & Holger Czukay – Plight & Premonition | Flux & Mutability Read More »
Released in 1986 on Virgin Records Format: LP
Holger Czukay – Rome Remains Rome Read More »
Originally released in 1980 on Piano Records 2016 Light in the Attic Repress Format: LP, 45rpm on side A, any speed for side B
This Heat – Health and Efficiency Read More »
Released in 1983 on ECM Format: LP
Jan Garbarek Group – Wayfarer Read More »
Releases in 1983 on Takoma Records Format: LP
John Fahey – Railroad Read More »
“World Music” is often a cheap umbrella term for non-Eurocentric music, but when acoustic guitar shredders Jorge Strunz and Ardeshir Farah, from Costa Rica and Iran respectively, bring together a Cuban rhythm section, South Indian violinist, and Kuwaiti guitarist, the music they create truly does have a sense of cultural unity deserving of the term.
For fans of flamenco, Arabic folk, and acoustic guitar virtuosity
Strunz & Farah – Mosaico Read More »
Discpline marks the first in a trilogy of complex prog-meets-new-wave masterpieces that have been relished by anxious overthinkers for decades…featuring polyrhythmic riffs, innovative guitar textures, overwrought sing-talking, and a strong inter-band chemistry.
King Crimson – Discipline Read More »
Anxious and dissonant proto-math rock composed and improvised by a trio of innovative, idiosyncratic, and influential musicians. Guitarist Fred Frith pulls new dimensions of sound out of his instrument, blending bizarrely textured riffs with dark, noisy atmospheres. Bassist Bill Laswell is one of the great musical collaborators in all of music, often bringing together innumerable amazing musicians from all genres to create unique sonic fusions. Here, Bill and drummer Fred Maher lay down some nasty, disjointed grooves that lock you in despite their angular, asymmetrical time signatures
Massacre – Killing Time Read More »
Originally released in 1989 on Fiction Records 2010 pressing, Digitally Remastered by Robert Smith Format: LPx2
The Cure – Disintegration Read More »
Enveloping blankets of piano and synthesizers that are mostly beautifully soothing, but occasionally venture down shadowy alleyways full of eerie suspense.
Harold Budd/Brian Eno – Ambient 2: The Plateaux of Mirror Read More »
Released in 1981 on ECM Records Recorded in concert in May, 1980 at Amerika Haus München, Germany Format: LPx2
Art Ensemble of Chicago – Urban Bushmen Read More »
Released in 1988 on Parlophone Records 2012 Pressing
Talk Talk – Spirit of Eden Read More »
Album Information Originally released in 1981 This pressing was released in 2013 on Grönland Records Format: LP Features parallel groove on one side so different track plays depending on where needle lands
Holger Czukay – On the Way to the Peak of Normal Read More »
