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: 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: Neo-Psychedelia, Space Age Pop, Dream Pop
Vibes: Cryptic, Spacey, Retro-Futuristic, Occult, Hypnotic, Ethereal, Existential Mellow, Bittersweet, Dreamy, Romantic, Surreal, Playful, Deadpan, Tender, Lullaby
Musical Qualities: Lush, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Catchy, Motorik, Melodic, Noisy
Broadcast – Haha Sound Read More »
Style: Glam-Rock, Psychedelic Goth-Pop, Post-Punk
Vibe: Romantic, Otherworldly, Dramatic, Sensual, Moody, Confident, Nocturnal, Longing, Retro, Sleazy, Bittersweet, Woozy, Surreal
Musical Qualities: Lush, Groovy, Sleek, Driving, Catchy, Dense, Sampling, Atmospheric
Style: Ambient Pop, Progressive Electronic, Sound Sculpture, Downtempo
Moods: Urban, Surreal, Nocturnal, Cryptic, Mysterious, Retro-Futuristic, Hypnotic, Introspective, Motorik, Ethereal
Musical Qualities: Vocal Manipulation, Studio-as-an-Instrument. Rhythmic, Atmospheric, Lush, Sampling
Nicholas Jaar – Sirens Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Art Pop, Chamber-Jazz
Vibes: Autumnal, Sombre, Introspective, Vaudeville, Lush, Sentimental, Theatric, Surreal, Storytelling, Haunting
Rustin Man – Drift Code Read More »
Styles: Art Pop, Progressive Songwriter, Ambient Pop, Chamber-Jazz (Influenced)
Moods: Nocturnal, Surreal, Elegant, Ethereal, Observational, Flowing, Alienation, Cryptic, Disaffected, Lonely, Longing, Melancholy, Mysterious, Poetic, Romantic, Winter
Musical Qualities: Lush, Orchestral, Progressive, Vocal Harmonies, Lyrical, Dynamic, Complex, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Instrumentation: Keyboards, Piano, Upright Bass, Violin, Cello, Drums, Saxophone, Trombone, Percussion, Group Vocals
Julia Holter – Loud City Song Read More »
Side A (Deerhoof): Noise Pop, Fuzzy, Warm, Sentimental, Playful, Uplifting, Catchy
Side B (Half Waif): Art Pop, Hypnotic, Sentimental, Polished, Warm, Repetitive
Deerhoof / Half Waif – Less Artists More Condos #4 Read More »
Styles: Avant-Pop, Art Rock, Experimental Lounge
Vibe: Eclectic, Surreal, Cryptic, Absurd, Communal, Loungey, Eccentric, Angular, Angular, Intertwined, Mellow, Spontaneous
Musical Qualities: Loose, Dissonant, Dynamic, Odd Time Signatures
The Red Krayola – Hazel Read More »
Style: Art-Pop, Bedroom Pop, Dream Pop
Moods: Introspective, Warm, Intimate, Dreamy, Surreal, Soothing, Plaintive, Mellow
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Vocal Harmonies
Worthitpurchase – Truthtelling Read More »
Style: Experimental Songwriter, Glitch, Minimal Industrial
Moods: Ominous, Mechanical, Brooding, Cold, Lonely, Anxious, Apathetic, Cryptic, Depressive, Eerie, Existential, Moody, Shadowy, Bitter
Musical Qualities: Electro-Acoustic, Glitchy, Sparse, Polyrhythmic, Dissonant, Spoken Word, Digital, Dynamic
Style: Art Pop, Spiritual Jazz, Dub Poetry, Collage Pop
Moods: Triumphant, Conversational, Uplifting, Conscious, Communal, Heartfelt, Passionate, Hypnotic, Intertwined, Intimate, Intricate, Playful, Rebellious, Love, Poetic, Reflective, Soothing, Spiritual, Warm,
Musical Qualities: Suite, Improvisation, Analogue Recording, Tape Edits, Dub Production, Sound Collage, Thematic, Polished, Catchy
Instrumentation: Saxophone, Spoken Word, Upright Bass, Drums, Group Vocals, Tabla, Synthesizers, Percussion, Guitar, Cello
Alabaster DePlume – GOLD Read More »
Style: Neo-Psychedelia, Singer/Songwriter, Art Pop
Moods: Uplifting, Heartfelt, Spiritual, Warm, Introspective, Wholesome, Eclectic, Colorful, Cryptic, Ethereal, Joyful, Longing, Bittersweet, Psychedelic, Sentimental, Tender
Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Vocal Effects, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Catchy, Polished, Progressive
Alex G – God Save the Animals 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: Sophisti-Pop, Synth Pop, New Wave, Art Rock
Vibe: Detached, Existential, Luxurious, Angsty, Deadpan, Poetic, Dance, Melancholy, Cryptic, Anxious
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Polished, Rhythmic, Lyrical
Destroyer – LABYRINTHITIS 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: Neo-Psychedelia, Prog-Pop, Psychedelic Soul, Art Rock
Vibe: Triumphant, Colorful, Longing, Utopian, Eccentric, Futuristic, Joyful, Love, Manic, Playful, Psychedelic, Surreal, Uplifting,
Musical Qualities: Suite, Eclectic, Melodic, Dense Arrangements, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Todd Rundgren – A Wizard, a True Star Read More »
Style: Bedroom Pop, Psychedelic Soul
Vibe: Woozy, Groovy, Ethereal, Hazy, Catchy
Curt Sydnor – The Consort Read More »
Style: Collage Pop, Progressive Pop, Art Rock, Krautrock
Vibe: Playful, Surreal, Party, Colorful, Futuristic, Eccentric, Sunny, Groovy, Warm
Musical Qualities: Sampling, Dub, Sound Collage, Rhythmic, Melodic
Holger Czukay – Movies Read More »
Style: Future Jazz, Organic Beat Music, Jazz Rap, Collage Pop
Vibe: Triumphant, Spiritual, Quilted, Poetic, Communal, Conscious, Christian
Musical Qualities: Sound Collage, Vignettes, Sampling, Beats, Rapping, Spoken Word, Rhythmic, Polished, Loops
Jamire Williams – But Only After You Have Suffered Read More »
Style: Progressive Pop, Baroque Pop
Vibe: Epic, Surreal, Haunting, Ethereal, Passionate, Dramatic, Dreamy, Romantic (LP1), Triumphant, Fantasy, Uplifting (LP1), Grandiose, Theatric, Brooding (LP2), Spacey (LP2)
Musical Qualities: Dense, Orchestral, Progressive, Polyphonic, Polished, Melodic, Rhythmic
Spellling – The Turning Wheel Read More »
Style: Creative Music, Future Jazz, Organic Beat Music, Pan-Americana, Art Pop
Vibe: Romantic, Sci-Fi, Determined, Triumphant, Colorful, Eclectic, Communal, Futuristic, Groovy, Rootsy, Spiritual, Warm
Musical Qualities: Thematic, Polyphonic, Percussive, Polyrythmic, Percussive, Improvisation, Electro-Acoustic, Progressive
Ben Lamar Gay – Open Arms to Open Us Read More »
Style: Free Pop, Bedroom Psych, Progressive Soul
Vibe: Spontaneous, Woozy, Imaginative, Brooding, Surreal, Loose, Eclectic, Raw, Playful, Fuzzy, Psychedelic, Colorful
Musical Qualities: Post-Production, Progressive, Vocal Harmonies, Manipulated Vocals, Studio Improvisation, Distorted
Lightman Jarvis Ecstatic Band – Banned Read More »
On this mournful offering, Cave’s poetic reflections on loss, longing, and loneliness slowly float down a river of gloomy synth drones, somber strings, and sparse piano. While not exactly uplifting, the album has a sense of peace and beauty that continues up through the repeating final refrain, “and it’s alright now”.
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Skeleton Tree Read More »
Style: Neo-Psychedelia, Progressive Electronic, Art Pop
Vibe: Psychedelic, Groove, Cryptic, Mysterious, Surreal, Warm, Headphone Album
Musical Qualities: Melodic, Lush, Progressive, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Style: Glitch Pop, Art Pop, Future R&B, UK Bass
Vibe: Sensual, Mechanical, Futuristic, Sexual, Anxious, Surreal, Urban, Cold
Musical Qualities: Digital, Melodic, Glitchy, Dense
FKA Twigs – M3LL155X Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Experimental Electronic, Trip-Hop
Vibe: Somatic, Primal, Sensual, Passionate, Winter, Ancestral, Complex, Imaginative, Surreal, Heartfelt
Musical Qualities: A’Cappella, Choral Vocals, Experimental Vocals (Throat Singing, Beat Boxing, Manipulated Vocal Production), Studio-as-an-Instrument
Style: Art Pop, Ambient Pop
Influences: Chamber-Folk, Trip-Hop, Slowcore, Post-Rock
Vibe: Existential, Introspective, Brooding, Gossamer, Dreamy, Melancholy, Reflective, Moody, Eclectic
Musical Qualities: Lush, Atmospheric, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Lyrical
Style: Free Pop, Progressive R&B, Psychedelic Soul, Art Pop, Gospel-Influenced
Vibe: Woozy, Ethereal, Cryptic, Impressionistic, Heartfelt, Imaginative, Dramatic, Dreamy, Eclectic
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Lush, Vocal Manipulation, Sampling, Vignettes, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Groovy, Collage
Style: Space Pop, Art Pop, Kosmische Lounge
Vibe: Retro-Futuristic, Spacey, Political (Communist), Breezy, Mellow, Elegant
Musical Qualities: Sleek, Groovy, Lush, Melodic, Catchy
Laetitia Sadier – Something Shines 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 »
Musical Qualities: Polished, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Percussive, Rhythmic, Catchy
Stereolab – The Free Design Read More »
Style: Progressive-Pop, Avant-Songwriter, Jazz-Rock, Math-Pop
Vibe: Whispery, Angular, Intimate, Heartfelt, Cerebral, Reflective, Love / Breakup, Restrained, Introspective, Contemplative, Anxious, Loner
Musical Qualities: Odd Time Signatures, Jazz-Influenced, Technical, Dynamic, Lyrical
Wendy Eisenberg – Auto 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: Ambient Lounge Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Hypnogogic Pop
Vibe: Pastel, Mellow, Lush, Nocturnal, Playful, Catchy, Romantic, Soft
Devendra Banhart – Ape in Pink Marble Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Neo-Psychedelia, Trip-Hop, Experimental Electronic
Vibe: Nocturnal, Surreal, Introspective, Longing, Alienation, Abstract, Anxious, Dark, Depressive, Eclectic, Love, psychedelic
Yves Tumor – Safe in the Hands of Love Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Chamber Folk
Vibe: Catchy, Eclectic, Groovy, Mellow, Soft, Soothing, Uplifting
Musical Attributes: Lush, Atmospheric, Complex, Polished
Thanya Iyer – Kind Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Trip-Hop, Ambient Pop
Vibe: Existential, Brooding, Cathartic, Exploratory, Futuristic, Heartfelt, Introspective, Sentimental
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Loops, Polished, Lush, Progressive, Headphone Album, Lyrical
Loma – Don’t Shy Away Read More »
Style: Art Rock, Trip-Hop, Neo-Psychedelia, Hypnagogic Pop
Vibe: Nocturnal, Romantic, Dramatic, Eclectic, Energetic, Imaginative, Love, Sexual, Surreal, Woozy, Elegant
Musical Attributes: Polished, Progressive, Catchy, Dense, Rhythmic, Lush
Yves Tumor – Heaven to a Tortured Mind Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Trip-Hop, Synth-Pop
Vibe: Brooding, Groovy, Passionate, Sensual, Heartfelt, Futuristic, Breakup, Love
Musical Attributes: Catchy, Lyrical, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Atmospheric
Poliça – Give You the Ghost Read More »
Style: Modern Soul, Art Pop
Vibe: Reflective, Lush, Mellow, Confident, Groovy, Introspective, Summer, Warm
Musical Attributes: Melodic, Soft, Suite, Vignettes, Polished, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Beats
Solange – When I Get Home Read More »
Style: Soul, Art Pop
Vibe: Confident, Heartfelt, Introspective, Colorful, Triumphant, Uplifting, Urban, Loner
Lyrical Themes: Conscious, Poetic, Political, Personal, Black Pride, Love, Feminist
Musical Attributes: Groovy, Lush, Headphone Album, Polished, Catchy, Technical
Jamila Woods – Heavn Read More »
Style: Chamber Pop, Art Pop
Vibe: Lush, Ethereal, Imaginative, Sensual, Storytelling, Surreal, Intricate, Airy, Dreamy
Instrumentation: Vocals, Keyboards (Piano, Harpsichord, etc), Upright Bass, Strings, Drums, Saxophone
Julia Holter – Have You in My Wilderness Read More »
Style: Progressive Pop, Space Age Pop
Influences: Kosmische Musik, Bossa Nova, French Pop, Lounge
Vibe: Spacey, Lush, Retro-Futuristic, Catchy, Groovy, Motorik, Nocturnal, Uplifting
Musical Attributes: Melodic, Headphone Album, Odd Time Signatures, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Progressive, Lyrical
Lyrics: Philosophical, Political, Communist, Bi-Lingual (English and French)
Instrumentation: Synthesizers, Vibraphone, Drums, Electric Bass, Electric Guitar, Vocals, Brass, Strings, Keys (Organ, Clavinet, Harpsichord, Wurlitzer)
Stereolab – Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night Read More »
Released in 2016 on Polydor Records Format: LPx2 Style: Modern Soul, Future Garage, Art Pop Vibe: Sad, Heartfelt, Reflective, Lonely, Intimate, Futuristic Musical Attributes: Lyrical, Digital, Melodic, Beats, Ballads Themes: Breakup, Love, Personal
James Blake – The Colour in Anything Read More »
Released in 2007 on Beggar’s Banquet Records Format: LP Style: Chamber Pop, Art Pop Vibe: Warm, Playful, Romantic, Lush Musical Attributes: Melodic, Lyrical, Polished
St. Vincent – Marry Me Read More »
Released in 2012 on Sargent House Format: LP, White Vinyl Style: Trip-Hop, Downtempo, Synth Pop Instrumentation: Fretless Bass, Vocals, Drum Machine, Synthesizers Vibe: Warm, Heartfelt, Mellow, Groovy Attributes: Melodic, Rhythmic
Big Sir – Before Gardens After Gardens Read More »
Released in 1987 on Virgin Records Format: LP
David Sylvian – Secrets of the Beehive Read More »
Released in 2016 on Domino Records Format: LPx2, includes poster and lyric Booklet
Blood Orange – Freetown Sound Read More »
Released in 2014 on Temporary Residence Records Format: LP Limited edition, includes screen printed cover, #140/1000
Released in 2017 on Rostrum Records Format: LP
Cornelius – Mellow Waves Read More »
Released in 2017 on Jagjaguwar Records Format: LP Includes 12″ 14-page photo and lyric booklet
Moses Sumney – Aromanticism Read More »
Released in 2001 on One Little Indian Format: LPx2
Björk – Vespertine Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Pop, Neo-Psychedelia
Moods: Surreal, Science Fiction, Epic, Bittersweet, Triumphant, Sentimental, Playful, Apocalyptic, Warm, Melancholy, Existential, Anthemic
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Lush, Melodic, Polished
The Flaming Lips – Soft Bulletin Read More »
The Books’ music is simultaneously funny, innovative, catchy and enlightening. They use found sound and spoken word mixed with innovative recording techniques and acoustic instruments to create beautiful sound-collages that somehow create unity between all these disparate sources, as if they were all meant to be together. Everything these guys do, solo or together, is absolute genius.
The Books – The Way Out Read More »
Released in 2018 on Domino Records Format: LPx2 Includes 12″x12″ glossy lyric and photo booklet Track Listing *A1 – Turn the Light On (Bombastic, Energetic, Cathartic A2 – Whether (Pulsing, Driving, Staccato) *A3 – Chaitius (Ethereal, Atmospheric, Ambient, Progressive) -long floating, atmospheric intro with wordless vocals -becomes jazzy and cosmic as it builds -loose and
Julia Holter – Aviary Read More »
Recommended for those who know that “psychedelic” is not a sound, but a spirit of creativity and exploration within the mind. Those who know Deradoorian for her work with Dirty Projectors will appreciate the complex arrangements and production, albeit in a much more mysterious context. Fans of Bjork, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Flaming Lips, Portishead, or Can will also find a lot to love.
Deradoorian – The Expanding Flower Planet Read More »
The brooding, atmospheric synth-pop of Poliça’s third LP finds Channy Leaneagh’s passionate vocals once again supported by prominent bass grooves, driving dual drummers, and occasional string and horn arrangements, all mapped into intricate, quantized webs of programmed beats and synthesizers by co-leader/producer Ryan Olsen. Lyrically, the album centers around themes of isolation, fading love, and as well as more political topics such as police violence.
For fans of Portishead, The Knife
Poliça – United Crushers Read More »
The singer makes an album dealing with the grief and eventual acceptance that followed her sister’s suicide. The style is reminiscent of the spacey lounge-pop of her previous band, Stereolab, although much lighter and dreamier.
Laetitia Sadier – The Trip Read More »
Style: Collage-Pop, Glitch-Folk, Plunderphonics
Vibe: Surreal, Psychedelic, Peaceful, Cerebral, Meditative, Philosophical, Spiritual, Uplifting, Warm, Playful, Hallucinogenic
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Electro-Acoustic, Melodic, Sound Collage, Vocal Manipulation
The Books – Lost & Safe (2011 reissue) Read More »
Album Information: Originally released in 1996 on Duophonic Records This pressing was released in 2013 on 1972 Records Produced by John McEntire & the Groop Recorded in London and Chicago Format: LPx2
Stereolab – Emperor Tomato Ketchup Read More »
“Day of Mangoes” is overstimulation at it’s finest. Just imagine floating down a river through an unexplored tropical paradise where every corner brings a new array of colorful sounds. Warm synths gliding over clunking piano give way to chorus-drenched highlife guitars strumming over thick synth basslines. Manipulated vocal samples emerge from nowhere and then disappear into radio static just as quickly…RIYL: Animal Collective, King Sunny Ade, & Madlib
Dead Recipe – Day of Mangoes [Review] Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Trip-Hop, Experimental Electronic
Vibe: Breakup, Passionate, Heartfelt, Personal, Intense, Futuristic
Musical Qualities: Orchestral, Glitchy, Lush, Digital Beats
[Click for full review]
