Bittersweet

Broadcast – Haha Sound

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

Abdul Wadud – By Myself

Style: Free-Improvisation, Chamber-Jazz, Spiritual Jazz

Vibes: Contemplative, Searching, Autumnal, Intimate, Elegant, Free, Spiritual, Meditative, Bittersweet, Mysterious, Hypnotic, Passionate, Pastoral

Instrumentation: Cello

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Solo, Instrumental, Sparse

Deux Filles – Silence & Wisdom

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

Arthur Russell – Iowa Dream

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

Julie Byrne – The Greater Wings

with Jake Falby, Alex Somers, Eric Littmann, Marilu Donovan, Jefre Cantu-Ledesma & Nadia Hulett

Style: Chamber-Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Ambient Pop, New Age

Vibes: Heartfelt, Reflective, Loving, Bittersweet, Mournful, Healing, Introspective, Compassionate, Observational, Poetic, Contemplative, Ethereal, Summer

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Soft, Lush, Orchestral

Instrumentation: Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Strings, Piano, Synthesizers, Harp, Modular Synthesizer

All Hands_Make Light – Darling the Dawn

“Secular hymns for anarchists”

Style: Drone-Pop, Shoegaze, Analogue Electronic, Post-Rock, Chamber-Punk

Vibes: Uplifting, Compassionate, Apocalyptic, Triumphant, Optimistic, Bright, Hypnotic, Bittersweet, Communal, Ethereal, Rebellious

Bob Dylan – Desire

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Progressive Country, Folk-Rock

Vibe: Angsty, Rebellious, Storytelling, Passionate, Energetic, Ragged, Bittersweet

Edith Frost – Telescopic

Styles: Dream-Country, Singer/Songwriter, Neo-Psychedelia

Moods: Longing, Conversational, Heartfelt, Bittersweet, Colorful, Lonely, Warm, Rural, Dreamy, Introspective, Melancholy, Psychedelic

Musical Qualities: Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Lyrical

Joni Mitchell & the L.A. Express – Miles of Aisles

Styles: Singer/Songwriter, Folk-Pop, Jazz-Rock

Moods: Reflective, Poetic, Bittersweet, Romantic, Warm, Playful, Sentimental, Energetic, Groovy, Passionate, Melancholy, Sunny

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Live, Melodic, Soft

Tom Rapp – Stardancer

Style: Folk-Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Acid Folk, Country-influenced

Moods: Autumnal, Moody, Sombre, Bittersweet, Conscious, Eclectic, Melancholy, Political, Mellow, Morning, Mournful, Retro, Psychedelic, Rebellious, Warm

Instrumentation: Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Flute, Piano, Organ, Dumbek, Bongos, Drums, Congas, Cello, Vibraphone, Harmonica, Banjo, Mandolin, Wind Chimes, Vocal Harmonies, Bells

The Velvet Underground

Style: Folk Rock, Art Rock, Pop Rock

Moods: Bittersweet, Breakup, Alienation, Melancholy, Urban, Autumnal, Mellow, Introspective, Depressive, Intimate, Love, Sombre, Lonely

Musical Qualities: Soft, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic

The Cure – A Head on the Door

Style: Gothic-Pop, Post-Punk

Moods: Moody, Bittersweet, Romantic, Depressive, Ethereal, Dramatic, Playful, Nocturnal, Longing, Psychedelic

Musical Qualities: Catchy, Chorus & Reverb Heavy, Atmospheric

The Avalanches – Since I Left You

Style: Collage Pop, Plunderphonics, Dance, Neo-Psychedelia, Turntablism

Moods: Summer, Playful, Uplifting, Bittersweet, Breakup, Tropical, Sunny, Warm, Romantic, Energetic

Musical Qualities: Sampling, Suite, Lush, Collage, Melodic, Rhythmic, Dense

Bola Sete – Ocean

Style: Guitar Soli, Brazilian Classical Music, Folk

Musical Qualities: Aquatic, Soothing, Meditative, Intricate, Mellow, Searching, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Instrumental, Soft, Technical, Solo

Instrumentation: Nylon String Guitar

Alex G – DSU

Styles: Slacker Rock, Neo-Psychedelia, Bedroom Pop, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Introspective, Bittersweet, Sentimental, Reflective, Kaleidoscopic, Warm, Melancholy, Intimate, Whimsical, Nostalgic, Eclectic, Heartfelt, Psychedelic, Summer, Existential

Musical Qualities: Catchy, Riffs, Home Recording, Melodic, Vocal Manipulation, Studio-as-an-Instrument

Jeff Buckley – Grace

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Art-Rock

Moods: Longing, Bittersweet, Passionate, Heartbreak, Angsty, Sentimental, Romantic, Introspective, Sensual, Existential, Poetic, Sad, Sombre

Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Lush, Melodic, Polished Production, Orchestral Arrangements, Gospel Background Vocals

Yo La tengo – Extra Painful

Style: Noise Pop, Dream Pop, Shoegaze

Moods: Bittersweet, Tender, Melancholy, Romantic, Nocturnal, Reflective, Sentimental, Warm, Driving, Hypnotic

Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Catchy, Atmospheric, Noisy, Soft, Fuzzy

Jimmy Campbell – Half Baked

Style: Baroque Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock

Moods: Lonely, Bittersweet, Introspective, Retro, Eclectic, Colorful, Loner

Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Lyrical, Orchestral

Albert Ayler – Revelations

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz

Moods: Ecstatic, Uplifting, Anthemic, Passionate, Energetic, Bittersweet, Cathartic, Chaotic, Cosmic, Flowing, Free, Heartfelt, Joyful, Kinetic, Love, Spiritual, Tender

Musical Qualities: Thematic, Collective Improvisation, Acoustic, Extended Technique, Live Performance

Neil Young with Crazy Horse – Zuma

Style: Folk-Rock, Singer-Songwriter

Moods: Sentimental, Break-Up, Bittersweet, Rebellious, Introspective, Messy, Passionate, Ragged, Melancholy

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Loose, Raw, Simple

Meg Baird – Furling

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Dream-Folk

Moods: Reflective, Flowing, Dreamy, Bittersweet, Melancholy, Pastoral, Mellow, Breezy, Haunting, Morning, Contemplative, Poetic, Peaceful, Soothing

Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Master and Everyone

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Folk

Moods: Tender, Intimate, Bittersweet, Autumnal, Reflective, Lonely, Poetic, Breakup, Conversational, Lethargic, Loner, Longing, Love, Melancholy, Mellow, Brooding, Pastoral

Musical Qualities: Soft, Sparse, Lyrical, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic

Neil Young – Neil Young

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Country-Rock

Moods: Longing, Introspective, Loner, Bittersweet, Romantic, Alienation, Rustic, Sentimental

Musical Qualities: Melodic, Lush, Polished, Orchestral Arrangements

Richard & Linda Thompson – Pour Down Like Silver

Style: British Folk-Rock, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Autumnal, Bittersweet, Energetic, Sentimental, Heartfelt, Storytelling, Romantic, Warm

Musical Qualities: Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Melodic

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Accordion, Fiddle, Flute, Shakuhachi, Trumpet

Norman Blake – Old and New

Style: Progressive Bluegrass, Folk, Americana

Moods: Rural, Rootsy, Sunny, Bittersweet, Energetic, Joyful, Storytelling, Summer, Warm

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Fiddle, Cello, Banjo, Dobro

Mickey Newbury – Heaven Help the Child

Style: SInger-Songwriter, Progressive Country, Chamber Folk

Moods: Reflective, Longing, Heartbreak, Autumnal, Contemplative, Melancholy, Bittersweet, Sentimental, Heartfelt, Lonely, Rainy

Musical Qualities: Lush, Suite, Lyrical, Orchestral, Melodic

Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – The Letting Go


Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk

Moods: Intimate, Romantic, Bittersweet, Reflective, Gentle, Winter, Poetic, Storytelling, Sombre, Longing, Soothing

Musical Qualities: Lush, Lyrical, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Orchestral Arrangements

Robert Wyatt – Ruth is Stranger Than Richard

Style: Canterbury Scene, Jazz-Rock, Progressive Pop

Moods: Surreal, Playful, Warm, Cryptic, Bittersweet, Eccentric, Imaginative, Meandering, Bright

Musical Qualities: Suite, Melodic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Progressive, Experimental Vocals

Instrumentation: Piano, Trumpet, Vocals, Electric Bass, Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Drums

Emmylou Harris – Pieces of the Sky

Style: Country, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Autumnal, Heartbreak, Longing, Sentimental, Tender, Rustic, Bittersweet, Introspective, Warm

Musical Qualities: Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Soft, Melodic

The Antlers – Familiars

Style: Chamber Pop, Ambient Pop

Moods: Sentimental, Bittersweet, Mellow, Reflective, Ethereal, Flowing, Dreamy, Passionate, Sad

Musical Qualities: Soft, Slow, Lush, Lyrical, Polished, Dynamic

Instrumentation: Synthesizers, Electric Guitar, Drums, Trumpet, Upright Bass, Fender Rhodes, Organ, Cello, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone

Jackie-O Motherfucker – Flags of the Sacred Harp

Style: Free-Folk, Weird Americana

Moods: Weary, Melancholy, Pastoral, Communal, Tender, Meandering, Bittersweet, Hopeful, Rustic, Haunting, Murky, Rainy, Sombre, Rootsy

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Vocal Harmonies, Droney, Thematic, Loose

Sharon Van Etten – Remind Me Tomorrow

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Synth Pop, Trip-Hop

Moods: Bittersweet, Sentimental, Warm, Romantic

Musical Qualities: Catchy, Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Polished Production

John Prine – Sweet Revenge

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Country-Rock

Moods: Bittersweet, Humorous, Storytelling, Twangy, Sunny, Road Trip, Playful, Poetic, Warm, Sentimental, Twangy

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lyrical, Background Gospel Singers, Vocal Harmonies, Melodic

Gram Parsons – GP

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Country, Cosmic American Music

Moods: Reflective, Heartbreak, Longing, Bittersweet, Sentimental, Twangy, Warm

Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Melodic, Lush, Soft

Willie Nelson – Spirit

Style: Outlaw Country, Singer/Songwriter, Flamenco-Influenced

Vibe: Tender, Breakup, Reflective, Patient, Personal, Lonely, Longing, Peaceful, Romantic, Bittersweet, Heartfelt, Intimate, Melancholy, Mellow, Sentimental, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Lyric-Driven, Chamber Arrangements

Alex G – God Save the Animals

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

Courtney Marie Andrews – Loose Future

Style: Americana, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Bittersweet, Road Trip, Warm, Reflective, Introspective, Breakup, Rustic

Recommended if you dig Gram Parsons, Edith Frost, or Neko Case

Joan Shelley – The Spur

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk

Moods: Reflective, Poetic, Intimate, Lonely, Loving, Wise, Compassionate, Tender, Soothing, Contemplative, Bittersweet, Rustic, Peaceful, Melancholy, Intricate, Pastoral

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Soft, Melodic

Jefre Cantu-Ledesma – A Year With 13 Moons

Distorted ghosts of past love and futures lost haunt the spaces between these woozy, blown-out guitar loops and the fragmented rhythms of decaying drums machines. Occasional bursts of noise tear through the sedating static of bittersweet nostalgia.

Joan Shelley – Over and Even

Style: Folk, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Morning, Reflective, Soothing, Gentle, Bittersweet, Warm, Mellow, Contemplative

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Soft, Vocal Harmonies, Melodic, Sparse, Polished Production

Instrumentation: Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Piano, Harmonium, Glockenspiel, Keyboards

Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions – Until the Hunter

Style: Ethereal Country, Psychedelic Folk, Slowcore, Singer-Songwriter, Dream Pop

Vibe: Enchanting, Dreamy, Hypnotic, Forest, Wistful, Brooding, Western, Nocturnal, Sensual, Lethargic, Soothing, Melancholy, Reflective, Autumnal, Ethereal, Desert, Romantic, Bittersweet, Spectral

Musical Qualities: Slow, Lush, Soft, Atmospheric, Vocal Harmonies, Lyrical

Instrumentation: Slide Guitar, Vibraphone, Keyboards, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Bass, Drums, Cello

Mickey Newbury – Better Days

Style: Country, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Bittersweet, Reflective, Breakup, Intimate, Introspective, Melancholy, Poetic, Sombre, Longing

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Sparse, Acoustic, Slow

Mickey Newbury – I Came to Hear the Music

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Progressive Country

Vibe: Introspective, Reflective, Heartfelt, Bittersweet, Longing, Lush, Warm, Soothing, Rustic, Tender, Sentimental, Spiritual, Contemplative, Intimate

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lyrical, Melodic, Orchestral, Polished, Background Vocals

Matt Sweeney & Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Superwolf

Style: Americana, Singer/Songwriter, Alt-Country, Slowcore

Vibe: Tender, Bittersweet, Stark, Cryptic, Storytelling, Melancholy, Lethargic, Poetic, Autumnal, Heartfelt, Mellow, Playful

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Soft, Sparse

Sathima Bea Benjamin – Windsong

Personnel: Sathima Bea Benjamin – Vocals; Kenny Barron – Piano; Buster Williams – Upright Bass; Billy Higgins – Drums

Style: Vocal Jazz, Spiritual Jazz, Ballads, Traditional

Vibe: Healing, Flowing, Warm, Airy, Spiritual, Soothing, Sombre, Heartfelt, Elegant, Uplifting, Bittersweet, Intimate, Morning, Peaceful, Reflective, Rootsy, Sentimental,

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Soft, Improvisation, Slow, Polished, Lyrical, Lush

Magnolia Electric Co. – Josephine

While Magnolia Electric Co’s final record is still tinged with the weariness & melancholy that pervades all of Jason Molina’s previous work, Josephine also feels imbued with vital life force, bittersweet romance, and hopefulness that make it uplifting despite the odds.

Recommended if you dig dobro & lap steel, ditch-trilogy Neil young, and autumnal contemplation

P.G. Six – Slightly Sorry

Style: Loner Folk, Weird Americana, Folk Rock, Singer Songwriter

Vibe: Peaceful, Melancholy, Reflective, Romantic, Gentle, Rustic, Warm, Autumnal, Bittersweet, Breezy, Contemplative, Lethargic, Mellow, Intertwined

Musical Qualities: Soft, Lush, Lyrical, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Atmospheric

Damon & Naomi – Within These Walls

Style: Chamber Folk, Slowcore, Dream Country

Vibe: Flowing, Lethargic, Peaceful, Dreamy, Melancholy, Elegant, Airy, Romantic, Bittersweet, Contemplative, Intertwined, Intimate, Mellow, Sentimental, Smooth, Soothing, Twangy

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Slow, Soft, Simple, Chamber Arrangements, Melodic

Leonard Cohen – New Skin for the Old Ceremony

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk

Vibe: Poetic, Bittersweet, Conversational, Sexual, Dry Humor, Brooding, Melancholy, Longing, Tender, Introspective, Breakup

Musical Qualities: Lush, Lyrical, Groovy, Dynamic

Instrumentation: Electric Bass, Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Backup Vocalists, Trombone, Jaw Harp, Woodwinds, Strings, Banjo, Mandolin, Trumpet, Drums, Percussion, Keyboards

Neko Case – Blacklisted

LP, Anti- Records, 2002 (2016, RE) Style: Gothic Americana, Alt-Country, Singer/Songwriter Vibe: Bittersweet, Rebellious, Haunting, Western, Passionate, Energetic, Longing, Anthemic, Breakup, Depressive, Heartfelt, Introspective, Twangy, Rustic, Sentimental

Hiss Golden Messenger – Terms of Surrender

Vibe: Contemplative, Tender, Soothing, Warm, Bittersweet, Rustic, Open, Pastoral, Light

Themes: Family, Existential, Spirituality, Love

Musical Qualities: Soft, Melodic, Vocal Harmonies, Atmospheric Production, Lyrical

Instrumentation: Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Banjo, Piano, Organ, Harmonica, Mandolin Synthesizer, Electric Bass, Lap Steel Slide Guitar, Omnichord, Drums, Percussion

Neko Case – Furnace Room Lullaby

Style: Alt-Country, Americana, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Bittersweet, Warm, Angsty, Rustic, Heartfelt, Confident, Passionate, Twangy, Love, Breakup, Reflective, Sentimental, Lush, Rootsy

Instrumentation: Electric & Acoustic Guitar, Lap Steel & Pedal Steel Slide Guitars, Fiddle, Electric & Upright Basses, Drums, Vocal Harmonies, Banjo, Mandolin, Organ, Accordion

Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Beware

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Loner Folk, Slowcore-Country

Vibes: Contemplative, Bittersweet, Warm, Loner, Mellow, Uplifting, Love, Break-up, Intimate, Heartfelt, Playful, Soothing, Intertwined

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Lyrical, Vocal Harmonies

Mess Esque – Mess Esque

Style: Slowcore, Post-Rock, Progressive Songwriter

Vibe: Oceanic, Ethereal, Unstable, Intimate, Bittersweet, Tamed Wilderness, Reflective, Gentle, Exploratory, Hypnotic, Pastoral, Poetic

Spellling – The Turning Wheel

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

Spirit of the Beehive – Entertainment, Death

Style: Noise Pop, Glitch Pop, Neo-Psychedelia, Hyper Dream Pop, Shoegaze

Vibe: Disorienting, Woozy, Messy, Dreamy, Futuristic, Chaotic, Surreal, Dystopian, Cryptic, Alienation, Bittersweet, Colorful, Energetic, Washy, Urban,

Musical Qualities: Noisy, Dense, Catchy, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Vocal Manipulation, Suite, Melodic, Progressive

Yo La Tengo – Electr-O-Pura

Style: Noise Pop, Shoegaze, Indie Rock

Vibe: Autumnal, Nocturnal, Intimate, Heartfelt, Bittersweet, Eclectic, Sentimental, Romantic, Raw, Reflective

Musical Qualities: Loose, Melodic, Noisy, Driving, Jammy, Vocal Harmonies

Neil Young – On the Beach

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Ditch Americana, Country Rock, Folk Rock

Moods: Loner, Introspective, Melancholy, Alienation, Bittersweet, Apocalyptic, Depressive, Lonely, Sombre, Rebellious

Meg Baird – Don’t Weight Down the Light

Style: Psychedelic Folk, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Flowing, Dreamy, Nocturnal, Mellow, Soothing, Introspective, Haunting, Pastoral, Airy, Ethereal, Intimate Bittersweet, Melancholy, Contemplative, Loner, Peaceful, Soft

Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Lush, Melodic, Sparse, Reverb

David Crosby – If Only I Could Remember My Name…

Style: Folk Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Cosmic Americana

Vibe: Dreamy, Hippy, Longing, Bittersweet, Airy, Autumnal, Warm, Loose, Peaceful, Ethereal, Introspective, Psychedelic, Hypnotic, Mellow, Meandering, Stoned, Communal

Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Heavy Reverb, Jams

Bill Orcutt – Odds Against Tomorrow

Style: American Primitvism, Ambient Blues, Solo Electric Guitar

Vibe: Meditative, Longing, Spiritual, Pastoral, Loose, Kinetic

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Dissonance, Instrumental, Sparse

Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson

Style: Jazz-Funk, Soul Jazz

Vibe: Conscious, Empathetic, Passionate, Groovy, Liberation, Political, Energetic, Warm, Bittersweet, Sunny

Musical Qualities: Percussive, Lush, Polished, Rhythmic, Lyrical, Improvised Sections

Swamp Dogg – Rat On!

Style: Country-Soul, Funk

Vibe: Anthemic, Bittersweet, Triumphant, Political, Satirical, Playful, Groovy, Sunny, Conscious, Heartfelt, Warm, Sentimental, Rebellious, Philosophical

Musical Qualities: Lush, Rhythmic, Polished, Melodic, Lyrical

Jessica Pratt – Quiet Signs

Style: Chamber Folk, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Mellow, Morning, Soothing, Bittersweet, Warm, Introspective, Ethereal

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Soft

Bonnie Prince Billy – Ask Forgiveness

Bonnie covers Björk, Mickey Newbury, Danzig, R. Kelly and others with help from Espers’ Meg Baird & Greg Weeks

Style: Folk, Slowcore, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Introspective, Morning, Melancholy, Existential, Bittersweet

Musical Qualities: Covers, Vocal Harmonies, Sparse, Soft, Acoustic

Papa M – Whatever, Mortal

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Slowcore, Americana

Vibe: Apathetic, Bittersweet, Breakup, Contemplative, Depressive, Humorous, Intimate, Lethargic, Loner, Love, Melancholy, Mellow, Moody, Personal, Rootsy

Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Sparse, Simple

Gil Scott-Heron – Pieces of a Man

Style: Soul Jazz, Singer/Songwriter, Jazz-Funk

Vibe: Conscious, Bittersweet, Political, Uplifting, Sunny, Warm, Urban, Sombre, Poetic, Contemplative, Observant, Passionate, Determined, Confident

Musical Qualities: Groovy, Lush, Spoken Word, Technical

Hiss Golden Messenger – Quietly Blowing It

Style: Country-Soul, Singer/Songwriter, Americana

Vibe: Uplifting, Bittersweet, Introspective, Political, Rural, Mellow, Warm

Musical Qualities: Lush, Groovy, Melodic, Anthemic, Polished, Lyrical

Yves Jarvis – The Same but by Different Means

Style: Psychedelic Gospel Folk, Bedroom Soul, Experimental Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Woozy, Imaginative, Cryptic, Warm, Ethereal, Stoned

Musical Attributes: Lo-fi, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Vocal Harmonies, Vocal Manipulation, Eclectic, Collage

Jim O’Rourke – Simple Songs

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Pop, Progressive Pop

Vibe: Playful, Bittersweet, Satirical, Catchy

Musical Attributes: Lush, Progressive, Melodic, Lyrical, Polished

Califone – All My Friends Are Funeral Singers

Style: New Weird America, Alt-Country, Psychedelic Americana, Chamber Folk

Vibe: Rustic, Rootsy, Bittersweet, Psychedelic

Musical Attributes: Chamber, Percussive, Studio-as-an-instrument, Rhythmic, Electro-Acoustic, Loops

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Vocals, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Fiddle, Mallet Percussion, Horns, Electronic Percussion, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Piano

J Dilla – Donuts

Style: Instrumental Hip-Hop, Plunderphonics

Vibe: Bittersweet, Groovy, Heartfelt, Love, Warm, Lush

Musical Attributes: Sampling, Vignettes, Loops, Sound Collage, Rhythmic, Repetitive

Lonnie Holley – Mith

Style: Experimental Singer-Songwriter, Soul Blues, Psychedelic Soul

Vibe: Imaginative, Bluesy, Cathartic, Conscious, Cosmic, Spiritual, Heartfelt, Passionate, Psychedelic, Rootsy, Bittersweet, Poetic

Lyrical Themes: Existential, Afro-Futurism, History, Racism, Reflective

Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Lyrical, Improvisation, Raw, Studio-as-an-Instrument

Instrumentation: Vocals, Piano, Synthesizers, Keyboards, Saxophone, Trombone, Percussion

The Microphones – The Glow Pt. 2

Style: Lo-Fi, Experimental Singer/Songwriter, Loner Folk
Vibe: Heartfelt, Imaginative, Introspective, Nature, Intimate, Loner, Bittersweet, Depressive, Psychedelic, Raw, Lonely
Lyrical Themes: Existential, Alienation, Breakup, Philosophical, Poetic, Personal, Death
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Noisy, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Analogue Recording, lo-fi, Distorted

Paul de Jong – IF

Style: Collage Pop, Glitch-Folk, Plunderphonics

Vibe: Bittersweet, Warm, Eclectic

Musical Attributes: Sampling, Electro-Acoustic

Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson – Bridges

Style: Soul, Jazz-Funk, Singer-Songwriter

Vibe: Conscious, Groovy, Lush, Lyrical, Passionate, Philosophical, Political, Sunny, Triumphant, Uplifting, Urban, Accessible, Bittersweet, Catchy, Confident

Alex G – Beach Music

Listening to Alex G, one might imagine a young alien sitting alone in his martian bedroom baring his angsty, teenage confessions to his 4-track tape recorder. Yet, at the core of his music, underneath layers of psychedelic guitars, weird pitch-shifted vocals, and occasional lo-fi hiss, lies some genius pop songs that feel simultaneously adolescent and mature.

Recommended for fans of lo-fi experimentation and bedroom pop. Alex seems to pull influences from all over and channel them through his own unique personality and penchant for odd, psychedelic production. Recalls Elliot Smith’s loner acoustic songwriting and drum machines pulled from 80?s pop songs; there’s even a fucked up jazz piano ballad thrown into the mix.

James Blake – The Colour in Anything

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  

Yo La Tengo – Fade [Deluxe Edition]

Released in 2013 on Matador Records Format: LP + 7″ The bonus 7″ features covers of Todd Rundgren’s “I Saw the Light” and Times New Viking’s “Move to California”