Style: Ambient Blues, Solo Electric Guitar
Vibe: Longing, Soothing, Nocturnal, Impressionistic, Lonely, Meditative, Melancholy, Suspenseful,
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Improvisation (solo), Atmospheric, Instrumental, Lo-fi
Loren Connors – Blues: The “Dark Paintings” of Mark Rothko Read More »
Style: Kosmische Musik, Progressive Electronic, Space Ambient, New Age
Vibe: Meditative, Cosmic, Soothing, Hypnotic, Spacey, Peaceful, Ethereal, Futuristic
Musical Qualities: Instrumental, Minimalistic, Polished, Repetitive
Instrumentation: Synthesizers, Electric Guitar, Keyboard, Loops
Ash Ra Tempel – New Age of Earth Read More »
Style: Space Rock, Heavy Psych, Prog
Vibes: Epic, Triumphant, Apocalyptic, Driving, Fuzzy, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Psychedelic, Riffs, Spacey
Hawkwind – Warrior on the Edge of Time Read More »
Style: Progressive Rock, Jazz-Rock, Chamber Music
Vibe: Pastoral, Mythical, Mysterious, Epic, Bombastic, Mellow, Aquatic, Dreamy
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Progressive, Complex, Improvisation, Uncommon Time Signatures
Instrumentation: Electric Guitar, Mellotron, Saxophones, Flute, Piano, Drums, Electric Bass, Upright Bass, Cornet, Oboe
King Crimson – Islands Read More »
Style: Jazz-Rock, Prog, Kosmische, Psychedelic Jazz, Space Rock
Vibe: Exploratory, Triumphant, Adventurous, Cosmic, Epic, Groovy, Spacey, Playful, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Complex, Improvisation, Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Progressive, Raga, Technical
Instrumentation: Saxophones (Soprano & Alto), Flutes, Nadaswaram, Mallet Percussion (Vibraphone, Marimba, Hammered Dulcimer), Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Drums, Percussion, Saz, Keyboards (Piano, Fender Rhodes, Clavinet)
Embryo – We Keep On Read More »
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
Meg Baird – Don’t Weight Down the Light Read More »
Style: Drone, Free Improvisation, Ambient
Vibe: Suspenseful, Haunting, Murky, Mysterious, Meditative, Responsive, Noir
Musical Qualities: Lo-Fi, Improvisation, Noisy, Atmospheric, Heavy Reverb
Loren Mazzacane Conners & Daniel Carter – The Departing of a Dream Volume VII Read More »
Style: American Primitvism, Ambient Blues, Solo Electric Guitar
Vibe: Meditative, Longing, Spiritual, Pastoral, Loose, Kinetic
Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Dissonance, Instrumental, Sparse
Bill Orcutt – Odds Against Tomorrow Read More »
Style: Tape Music, Drone, Ambient
Vibe: Meditative, Dreamy, Quiet Catharsis, Alien, Mysterious, Contemplative, Hypnotic, Mellow, Cosmic
Musical Qualities: Loops, Atmospheric, Repetition, Instrumental, Droney, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Progressive, Improvisation
Fripp & Eno – (No Pussyfooting) Read More »
Personnel:
David Grubbs (Electric Guitar, Vocals)
Rob Mazurek (Piccolo Trumpet, Electronics, Wooden Flute, Percussion, Voice)
Mats Gustafsson (Flute, Fluteophone, Baritone Saxophone, Live Electronics)
Style: Electroacoustic Improvisation, Future Jazz, Experimental Songwriter (B1,
Vibe: Suspenseful, Futuristic, Abstract, Spacious, Cerebral, Eclectic, Exploratory, Open, Patient, Cathartic, Ritualistic
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Electro-Acoustic, Percussive, Noise, Atonality, Dissonance, Dynamic, Live, Atmospheric
The Underflow – Instant Opaque Evening Read More »
Style: Experimental Rock, Totalism, Math Rock, Tishoumaren-Influenced
Vibe: Anxious, Complex, Energetic, Exploratory, Hypnotic, Disorienting
Musical Qualities: Instrumental, Microtonal, Odd Time Signatures, Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Repetitive, Minimalistic, Technical, Drones, Glitchy, Dissonant
Horse Lords – Interventions 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: Prog-Pop, Canterbury Scene, Space Rock, Jazz-Rock
Vibe: Playful, Aquatic, Mystical, Adventure, Spacey, Hypnotic, Sunny, Energetic, Triumphant, Colorful, Conceptual
Musical Qualities: Progressive, Groovy, Technical, Polyphonic, Suite, Melodic, Riffs, Atmospheric, Jams
Steve Hillage – Fish Rising Read More »
Style: Art-Rock, Progressive Songwriter, Trip-Hop, Post-Punk
Vibe: Brooding, Woozy, Grimey, Nocturnal, Angsty, Introspective, Surreal, Shadowy
King Krule – Man Alive! Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Slowcore
Vibe: Lament, Depressive, Intimate, Lonely, Rustic, Mournful, Dark
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Lyrical
Instrumentation: Voice, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Organ, Cello
Jason Molina – Eight Gates Read More »
Style: Jazz-Rock, Abstract Groove, Free Fusion
Vibe: Menacing, Driving, Fuzzy, Complex, Adventurous, Energetic
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Modal, Rhythmic
Instrumentation: Drums, Electric Guitar w/ Fuzz & Fx, Upright Bass
João Lobo – Simorgh 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: Country-Rock, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Raw, Heartfelt, Sentimental, Mourning, Drunk, Reflective
Musical Qualities: Loose, Vocal Harmonies
Neil Young – Tonight’s the Night Read More »
Style: Atmospheric Jazz, Jazz Fusion
Vibe: Airy, Ethereal, Open, Adventurous, Triumphant
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Instrumental, Technical, Atmospheric
John Abercrombie, Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette – Gateway 2 Read More »
Style: Space Rock, Stoner-Prog, Heavy Psych
Vibe: Rebellious, Heavy, Driving, Spacey, Sci-Fi, Triumphant, Confident, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Fuzzy, Riffs, Progressive
Hawkwind – Hall of the Mountain Grill Read More »
Style: Dark Ambient, Free Improvisation, Ambient Blues
Vibe: Murky, Meditative, Washy, Haunting, Suspenseful, Mysterious, Ethereal
Musical Attributes: Solo Electric Guitar Improvisation, Sparse, Atmospheric, Slow, Lo-fi
Loren Connors – Beautiful Dreamer (for Steve Dalachinksy) 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: Psychedelic Jazz, Jam Band, Post-Minimalism, Free Rock
Influences: Tishoumaren, Free Jazz, Kosmische Musik, Minimalism
Vibe: Hypnotic, Communal, Psychedelic, Earthy
Musical Attributes: Collective Thematic Improvisation, Live, Loose, Microtonal, Odd Time Signatures, Repetitive, Percussive
75 Dollar Bill – Live at Tubby’s Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Jam Band
Vibe: Bluesy, Cosmic, Meandering, Pastoral, Rustic
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Riffs
Style: Free Rock, Experimental Rock
Vibe: Triumphant, Complex, Exploratory, Dynamic, Energetic, Cathartic, Loose, Fluid
Musical Attributes: Instrumental, Improvisation, Modal, Melodic
Chris Corsano & Bill Orcutt – Made Out of Sound Read More »
Style: Tishoumaren, Desert Blues, Psych
Vibe: Hypnotic, Desert, Groovy, Energetic, Warm, Uplifting, Conscious, Passionate, Psychedelic
Mdou Moctar – Afrique Victime Read More »
Style: Avant Jazz-Funk, Abstract Groove
Vibe: Eccentric, Energetic, Groovy, Angular, Sunny, Triumphant
Musical Attributes: Dissonant, Experimental Vocals, Improvisation, Rhythmic, Polished Production
Sonny & Linda Sharrock – Paradise Read More »
Style: Progressive Acid-Folk, Ritual-Folk, Psych
Moods: Sombre, Earthy, Ritualistic, Psychedelic, Brooding, Exploratory, Mysterious, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Acoustic, Percussive, Rhythmic, Complex, Dynamic
Osamu Kitajima – Benzaiten Read More »
Style: Slacker Rock, Indie
Vibe: Existential, Catchy, Angsty, Contemplative, Depressive, Spring
Built to Spill – Keep It like a Secret Read More »
Style: Ambient
Vibe: Enveloping, Intricate, Reflective
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Melodic, Sampling, Tape Hiss, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Looping
fightmaster – quiet for quiet Read More »
Style: Spiritual Jazz Fusion, Orchestral Jazz
Vibe: Cosmic, Epic, Religious (Hindu), Mysterious, Complex, Passionate, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Technical, Orchestral
Turiya Alice Coltrane & Devadip Carlos Santana – Illuminations Read More »
Style: Jazz Fusion
Vibe: Angular, Complex, Energetic, Triumphant,
Musical Attriubtes: Improvisation, Instrumental, Progressive, Riffs, Technical
Musicians: Larry Corryell, John McLaughlin, Chick Corea, Miroslav Vitous, Billy Cobham
Larry Coryell – Spaces Read More »
Style: Heavy Metal, Stoner Rock, Doom
Vibe: Heavy, Fuzzy, Anthemic, Dark, Ominous, Paranoid, Rebellious, Riffs, Stoned, Confident
Themes: Alienation, War, Political, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Black Sabbath – Paranoid 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: Psych / Prog / Experimental Rock
Vibe: Bombastic, Hallucinogenic, Chaotic, Energetic, Psychedelic
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Dense, Complex, Rhythmic, Riffs, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Technical, Odd Time Signatures
Omar Rodriguez Lopez – Old Money Read More »
Style: Abstract Groove, Jazz Fusion, Raga Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz, Ambient Jazz
Vibe: Exploratory, Abstract, Mysterious, Chaotic, Hypnotic, Psychedelic, Suspenseful
Musical Attributes: Collective Improvisation, Polyrhythmic, Rhythmic, Dense, Complex, Polyphonic
Featuring Dave Holland, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Bennie Maupin, Jack DeJohnette, Chick Corea, Joe Zawinul, Airto Moreira and others
Miles Davis – Double Image Read More »
Style: Jazz Fusion, Future Jazz, Post-Rock
Vibe: Forest, Knotty, Intricate, Nature, Impressionistic, Mysterious
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Modal
[Click for album overview, listening links, and more information]
David Lord – Forest Standards, Vol. 2 Read More »
Style: Creative Music, Electro-Jazz, Fusion
Vibe: Warm, Colorful, Eclectic, Uplifting
Musical Attributes: Improvisation (Thematic), Melodic, Instrumental, Technical, Percussive
Chicago Underground Quartet – Good Days Read More »
Style: Free Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz
Vibe: Triumphant, Energetic, Epic, Exploratory, Loose, Spiritual, Suspenseful, Angular, Chaotic
Musical Attributes: Polyphonic, Progressive, Complex, Dissonant, Dynamic, Technical, Acoustic, Improvisation (Collective, Thematic), Instrumental
The free-form psychedelia and tribal “group therapy” of Sunburned Hand of the Man are in great hands with producer Kieran Hebden (Four Tet)—his dubs and cuts transform their usually lo-fi, meandering jams into something much more immediate, without losing any of their exploratory and spontaneous energy. Recommended for fans of polyrhythmic Afro-inspired percussion, dubbed out production, communal sound rituals, and dense psychedelia.
Sunburned Hand of the Man – Fire Escape Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Shoegaze, Slowcore
Vibe: Cinematic, Moody, Contemplative, Focused, Fuzzy, Melancholy, Sombre, Cathartic
Musical Attributes: Dynamic, Melodic, Noisy, Repetitive, Slow, Atmospheric, Polyphonic
Mogwai – Mr. Beast Read More »
Style: Math Rock, Art Rock
Vibe: Angsty, Complex, Cryptic, Moody, Surreal,
Musical Attributes: Odd Time Signatures, Dissonant, Lyrical
90 Day Men – To Everybody: Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Funk
Vibe: Apocalyptic, Communal, Cryptic, Earthy, Energetic, Epic, Groovy, Heavy, Philosophical, Playful, Political, Psychedelic, Riffs, Stoned, Eclectic
Funkadelic – Maggot Brain Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Soul, Psychedelic Funk, R&B
Vibe: Confident, Conscious, Sensual, Sexy, Romantic, Groovy, Headphone Album
Musical Attributes: Rhythmic, Lush, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Technical
Released in 1979 on ECM Records Recorded June, 1978 Format: LP
Terje Rypdal / Miroslav Vitous / Jack DeJohnette Read More »
Style: Organic Beat Music, Jazz Fusion, Future Soul-Jazz
Vibe: Warm, Personal, Groovy, Breezy, Colorful, Eclectic, Comforting
Musical Qualities: Loops, Sampling, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Improvisation, Melodic, Rhythmic
Jeff Parker & the New Breed – Suite for Max Brown Read More »
Style: Celtic New Age, Symphonic Prog
Vibe: Ethereal, Medieval, Spring, Mellow, Meditative, Rainy, Soothing, Cinematic, Eclectic, Epic, Pastoral
Musical Qualities: Suite, Orchestral, Lush, Atmospheric, Progressive, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Instrumentation: harp, electric guitar, acoustic bass, electric bass, bagpipe, uilleann pipes, acoustic guitar, 12-string guitar, classical guitar, mandolin, bodhran, bouzouki, banjo, spinet, piano, Organ, synthesizer, glockenspiel, percussion, choral vocals, brass, tympani, drums, percussion
Mike Oldfield – Ommadawn Read More »
Style: Drone-Rock, Experimental Rock
Influences: Dark Ambient, Psych Rock, Kosmische, Noise, Drone-Metal
Vibe: Shadowy, Ominous, Brooding, Dark, Driving, Haunting, Hypnotic, Mysterious, Exploratory, Nocturnal, Hallucinogenic
Musical Attributes: Studio-as-an-instrument, Dissonant, Droney
Ambarchi / O’Malley / Dunn – Shade Themes from Kairos Read More »
Fontanelle’s Vitamin F feels heavily indebted to the dense, psychedelic grooves of Bitches Brew and the Mwandishi albums, and while it doesn’t quite reach the majestic heights of those legendary records, it’s definitely a worthwhile slab of wax for fans of polyrhythmic funk, winding improvisations, and spacey keyboard atmospheres.
Fontanelle – Vitamin F Read More »
The second Radio Gnome transmission finds Zero the Hero astral projecting to PlanetGong where he meets with Selene the Moon Goddess and the Octave Doctors to learn the infinite powers of their lovewisdom vibrations. This psychedelic journey brings together fantastical imagery of pothead pixies and flying teapots (and a dose of hippy hedonism) with heady spiritual concepts delivered in a quite fun and silly way, but even before digging into the concept I was immediately grabbed by their unique style spacey jazz-rock with its propulsive bass lines, immersive synthesizer atmospheres and serpentine soprano sax soloing.
Gong – Angel’s Egg (Radio Gnome Invisible Part 2) Read More »
Style: Free Folk, American Primitive Guitar, Poly-Free Improvisation, Experimental Rock
Vibe: Contemplative, Pastoral, Loner, Moody, Melancholy, Mellow, Abstract, Eerie
Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Complex, Electro-Acoustic
David Grubbs – Prismrose Read More »
Released in 1984 on Rift Records Format: LP
Skeleton Crew – Learn to Talk Read More »
Released in 1983 on Columbia Records Format: LP
James Blood Ulmer – Odyssey Read More »
Released in 2019 on Constellation Records Format: LP
Matana Roberts – Coin Coin Chapter Four: Memphis Read More »
Released in 2014 on RVNG International Format: LP
The Body – I Shall Die Here Read More »
Innovative guitarist and producer Dave Harrington (Darkside) uses his latest record to explore the outer reaches of improvisation and compositional post-production. Pure Imagination, No Country is jazz-rock fusion stripped of its retro connotations—fusing hard grooves, free flights of collective improvisation, and futuristic ambience to create something that is at turns atmospheric and in your face.
Recommended for fans of Bill Frisell, Terje Rypdal, or Jaga Jazzist
Dave Harrington Group – Pure Imagination, No Country Read More »
Originally released in 2004 on Relapse Records 2014 pressing on Oxblood vinyl Format: LP
Mastodon – Leviathan Read More »
Released in 2003 on Drag City Recorded in 2000 Format: LP
Loose Fur – Loose Fur Read More »
Released in 2005 on Thrill Jockey Records Recorded 2004 Format: LP
Jeff Parker – The Relatives Read More »
Originally released in 2000 on Epic Records 2010 Repress Format: LPx2
Modest Mouse – The Moon & Antarctica Read More »
Released in 1982 on Mango Records Format: LP
King Sunny Adé and His African Bears – Juju Music Read More »
Released in 2019 on Thrill Jockey Records Format: LP Limited pink vinyl
Sarah Louise – Nighttime Birds and Morning Stars Read More »
Released in 1974 on Atlantic Records Format: LP
King Crimson – Starless and Bible Black Read More »
Released in 2013 on Matador Records Format: LPx2, 45rpm
Darkside – Psychic Read More »
Style: Progressive Rock, Hard Rock, Blues Rock, Folk Rock
Moods: Confident, Mystical, Epic, Hedonistic, Passionate, Masculine, Triumphant, Eclectic
Musical Qualities: Riffs, Rhythmic, Progressive, Dense, Heavy, Dynamic
Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti Read More »
Style: ECM-Jazz, Solo Guitar
Vibes: Ethereal, Mysterious, Airy, Mellow, Soothing, Contemplative, Suspenseful
John Abercrombie – Characters Read More »
Album Information: Released in 2017 on Blue Chopsticks Records (Imprint of Drag City Records) Eli Keszler – Drums, Percussion (Tracks 1,2,4) Jan St. Werner – Electronics (1,4) Nate Woolley – Trumpet (1,2,4,6,7) Recorded by Mitch Rackin at the Seaside Lounge, Brooklyn, Jan-Mar 2017 Mastered by Douglas Henderson Cover Art: Albert Oehlen Back Photo: Tom Van
David Grubbs – Creep Mission Read More »
“Classic creative bop melodies and golden era beat memories woven into a vibrant new thread of psychedelic soul jazz”
Jeff Parker – The New Breed Read More »
Godspeed’s last album before their 10 year hiatus was produced by the legendary Steve Albini, resulting in what might be their heaviest and most direct album to date. Coming off the heels of September 11th, Yanqui U.X.O. seems to be a reaction against the ramped up military-industrial complex and its promotion of fear and xenophobia, as well as protesting Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. The back cover even goes as far as connecting each major record label to some type of weapons manufacturer.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor – Yanqui U.X.O. Read More »
Jazz Fusion-inflected Folk Rock with poetic lyricism, ethereal atmospheres, spacey synths, and a lot of fretless bass.
Joni Mitchell – The Hissing of Summer Lawns Read More »
