Styles: Appalachian Folk, Old-Time, American Primitivism, Drone Folk Vibes/Moods: bittersweet, dreamy, compassionate, contemplative, hypnotic, intertwined, introspective, journeying, meditative, nature, pastoral, ritualistic, rootsy, rural, sunny, warm, birds
Magic Tuber String Band – When Sorrows Encompass Me ‘Round Read More »
Style: Progressive Country
Vibes: Heartfelt, Reflective, Longing, Passionate, Bittersweet, Twangy, Energetic, Lonely, Love
Musical Qualities: Lush, Polished, Vocal Harmonies, Melodic
Emmylou Harris – Luxury Liner Read More »
Produced by Sam Gendel
Style: Dream Folk
Vibes: Ethereal, Contemplative, Weary, Bittersweet, Eclectic, Restrained, Pastoral, Open, Journeying , Retro-Futuristic
Sam Amidon – Salt River Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk
Vibes: Brooding, Bitter, Poetic, Winter, Intimate, Angsty, Cold, Dark, Depressive, Existential, Introspective, Lonely, Melancholy, Misanthropic, Pessimistic, Sombre
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Acoustic, Orchestral, Soft, Simple, Sparse
Leonard Cohen – Songs of Love and Hate Read More »
with Richard Thompson, Ashley Hutchings, Barry Dransfield, Simon Nicol, The Watersons, Lol Coxhill, Dolly Collins, etc…
Vibes: Bittersweet, Rootsy, Communal, Folklore, Pastoral, Passionate, Intertwined, Storytelling, Medieval, Rootsy, Poetic, Energetic, Warm
Style: English Folk, British Folk Rock
Shirley Collins and the Albion Country Band – No Roses Read More »
Classic holiday traditionals and originals in a lush and soulful gospel-country style. Also includes “The Sounding Joy” 12″, featuring psychedelic and atmospheric dub versions for 6 of the tracks.
Hiss Golden Messenger – O Come All Ye Faithful / The Sounding Joy Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Dream Folk, Alt-Country
Vibes: Reflective, Dreamy, Introspective, Soothing, Bittersweet, Confident, Sunny, Observational
Musical Qualities: Lush, Lyrical, Soft, Catchy, Polished
Edith Frost – In Space Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Cosmic Americana, New Age, Post-Minimalism
Vibes: Ethereal, Uplifting, Reflective, Existential, Cosmic, Heartfelt, Spiritual, Triumphant, Futuristic, Bright
Andrew Weathers Ensemble – Build a mountain Where Our Bodies Fall Read More »
Style: Avant-Garde Hillbilly Music, Backporch Minimalism, Avant-Folk
Vibes: Hypnotic, Twangy, Raw, Rootsy, Rural, Deconstructed, Ecstatic, Energetic, Exploratory, Eccentric, Meandering, Playful, Psychedelic
Henry Flynt – Back Porch Hillbilly Blues Volume 1 & 2 Read More »
Style: Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Weird Americana
Vibes: Laidback, Reflective, Road Trip, Warm, Haunting, Compassionate, Pastoral, Rootsy, Playful, Bittersweet, Peaceful, Raw
Michael Hurley – Ancestral Swamp Read More »
Style: Free Folk, American Primitivism
Vibes: Sunny, Uplifting, Pastoral, Morning, Rootsy, Spiritual, Warm, Communal
Instrumentation: Banjo, Cello, Fiddle, Harmonium, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Cigar Box, Sruti Box
Friends of the Road – Sunseekin’ Blues Read More »
Style: Glitch-Folk, Collage Folk, American Primitivism, Ambient Americana
Vibes: Apocalyptic, Pastoral, Hypnotic, Reflective, Sombre, Ominous, Meditative
Themes: Ecology, Weather Events, Climate Breakdown, Political
Daniel Bachman – Almanac Behind Read More »
Style: Appalachian Folk, American Primitivism
Vibes: Spiritual, Rootsy, Rural, Warm, Uplifting, Triumphant, Devotional, Spring
Joseph Allred – Branches and Leaves 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 »
featuring Patrick Shiroishi, Jen Powers, Matthew J. Rolin, Magic Tuber String Band, Mikey Allred, Matt Johnson, Michael Pierce, Anthony Ford, Chris Davis
Style: New Age, Kosmische Folk, Ambient Americana
Vibes: Meditative, Nocturnal, Soothing, Cosmic, Ethereal, Contemplative, Surreal, Pastoral
Joseph Allred – What Strange Flowers Grow in the Shade Read More »
LPx2, Archival, Superior Viaduct, 2001 / 2013 Recorded 1975-1979 Style: Weird Americana, “Cowboy Raga”, Old-Time, Celestial Boogie, Back-porch Minimalism Vibes: Hypnotic, Warm, Rural, Summer, Energetic, Groovy, Playful, Psychedelic, Rootsy, Ecstatic Instrumentation: Fiddle, Tapes, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Saxophone, Drums Musical Qualities: Droney, Instrumental, Improvisation, Minimalistic, Modal, Repetitive Graduation by Henry Flynt
Henry Flynt – Graduation Read More »
Style: Avant-Folk, Ambient Americana, Free-Folk, American Primitivism
Vibes: Meditative, Personal, Morning, Pastoral, Earthy, History, Hypnotic, Summer, Nature, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Collage, Electro-Acoustic, Glitchy, Suite, Vignettes, Instrumental, Sampling, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Atmospheric
Instrumentation: Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Mouthbow, Fiddle, Homemade Instruments, Harmonium, Bell
Daniel Bachman – When the Roses Come Again Read More »
Style: Irish Folk, Dark Folk, Avant-Folk, Acoustic Drone
Vibe: Haunting, Sombre, Rootsy, Storytelling, Ominous, Melancholy, Dark, Death, Intense, Ritualistic, Spiritual
Lankum – False Lankum Read More »
Style: Progressive Bluegrass, Folk
Moods: Autumnal, Rural, Rootsy, Twangy, Warm, Melancholy
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Cello, Fiddle, Dobro, Mandolin
Norman Blake – The Fields of November Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Progressive Country, Folk-Rock
Vibe: Angsty, Rebellious, Storytelling, Passionate, Energetic, Ragged, Bittersweet
Bob Dylan – Desire Read More »
Style: Free Folk, Appalachian Dhrupad, Psychedelic Drone, American Primitive
Moods: Ritualistic, Meditative, Spiritual, Rural, Hallucinogenic, Eerie, Mysterious, Rootsy, Woods
Musical Qualities: Droney, Acoustic, Noisy, Dissonant, Improvisation
Instrumentation: Banjo, Hurdy Gurdy, Acoustic Guitar, Esraj, Tanpura, Bowls, Fiddle, Concertina, Chord Organ, Cymbals
This collective of experimental Seattle musicians perform back-porch seances on old-time jigs & folk tunes, half of which can be found in Alan Lomax’s Folk Songs of North America book. The ritualistic, droning dissonance of cello, banjo, harmonium, & fiddle recall Pelt, Henry Flynt, & Tongue Depressor. Despite an often haunting atmosphere, folksiness and camaraderie pervade the tape in the form of warm lo-fi sing-a-longs and friendly, candid banter between tracks. The original social function of the music lives eternally, a nonlinear communication with fellow travelers from the past, present, & future.
Friends of the Road – Now You Know Something Right Here and I’ll Tell You For a Fact Read More »
Style: Folk Rock, Folk Baroque, British Blues
Moods: Rootsy, Warm, Rural, Morning, Mellow
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Sitar, Upright Bass, Vocal Harmonies, Fiddle, Harmonica, Drums
John Renbourn – Faro Annie Read More »
Style: Americana, Singer/Songwriter, Alt-Country
Moods: Drifter, Surreal, Poetic, Twangy, Colorful, Eccentric, Sunny, Uplifting, Playful, Observational, Contemplative, Warm, Rural, Sentimental, Storytelling
Jim White – Waffles, Triangles & Jesus Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana
Moods: Observational, Peaceful, Reflective, Rustic, Mellow, Romantic, Joyful
Musical Qualities: Soft, Simple, Lush, Lyrical
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Saxophone, Upright Bass, Drums, Fiddle, Cello, Vocal Harmonies, Accordion
Jerry David DeCicca – The Unlikely Optimist and His Domestic Adventures Read More »
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
Richard & Linda Thompson – Pour Down Like Silver Read More »
Style: Progressive Bluegrass, Folk, Americana
Moods: Rural, Rootsy, Sunny, Bittersweet, Energetic, Joyful, Storytelling, Summer, Warm
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Fiddle, Cello, Banjo, Dobro
Norman Blake – Old and New Read More »
Style: Outsider Folk, Country Blues, Singer/Songwriter, Americana
Moods: Back Porch, Relaxed, Tender, Melancholy, Uplifting, Contemplative, Heartfelt, Eccentric, Introspective, Playful, Raw, Rootsy, Rural
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Home Recording, Sparse, Lo-Fi, Bluesy, Catchy
Michael Hurley & Pals – Armchair Boogie Read More »
Style: Weird Americana, Country-Psych
Moods: Back-porch, Rustic, Cryptic, Surreal, Lethargic, Pastoral, Impressionistic, Autumnal, Eclectic, Hypnotic, Meandering, Rootsy, Twangy, Sunny
Musical Qualities: Electro-acoustic, Repetitive, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Loops, Percussive, Improvisation
Califone – Quicksand/Cradlesnakes Read More »
Style: Country, Singer/Songwriter
Moods: Autumnal, Heartbreak, Longing, Sentimental, Tender, Rustic, Bittersweet, Introspective, Warm
Musical Qualities: Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Soft, Melodic
Emmylou Harris – Pieces of the Sky Read More »
Style: Appalachian Folk, Piedmont Blues
Vibe: Pastoral, Rootsy, Morning, Rustic, Bright, Spiritual, Warm, Passionate, Contemplative
Musical Qualities: Solo Instrumentals, Acoustic, Melodic, Sparse, Fingerstyle
Instruments: Fiddle, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Dulcimer, Harmonica
Instrumental Music of the Southern Appalachians Read More »
Style: British Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk, Celtic Folk
Moods: Morning, Tender, Bright, Reflective, Mellow, Romantic, Breezy, Spring
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Violin, Drums, Electric Bass, Mandolin, Drums, Percussion, Banjo, Harmonica
Bert Jansch – A Rare Conundrum Read More »
These ceremonial meanderings are the interrupted transmissions of campfire songs picked up by intergalactic satellites. Past and future collapse as old-timey banjo melodies fade into squiggly synthesizers and lo-fi electronics. Distant harmonicas sink behind thick fogs of ghostly whirring, while warped slide guitar, drone fiddle and echo percussion bubble through the folky primordial soup
The Futuristic Folk of The Tower Recordings [Vol. 1 & 2] Read More »
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
Willie Nelson – Spirit Read More »
Style: Country, Folk
Vibes: Melancholy, Desert, Western, Sombre, Lonely, Sad, Breezy, Peaceful, Dreamy
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Vocal Harmonies, Lush
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Dobro, Piano, Fiddle, Trombone, Saxophone, Sousaphone, Trumpet, Flute, Congas, Electric Bass
Hardin & Russell – Ring of Bone Read More »
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
Neko Case – Furnace Room Lullaby Read More »
Style: Americana, Country Soul, Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock
Vibe: Warm, Introspective, Existential, Rustic, Mystical, Reflective, Uplifting, Christian
Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Lyrical
Hiss Golden Messenger – Poor Moon Read More »
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
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Beware Read More »
Style: Mystical Americana, Free Folk, Post-Rock, Drone
Vibe: Haunting, Meandering, Rootsy, Rustic, Nocturnal, Mysterious, Deconstructed, Ragged, Communal, Murky, Abstract, Lethargic, Hallucinogenic, Raw
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Instrumental (except B1,C1), Loose, Lo-fi, Dynamic, Droney, Noisy, Group Vocals (B1), Harmonies (B1, C1)
Jackie-O Motherfucker – Fig 5. Read More »
Style: Free Folk, Mystical Americana, Post-Rock
Vibe: Ragged, Deconstructed, Rustic, Warm, Communal, Ritualistic, Messy, Raw, Triumphant, Mystical, Eerie
Musical Qualities: Group Vocals, Collective Improvisation, Acoustic, Loose, Lo-fi
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica, Vibraphone, Slide Guitar, Fiddle, Saxophone, Drums, Upright Bass
Jackie O Motherfucker – Change [Tour Edition] Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Drone, Free Folk
Vibe: Ritualistic, Hypnotic, Cathartic, Earthy, Psychedelic, Communal
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Drone, Improvisation, Live, Dissonant, Instrumental, Dynamic
Instrumentation: Piano, Fiddle, Harmonium, Gong, Bells, Singing Bowl, Percussion, Banjo
Pelt – Reticence / Resistance Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Folk, Drone Rock
Vibe: Passionate, Hypnotic, Weary, Cathartic, Rootsy, Sorrowful
Musical Qualities: Repetitive, Driving, Droney, Dynamic
The Body & Big | Brave – Leaving None but Small Birds Read More »
Style: Free Folk, Ecstatic Minimalism
Vibe: Ritualistic, Forest, Nocturnal, Haunting, Hallucinatory, Cautious, Exploratory
Musical Qualities: Loops, Repetitive, Dissonance, Drones, Slow, Electro-Acoustic
Instrumentation: Experimental Vocals, Harmonium, Flute, Spiked Fiddle, Banjo, Acoustic & Electric Guitars
Spires that in the Sunset Rise – Ancient Patience Wills It Again Part II Read More »
Style: Progressive Bluegrass, Americana, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Energetic, Heartfelt, Rootsy, Communal, Passionate, Sunny, Warm
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lyrical, Fast, Technical
Instrumentation: Mandolin, Fiddle, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Banjo, Upright Bass
Sturgill Simpson – Cuttin Grass – Vol. 2 (Cowboy Arms Sessions) Read More »
Style: New Weird Americana, Post-Modern Appalachia, Jazz-Folk
Vibe: Autumnal, Earthy, Imaginative, Lush, Morning, Peaceful, Rootsy, Rustic, Warm, Contemplative
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Melodic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Improvisation, Progressive, Lyrical
Instrumentation: Fiddle, Drums, Banjo, Vocals, Percussion, Saxophone, Acoustic Guitar, Drum Machine, Percussion, Electric Bass, Organ Synthesizers, Flute
Collaborators: Leo Abrahams, Shahzad Ismaily, Sam Gendel,
Milford Graves, Chris Vatalaro, James Sultan
Sam Amidon – The Following Mountain Read More »
Style: Irish Folk Music, Celtic Folk
Vibe: Rootsy, Passionate, Communal, Depressive, Rebellious, Triumphant
Musical Attributes: Vocal Harmonies, Droney, Acoustic
Lankum – Between the Earth and Sky Read More »
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
Califone – All My Friends Are Funeral Singers Read More »
The apocalyptic chamber-folk of Bethpage soundtracks multiple chapters of cryptic storytelling, mixing one’s darkest thoughts with religious imagery and allegory through banjo sing-alongs and haunting spoken word passages. The heavy climaxes are whirlwinds of bombastic drums, driving bass, fiddle, clarinet, and banjo that often recall the communal chamber-punk of Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra. While many tracks feel seeped in shadow and darkness, a heavenly light occasionally floods in through some truly serene and beautiful passages.
Human Behavior – Bethpage Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Folk Baroque, Country-Influenced
Vibes: Laid Back, Morning, Sunny, Peaceful, Pastoral, Loner
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Pedal Steel, Fiddle, Mandolin, Piano, Electric Bass, Drums
Bert Jansch – L.A. Turnaround Read More »
