Style: Art Pop, Chamber Folk
Vibe: Catchy, Eclectic, Groovy, Mellow, Soft, Soothing, Uplifting
Musical Attributes: Lush, Atmospheric, Complex, Polished
Sonic explorations and research from the outer groove
Style: Ethio-Jazz, Soul
Vibe: Heartfelt, Passionate, Uplifting
While the luminescent drones and angelic simulacra of Deepak Verbera expanded out into the cosmos, Botany’s newest LP feels more rooted in the soil of our material reality. The bass heavy beats and impassioned vocal samples inspire movement and action rather than contemplation alone, not to say the results aren’t heady. Rich tapestries of resonant acoustic instruments (harps, flutes, percussion, strings), woozy synths, and warm tape hiss are as intricate as ever and easy to lose (or find?) yourself in. Recommended to fans of Flying Lotus’ Until the Quiet Comes, Boards of Canada, and Alice Coltrane.
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
Style: Roots Reggae
Vibe: Warm, Sunny, Mellow, Groovy, Lush, Uplifting
Lyrics/Themes: Conscious, Political, Religious
Style: Spiritual Jazz, Black Liberation Music, Vocal Jazz
Vibe: Triumphant, Uplifting, Conscious, Groovy, Passionate, Poetic, Cathartic, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Dynamic, Acoustic, Progressive, Rhythmic, Technical, Melodic, Complex
Style: Psychedelic Funk, Conscious Hip-Hop, Soul
Vibe: Conscious, Groovy, Retro-Futuristic, Passionate, Philosophical, Political, Psychedelic, Uplifting, Urban, Eclectic
Musical Attributes: Groovy, Rhythmic, Lush, Melodic, Complex, Sampling, Lyrical
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
Originally released in 1971 on CjR Recorded December, 1970 Superior Viaduct Reissue (2019) Style: Free Funk, Free Jazz, Abstract Groove … More
One can only imagine how Ayler bringing more commercial styles like R&B, Rock, and Gospel into his avant-garde music messed with critics and fans alike when it came out—the way it looked like commercial pandering to the Free Jazz listeners but was probably still too weird for new listeners. It helps to remember that Ayler came from R&B and went straight to the Free Spiritual Jazz of the early 60s, making Jazz critics highly skeptical skeptical by not climbing the bebop ranks like Coltrane before plunging into freedom. On New Grass, Ayler really started to synthesize the spiritual elements of many forms of Great Black Music, making more accessible music not as a way of selling out, but a way of sharing his beautiful spiritual message and sound with a wider audience. Plus this thing has Bernard Purdie on drums so of course it slaps.
If you dig this LP, I think he succeeded in this sound direction even more on his following albums Love Cry and Music is the Healing Force of the Universe. Albert Ayler was a pure soul that left this world too soon, grateful for the gifts of music and wisdom he left behind.
Style: Art Rock, Funk
Vibe: Energetic, Groovy, Spacey, Alienation, Anxious, Catchy, Eccentric, Futuristic, Longing, Passionate, Rhythmic, Spacey, Confident,
Style: Soul, Funk Vibe: Bittersweet, Breakup, Groovy, Heartfelt, Smooth, Love, Lush, Romantic, Sensual
Style: Synth-Funk, Soul
Vibe: Conscious, Groovy, Political, Poetic, Spacey
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
Style: Dream Pop, Psych Rock
Vibe: Dreamy, Groovy, Psychedelic, Ethereal, Sensual, Love, Nocturnal
Style: Psychedelic Funk
Vibe: Triumphant, Energetic, Anthemic, Communal, Rebellious, Groovy, Sunny, Psychedelic, Powerful, Confident, Eclectic, Complex
Style: Soul, Jazz-Funk, Singer-Songwriter
Vibe: Conscious, Groovy, Lush, Lyrical, Passionate, Philosophical, Political, Sunny, Triumphant, Uplifting, Urban, Accessible, Bittersweet, Catchy, Confident
Style: Trip-Hop
Vibe: Moody, Urban, Dystopian, Eclectic, Nocturnal, Dark, Melancholy, Groovy
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Dynamic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Polished
Style: East Coast Hip-Hop, Boom Bap, Jazz Rap
Vibe: Conscious, Uplifting, Groovy, Confident, Urban
Lyrics/Themes: Philosophical, Political, Black Pride, Racism, Spiritual, Islam
Musical Attributes: Lyrical, Sampling, Beats, Turntables, Live Instrumentation (Rhodes, Electric Bass)
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)
Style: Abstract Funk, Jazz Fusion, Spiritual Jazz
Lineup: Eddie Henderson, Herbie Hancock, Bennie Maupin, Lenny White, Billy Hart, Buster Williams, Pat Gleeson
Vibe: Cosmic, Exploratory, Groovy, Atmospheric, Spacey, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Collective Improvisation, Polyrhythmic, Odd Time Signatures, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Style: Psychedelic Funk
Vibe: Apocalyptic, Communal, Cryptic, Earthy, Energetic, Epic, Groovy, Heavy, Philosophical, Playful, Political, Psychedelic, Riffs, Stoned, Eclectic
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
Style: Glitch-Pop, IDM, Electronic Rock
Vibe: Moody, Groovy, Glitchy, Mechanical, Dance, Futuristic
Musical Attributes: Loops, Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Polished, Live Instrumentation, Digital Post-Production
Style: Experimental Rock, Post-Rock, Noise Rock
Influences: Kosmische Musik, No Wave, Musique Concrète
Vibe: Noisy, Groovy, Spacey, Raw
Musical Attributes: Rhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Repetitive
These communal sound rituals express a digital-era longing to reconnect to the Earth. The grooves here are circular and ceremonial, not rooted to any specific musical traditions but borrowing from many, including cosmic jazz, kosmische musik and undoubtedly inspired by Holden’s collaboration with legendary Gnawa musician Maleem Mahmoud Ghania. Drums and percussion ground the proceedings while muscular sequencer and fiery saxophone arpeggiations hypnotically intertwine. The sounds of fluttering recorder and modular synthesizer swirl through the air like offerings to the cosmos.
Recommended for fans of The Comet is Coming, Tonto’s Exploding Head Band, Maleem Mahmoud Ghania & Pharoah Sander’s Trance of Seven Colors, Natural Information Society, Colin Stetson
Released in 1987 on Paisley Park Records Format: LPx2 Style: Funk-Rock, R&B, Pop Vibe: Eclectic, Sensual, Playful, Eccentric, Groovy
Released in 2009 on Warner Bros. Records Format: LPx2
Originally released in 1971 on CjR Records Superior Viaduct reissue (2019) Format: LP
Released in 1973 by Hi Recording Corp Original Pressing Format: LP
Released in 2020 on International Anthem and Nonesuch Records Format: LP
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.
Released in 2015 on Ninja Tune Format: LP
Released in 1972 on Capitol Records Format: LPx2
Released in 2012 on Sargent House Format: LP, White Vinyl Style: Trip-Hop, Downtempo, Synth Pop Instrumentation: Fretless Bass, Vocals, Drum … More
Released in 1969 on Enterprise Records Format: LP
Originally Released in 1972 2017 Mr. Bongo Reissue
Released in 2019 on Constellation Records Format: LPx2
Released in 2019 on International Anthem Recording Co. Format: LPx2
Released in 1975 on Columbia Records Format: LP
Released in 2019 on Impulse! Records Format: LP
Released in 2016 on Domino Records Format: LPx2, includes poster and lyric Booklet
Released in 2007 on Stones Throw Records Format: LPx2
Released in 1971 on Columbia Recorded Feb-April 1970 Format: LP
Released in 2017 on Young Turks Format: 12″ EP
Released in 1972 on Curtom/Buddha Records Format: LP
Originally released in 2005 on Warp Records 2013 Reissue Format: LPx2
Released in 1971 on Curtom Records Format: LP
Originally released in 1972 on EMI 1974 US pressing on Editions Makossa Format: LP
Originally released in 1994 2013 Light In the Attic Reissue Format: LPx2
Released in 2018 on International Anthem Recording Co. Format: LPx2
Released in 2017 on Rostrum Records Format: LP
Released in 1977 on RCA Records Format: LP
Originally released in 1991 on Jive Records 2000s reissue Format: LPx2
Released in 1982 on Mango Records Format: LP
Released in 2000 on Thrill Jockey Records Format: LP
Released in 1971 on Warner Bros. Format: LP, white label promo
Originally released in 1994 on Thrill Jockey Records 2016 reissue Recorded November 29 thru December 5, 1993
Releases in 1972 on Warner Bros. Records Format: LP
Released in 1973 on Flying Dutchman Records Format: LP
Released in 2015 on Brainfeeder Records Format: 12″ EP, Red Vinyl
Released in 1961 on Impulse Records Og Stereo RVG pressing in Mono Jacket Format: LP
Released in 2013 on Matador Records Format: LPx2, 45rpm
Released in 1970 on Curtom Records (distributed by Buddha Records) Format: LP
Released in 2014 on Innovative Leisure Format: LPx2
Originally released in 1972 on United Artists Unofficial Pressing Format: LP, Translucent green vinyl
Released in 1986 on Virgin Records Format: LP
Originally released in 1977 on Clocktower Records Later pressing
Originally released in 1971 on United Artists Records Unofficial pressing on purple and brown marbled vinyl Format: LPx2
Released on Capitol Records in 1969 2000 Pressing Format: LP
Released in 1974 on Virgin Records Format: LP
Released in 1973 on A&M Records Format: LP
Released in 2009 on Strut Format: LPx2
Pulling away from the jazzy psych-pop of their first two albums, Soft Machine gears towards sprawling sidelong compositions of spacey prog infused with thematic jazz fusion improvisations, compositional edits, and heavy doses of experimental post-production (Click for Full Review)
Over the past decade, Josh Abrams has been using his guimbri to create music inspired by the ceremonial music of the Gnawa in North Africa, infusing it with a wide variety of influences from kosmische to minimalism to the avant-garde jazz of his local scene in Chicago. On this album, the focus is on “pure motion” driven by double drummers hypnotically interlocking with guimbri, guitar, keys and harmonium. Each individual plays unique rhythmic figures that push and pull against each other like polyrhythmic tectonic plates, creating constantly changing, yet circular grooves.
Released in 1975 on Casablanca Records Format: LP
An Angel Fell is a call to action for protecting and healing our planet, using folklore, group vocals, uplifting themes, deep grooves, and expressive improvisations to deliver the message. While not as wild and loose as the dense free jazz the Pyramids made back in the 70s, this record is an organic and vibrant fusion of spiritual jazz, dub, and Afrobeat that will give fans of musical geniuses such as Sun Ra, King Tubby, Fela Kuti, and Pharoah Sanders plenty to vibe to.
An acoustic trio of piano, upright bass, and drums utilize creative extended techniques to play evolving minimalist compositions of mutating grooves, polyrhythms, and textures.
Released in 2014 on RCA Records Format: LPx2 Includes 12″x12″ lyric booklet
Recorded August 19-21, 1969 Originally released in 1970 on Columbia Records 2008 Legacy Pressing Format: LPx2
Groovy soul instrumentals decorated with sweeping orchestral arrangements, jazz soloing, and psychedelic guitars, all inspired by William Blake’s writings.
Released in 2012 by Numero Group Recorded in 1976 Format: LP Overview Originally recorded in 1976, this psychedelic latin-jazz masterpiece … More
Released in 1971 on Columbia Records Format: LP
This fantastic compilation album consists of 2 hours of unreleased recording sessions ranging from 1970 to 1974. Despite some incohesiveness, this release contains some of the most exciting, creative and uncategorizable music of Miles’ career.
Information: This album was released in 1969 on Bizzarre Records
I highly recommend this album to fans of the innovative and exploratory period of jazz fusion of the early 70’s, where electric instrumentation, funk rhythms, experimental production techniques, and spacey synthesizers met the improvisation, freedom, and uplifting soul of the spiritual jazz of the 60’s. Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi trilogy, Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew, Weather Report’s first LP are good touchstones, but this album truly offers something unique.
Information: Originally released in 1971 This deluxe pressing was released in 2013 on Klimt Records Format: LPx2 (second LP contains … More
Space Age Pop
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
Album Information Originally released in 1981 This pressing was released in 2013 on Grönland Records Format: LP Features parallel groove … More
Album Information: Originally released in 1964 on Blue Note Records 1975 United Artists Pressing
Album Information: Originally released in 1970 on Atlantic Records 1974 Repress
Album Information: Originally released in 1973 on United Artist Recordings This pressing was released in 2014 on Mute Records