Style: Gothic Country, Americana, Chamber Folk Vibe: Rustic, Sombre, Murky, Rootsy, Ominous, Loner, Western, Melancholy, Moody, Dark Musical Attributes: Acoustic Instrumentation (Banjo, Upright Bass, Cello, Acoustic Guitar, Accordion, Piano), Atmospheric, Droney, Slow, Lyrical Lyrical Themes: Alienation, Religious, Christian, Storytelling
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 2003 on EMI Records Format: LPx2, 45rpm Style: Art Rock Vibe: Cryptic, Anxious, Angsty, Paranoid, Moody Musical Attributes: … More
Released in 2014 on Svart Records Recorded 2011 Format: LP
Released in 2011 on Software Records Format: LP
Released in 2018 on The Leaf Label Format: LPx2 Includes vinyl-exclusive track on side D
Released in 2019 on Western Vinyl Format: LP
Released in 2019 on Constellation Records Format: LP
Originally released in 2005 on Warp Records 2013 Reissue Format: LPx2
Released in 1970 on Elektra Records Format: LP
Released in 2019 on Thrill Jockey Records Format: LP Limited pink vinyl
Released in 1973 on Takoma Records Format: LP
Released in 2015 on Thrill Jockey Records Format: LP, gold vinyl
Released in 1978 on ECM Records Recorded December 1977 Format: LP
Released in 2009 on Drag City Records Format: LP
Released in 2015 on Joyful Noise Records Recorded April 4-5, 2014 Format: LP, clear seafoam green vinyl
Released in 2000 on Matador Records Format: LPx2
Released in 2015 on Space Lung/Land Breathing Records Format: LP
Released in 2008 on Kranky Records Recorded Spring/Summer 2007 Format: LPx2, includes Another Bedroom EP on D-side
Compared to the immediate songwriting and lush textures of Helplessness Blues, the progressive folk-rock opus Crack Up feels like an impenetrable wilderness on first listen with its dense, tangled arrangements and complex compositions.
Originally released in 2001 on Capital Records 2008 Pressing Format: 10″x2
Originally released in 1974 on Spoon 2014 Mute Pressing Format: LP
