“But stand brave, life-liver, bleeding out your days in the river of time.
Stand brave: time moves both ways, in the nullifying, defeating, negating, repeating joy of life.
The moment of your greatest joy sustains: not axe nor hammer, tumor, tremor, can take it away, and it remains.
And it pains me to say, I was wrong. Love is not a symptom of time. Time is just a symptom of love”
Style: Americana, Roots-Rock, Singer/Songwriter
Moods: Romantic, Rural, Personal, Autumnal, Sunny, Warm, Light, Joyful, Love, Morning, Reflective, Sentimental, Uplifting
Style: Gothic-Pop, Post-Punk
Moods: Moody, Bittersweet, Romantic, Depressive, Ethereal, Dramatic, Playful, Nocturnal, Longing, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Chorus & Reverb Heavy, Atmospheric
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
Style: Baroque Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock
Moods: Lonely, Bittersweet, Introspective, Retro, Eclectic, Colorful, Loner
Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Lyrical, Orchestral
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
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Alt-Country, Slowcore
Moods: Reflective, Sentimental, Rural, Lonely, Melancholy, Twangy, Romantic, Longing, Contemplative, Depressive, Heartfelt, Introspective, Love, Rootsy
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
Style: Country, Singer/Songwriter, Folk Pop
Moods: Heartbreak, Tender, Longing, Lonely, Heartfelt, Twangy
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
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Synth Pop, Trip-Hop
Moods: Bittersweet, Sentimental, Warm, Romantic
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Polished Production
Style: Folk Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Acid Folk, Americana
Moods: Reflective, Spring, Tender, Sunny, Warm, Breezy, Romantic, Intimate, Rustic, Bright, Contemplative, Fantasy, Introspective, Poetic, Retro, Uplifting, Mellow
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana
Moods: Contemplative, Existential, Nature, Poetic Lush, Pastoral, Warm, Peaceful, Romantic
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Piano, Drums, Electric Bass, Contra Alto Clarinet, Trumpet, Synthesizers
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Country, Cosmic American Music
Moods: Reflective, Heartbreak, Longing, Bittersweet, Sentimental, Twangy, Warm
Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Melodic, Lush, Soft
Style: Mystical Chamber Music, Neoclassical New Age, Kosmische
Feeling: Devotional, Flowing, Meditative, Ethereal, Hypnotic, Solemn, Elegant, Exploratory
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Atmospheric, Choral, Chamber
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
Style: Art Pop, Spiritual Jazz, Dub Poetry, Collage Pop
Moods: Triumphant, Conversational, Uplifting, Conscious, Communal, Heartfelt, Passionate, Hypnotic, Intertwined, Intimate, Intricate, Playful, Rebellious, Love, Poetic, Reflective, Soothing, Spiritual, Warm,
Musical Qualities: Suite, Improvisation, Analogue Recording, Tape Edits, Dub Production, Sound Collage, Thematic, Polished, Catchy
Instrumentation: Saxophone, Spoken Word, Upright Bass, Drums, Group Vocals, Tabla, Synthesizers, Percussion, Guitar, Cello
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber-Jazz, Ambient Pop
Moods: Reflective, Existential, Autumnal, Languid, Pensive, Soothing, Peaceful, Nature, Tender, Mellow, Contemplative
Musical Qualities: Lush, Slow, Polished, Atmospheric
Featuring Shahzad Ismaily, Tom Skinner, Alabaster dePlume, and more
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.
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
Style: Lo-Fi Singer/Songwriter, Slowcore, Alt-Country
Vibe: Intimate, Depressive, Romantic, Nocturnal, Sombre, Tender, Haunting, Dark, Lethargic, Lonely, Longing, Love, Poetic, Raw
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
Style: Chamber Folk, British Folk, Acoustic Blues, Jazz-Folk
Vibe: Breezy, Mellow, Contemplative, Autumnal, Uplifting, Melancholy, Warm, Joyful, Love, Intertwined, Reflective, Poetic
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Melodic, Lush, Rootsy, Bluesy, Chamber Arrangements
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Upright Bass, Flute, Saxophone, Harmonica
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
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
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
Style: Jazz-Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Haunting, Passionate, Forest, Ethereal, Melancholy, Contemplative, Love, Lush
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Progressive, Improvisation
Style: Neo-Psychedelia, Prog-Pop, Psychedelic Soul, Art Rock
Vibe: Triumphant, Colorful, Longing, Utopian, Eccentric, Futuristic, Joyful, Love, Manic, Playful, Psychedelic, Surreal, Uplifting,
Musical Qualities: Suite, Eclectic, Melodic, Dense Arrangements, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Style: Jazz-Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Psychedelic Folk-Rock
Vibe: Romantic, Warm, Cryptic, Reflective, Passionate, Heartfelt, Lethargic, Stoned, Sunny
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Melodic, Improvisation
Style: Free Sludge, Post-Metal
Vibe: Heavy, Cathartic, Murky, Aggressive, Surreal, Complex, Epic, Primal, Abstract, Powerful
Musical Qualities: Dissonant, Noisy, Collective Improvisation, Growling Vocals, Progressive Structures, Odd Time Signatures, Fuzzy Riffs, Dynamic, Reductionism
Released in 1974 Chrysalis Pressing (US, 1978) Format: LP Style: Psychedelic Chamber Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Progressive Folk Vibe: Romantic, Floating, Heartfelt, Introspective, Psychedelic, Intimate, Contemplative, Dreamy, Elegant, Mellow, Morning, Peaceful, Airy Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Sparse, Lush, Progressive, Lyrical, Melodic
Style: Psychedelic Soul, Baroque Pop
Vibe: Elegant, Ethereal, Smooth, Romantic, Warm, Retro, Dramatic, Cosmic
Musical Qualities: Groovy, Lush, Orchestral, Melodic, Polished
Style: Folk-Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk, Progressive Folk
Vibe: Uplifting, Contemplative, Breezy, Bright, Sunny, Warm, Soft
Musical Attributes: Lush, Polished, Acoustic, Lyrical, Session Players
Style: Americana, Singer/Songwriter, Country-Rock
Vibe: Lonely, Determined, Melancholy, Longing, Introspective, Rural, Sombre
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
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
Style: Spiritual Jazz??
Vibe: Joyful, Passionate, Spiritual, Uplifting, Warm, Love, Colorful, Communal, Cosmic, Earthy, Energetic, Groovy
??Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Chants, Africa-Influenced, India-Influenced, Improvisation, Polyrhythmic, Percussive
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Free Folk
Vibe: Airy, Bittersweet, Intimate, Love, Poetic, Romantic, Heartfelt
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Sparse, Loose
Style: Art Pop, Neo-Psychedelia, Trip-Hop, Experimental Electronic
Vibe: Nocturnal, Surreal, Introspective, Longing, Alienation, Abstract, Anxious, Dark, Depressive, Eclectic, Love, psychedelic
Style: Instrumental Hip-Hop, Plunderphonics
Vibe: Bittersweet, Groovy, Heartfelt, Love, Warm, Lush
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Vignettes, Loops, Sound Collage, Rhythmic, Repetitive
Style: Trip-Hop, U.K. Hip-Hop
Vibe: Dark, Nocturnal, Sexual, Surreal, Eclectic, Introspective, Love
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Beats, Rhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Lyrical
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: Soul, Funk?Vibe: Bittersweet, Breakup, Groovy, Heartfelt, Smooth, Love, Lush, Romantic, Sensual
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
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.
Style: Glitch-Folk, IDM
Vibe: Autumnal, Peaceful, Warm, Uplifting, Nature, Love
Musical Attributes: Electro-Acoustic, Sampling, Melodic, Repetitive
An obscure release from the great creative label ESP-Disk, containing exploratory, mysterious and playful improvisations from The Sea Ensemble—the husband/wife duo of Zusaan Fasteau and Donald Rafael Garrett. While they are both trained musicians and multi-instrumentalists, an uninhibited childish spirit permeates this release, as can be seen in Donald’s crude but visionary cover drawing; Yet the recording also feels imbued with ancient wisdom, as heard in their primal and instinctive vocalizations throughout the album
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 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
Style: Trip-Hop
Vibe: Noir, Nocturnal, Sad, Dark, Witchy, Sinister, Depressive, Angsty, Anxious, Sombre, Introspective
Instrumentation: Vocals, Turntables, Sampling, Guitar, Keyboards, Synth, Drums
Originally released in 2003 on Merge Jealous Butcher Indie Exclusive Reissue (2019) Format: LP, Blue
Originally released in 1997 Plain Records reissue (2010) Format LPx2
Style: Psychedelic Pop
Vibe: Sunny, Warm, Romantic, Retro, Spring, Breezy
Musical Attributes: Melodic, Lush, Polished, Electronic Production, Catchy, Lyrical
Released in 1968 on ESP-Disk Format: LP Style: Chamber Folk, Psych Folk Vibe: Peaceful, Mellow, Psychedelic Themes: War, Nature, Love Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Strings, Flute, Banjo, Keyboards, Bass, French Horn
Released in 2016 on Domino Records Format: LPx2, includes poster and lyric Booklet
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Ambient Pop
Moods: Apathetic, Introspective, Surreal, Sleazy, Melancholy, Sleek, Mellow, Sensual, Depressive, Ethereal, Stark, Meditative
Musical Qualities: Soft, Sparse, Lyrical, MIDI, Smooth, Polished
Released in 2017 on XL Recordings Format: LP Overview By introducing heartfelt vocals into her (often) harsh environments of contorted glitch-pop, Venezuelan producer Arca reaches near-claustrophobic levels of intimacy.
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”
Released in 2012 on Rad Cult/FrenchKiss Format: LP, Orange Vinyl
Released in 2010 on Asthmatic Kitty Records Format: LPx2 Artwork by Prophet Royal Robertson
Released in 2015 on Sub Pop Records Format: LPx2 Deluxe edition Overview Josh Tillman is an open book; while his last album (Fear Fun) dove into his story of personal transformation and self discovery, I Love You, Honeybear explores his relationship with his wife and the effect she’s had on his life. In other words, this is …
Released in 2000 on Matador Records Format: LPx2
Released in 1970 on Atlantic Records South African Pressing Format: LP Recommended Tracks Our House (B2), Helpless (A4), Carry On (A1), Teach Your Children (A2)
Released in 1967 on Elektra Records Format: LP
Originally released in 1969 on Mercury Records 2011 Drag City Pressing Format: LP
Originally released in 1966 on Capitol Records 1980 Mono pressing Format: LP
Released on Elektra in 1968 Format: LP Track Notes A1 – Jobs Tears (Uplifting, Morning, Spiritual) “Stranger than that we’re alive” A2 – Puppies (Peaceful, Sitar, Bowed Gimbri, Morning) “Music is so much less than what you are” A3 – Beyond the See (Instrumental featuring organ, harpsichord, whistle, and bowed gimbri A4 – The Yellow Snake …
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber-Folk
Moods: Poetic, Sombre, Introspective, Reflective, Mythic, Bittersweet, Autumnal, Existential, Longing, Lonely, Love
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Mandolin, Violin, Flute, Jaw Harp, Background Vocals
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Folk
Moods: Intimate, Reflective, Existential, Conversational, Mournful, Sombre, Introspective, Personal, Romantic, Sad
Released in 2018 on Columbia Records Recorded September and December, 1974
Eric Chenaux’s gentle falsetto is the most constant, tangible element on an album characterized by a permanent state of flux. The guitars are warbly and unsteady with their fluctuating tones, volume, and pitch. Yet, despite their experimental nature, they never sound abrasive and, together with some mellow Wurlitzer, create a soft, pillowy environment for Chenaux’s romantic crooning about the nature of love, the moon, and warm nights.
Released in 2002 on Arts & Crafts Records Format: LPx2
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
