boris – Flood
Style: Drone Metal, Post-Rock
Vibe: Aquatic, Meditative, Monolithic, Suspenseful, Cathartic, Apocalyptic, Melancholy, Epic
Musical Qualities: Slow, Dynamic, Suite, Loops, Repetitive, Droney, Minimalistic
Melancholy
Nicolas Jaar – Space is Only Noise
Style: Progressive Electronic, Ambient House, Collage Pop, Sound Sculpture
Moods: Cryptic, Surreal, Aquatic, Hypnotic, Nocturnal, Futuristic, Melancholy, Collage, Urban, Mellow, Meditative, Ethereal, Eclectic, Rainy, Romantic
Musical Qualities: Sampling, Electro-Acoustic, Field Recordings, Atmospheric, Melodic, Loops
Nicolas Jaar – Space is Only Noise Read More »
Neil Young – On the Beach
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Ditch Americana, Country Rock, Folk Rock
Moods: Loner, Introspective, Melancholy, Alienation, Bittersweet, Apocalyptic, Depressive, Lonely, Sombre, Rebellious
Neil Young – On the Beach Read More »
Burial + Four Tet + Thom Yorke – Her Revolution / His Rope
Style: Trip-Hop, Ambient Pop, Electronic
Vibe: Nocturnal, Moody, Melancholy, Ethereal, Detached, Lonely, Cold, Heartfelt, Depressive
Musical Qualities: Sampling, Atmospheric, Slow, Mellow
Burial + Four Tet + Thom Yorke – Her Revolution / His Rope Read More »
David Grubbs – Rickets & Scurvy
Styles: Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock, Post-Rock
Vibe: Deadpan, Ambiguous, Warm, Contemplative, Philosophical, Cryptic, Autumnal
David Grubbs – Rickets & Scurvy Read More »
Loren Connors – Blues: The “Dark Paintings” of Mark Rothko
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 »
Jackson C. Frank – Jackson C. Frank
Style: Loner Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Folk Blues
Vibe: Introspective, Mellow, Intimate, Longing, Autumnal, Raw, Loner, Simple, Poetic, Melancholy
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Lyrical
Jackson C. Frank – Jackson C. Frank Read More »
Anne Briggs – Anne Briggs
Style: English Folk, Celtic Folk
Vibe: Flowing, Pastoral, Melancholy, Heartfelt, Intimate, Rootsy, Storytelling
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Acoustic, A Cappella (A2, A5, B1-3, B5)
Anne Briggs – Anne Briggs Read More »
Meg Baird – Don’t Weight Down the Light
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 »
Palace Brothers – There is No-One What Will Take Care of You
Style: Lo-Fi Folk, Slowcore Country, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Religious, Raw, Melancholy, Back-Porch, Lethargic, Stark, Intimate, Rustic
Lyrics: Christian, Alienation, Sexual
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Lo-Fi
Palace Brothers – There is No-One What Will Take Care of You Read More »
Lucinda Williams – The Ghosts of Highway 20
Style: Americana, Country, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Haunting, Storytelling, Bluesy, Rustic, Melancholy, Western
Lucinda Williams – The Ghosts of Highway 20 Read More »
Loma – Loma
Style: Art Pop, Ambient Pop
Influences: Chamber-Folk, Trip-Hop, Slowcore, Post-Rock
Vibe: Existential, Introspective, Brooding, Gossamer, Dreamy, Melancholy, Reflective, Moody, Eclectic
Musical Qualities: Lush, Atmospheric, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Lyrical
Mogwai – Rave Tapes
Style: Post-Rock, Space Rock, Electronic-Rock, Kosmische-Influenced
Vibe: Futuristic, Nocturnal, Mechanical, Focused, Cinematic, Restrained
Musical Qualities: Instrumental, Dynamic, Pulse, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Mogwai – Rave Tapes Read More »
Neil Young – Tonight’s the Night
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 »
Magnolia Electric Co. – Fading Trails
Style: Americana, Singer/Songwriter, Country-Rock
Vibe: Lonely, Determined, Melancholy, Longing, Introspective, Rural, Sombre
Magnolia Electric Co. – Fading Trails Read More »
Bonnie Prince Billy – Ask Forgiveness
Bonnie covers Björk, Mickey Newbury, Danzig, R. Kelly and others with help from Espers’ Meg Baird & Greg Weeks
Style: Folk, Slowcore, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Introspective, Morning, Melancholy, Existential, Bittersweet
Musical Qualities: Covers, Vocal Harmonies, Sparse, Soft, Acoustic
Bonnie Prince Billy – Ask Forgiveness Read More »
Papa M – Whatever, Mortal
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
Papa M – Whatever, Mortal Read More »
Gastr Del Sol – Camofleur
Style: Post-Rock, Avant-Rock, Experimental Singer/Songwriter, Chamber-Folk
Vibe: Cryptic, Warm, Cerebral, Spring, Exploratory, Eclectic, Melancholy
Musical Attributes: Odd Time Signatures, Progressive Structures, Melodic
Gastr Del Sol – Camofleur Read More »
Esmerine – If Only a Sweet Surrender to the Nights to Come Be True
Style: Chamber Rock, Post-Rock
Vibe: Mournful, Lethargic, Contemplative, Exploratory, Melancholy, Moody
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Atmospheric, Chamber, Instrumental, Slow, Murky
Instrumentation: Cello, Mallet Percussion, Drums, Violin, Harmonium, Upright Bass
Esmerine – If Only a Sweet Surrender to the Nights to Come Be True Read More »
Robert Wyatt – Old Rottenhat
Style: Experimental Singer-Songwriter, Art Pop, Canterbury Scene, Jazz-Rock
Vibe: Political (Anti-Capitalist, Anti-Imperialist), Satirical, Conscious, Melancholy, Hypnotic
Musical Attributes/Instrumentation: Sparse, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Layered Vocals, Digital Keyboards, Drum Machines, Percussion, Synthesizers, Piano
Robert Wyatt – Old Rottenhat Read More »
Cat Power – Moon Pix
Style: Slowcore-Country, Singer-Songwriter
Vibe: Brooding, Hypnotic, Conversational, Reflective, Intimate, Lethargic, Confident, Moody, Overcast
Musical Attributes: Slow, Repetitive, Focused
Cat Power – Moon Pix Read More »
Oneohtrix Point Never – Magic Oneohtrix Point Never
Style: Progressive Electronic, Hypnogogic Pop, Neo-Psychedelia
Vibe: Surreal, Nostalgia, Sentimental, Catchy, Futuristic, Longing, Melancholy, Woozy, Uplifting, Eclectic
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Sound Collage, Progressive
Oneohtrix Point Never – Magic Oneohtrix Point Never Read More »
Helena Deland – Someone New
Style: Chamber Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Ambient Pop
Vibe: Intimate, Introspective, Melancholy, Bittersweet
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Melodic, Polished, Lush
Helena Deland – Someone New Read More »
Anna & Elizabeth – The Invisible Comes to Us
The Invisible Comes to Us is a haunting, modern take on Appalachian and Irish folk songs. Beautiful close-harmonies, banjos and acoustic guitars are juxtaposed with droning atmospheres of woodwinds, Moog bass, pump organ, and euphonium. Guest musicians include Jim White on drums and Susan Alcorn on slide guitar.
Anna & Elizabeth – The Invisible Comes to Us Read More »
Sixteen Horsepower – Folklore
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
Sixteen Horsepower – Folklore Read More »
Mogwai – Mr. Beast
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 »
Unkle – Psyence Fiction
Style: Trip-Hop
Vibe: Moody, Urban, Dystopian, Eclectic, Nocturnal, Dark, Melancholy, Groovy
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Dynamic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Polished
Unkle – Psyence Fiction Read More »
Espers – The Weed Tree
Originally released in 2005 on Locust
Drag City Reissue (2020)
Format: LP
Style: Chamber Folk
Vibe: Mellow, Morning, Melancholy, Rootsy, Ethereal
Espers – The Weed Tree Read More »
Mike and Lal Waterson – Bright Phoebus
Style: British Folk, Country-Influenced
Vibe: Contemplative, Earthy, Introspective, Melancholy, Rootsy, Rural, Storytelling
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Vocal Harmonies, Lyrical, Melodic, Simple, Sparse
Mike and Lal Waterson – Bright Phoebus Read More »
Espers – II
Released in 2006 on Drag City Records Format: LP Style: Progressive Folk, Psych Folk Vibe: Melancholy, Psychedelic, Nocturnal, Sombre, Forest Musical Attributes: Melodic, Dynamic, Lush
Spiritualized – Ladies and Gentleman We are Floating in Space
Originally released in 1997 Plain Records reissue (2010) Format LPx2
Spiritualized – Ladies and Gentleman We are Floating in Space Read More »
Devendra Banhart – Rejoicing in the Hands / Niño Rojo
Released in 2004 on Young God Records Format: LPx2
Devendra Banhart – Rejoicing in the Hands / Niño Rojo Read More »
Oneohtrix Point Never – Replica
Released in 2011 on Software Records Format: LP
Oneohtrix Point Never – Replica Read More »
Gene Clark – White Light
Released in 1971 on A&M Record Format: LP
Gene Clark – White Light Read More »
David Grubbs – Prismrose
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 »
Bark Psychosis – Hex
Originally Released in 1994 on Circa Records 2017 Fire Records reissue Format: LPx2, 45 RPM
Bark Psychosis – Hex Read More »
Holy Sons – I Want to Live a Peaceful Life
Originally released on CD in 2003 2019 Pressing, First Vinyl Issue, Remastered Format: LP Features 2 previously unreleased tracks
Holy Sons – I Want to Live a Peaceful Life Read More »
David Sylvian – Secrets of the Beehive
Released in 1987 on Virgin Records Format: LP
David Sylvian – Secrets of the Beehive Read More »
A.A. Bondy – Enderness
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
A.A. Bondy – Enderness Read More »
Jim O’Rourke – Eureka
Released in 1999 on Drag City Records Format: LP Includes Poster
Jim O’Rourke – Eureka Read More »
Six Organs of Admittance – School of the Flower
Originally released on CD in 2005 on Drag City First vinyl pressing – 2009 Format: LP
Six Organs of Admittance – School of the Flower Read More »
The Antlers – Burst Apart
Released in 2011 on Frenchkiss Records Format: LP
The Antlers – Burst Apart Read More »
Bowery Electric – Beat
Originally released in 1996 on Kranky Records 2016 Reissue Format: LPx2
Bowery Electric – Beat Read More »
Duster – Stratosphere
Originally released in 1998 on Up Records 2019 Numero Group Reissue Format: LP
Duster – Stratosphere Read More »
Sufjan Stevens – The Age of Adz
Released in 2010 on Asthmatic Kitty Records Format: LPx2 Artwork by Prophet Royal Robertson
Sufjan Stevens – The Age of Adz Read More »
Edith Frost – Calling Over Time
Released in 1997 on Drag City Records Format: LP
Edith Frost – Calling Over Time Read More »
Julian Lynch – Terra
Released in 2011 on Underwater Peoples Recorded in 2010 Format: LP
Julian Lynch – Terra Read More »
The National – Sleep Well Beast
Released in 2017 on 4AD Records Format: LPx2, Blue Vinyl
The National – Sleep Well Beast Read More »
Aerial M – Aerial M
Released in 1997 on Drag City Records Format: LP
Aerial M – Aerial M Read More »
Bill Callahan – Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle
Released in 2009 on Drag City Records Format: LP
Bill Callahan – Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle Read More »
Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra and Tra-La-La Band – Horses in the Sky
Released in 2005 on Constellation Records Format: LPx2, etching on D-side
Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra and Tra-La-La Band – Horses in the Sky Read More »
Mickey Newbury – Looks Like Rain
Originally released in 1969 on Mercury Records 2011 Drag City Pressing Format: LP
Mickey Newbury – Looks Like Rain Read More »
Magnolia Electric Co. – What Comes After the Blues
“Human hearts and pain should never be separate, then they wouldn’t tear themselves apart both trying to fit”. The first album under the Magnolia Electric Co. name touches on the loneliness and depression of much of Jason Molina’s work, but it also contains a fair amount of the hope, light, and perseverance one needs in times of struggle. The musicians here were recorded live in a room by the great Steve Albini, featuring slide guitar, fiddle, and beautiful vocal harmonies from Molina’s band members. With its mix of melancholy Americana, country-tinged rock, and stripped back folk, What Comes After the Blues feels like a continuation of Neil Young’s great ditch trilogy.
Magnolia Electric Co. – What Comes After the Blues Read More »
The Flaming Lips – Soft Bulletin
Style: Psychedelic Pop, Neo-Psychedelia
Moods: Surreal, Science Fiction, Epic, Bittersweet, Triumphant, Sentimental, Playful, Apocalyptic, Warm, Melancholy, Existential, Anthemic
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Lush, Melodic, Polished
The Flaming Lips – Soft Bulletin Read More »
True Widow – True Widow
Released in 2008 on End Sounds Format: LPx2, 180g 2014 repress on orange vinyl Limited to 1000
True Widow – True Widow Read More »
The Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band with Choir – “This is Our Punk-Rock,” Thee Rusted Satellites Gather + Sing
Released in 2004 on Constellation Records Format: LPx2
Mogwai – Come On Die Young (Deluxe Box Set)
Originally released in 1999 on Chemikal Underground 2014 Deluxe Pressing Format: LPx4 box set, includes poster
Mogwai – Come On Die Young (Deluxe Box Set) Read More »
Sufjan Stevens – Michigan
Released in 2003 on Asthmatic Kitty Records Format: LPx2
Sufjan Stevens – Michigan Read More »
Leonard Cohen – Songs of Leonard Cohen
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
Leonard Cohen – Songs of Leonard Cohen Read More »
Grizzly Bear – Yellow House
Released in 2006 on Warp Records 2012 Pressing Format: LPx2, 180g, 45rpm
Grizzly Bear – Yellow House Read More »
Dirty Three – Horse Stories
The third album from the Melbourne (Au) violin/guitar/drum trio consists of loose, drifting instrumentals that conjure images of vast, open plains. Though the music here is often melancholic and lethargic, it is occasionally swept up with bursts of passionate energy and possessed by cathartic longing (especially the pleading and utterly beautiful violin solo on “Warren’s Lament”). All three instrumentalists have very individual styles that complement and dialogue with each other in refreshingly unique ways.
Dirty Three – Horse Stories Read More »
The Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band – “Born Into Trouble as the Sparks Fly Upward.”
Released in October, 2001 on Constellation Records. Recorded at the mighty Hotel2Tango Format: 10″x2
Six Organs of Admittance – Dark Noontide
Released in 2002 on Holy Mountain Format: LP
Six Organs of Admittance – Dark Noontide Read More »
Bert Jansch – L.A. Turnaround
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 »
Palace Brothers – Palace Brothers
Style: Singer/Songwriter
Subgenres: Slowcore, Country, Folk
Vibe: Depressive, Intimate, Lonely, Sad, Introspective, Raw, Loner
Musical Attributes: Lo-fi, Sparse, Raw, Simple
Palace Brothers – Palace Brothers Read More »
Robert Wyatt – Rock Bottom [Promo]
Released in 1974 on Virgin Records Original U.S. Pressing, Promo Copy
Robert Wyatt – Rock Bottom [Promo] Read More »
Songs: Ohia – Didn’t It Rain (Deluxe Edition)
Originally released in 2002 on Secretly Canadian 2014 deluxe reissue Format: LPx2 (full album on first LP and demos on second LP)
Songs: Ohia – Didn’t It Rain (Deluxe Edition) Read More »
Neil Young – On the Beach
Originally released in 1974 on Reprise Records 1978 Israel Pressing Format: LP
Neil Young – On the Beach Read More »
Caravan – In the Land of Grey and Pink [Deluxe Edition]
Information: Originally released in 1971 This deluxe pressing was released in 2013 on Klimt Records Format: LPx2 (second LP contains bonus tracks)
Caravan – In the Land of Grey and Pink [Deluxe Edition] Read More »
Shlohmo – Bad Vibes
Makes me feel like I’m sitting alone at a party, gazing across a dark, smoky room; an outsider looking in. Chill, disjointed beats, hushed atmospheres, lonely melodies.
Shlohmo – Bad Vibes Read More »
Godspeed You Black Emperor! – F#A#
Album Information: Released in 1997 on Constellation Records Format: LP, includes inserts, a flyer, and a penny smashed by a train
Godspeed You Black Emperor! – F#A# Read More »
Ryley Walker – Deafman Glance
Acoustic-shredder/singer-songwriter ventures out of the jazz-inflected folk-rock territory explored by his last few albums to create something that feels fully himself. Deafman Glance is full of angular left turns, complex structures, airy flutes, jazz detours, and psychedelic atmospheres. A balance of great songwriting, jazz musicianship, and experimental/art-rock tendencies. Recommended to fans of Tortoise’s Standards, Tim Buckley’s Starsailor, and King Crimson’s Red. (Click for full review).
Ryley Walker – Deafman Glance Read More »
Cat Power – What Would the Community Think
Album Information: Released in 1996 on Matador Records
Cat Power – What Would the Community Think Read More »
Bonnie “Prince” Billy – I See a Darkness
Album Information: Released on Palace Records in 1999
Bonnie “Prince” Billy – I See a Darkness Read More »
Tim Buckley – Blue Afternoon [4menwithbeards]
Blue Afternoon continues the flowing jazz-folk of Tim’s previous release (Happy Sad) while starting to detour into the avant-garde atmospheres that would manifest more fully on his next two albums, Lorca and Starsailor. The songs and lyrics refuse to be boxed into one category as “joyful” or “lonely” or “sad” and instead reflect the intangible multi-dimensionality of feeling.
Tim Buckley – Blue Afternoon [4menwithbeards] Read More »
Songs: Ohia – The Magnolia Electric Co
“Sometimes it’s hard doing anything”. Somehow Jason Molina knows how to perfectly express what depression feels like without ever succumbing to hopelessness. His music has been a friend and a voice of encouragement when I need it most, reminding me to persist and not beat myself up when I feel unproductive or lazy or unmotivated. “The real truth about it is no one gets it right. The real truth about it is we’re all supposed to try”
Songs: Ohia – The Magnolia Electric Co Read More »
Tim Hecker – Harmony in Ultraviolet
A dense fog you can sink into and never want to leave…Glacial, enveloping waves of sound meticulously sculpted from processed organs, piano, and distorted guitar feedback.
Tim Hecker – Harmony in Ultraviolet Read More »
Nick Drake – Five Leaves Left
Style: Chamber Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Brit-Folk
Moods: Rainy, Melancholy, Sombre, Intimate, Peaceful, Lonely, Contemplative, Pastoral, Mellow
Nick Drake – Five Leaves Left Read More »
Western Skies Motel – Settlers
Somber ambient-folk with layers of delicate, circular fingerpicking and sparse arrangements of droning harmonium, piano, guitar feedback and the occasional chirping crickets. The soft reverb dampens everything like a light drizzle over the American prairie
Western Skies Motel – Settlers Read More »
Jason Molina – Pyramid Electric Co.
Unlike Molina’s work with Songs: Ohia or Magnolia Electric Co, this sparse, weary record is void of guest musicians or overdubs, leaving his words alone with nothing but a damp bed of reverbed guitar or mournful, sustained piano chords supporting them.
Jason Molina – Pyramid Electric Co. Read More »