Style: Bedroom Psych, Drone, Noise Pop, Shoegaze, Space Folk
Vibe: Nocturnal, Murky, Dreamy, Introspective, Hazy, Hypnotic, Intimate, Washy, Ritualistic
Musical Qualities: Feedback, Drone, Atmospheric, Noisey, Lo-Fi
Flying Saucer Attack – Chorus Read More »
Style: Dream Folk, Jazz-Folk, Warped Americana
Vibes: Warm Melancholy, Springtime Reflection, Rootsy, Early Afternoons in the Garden, Dreamy, Intertwined, Heartfelt
Musical Qualities: Lush; Improvised Arrangements; Studio-as-an-Instrument, Melodic, Vocal Fx
Instrumentation: Banjo, Saxophone, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Flute, Acoustic Bass, Synthesizers, Piano
Sam Amidon – Sam Amidon Read More »
Style: Free Folk, Mystical Americana, Drone, Free Improvisation, Post-Rock
Vibe: Weary, Hopeful, Rustic, Communal, Spiritual, Ragged, Eerie, Melancholy, Deconstructed, Hypnotic, Communal, Haunting, Raw, Suspenseful, Intertwined
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Dynamic, Lo-Fi, Atmospheric, Droney, Group Vocals, Dub FX
Instrumentation: Electric Guitars, Vibraphone, Flute, Drums, Violin, Cello, Clarinet, Saxophone, Banjo, Melodica, Sitar, Electronics, Turntable, Keyboards, Trumpet, Electric Bass
Jackie-O Motherfucker – Liberation Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Slowcore, Alt-Country, Loner Folk
Vibe: Existential, Warm, Morning, Spiritual, Deadpan, Peaceful, Poetic, Introspective, Lonely, Melancholy, Mellow, Contemplative, Intimate
Musical Qualities: Slow, Lo-fi, Lush, Soft, Sparse, Lyrical
Instrumentation: Pedal Steel, Piano, Hammond Organ, Guitar, Trumpet, Drums, Drum Machine, Hurdy Gurdy, French Horn
Smog – Red Apple Falls 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: Lo-Fi Songwriter, Loner Folk, Slowcore
Vibe: Intimate, Sad, Ethereal, Hypnotic, Heartfelt, Stream of Consciousness, Introspective, Longing, Depressive, Lonely, Melancholy, Loss
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Acoustic, Lo-Fi, Minimalistic, Raw, Repetitive
Richard Youngs – Sapphie Read More »
Style: Chamber Folk, Slowcore, Dream Country
Vibe: Flowing, Lethargic, Peaceful, Dreamy, Melancholy, Elegant, Airy, Romantic, Bittersweet, Contemplative, Intertwined, Intimate, Mellow, Sentimental, Smooth, Soothing, Twangy
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Slow, Soft, Simple, Chamber Arrangements, Melodic
Damon & Naomi – Within These Walls Read More »
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
Bert Jansch – Birthday Blues Read More »
Style: Trip-Hop
Vibe: Noir, Brooding, Sensual, Passionate, Melancholy, Angsty, Sombre, Mysterious, Cinematic, Anxious, Sad, Dark
Musical Qualities: Orchestral, Live, Lush, Dense, Rhythmic, Sampling
Portishead – Roseland NYC Live Read More »
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
Leonard Cohen – New Skin for the Old Ceremony 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: Jazz-Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Haunting, Passionate, Forest, Ethereal, Melancholy, Contemplative, Love, Lush
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Progressive, Improvisation
Beverly Glenn-Copeland Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Grunge Folk, Americana
Vibe: Depressive, Lonely, Regretful, Gruff, Ragged, Lethargic, Rustic, Haunting
Mark Lanegan – Field Songs Read More »
Style: Folk, Acoustic Blues, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Outsider, Rebellious, Melancholy, Storytelling, Intimate, Philosophical, Personal, Political
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Bluesy, Lyrical
Julius Lester – Departures Read More »
Style: Drone Metal, Post-Rock
Vibe: Aquatic, Meditative, Monolithic, Suspenseful, Cathartic, Apocalyptic, Melancholy, Epic
Musical Qualities: Slow, Dynamic, Suite, Loops, Repetitive, Droney, Minimalistic
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 »
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 »
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 »
Styles: Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock, Post-Rock
Vibe: Deadpan, Ambiguous, Warm, Contemplative, Philosophical, Cryptic, Autumnal
David Grubbs – Rickets & Scurvy Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Style: Americana, Country, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Haunting, Storytelling, Bluesy, Rustic, Melancholy, Western
Lucinda Williams – The Ghosts of Highway 20 Read More »
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
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 »
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 »
Style: Americana, Singer/Songwriter, Country-Rock
Vibe: Lonely, Determined, Melancholy, Longing, Introspective, Rural, Sombre
Magnolia Electric Co. – Fading Trails Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Style: Chamber Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Ambient Pop
Vibe: Intimate, Introspective, Melancholy, Bittersweet
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Melodic, Polished, Lush
Helena Deland – Someone New Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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
Originally released in 1997 Plain Records reissue (2010) Format LPx2
Spiritualized – Ladies and Gentleman We are Floating in Space Read More »
Released in 2004 on Young God Records Format: LPx2
Devendra Banhart – Rejoicing in the Hands / Niño Rojo Read More »
Released in 2011 on Software Records Format: LP
Oneohtrix Point Never – Replica Read More »
Released in 1971 on A&M Record Format: LP
Gene Clark – White Light Read More »
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 »
Originally Released in 1994 on Circa Records 2017 Fire Records reissue Format: LPx2, 45 RPM
Bark Psychosis – Hex Read More »
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 »
Released in 1987 on Virgin Records Format: LP
David Sylvian – Secrets of the Beehive Read More »
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 »
Released in 1999 on Drag City Records Format: LP Includes Poster
Jim O’Rourke – Eureka Read More »
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 »
Released in 2011 on Frenchkiss Records Format: LP
The Antlers – Burst Apart Read More »
Originally released in 1996 on Kranky Records 2016 Reissue Format: LPx2
Bowery Electric – Beat Read More »
Originally released in 1998 on Up Records 2019 Numero Group Reissue Format: LP
Duster – Stratosphere Read More »
Released in 2010 on Asthmatic Kitty Records Format: LPx2 Artwork by Prophet Royal Robertson
Sufjan Stevens – The Age of Adz Read More »
Released in 1997 on Drag City Records Format: LP
Edith Frost – Calling Over Time Read More »
Released in 2011 on Underwater Peoples Recorded in 2010 Format: LP
Julian Lynch – Terra Read More »
Released in 2017 on 4AD Records Format: LPx2, Blue Vinyl
The National – Sleep Well Beast Read More »
Released in 2013 on Bella Union UK Pressing Format: LPx2, Bonus 7″, Holographic Cover Studio album takes up sides A, B, & C. Side D contains “We Don’t Control the Controlled (mashed-the-fuck-up-remix, Dan Deacon and the Electric Worms’ Insight Violence)” 7″ includes “Sun Blows Up Today” b/w “All You Need Is Love (featuring Alex and
The Flaming Lips – The Terror Read More »
Released in 1997 on Drag City Records Format: LP
Aerial M – Aerial M Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Chamber Folk
Vibes: Lush, Existential, Pastoral, Deadpan, Reflective, Rural, Dreamy, Contemplative, Loner, Mellow, Poetic, Nature, Soothing, Spring
Bill Callahan – Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle Read More »
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 »
Originally released in 1969 on Mercury Records 2011 Drag City Pressing Format: LP
Mickey Newbury – Looks Like Rain Read More »
“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 »
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 »
Released in 2008 on End Sounds Format: LPx2, 180g 2014 repress on orange vinyl Limited to 1000
True Widow – True Widow Read More »
Released in 2004 on Constellation Records Format: LPx2
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 »
Released in 2003 on Asthmatic Kitty Records Format: LPx2
Sufjan Stevens – Michigan Read More »
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 »
Released in 2006 on Warp Records 2012 Pressing Format: LPx2, 180g, 45rpm
Grizzly Bear – Yellow House Read More »
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 »
Released in October, 2001 on Constellation Records. Recorded at the mighty Hotel2Tango Format: 10″x2
Released in 2002 on Holy Mountain Format: LP
Six Organs of Admittance – Dark Noontide 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 »
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 »
Released in 1974 on Virgin Records Original U.S. Pressing, Promo Copy
Robert Wyatt – Rock Bottom [Promo] Read More »
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 »
Originally released in 1974 on Reprise Records 1978 Israel Pressing Format: LP
Neil Young – On the Beach Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Album Information: Released in 1996 on Matador Records
Cat Power – What Would the Community Think Read More »
Album Information: Released on Palace Records in 1999
Bonnie “Prince” Billy – I See a Darkness Read More »
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 »
