Style: Americana, Singer/Songwriter, Folk
Vibe: Peaceful, Rustic, Deadpan, Mellow, Lethargic, Nature, Warm, Morning
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Slow, Vocal Harmonies, Lush, Simple
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Lap Steel & Pedal Steel Guitars, Strings, Upright Bass, Vibraphone, Tabla, Bongos
Jerry David Decicca – Understanding Land Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Chamber-Folk
Vibe: Haunting, Pastoral, Melancholy, Rainy, Delicate, Intimate, Psychedelic, Intertwined
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Slow, Soft, Electro-Acoustic, Sampling, Home Recording
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Cello, Turntables, Banjo, Tanpura, Violin, Singing Bowls, Percussion, Dulcimer, Bouzouki, Organ, Wine Glasses
The Iditarod – The Ghost, the Elf, the Cat and the Angel Read More »
Style: Trip-Hop, Psychedelic Electronic, IDM, Downtempo, Ambient Techno
Vibe: Mysterious, Hallucinogenic, Woozy, Occult, Cryptic, Nature, Eerie, Warm, Surreal, Hypnotic, Mellow, Haunting
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Beats, Sampling, Vignettes, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Rhythmic
Boards of Canada – Geogaddi Read More »
Style: Ritual Folk, Drone
Vibe: Ancient, Forest, Meditative, Ritualistic, Intimate, Devotional, Earthy, Nature, Autumnal, Contemplative
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Field Recordings, Drone, Atmospheric, Sparse, Suite
Fletcher Tucker – Unlit Trail Read More »
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: 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 »
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: Drone, Tape Music, Ambient, Drone-Folk
Vibe: Nocturnal, Haunting, Hypnotic, Ethereal, Meditative, Warm, Nature, Nostalgia
Musical Qualities: Sound Collage, Instrumental, Field Recordings, Collage, Electro-Acoustic, Noisy, Home Recording, Vignettes
Instrumentation: Tapes, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Piano, Drum Machine, Synthesizers, Bass, Keyboard, Percussion, Bass Clarinet (B2)
Ilyas Ahmed & Jefre Cantu-Ledesma – You Can See Your Own Way Out 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 »
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
Roy Harper – Valentine Read More »
Style: Folk Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Cosmic Americana
Vibe: Dreamy, Hippy, Longing, Bittersweet, Airy, Autumnal, Warm, Loose, Peaceful, Ethereal, Introspective, Psychedelic, Hypnotic, Mellow, Meandering, Stoned, Communal
Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Heavy Reverb, Jams
David Crosby – If Only I Could Remember My Name… Read More »
Style: Tape Music, Drone, Ambient
Vibe: Meditative, Dreamy, Quiet Catharsis, Alien, Mysterious, Contemplative, Hypnotic, Mellow, Cosmic
Musical Qualities: Loops, Atmospheric, Repetition, Instrumental, Droney, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Progressive, Improvisation
Fripp & Eno – (No Pussyfooting) Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock
Vibe: Panoramic, Peaceful, Contemplative, Uplifting, Morning, Breezy, Warm, Open, Mellow
Musical Qualities: Lush, Polished, Melodic, Catchy, Lyrical
Steve Gunn – Other /\ You Read More »
Style: New Weird Americana, Warped Folk Rock, Psych Folk
Vibe: Twangy, Cryptic, Mythic, Surreal, Mysterious, Rustic, Mellow, Warm, Rootsy
Musical Qualities: Percussive, Loops, Electro-Acoustic, Rhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Improvisation
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Percussion, Organ, Piano, Vocals, Electronics, Cello, Electric Guitar, Pump Organ, Bass
Califone – Heron King Blues [Deluxe] Read More »
Style: Chamber Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Mellow, Morning, Soothing, Bittersweet, Warm, Introspective, Ethereal
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Soft
Jessica Pratt – Quiet Signs Read More »
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: Organic Beat Music, Instrumental Hip-Hop
Vibe: Hypnotic, Lush, Spiritual, Mellow, Nocturnal, Warm, Eclectic
Musical Qualities: Beats, Sampling, Suite, Percussive, Rhythmic, Vignettes
Madlib – Sound Ancestors 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: Progressive Electronic, Kosmische Musik
Vibe: Forest, Mysterious, Pastoral, Cosmic, Nature, Mellow, Contemplative, Focused, Motorik, Nocturnal
Musical Attributes: Instrumental, Repetition, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Instrumentation: Analogue Synthesizers, Drum Machine
Cluster – Sowiesoso Read More »
Style: Surreal Pop, Imaginative Singer/Songwriter, Prog-Pop, Canterbury Scene
Vibe: Dreamy, Ethereal, Airy, Floating, Surreal, Eclectic, Introspective, Complex, Mellow, Imaginative, Atmospheric
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Melodic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Active listening, Jazz-Influenced
Robert Wyatt – Shleep Read More »
Style: British-Folk, Jazz-Folk
Vibe: Rootsy, Warm, Mellow, Morning, Rural, Carefree, Breezy
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Vocal Harmonies, Progressive, Melodic
Pentangle – Reflection Read More »
Style: Ambient Lounge Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Hypnogogic Pop
Vibe: Pastel, Mellow, Lush, Nocturnal, Playful, Catchy, Romantic, Soft
Devendra Banhart – Ape in Pink Marble Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Ambient-Jazz
Vibe: Focused, Futuristic, Mellow, Open, Soothing, Spacey
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Instrumental, Polished, Progressive
Matt Chamberlain, Viktor Krauss, and Dan Phelps – Modular: Sonic Explorations Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Chamber Folk
Vibe: Catchy, Eclectic, Groovy, Mellow, Soft, Soothing, Uplifting
Musical Attributes: Lush, Atmospheric, Complex, Polished
Thanya Iyer – Kind Read More »
Style: Bedroom Pop, Neo-Psychedelia, Lo-Fi Songwriter
Vibe: Breezy, Eclectic, Ethereal, Intimate, Loner, Mellow, Peaceful, Psychedelic, Soothing, Stoned, Warm
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Lo-fi, Lush, Melodic, Catchy, Soft
Yves Jarvis – Sundry Rock Song Stock Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Vibe: Cinematic, Contemplative, Focused, Hypnotic, Mellow, Peaceful, Spacey, Stoned
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Riffs, Instrumental
featuring members of Grails and Slint
Watter – This World Read More »
Overview
Bass clarinet, pedal steel guitar, and synthesizer swirling together into a highly immersive and emotive combination of voices. Truly beautiful soundscapes that melt the worry away, with moments of quiet catharsis that I don’t experience very often in ambient music.
Golden Retriever & Chuck Johnson – Rain Shadow 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: Roots Reggae
Vibe: Warm, Sunny, Mellow, Groovy, Lush, Uplifting
Lyrics/Themes: Conscious, Political, Religious
Junior Murvin – Police & Thieves Read More »
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
Solange – When I Get Home Read More »
Originally released in 2002 on Plug Research Fat Beats Reissue with Quiet Party EP (2017) Format: LPx2, EP on D-Side Style: Glitch-Hop, IDM Vibe: Mellow, Nocturnal, Percussive, Retro (Victorian), Warm Musical Attributes: Glitchy, Digital, Electro-Acoustic, Sampling, Percussive, Melodic
Daedelus – Invention / The Quiet Party Read More »
Style: Loner Folk, Singer Songwriter, Psych Folk
Vibe: Lethargic, Loner, Peaceful, Soothing, Airy, Mellow, Contemplative, Dreamy, Droney, Hypnotic, Intimate, Introspective
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Droney, Slow, Sparse, Soft
Ilyas Ahmed – I Am All Your Own Read More »
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
Jamila Woods – Heavn 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 »
Released in 2004 on Young God Records Format: LPx2
Devendra Banhart – Rejoicing in the Hands / Niño Rojo Read More »
Style: Celtic New Age, Symphonic Prog
Vibe: Ethereal, Medieval, Spring, Mellow, Meditative, Rainy, Soothing, Cinematic, Eclectic, Epic, Pastoral
Musical Qualities: Suite, Orchestral, Lush, Atmospheric, Progressive, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Instrumentation: harp, electric guitar, acoustic bass, electric bass, bagpipe, uilleann pipes, acoustic guitar, 12-string guitar, classical guitar, mandolin, bodhran, bouzouki, banjo, spinet, piano, Organ, synthesizer, glockenspiel, percussion, choral vocals, brass, tympani, drums, percussion
Mike Oldfield – Ommadawn Read More »
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
Pearls Before Swine – Balaklava 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 1995 on Creation Records 2012 Music On Vinyl reissue Format: LP
Slowdive – Pygmalion Read More »
Released in 1987 on Virgin Records Format: LP
David Sylvian – Secrets of the Beehive Read More »
Released in 2019 on Constellation Records Format: LP
Sandro Perri – Soft Landing 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 2005 on Drag City Format: LP
Smog – A River Ain’t Too Much to Love Read More »
Released in 2017 on Young Turks Format: 12″ EP
Kamasi Washington – Harmony of Difference Read More »
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”
Yo La Tengo – Fade [Deluxe Edition] Read More »
Released in 2009 on Western Vinyl Format: LP
J. Tillman – A Year in the Kingdom Read More »
Released in 1999 on Drag City Records Format: LP Includes Poster
Jim O’Rourke – Eureka Read More »
The cubist sophisti-pop of Impossible Spaces feels both breezy and proggy in its chilled-out intricacy. Sandro Perri’s evocative songwriting and catchy melodicism are brought into high-definition by warmly futuristic production, atmospheric synthesizers, and lush arrangements for strings, horns, and woodwinds.
Sandro Perri – Impossible Spaces Read More »
Released in 2008 on Arduna Records Format: LP
Activities of Dust – Activities of Dust Read More »
Washes of piano, harp, and other ephemeral sonic artifacts float through Ledesma’s peaceful, almost static atmospheres like a night breeze through the quiet woods.
Jefre Cantu-Ledesma – Tracing Back the Radiance Read More »
Released in 2017 on Rostrum Records Format: LP
Cornelius – Mellow Waves Read More »
Originally released in 1991 on Jive Records 2000s reissue Format: LPx2
A Tribe Called Quest – The Low End Theory Read More »
Released in 1976 on Asylum Records Format: LP
Joni Mitchell – Hejira 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 »
Style: Ambient, Progressive Electronic
Vibe: Suspenseful, Desert, Desolate, Earthy, Mysterious, Eerie, Ethereal, Contemplative, Lonely, Impressionistic
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Instrumental, Analogue, Abstract
Brian Eno – Ambient 4: On Land 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 1973 on Warner Bros. Records Format: LP
Bert Jansch – Moonshine Read More »
Style: Folk Baroque, Jazz-Folk, Chamber Folk, Progressive Folk
Vibes: Pastoral, Intertwined, Reflective, Nature, Mellow, Soothing, Exploratory, Morning, Rural, Peaceful
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Upright Bass, Violin, Flute, Mandocello, Piano
Bert Jansch – Avocet Read More »
Released in 2006 on Sub Pop Records Format: LP
The Album Leaf – Into the Blue Again Read More »
Released in 2000 on Thrill Jockey Records Format: LP
The Sea & Cake – Oui Read More »
Released in 1977 on Sky Records Original German Pressing Format: LP
Michael Rother – Flammende Herzen Read More »
Originally released in 1969 on Warner Bros. Records 1973 Pressing Format: LPx2
Grateful Dead – Live/Dead Read More »
Originally released in 2013 on Erased Tapes 2015 VinylMePlease Pressing Format: LPx2
Nils Frahm – Spaces Read More »
Originally released in 1994 on Thrill Jockey Records 2016 reissue Recorded November 29 thru December 5, 1993
Tortoise – Tortoise Read More »
Released in 1997 on Drag City Records Format: LP
Aerial M – Aerial M Read More »
Released in 1977 on Sky Records Format: LP Original German Pressing
Cluster & Eno – Cluster & Eno Read More »
Released in 1978 on ECM Records Recorded December 1977 Format: LP
Jan Garbarek – Places Read More »
Released in 1974 on ECM Records Format: LP
Bennie Maupin – The Jewel in the Lotus Read More »
Released in 2015 on Asthmatic Kitty Records Format: LP, clear vinyl First Pressing, limited to 10,000 copies
Sufjan Stevens – Carrie & Lowell Read More »
Released in 2009 on Drag City Records Format: LP
Bill Callahan – Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle Read More »
Released in 2000 on Matador Records Format: LPx2
Yo La Tengo – And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out Read More »
Released in 2015 on Brainfeeder Records Format: 12″ EP, Red Vinyl
Thundercat – The Beyond/Where the Giants Roam Read More »
Originally released in 2003 on Thrill Jockey Records 2017 pressing Format: LP
Brokeback – Look at the Birds Read More »
LP, Columbia Records, 1960 Original 6-Eye Pressing Second Copy 1974 Pressing
Miles Davis & Gil Evans – Sketches of Spain Read More »
On his latest, producer/composer/multi-instrumentalist Bibio blends serene folk pop, lush instrumentation, pastoral guitar instrumentals, nature field recordings, Walt Whitman-esque lyrics and beat-oriented grooves into the perfectly crafted springtime album. Ribbons feels like daydreaming in a garden or out in the woods under a tree or by a trickling stream.
Warm, mellow Scottish folk with lyrics that border spiritual, philosophical, and fantasy themes. The arrangements are a bit stripped down from their lush psychedelia of previous releases, but still feature a good amount of sitar, organ, Irish harp, and violin to add some color to the vocals and acoustic guitar-centric songwriting.
The Incredible String Band – The Big Huge Read More »
Progressive Cool Jazz with thematic structural development, and ECM-Style reverbed production. Recommended track: Ark La Tex
Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band – Landmarks Read More »
Ryley Walker’s virtuosic fingerpicking and intricate folk-rock songwriting vibe heavily with a backing band of Chicagoan jazz musicians, including upright bass, drums, Rhodes and electric guitar. The first LP of this release is a studio album of jazzy folk rock songs for fans of Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks or Tim Buckley’s Happy Sad, while the Bonus Lp of this “Deep Cuts edition” is a 40 min live improvisation on one of the album cuts that probably beats anything on the studio LP. It’s rad to be able hear both the concise, song-centric studio side and the loose jammy side of this exciting artist in the same release.
Ryley Walker – Golden Sings that have been Sung (Deep Cuts Edition) Read More »
Originally released in 1977 on Clocktower Records Later pressing
King Tubby & August Pablo – King Tubbys Meets Rockers Uptown Read More »
Releases in 1983 on Takoma Records Format: LP
John Fahey – Railroad Read More »
Originally released in 1999 on Temporary Residence 2016 expanded edition
Tarentel – From Bone to Satellite Read More »
Doug McComb’s first album as Brokeback is imbued with pastoral Impressionism, experimentalism, and a sense of Zen contentment. The record is mostly centered around his Bass VI, a short-scale bass with six strings that is trebly enough to function in both guitar and bass roles. This versatile instrument is usually wet with chorus and reverb that sculpt a fluid, aquatic tone to complement the slow, tranquil melodies. Outside of some solo pieces Doug is joined by a variety of accompaniment including lap steel guitar, synth, upright bass, Rhodes, vocals from Mary Hansen, and light percussion provided by producer/Tortoise bandmate John McEntire. This is a record that can be appreciated from a passive impressionistic standpoint, as well as under the microscopic attention of an engaged ear. (Follow link for full review)
Recommended for fans of Tortoise or Ennio Morricone’s spaghetti Western soundtracks
Brokeback – Field Recordings from the Cook County Water Table Read More »
Vibes: Bittersweet, Medieval, Pastoral, Autumnal, Longing, Sentimental, Rootsy, Warm, Storytelling
Instrumentation: Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Upright Bass, Drums, Sitar, Percussion, Dulcitone, Dulcimer, Concertina, Recorder
Pentangle – Cruel Sister Read More »
A far cry from the sparse folk usually recorded by Will Oldham, “Epic Jammers and Fortunate Little Ditties” finds his intimate voice and warbly acoustic guitar enveloped by the cosmic drones, blooming synths, airy flutes, and hypnotic tape loops of Chicago new age trio, Bitchin Bajas. The lyrics are essentially fortune cookie mantras and, while there’s a chance they’re tongue-in-cheek, it’s difficult not to smile and feel a brightening of the spirit when hearing uplifting phrases like “Your hard work is about to pay off, keep on keepin’ on” or “you and your whole family are well” get repeated over and over. This collaboration is a soothing, heartwarming listen and a refreshing change-of-pace from Oldham’s tendency towards melancholy and solemn lyrical content.
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy & Bitchin Bajas – Epic Jammers and Fortunate Little Ditties Read More »
Released in 1969 on Elektra Records Format: LP
Tim Buckley – Happy Sad Read More »
On Towards Language, Norweigan trumpeter Arve Henriksen creates a blend of meditative and suspenseful ambient-jazz, demonstrating a more soothing side to his playing than his noisier output with electro-acoustic improvisers Supersilent.
Arve Henriksen – Towards Language 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 »
Originally released in 1969 on Columbia Records 1977 Pressing
Miles Davis – In a Silent Way Read More »
