Pink Floyd – Animals
Vibes: Satirical, Angsty, Pessimistic, Philosophical, Rebellious, Angry, Confident, Groovy
Qualities: Conceptual, Progressive, Riffs, Melodic, Dynamic, Polished Production
Pink Floyd – Animals Read More »
philosophical
Art Bears – The World as it is Today
Art Bears are Fred Frith, Chris Cutler, Dagmar Krause
Style: Rock in Opposition, Avant-Prog, Chamber Rock
Vibes: Dystopian, Visceral, Angsty, Eerie, Political, Marxist, Anti-Capitalist, Urban, Complex, Angular, Eccentric, Philosophical, Cathartic, Dark, Dramatic, Disturbing, Rebellious, Liberation
Art Bears – The World as it is Today Read More »
Anthony Braxton with Robert Schumann String Quartet
Style: Creative Music, Avant Chamber Music
Vibes: Cryptic, Suspenseful, Mystical, Cerebral, Responsive, Numerological, Angular, Contemplative, Philosophical, Intertwined, Abstract, Intricate, Knotty
Anthony Braxton with Robert Schumann String Quartet Read More »
The Books – Lost and Safe
Style: Collage-Pop, Glitch-Folk, Plunderphonics
Vibe: Surreal, Psychedelic, Peaceful, Cerebral, Meditative, Philosophical, Spiritual, Uplifting, Warm, Playful, Hallucinogenic
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Electro-Acoustic, Melodic, Sound Collage, Vocal Manipulation
The Books – Lost and Safe Read More »
Robert Wyatt – Cuckooland
LPx2, Domino Recordings, 2003 / 2008 repress featuring Karen Mantler, Annie Whitehead, Gilad Atzman, David Gilmour, Brian Eno, Paul Weller ON THE SURFACE Style: Progressive Pop, Jazz-Rock, Canterbury Scene Vibes: Surreal, Sombre, Conscious, Dystopian, Ethereal, Ominous, Absurd, Colorful, Gloomy, Mournful, Plaintive, Restrained Themes: Liberation, History, War, Political (Anti-imperialist Critique, Socialism), Existential, Philosophical Instrumentation: Vocals, Keyboards,
Robert Wyatt – Cuckooland Read More »
Gastr Del Sol – Upgrade & Afterlife
Gastr Del Sol is David Grubbs & Jim O’Rourke
featuring Tony Conrad, Mats Gustafsson, John McEntire, etc
Vibes: Cryptic, Deconstructed, Existential, Surreal, Restrained, Plaintive, Hypnotic, Suspenseful, Active Listening
Gastr Del Sol – Upgrade & Afterlife Read More »
Dadawah – Peace and Love – Wadadasow
Style: Nyahbinghi, Roots Reggae, Dub
Vibes: Ceremonial, Devotional, Ritualistic, Spiritual, Rastafari, Uplifting, Conscious, Mystical, Meditative, Peaceful, Introspective, Philosophical, Warm, Utopian, Tribal, Summer
Dadawah – Peace and Love – Wadadasow Read More »
Dälek – From Filthy Tongue of Gods and Griots
Style: Hip-Hop [Industrial, Boom-Bap, Noise, East Coast, Experimental]
Vibes: Brooding, Gritty, Philosophical, Dystopian, Introspective, Angry, Spiritual, Urban, Cerebral, Ominous, Aggressive, Apocalyptic, Cold, Poetic, Political
Musical Qualities: Noisy, Sampling, Dense, Beats, Collage, Heavy, Dissonant, Turntablism, Droney, Feedback
Dälek – From Filthy Tongue of Gods and Griots Read More »
Alasdair Roberts – Spoils
Style: Folk-Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Progressive Folk
Vibes: Mystical, Storytelling, Mythic, Warm, Occult, Philosophical
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Lush, Melodic, Acoustic
Alasdair Roberts – Spoils Read More »
Aesop Rock – Integrated Tech Solutions
featuring billy woods, Hanni El Khatib, Lealani, Nikki Jean, Rob Sonic
Style: Abstract Hip-Hop, Progressive Boom-Bap
Vibes: Science Fiction, Futuristic, Cryptic, Satirical, Playful, Surreal, Dystopian, Energetic, Philosophical, Psychedelic, Bombastic, Industrial, Storytelling
Aesop Rock – Integrated Tech Solutions Read More »
Armand Hammer – We Buy Diabetic Test Strips
ft. Moor Mother, Pink Siifu, Junglepussy, Shabaka Hutchings, JPEGMAFIA, DJ Haram, Kenny Segal, El-P, Black Noi$e…
Style: Hip-Hop [Progressive, East Coast, Industrial, Underground]
Vibe: Cerebral, Surreal, Philosophical, Urban, Deadpan, Confident, Apathetic, Conscious, Cryptic, Dystopian, Observational, Rebellious
Armand Hammer – We Buy Diabetic Test Strips Read More »
Joanna Newsom – Divers
“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”
Joanna Newsom – Divers Read More »
Bonnie Prince Billy – Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk, Americana
Moods: Contemplative, Tender, Introspective, Warm, Soothing, Lethargic, Philosophical, Existential
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Violins, Viola, Mandolin, Vocal Harmonies, Keyboards, Saxophone
Bonnie Prince Billy – Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You Read More »
ONO – Red Summer
Styles: Industrial-Gospel, Dub Poetry, No Wave, Experimental
Moods: Visceral, Dystopian, Disturbing, Haunting, Surreal, Aggressive, Mechanical, Heavy, Deconstructed, Vulgar, Cerebral, Conscious, Dark, Ominous, Shadow
Themes: Racism, History, Philosophy, Sex
Musical Qualities: Noisy, Spoken Word, Dub, Sampling, Rhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Dissonant
Amani + King Vision Ultra – An Unknown Infinite
featuring E L U C I D, maassai, AKAI SOLO, Awhlee, Suede, DOOF
Style: Experimental Hip-Hop, Progressive Boom-Bap, East Coast, Jazz Rap
Moods: Philosophical, Gritty, Conscious, Urban, Cerebral, Spiritual, Confident, Futuristic, Introspective, Heartfelt, Abstract, Political, Mellow, Poetic
Amani + King Vision Ultra – An Unknown Infinite Read More »
mewithoutYou – It’s All Crazy! It’s All False! It’s All a Dream! It’s Alright
Style: Folk-Rock, Chamber Folk
VIbe: Spiritual, Autumnal, Sunny, Uplifting, Mystical, Warm, Sunny
Lyrical Content: Religious Allegory, Christianity, Islam, Philosophical, Storytelling, Poetic
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Accordion, Horns, Woodwinds, Strings, Drums, Group Vocals
mewithoutYou – It’s All Crazy! It’s All False! It’s All a Dream! It’s Alright Read More »
David Grubbs – The Plain Where the Palace Stood
Style: Avant-Rock, Experimental Songwriter
Moods: Cryptic, Knotty, Philosophical, Deconstructed, Angular, Enigmatic, Mysterious, Moody, Contemplative, Suspenseful, Surreal, Reflective
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Complex, Progressive, Improvisation, Resonant
David Grubbs – The Plain Where the Palace Stood Read More »
Pearls Before Swine – One Nation Underground
Style: Acid Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Chamber-Folk
Moods: Surreal, Philosophical, Pacifist, Eclectic, Medieval, Cryptic, Melancholy, Spring, Morning, Conscious, Moody, Whimsical, Protest, Political, Psychedelic, Acerbic
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Harpsichord, Organ, Autoharp, Banjo, Mandolin, Vibraphone, Audio Oscillator, Electric Bass, English Horn, Clavioline, Sarangi, Finger Cymbals, Swinehorn
Pearls Before Swine – One Nation Underground Read More »
Holy Sons – Criminal’s Return
Style: Lo-fi Songwriter, Loner Folk, Bedroom-Psych
Vibe: Brooding, Alienated, Shadowy, Philosophical, Outsider, Misanthropic, Nocturnal, Hallucinogenic, Existential, Seeking
Musical Qualities: Studio-as-an-Instrument, Lo-Fi, Lyric-Driven, Atmospheric
Holy Sons – Criminal’s Return Read More »
Bill Callahan – Apocalypse
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Folk Rock
Moods: Road Trip, Reflective, Earthy, Observational, Deadpan, Poetic, Contemplative, Existential, Morning, Storytelling
Bill Callahan – Apocalypse Read More »
Swans – leaving meaning.
Style: Gothic Americana, Neo-Folk, Post-Rock
Moods: Brooding, Existential, Shadowy, Eerie, Sombre, Spiritual, Apocalyptic, Contemplative, Cryptic, Hypnotic, Focused, Nihilistic, Patient, Philosophical, Suspenseful
Musical Qualities: Slow, Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Repetitive, Lyrical, Droney, Rhythmic, Atmospheric
Swans – leaving meaning. Read More »
Yves Jarvis – The Zug
Style: Neo-Psychedelia, Free Pop, Progressive Songwriter, Hypnagogic Pop, Psychedelic Jazz-Folk
Moods: Uplifting, Personal, Existential, Warm, Groovy, Summer, Surreal, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Studio-as-an-Instrument, Processed Vocals, Melodic, Home Recording, Dense, Catchy
Yves Jarvis – The Zug Read More »
Killer Mike – R.A.P. Music [Deluxe Edition]
Produced by El-P
Style: Southern Hip-Hop
Vibe: Urban, Bombastic, Confident, Political, Futuristic, Playful, Rebellious, Aggressive
Killer Mike – R.A.P. Music [Deluxe Edition] Read More »
Outkast – ATLiens
Style: Southern Rap, Psychedelic Hip-Hop, Neo-Soul
Vibe: Futuristic, Spacey, Philosophical, Surreal, Urban, Cerebral, Confident, Conscious, Storytelling, Determined, Conceptual
Musical Qualities: Technical, Progressive, Lyrical, Sampling, Group Vocals, Rhythmic
Deerhunter – Cryptograms/Fluorescent Grey EP
Style: Noise Pop, Neo-Psychedelia, Shoegaze
Vibe: Cryptic, Surreal, Hypnotic, Ethereal, Nocturnal, Anxious, Washy
Musical Qualities: Noisy, Fuzzy, Catchy, Atmospheric, Lo-fi, Reverbed Production, Repetitive
Deerhunter – Cryptograms/Fluorescent Grey EP Read More »
Leonard Cohen – New Skin for the Old Ceremony
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 »
King Crimson – Lark’s Tongue in Aspic [Steven Wilson Mix]
Style: Prog, Chamber Rock
Vibe: Mercurial, Menacing, Bombastic, Cryptic, Muscular, Cerebral, Epic, Medieval, Aggressive, Bipolar, Heavy, Headphone Album
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Complex, Progressive Structures, Uncommon Time Signatures, Percussive, Riffs,
Instrumentation: Electric Guitar, Violin, Mellotron, Electric Bass, Electric Keyboards, Percussion, Drums, Vocals
King Crimson – Lark’s Tongue in Aspic [Steven Wilson Mix] Read More »
mewithoutYou – Brother, Sister
Style: Post-Hardcore, Art Rock, Folk-Influenced
Vibe: Spiritual, Poetic, Angsty, Introspective, Psychedelic, Energetic, Autumnal, Passionate, Sombre
Themes: Existential, Religious (Christian), Personal, Allegory, Symbolic, Philosophical
Musical Qualities: Spoken Word, Shouting, Groovy, Lush, Dense, Dynamic, Progressive
mewithoutYou – Brother, Sister Read More »
Eiko Ishibashi – Imitation of Life
Style: Chamber Pop, Prog-Pop, Jazz Pop, Singer-Songwriter
Vibe: Lush, Warm, Sunny, Sci-Fi, Playful, Philosophical, Surreal, Energetic, Imaginative
Musical Qualities: Progressive, Dense, Catchy, Complex, Melodic, Dense, Technical, Rhythmic
Instrumentation: Piano, Vibraphone, Drums, Flute, Rhodes, Electric & Acoustic Bass, Saxophone, Clarinet, Violin, Cello , Synthesizers, Steel Drum, French Horn
Eiko Ishibashi – Imitation of Life Read More »
Akron/Family – Set Em Wild, Set Em Free
These guys are my favorite American Rock band. Every album they’ve released explores different sides of rock, folk, experimental and psychedelic music in such a natural, unforced way that my mind usually envisions them jamming by a campfire in the woods. What’s even better is I imagine I’m there with them singing along and worshipping the great creative spirit that inspires their music. There’s such an unpretentious, inclusive sense of community and spirituality in their music that I can’t help but feel welcomed and embraced into the family.
Akron/Family – Set Em Wild, Set Em Free Read More »
Irreversible Entanglements – Open the Gates
Style: Free Jazz, Future Jazz, Jazz Poetry, Liberation Music
Vibe: Ritualistic, Triumphant, Aquatic, Communal, Futuristic, Philosophical, Poetic, Anthemic, Cerebral, Confident, Conscious, Determined, Epic, Existential, Groovy, Healing, Heavy, Liberation, Political, Powerful, Rebellious, Evocative, Mystical, Intertwined
Musical Qualities: Thematic, Collective Improvisation, Acoustic Instrumentation, Spoken Word, Progressive Structures, Rhythmic, Polyphonic, Dynamic, Complex, Dub Fx
Irreversible Entanglements – Open the Gates Read More »
Gratien Midonet – A Cosmic Poet from Martinique 1979-1989?
Style: Cosmic Folk, Caribbean Folk
Vibe: Mystical, Tropical, Poetic, Cosmic, Earthy, Ecletic, Intertwined, Groovy, Spiritual
Musical Qualities: Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Repetitive, Dense, Technical, Polished
Instrumentation: Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Vocals, Electric Bass
Gratien Midonet – A Cosmic Poet from Martinique 1979-1989? Read More »
Moor Mother – Black Encyclopedia of the Air
Style: Experimental Hip-Hop
Vibe: Futuristic, Mellow, Aquatic, Brooding, Cryptic, Haunting, Liberation, Philosophical, Poetic, Ritualistic, Spiritual, Sombre, Sci-Fi
Musical Qualities: Rap, Vocal Manipulations, Glitchy, Sampling, Digital, Spoken Word, Catchy, Suite, Percussive, Sound Collage
Moor Mother – Black Encyclopedia of the Air Read More »
Media Jeweler – The Sublime Sculpture of Being Alive
Style: Post-Punk, Math Rock, Art Rock
Vibes/Moods: Alienation, Overstimulated, Anxious, Urban, Eccentric, Anthemic, Satirical, Dystopian, Angular, Chaotic, Colorful, Urban, Philosophical, Playful
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Dissonant, Riffs, Dynamic, Dense, Melodic, Rhythmic
Media Jeweler – The Sublime Sculpture of Being Alive Read More »
Julius Lester – Departures
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 »
Swans – The Glowing Man
Style: Experimental Rock, Post Rock
Vibe: Cathartic, Visceral, Spiritual, Brooding, Shadowy, Apocalyptic, Ritualistic, Suspenseful, Climactic, Dark, Powerful, Heavy, Cryptic, Philosophical, Surreal, Epic, Hypnotic, Sombre, Meditative, Mysterious, Monolithic, Longing, Existential, Disorienting
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Repetitive, Dense, Crescendo, Rhythmic, Droney
Swans – The Glowing Man Read More »
Moor Mother & billy woods – Brass
Style: Hip-Hop (Hardcore, Boom-Bap, Experimental, East Coast)
Vibe: Gritty, Ritualistic, Ominous, Dystopian, Philosophical, Futuristic, Apocalyptic, Cold, Cryptic, Dark, Philosophical, Political, Surreal, Woozy, Conscious
Musical Qualities: Sampling, Beats, Percussive, Noisy, Lyrical, Spoken Word, Rhythmic
Moor Mother & billy woods – Brass 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 »
King Crimson – Three of a Perfect Pair
Style: Art Rock, Prog, Experimental Rock, Progressive Pop
Vibe: Anxious, Angular, Cerebral, Mechanical, Catchy, Ominous, Philosophical, Suspenseful, Dystopian, Urban, Confident
Musical Attributes: Complex, Uncommon Time Signatures, Polyrhythmic, Polished, Progressive, Technical
King Crimson – Three of a Perfect Pair Read More »
Brainticket – Celestial Ocean
Style: Kosmische Musik, Prog, Space Rock, Progressive Electronic
Vibe: Cosmic, Ethereal, Aquatic, Groovy, Exploratory, Hypnotic, Meditative, Hallucinogenic, Spiritual, Futuristic
Musical Qualities: Progressive, Suite, Raga, Headphone Album, Raga, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Dense
Lyrics: Conceptual, Egyptian Book of the Dead, Spiritual, Philosophical
Brainticket – Celestial Ocean Read More »
Ryley Walker – Course in Fable
Style: Progressive Songwriter, Jazz-Rock, Prog-Folk, Post-Rock
Vibe: Spring, Introspective, Warm, Intertwoven, Bright, Colorful, Carefree, Reflective, Personal
Musical Qualities: Lush, Progressive, Odd Time Signatures, Intricate, Dynamic, Polished, Improvisation, Lyrical, Riffs, Orchestral Arrangements
Ryley Walker – Course in Fable Read More »
Swamp Dogg – Rat On!
Style: Country-Soul, Funk
Vibe: Anthemic, Bittersweet, Triumphant, Political, Satirical, Playful, Groovy, Sunny, Conscious, Heartfelt, Warm, Sentimental, Rebellious, Philosophical
Musical Qualities: Lush, Rhythmic, Polished, Melodic, Lyrical
Swamp Dogg – Rat On! Read More »
Mourning [A] BLKstar – The Cycle
Style: Avant-Soul, Psychedelic Funk, Trip-Hop
Vibe: Heartfelt, Passionate, Raw, Reflective, Communal, Intimate, Afrofuturism, Nocturnal, Political, Mournful, Eclectic, Powerful
Musical Qualities: Progressive, Groovy, Dynamic, Beats
Mourning [A] BLKstar – The Cycle Read More »
Built to Spill – Keep It like a Secret
Style: Slacker Rock, Indie
Vibe: Existential, Catchy, Angsty, Contemplative, Depressive, Spring
Built to Spill – Keep It like a Secret Read More »
Mount Eerie – Sauna
Style: Experimental Singer/Songwriter, Avant-Folk, Drone
Vibe: Winter, Existential, Imaginative, Introspective, Contemplative, Epic, Philosophical, Poetic, Ethereal, Loner, Meditative, Eclectic
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Droney, Lo-Fi, Lyrical, Progressive
Mount Eerie – Sauna Read More »
Young Jesus – Welcome to Conceptual Beach
Style: Post-Rock, Art Rock, Shoegaze-Influenced
Vibe: Anthemic, Cathartic, Passionate, Philosophical, Poetic, Spiritual, Existential, Bittersweet
Musical Attributes: Dynamic, Lyrical, Improvisation, Polished
Young Jesus – Welcome to Conceptual Beach Read More »
Holy Sons – Raw & Disfigured
Style: Loner Folk, Psych Rock, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Introspective, Loner, Dark, Nocturnal, Psychedelic
Lyrical Themes: Philosophical, Existential, Death, Personal
Holy Sons – Raw & Disfigured Read More »
The Incredible String Band – U
Style: Psychedelic Folk, Brit-Folk
Vibe: Theatric, Colorful, Eccentric, Eclectic, Imaginative, Messy, Mystical, Playful, Surreal, Warm
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Lyrical, Conceptual, Indian-Influenced
Lyrics: Storytelling, Philosophical, Fantasy, Humorous, Poetic
The Incredible String Band – U Read More »
Erykah Badu – New Amerykah: Part One (4th World War)
Style: Psychedelic Funk, Conscious Hip-Hop, Soul
Vibe: Conscious, Groovy, Retro-Futuristic, Passionate, Philosophical, Political, Psychedelic, Uplifting, Urban, Eclectic
Musical Attributes: Groovy, Rhythmic, Lush, Melodic, Complex, Sampling, Lyrical
Erykah Badu – New Amerykah: Part One (4th World War) Read More »
Young Jesus – S/T
Style: Indie Rock
Influences: Shoegaze, Post-Rock, Free Improvisation, Emo
Vibe: accessible, cathartic, contemplative, dynamic, lyrical, passionate, philosophical, poetic
The Microphones – The Glow Pt. 2
Style: Lo-Fi, Experimental Singer/Songwriter, Loner Folk
Vibe: Heartfelt, Imaginative, Introspective, Nature, Intimate, Loner, Bittersweet, Depressive, Psychedelic, Raw, Lonely
Lyrical Themes: Existential, Alienation, Breakup, Philosophical, Poetic, Personal, Death
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Noisy, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Analogue Recording, lo-fi, Distorted
The Microphones – The Glow Pt. 2 Read More »
Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson – Bridges
Style: Soul, Jazz-Funk, Singer-Songwriter
Vibe: Conscious, Groovy, Lush, Lyrical, Passionate, Philosophical, Political, Sunny, Triumphant, Uplifting, Urban, Accessible, Bittersweet, Catchy, Confident
Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson – Bridges Read More »
Mos Def – Black on Both Sides
Style: East Coast Hip-Hop, Boom Bap, Jazz Rap
Vibe: Conscious, Uplifting, Groovy, Confident, Urban
Lyrics/Themes: Philosophical, Political, Black Pride, Racism, Spiritual, Islam
Musical Attributes: Lyrical, Sampling, Beats, Turntables, Live Instrumentation (Rhodes, Electric Bass)
Mos Def – Black on Both Sides Read More »
Stereolab – Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night
Style: Progressive Pop, Space Age Pop
Influences: Kosmische Musik, Bossa Nova, French Pop, Lounge
Vibe: Spacey, Lush, Retro-Futuristic, Catchy, Groovy, Motorik, Nocturnal, Uplifting
Musical Attributes: Melodic, Headphone Album, Odd Time Signatures, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Progressive, Lyrical
Lyrics: Philosophical, Political, Communist, Bi-Lingual (English and French)
Instrumentation: Synthesizers, Vibraphone, Drums, Electric Bass, Electric Guitar, Vocals, Brass, Strings, Keys (Organ, Clavinet, Harpsichord, Wurlitzer)
Stereolab – Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night Read More »
Funkadelic – Maggot Brain
Style: Psychedelic Funk
Vibe: Apocalyptic, Communal, Cryptic, Earthy, Energetic, Epic, Groovy, Heavy, Philosophical, Playful, Political, Psychedelic, Riffs, Stoned, Eclectic
Funkadelic – Maggot Brain Read More »
Radiohead – Hail to the Thief
Released in 2003 on EMI Records Format: LPx2, 45rpm Style: Art Rock Vibe: Cryptic, Anxious, Angsty, Paranoid, Moody Musical Attributes: Complex, Eclectic, Dynamic, Dense, Lyrical Themes: Political, War, Death
Radiohead – Hail to the Thief Read More »
The Flaming Lips – Embryonic
Released in 2009 on Warner Bros. Records Format: LPx2
The Flaming Lips – Embryonic Read More »
Hatfield and the North – The Rotters’ Club
Released in 1975 on Virgin Records UK Pressing Format: LP
Hatfield and the North – The Rotters’ Club Read More »
Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon
Released in 1973 on Harvest Records
Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon Read More »
The Body – I Shall Die Here
Released in 2014 on RVNG International Format: LP
The Body – I Shall Die Here Read More »
Smog – A River Ain’t Too Much to Love
Released in 2005 on Drag City Format: LP
Smog – A River Ain’t Too Much to Love Read More »
Jim O’Rourke – Eureka
Released in 1999 on Drag City Records Format: LP Includes Poster
Jim O’Rourke – Eureka Read More »
Modest Mouse – The Moon & Antarctica
Originally released in 2000 on Epic Records 2010 Repress Format: LPx2
Modest Mouse – The Moon & Antarctica Read More »
Gastr Del Sol – Mirror Repair
Released in 1994 by Drag City Format: 12″ EP, 45rpm
Gastr Del Sol – Mirror Repair Read More »
The Microphones – Mount Eerie
Originally released on K records in 2003 Recorded between 2001-2002 2013 Reissue on PW Elverum & Sun Format: LP
The Microphones – Mount Eerie Read More »
The Incredible String Band – The 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion
Released in 1967 on Elektra Records Format: LP
The Incredible String Band – The 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion Read More »
Fleet Foxes – Crack Up
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.
Fleet Foxes – Crack Up Read More »
Aesop Rock – Labor Days
Released in 2001 on Definitive Jux Original Pressing Format: LPx2
Aesop Rock – Labor Days Read More »
Mount Eerie – No Flashlight: Songs of the Fulfilled Night
Originally released in 2005 on P.W. Elverum & Sun 2015 Pressing, re-mixed and re-designed Format: LP, white vinyl
Mount Eerie – No Flashlight: Songs of the Fulfilled Night Read More »
The Books – The Way Out
The Books’ music is simultaneously funny, innovative, catchy and enlightening. They use found sound and spoken word mixed with innovative recording techniques and acoustic instruments to create beautiful sound-collages that somehow create unity between all these disparate sources, as if they were all meant to be together. Everything these guys do, solo or together, is absolute genius.
The Books – The Way Out Read More »
Love – Forever Changes
Originally released in 1967 on Elektra 2012 Rhino Pressing, cut from original analogue masters Format: LP
Love – Forever Changes 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 »
David Grubbs – The Thicket
On experimental musician David Grubb’s first dedicated songwriter outing, he synthesizes technical bluegrass banjo and fingerstyle acoustic guitar playing with imaginative arrangements, abrupt stylistic shifts, philosophical questioning lyrics, improvisation, and drones. Featured musicians include drummer John McEntire (Tortoise, The Sea and Cake), bassist Josh Abrams (Natural Information Society), and drone violinist Tony Conrad.
David Grubbs – The Thicket Read More »
Holy Sons – In the Garden
After 20+ years of using his introspective songwriting as a playground for psychedelic lo-fi experimentation, underdog hero Emil Amos hands the production reins to John Angello (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr.) for his most polished album yet, capturing the best aspects of 70’s rock classics without ever feeling cliché. The hi-fi analogue production brings a newfound clarity and depth that allows Amos’ songwriting and instrumental performances to bloom; the choruses are anthemic, the atmospheres are darkly psychedelic, and his lyrics are just as philosophical and contemplative as ever.
Holy Sons – In the Garden Read More »
Young Jesus – The Whole Thing is Just There
The Whole Thing is Just There is another beautiful and life-affirming release from Young Jesus, the second with the current L.A. iteration of the band. Their inter-band chemistry seems stronger than ever, with telepathic improvisations, symbiotic catharses, and a mutual love for each other that is easily felt from a listener’s perspective. The lyrics deal with self-exploration and one’s relationship with the world around them, finding solace in spirituality, existentialism, literature, and the ethos of free jazz. Stylistically the music seems rooted in late-90’s indie rock and emo, with seamless but adventurous detours into post-rock, noisy post-hardcore, and free improvisation. Excited to see where these guys go next.
Young Jesus – The Whole Thing is Just There Read More »
Holy Sons – Decline of the West Vol. I & II
Released in 2015 on Partisan Records Recorded 2003-2005
Holy Sons – Decline of the West Vol. I & II Read More »
King Crimson – Discipline
Discpline marks the first in a trilogy of complex prog-meets-new-wave masterpieces that have been relished by anxious overthinkers for decades…featuring polyrhythmic riffs, innovative guitar textures, overwrought sing-talking, and a strong inter-band chemistry.
King Crimson – Discipline 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 »
Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues
Released in 2011 on Sub Pop Records Produced by Phil Ek and Fleet Foxes Format: LPx2 Includes large foldout poster
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Jim O’Rourke – Insignificance
After a prolific career as a noise/improvisational/experimental guitarist and a few forays into folk and chamber pop, Jim O’Rourke surprised his audience with an album closer to straightforward rock than his audience could have ever expected of him. Yet underneath it’s catchy, cheery, and polished exterior, his lyrics are full of humorously bitter resentment. Like his debut singer/songwriter album Eureka, Insignificance is full of the meticulous and lush arrangements that Jim would become known for.
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The Books – Lost & Safe (2011 reissue)
Style: Collage-Pop, Glitch-Folk, Plunderphonics
Vibe: Surreal, Psychedelic, Peaceful, Cerebral, Meditative, Philosophical, Spiritual, Uplifting, Warm, Playful, Hallucinogenic
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Electro-Acoustic, Melodic, Sound Collage, Vocal Manipulation
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Father John Misty – Pure Comedy
Album Information: Released in 2017 on Sub Pop Records Format: 2xLP on gold and silver vinyl, Deluxe Edition with 4 alternate covers, includes fold-out poster with lyrics/liner notes on back
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Dälek – Endangered Philosophies
After two decades of challenging the system, expanding, and breaking through musical boundaries, New Jersey’s Dälek have distilled their experimental approaches to hip-hop into their most streamlined release yet. Endangered Philosophies exhibits distorted washes of sound, old-school turntablism, and MC Dälek’s insightful political diatribes over pounding boom-bap beats. Influenced by My Bloody Valentine, industrial music, Sunn O)), and the Bomb Squad
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Holy Sons – The Fact Facer [Review]
I highly recommend this album to any nocturnal recluses looking for a shadowy singer-songwriter to listen to during their next existential crisis. Emil’s experimental blend of hi- and lo-fi recording methods and tasteful use of psychedelic atmospheres allow his strong songwriting to take precedent, while simultaneously offering plenty of new textures to discover with each subsequent listen. Diverse range of influences include Indian classical, psychedelic rock, drone, folk, dub…the list goes on.
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