Bruce Cockburn – Dancing in the Dragon’s Jaws
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Soft Rock, Progressive Folk-Pop, Sophisti-Pop
Vibes: Bright, Uplifting, Sleek, Romantic, Poetic, Warm, Joyful, Anthemic
Bruce Cockburn – Dancing in the Dragon’s Jaws Read More »
Progressive Pop
Julia Holter – Something in the Room She Moves
Styles: Progressive Songwriter, Ambient Pop, Art Rock, Chamber Jazz-Influenced
Moods: Nocturnal, Surreal, Sensual, Elegant, Ethereal, Flowing, Dreamy, Cryptic, Aquatic, Spiritual, Soothing, Meditative, Mellow, Warm, Mysterious, Poetic, Summer Night
Julia Holter – Something in the Room She Moves Read More »
Dirty Projectors – Swing Lo Magellan
Style: Art Pop, Math Pop, Art Rock, Baroque Pop-influenced
Vibes: Romantic, Warm, Intertwined, Uplifting, Intricate, Spring, Love, Anthemic, Angular, Eclectic, Poetic
Dirty Projectors – Swing Lo Magellan Read More »
Talk Talk – The Colour of Spring
Style: Sophisti-Pop, New Wave, Progressive Pop
Vibes: Spring, Uplifting, Bittersweet, Sentimental, Anthemic, Passionate, Introspective, Spiritual, Peaceful
Musical Qualities: Sleek, Catchy, Melodic, Lush, Rhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Chora
Talk Talk – The Colour of Spring Read More »
Carla Bley & Nick Mason – Fictitious Sports
featuring Robert Wyatt,. Karen Kraft, Chris Spedding, Gary Windo, Gary Valente, Howard Johnson, Terry Adams
Style: Jazz-Rock, Avant-Rock, Zolo
Vibes: Playful, Surreal, Theatric, Anxious, Complex, Cryptic, Eccentric
Carla Bley & Nick Mason – Fictitious Sports Read More »
Caravan – In the Land of Grey and pink
Style: Canterbury Scene, Progressive Pop, Jazz Rock
Vibes: Whimsical, Romantic, Sunny, Anthemic, Fantasy, Epic, Playful, Pastoral, Warm, Complex, Eccentric, Optimistic
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Progressive, Rhythmic, Riffs, Lush, Improvisation, Technical, Melodic, Vocal Harmonies
Caravan – In the Land of Grey and pink 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 »
Matching Mole
Style: Canterbury Scene, Progressive Pop
Moods: Plaintive, Playful, Lonely, Longing, Melancholy, Dreamy, Eccentric, Tender, Sentimental
Instrumentation: Mellotron, Piano, Drums, Organ, Electric Bass, Electric Guitar, Electric Piano, Drums, Voice
The Soft Machine
Style: Canterbury Scene, Psych Pop, Progressive Pop, Jazz-Influenced
Moods: Surreal, Whimsical, Dadaist, Playful, Joyful, Uplifting
Musical Qualities: Suite, Catchy, Complex, Uncommon Time Signatures, Loose
Kevin Ayers – Whatevershesbringswesing
Style: Canterbury Scene, Progressive Pop, Art Rock, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Playful, Uplifting, Eclectic, Joyful, Eccentric, Stoned, Warm, Eccentric, Romantic
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Lush, Melodic, Lyrical, Orchestral
Kevin Ayers – Whatevershesbringswesing Read More »
Big Thief – UFOF
Style: Folk Pop, Dream-Folk, Progressive Pop, Slowcore
Vibe: Spring, Warm, Intertwined, Ethereal, Introspective, Cryptic, Poetic, Misty, Gentle, Soothing, Bittersweet
Musical Qualities: Lush, Polished, Melodic, Progressive
Daevid Allen – Banana Moon
Style: Canterbury Scene, Progressive Pop, Art Rock, Soul-Influenced
Moods: Playful, Eclectic, Eccentric, Whimsical, Mystical, Surreal, Cosmic, Theatric, Psychedelic, Energetic, Joyful, Hippie
Musical Qualities: Progressive, Catchy, Background Singers, Riffs
Daevid Allen – Banana Moon Read More »
Björk – Fossora
Styles: Progressive Pop, Post-Industrial Chamber Music, IDM, Gabber, Deconstructed Club
Moods: Earthy, Knotty, Sensual, Futuristic, Surreal, Romantic, Mystical, Passionate, Messy, Hallucinogenic, Intense, Forest, Eccentric, Epic, Tribal
Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Dense, Dynamic, Complex, Glitchy, Progressive, Uncommon Time Signatures, Electro-Acoustic
Instrumentation: Digital Programming, Woodwinds (Bass Clarinet, Oboe, Clarinet), Strings, Choral Vocals
Kevin Ayers – Bananamour
Vibe: Uplifting, Spring, Whimsical, Groovy, Peaceful, Spacey, Sunny, Joyful
Musical Qualities: Lush, Catchy, Polished, Background Singers, Lyrical
Style: Psychedelic Soul, Canterbury Scene, Prog-Pop
Kevin Ayers – Bananamour Read More »
David Sylvian – Brilliant Trees
featuring Ryuichi Sakamoto, Holger Czukay, Jon Hassell, Danny Thompson, & Mark Isham
Style: Sophisti-Pop, Art Pop, Ambient Pop
Vibe: Longing, Introspective, Elegant, Ethereal, Sentimental, Sleek, Melancholy, Contemplative, Autumnal, Mellow, Sombre, Nocturnal
Musical Qualities: Polished Production, Melodic, Rhythmic
David Sylvian – Brilliant Trees Read More »
Avec le Soleil sortant de sa bouche – Pas pire pop [I ? You So Much]??
Style: Art Rock, Progressive Pop, Post-Punk
Influences: Krautrock, No Wave, Afrobeat, Funk
Vibe: Driving, Muscular, Motorik, Mechanical, Hypnotic, Cathartic, Primal, Epic, Messy
Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Repetitive, Noisy, Progressive
Avec le Soleil sortant de sa bouche – Pas pire pop [I ? You So Much]?? Read More »
Steve Hillage – Aura
Style: Progressive Pop, Space Rock, Synth-Funk, Canterbury Scene
Vibe: Playful, Spacey, Colorful, Anthemic, Groovy
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Progressive, Polished, Riffs, Rhythmic, Technical, Shred
Steve Hillage – Aura 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 »
David Sylvian – Gone To Earth
Style: Ambient Pop, Progressive Pop (LP1), Ambient (LP2)
Vibe: Ethereal, Introspective, Sombre, Sentimental, Spiritual, Winter, Lush, Meditative, Longing, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Progressive, Polyphonic, Polyrhythmic, Polished, Ballads
David Sylvian – Gone To Earth Read More »
Todd Rundgren – A Wizard, a True Star
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
Todd Rundgren – A Wizard, a True Star Read More »
Holger Czukay – Movies
Style: Collage Pop, Progressive Pop, Art Rock, Krautrock
Vibe: Playful, Surreal, Party, Colorful, Futuristic, Eccentric, Sunny, Groovy, Warm
Musical Qualities: Sampling, Dub, Sound Collage, Rhythmic, Melodic
Holger Czukay – Movies Read More »
Spellling – The Turning Wheel
Style: Progressive Pop, Baroque Pop
Vibe: Epic, Surreal, Haunting, Ethereal, Passionate, Dramatic, Dreamy, Romantic (LP1), Triumphant, Fantasy, Uplifting (LP1), Grandiose, Theatric, Brooding (LP2), Spacey (LP2)
Musical Qualities: Dense, Orchestral, Progressive, Polyphonic, Polished, Melodic, Rhythmic
Spellling – The Turning Wheel Read More »
Ben Lamar Gay – Open Arms to Open Us
Style: Creative Music, Future Jazz, Organic Beat Music, Pan-Americana, Art Pop
Vibe: Romantic, Sci-Fi, Determined, Triumphant, Colorful, Eclectic, Communal, Futuristic, Groovy, Rootsy, Spiritual, Warm
Musical Qualities: Thematic, Polyphonic, Percussive, Polyrythmic, Percussive, Improvisation, Electro-Acoustic, Progressive
Ben Lamar Gay – Open Arms to Open Us Read More »
Lightman Jarvis Ecstatic Band – Banned
Style: Free Pop, Bedroom Psych, Progressive Soul
Vibe: Spontaneous, Woozy, Imaginative, Brooding, Surreal, Loose, Eclectic, Raw, Playful, Fuzzy, Psychedelic, Colorful
Musical Qualities: Post-Production, Progressive, Vocal Harmonies, Manipulated Vocals, Studio Improvisation, Distorted
Lightman Jarvis Ecstatic Band – Banned Read More »
Circuit Des Yeux – -io
Style: Neoclassical Darkwave, Symphonic Rock, Singer-Songwriter
Moods/Vibe: Cathartic, Brooding, Sombre, Mystical, Epic, Ominous, Motorik, Spiritual, Cinematic, Powerful, Mourning, Funereal
Musical Qualities: Orchestral, Driving, Lush, Dense
Circuit Des Yeux – -io Read More »
King Crimson – Beat
Style: Art Rock, Progressive Pop
Vibe: Anxious, Eccentric, Romantic, Cerebral, Complex, Catchy, Bombastic, Dramatic, Surreal, Slick, Intertwined
Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Uncommon Time Signatures, Polished, Progressive, Technical, Rhythmic
King Crimson – Beat 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 »
Steve Hillage – Fish Rising
Style: Prog-Pop, Canterbury Scene, Space Rock, Jazz-Rock
Vibe: Playful, Aquatic, Mystical, Adventure, Spacey, Hypnotic, Sunny, Energetic, Triumphant, Colorful, Conceptual
Musical Qualities: Progressive, Groovy, Technical, Polyphonic, Suite, Melodic, Riffs, Atmospheric, Jams
Steve Hillage – Fish Rising Read More »
L’Rain – Fatigue
Style: Free Pop, Progressive R&B, Psychedelic Soul, Art Pop, Gospel-Influenced
Vibe: Woozy, Ethereal, Cryptic, Impressionistic, Heartfelt, Imaginative, Dramatic, Dreamy, Eclectic
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Lush, Vocal Manipulation, Sampling, Vignettes, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Groovy, Collage
Richard Dawson – 2020 [Review]
Style: Progressive Songwriter, Art Rock, Progressive Pop
Vibe: Satirical, Depressive, Anxious, Dystopian, Bright, Eccentric, Existential, Longing, Pessimistic, Urban, Storytelling
Musical Qualities: Complex, Dense, Progressive, Intricate, Dynamic, Conceptual
Richard Dawson – 2020 [Review] Read More »
Robert Wyatt – Shleep
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 »
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 »
Jim O’Rourke – Simple Songs
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Pop, Progressive Pop
Vibe: Playful, Bittersweet, Satirical, Catchy
Musical Attributes: Lush, Progressive, Melodic, Lyrical, Polished
Jim O’Rourke – Simple Songs Read More »
Sufjan Stevens – The Ascension
Style: Progressive Pop, Synth Pop, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Colorful, Epic, Existential, Imaginative, Spiritual, Catchy, Love
Musical Attributes: Dense, Melodic, Lush, Polished, Progressive
Sufjan Stevens – The Ascension 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 »
Canterbury Scene [Mixtape & Guide]
In mid-60s Canterbury, a new sound was germinating that would combine musical complexity with psychedelic whimsy, jazz-inspired improvisation, and avant-garde production techniques, proving to be a cornerstone of progressive music for decades to come.
Guide includes 100-minute mixtape, list of recommended albums, & further reading
Canterbury Scene [Mixtape & Guide] Read More »
Gong – Magick Brother
Style: Canterbury Scene, Psych Rock
Vibe: Psychedelic, Whimsical, Joyful, Eccentric, Spacey, Playful
Musical Attributes: Raw, Progressive, lo-fi
Gong – Magick Brother Read More »
Sandro Perri – Soft Landing
Released in 2019 on Constellation Records Format: LP
Sandro Perri – Soft Landing Read More »
Grizzly Bear – Shields
Released in 2012 on Warp Records Format: LPx2
Grizzly Bear – Shields Read More »
The Soft Machine – The Soft Machine [2nd Press]
Style: Canterbury Scene, Psych Pop, Progressive Pop, Jazz-Influenced
Moods: Surreal, Whimsical, Dadaist, Playful, Joyful, Uplifting
Musical Qualities: Suite, Catchy, Complex, Uncommon Time Signatures, Loose
The Soft Machine – The Soft Machine [2nd Press] Read More »
Jim O’Rourke – Eureka
Released in 1999 on Drag City Records Format: LP Includes Poster
Jim O’Rourke – Eureka Read More »
Sandro Perri – Impossible Spaces
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 »
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 »
The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds
Style: Psych Pop, Baroque Pop
Vibes: Longing, Summer, Romantic, Lonely, Psychedelic, Sunny, Warm
The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds 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 »
Deradoorian – The Expanding Flower Planet
Recommended for those who know that “psychedelic” is not a sound, but a spirit of creativity and exploration within the mind. Those who know Deradoorian for her work with Dirty Projectors will appreciate the complex arrangements and production, albeit in a much more mysterious context. Fans of Bjork, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Flaming Lips, Portishead, or Can will also find a lot to love.
Deradoorian – The Expanding Flower Planet Read More »
MGMT – Congratulations
Style: Psych Pop, Surf, Progressive Pop
Vibe: Surreal, Sunny, Warm, Retro, Playful, Existential, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Catchy, Progressive
MGMT – Congratulations 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 »
Joni Mitchell – The Hissing of Summer Lawns
Jazz Fusion-inflected Folk Rock with poetic lyricism, ethereal atmospheres, spacey synths, and a lot of fretless bass.
Joni Mitchell – The Hissing of Summer Lawns Read More »