Yo La tengo – Extra Painful
Style: Noise Pop, Dream Pop, Shoegaze
Moods: Bittersweet, Tender, Melancholy, Romantic, Nocturnal, Reflective, Sentimental, Warm, Driving, Hypnotic
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Catchy, Atmospheric, Noisy, Soft, Fuzzy
Reflective
Oceansize – Frames
Style: Progressive Rock, Shoegaze-Influenced
Moods: Passionate, Epic, Melancholy, Cryptic, Sentimental, Moody, Longing, Cathartic, Dark, Triumphant, Monolithic
Musical Qualities: Complex, Progressive, Melodic, Uncommon Time Signatures, Polished, Atmospheric, Dynamic, Dense
Loraine James – Reflection
Style: UK Bass, Deconstructed Club, Weightless, IDM
Moods: Futuristic, Melancholy, Mechanical, Introspective, Nocturnal, Urban, Cryptic, Sensual, Reflective
Musical Qualities: Digital, Percussive, Sparse, Glitchy
Loose Fur – Born Again in the USA
Jeff Tweedy, Jim O’Rourke, Glenn Kotche
Style: Roots Rock, Alt-Country, Art Rock
Moods: Sardonic, Road Trip, Sunny, Warm, Playful, Driving, Humorous, Reflective, Break-up, Energetic, Bittersweet
Scott Hirsch – Blue Rider Songs
Style: Americana, Singer/Songwriter, Country-Psych, Roots Rock
Moods: Reflective, Western, Road Trip, Desert, Warm, Groovy, Laid Back, Cinematic, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Dub Production, Melodic, Rhythmic
Instrumentation: Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Organ, Drum Machine, Slide Guitars (Pedal Steel & Lap Steel), Harmonica, Synthesizers, Saxophone, Drums, Electric Bass
Edith Frost – Wonder Wonder
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Alt-Country, Slowcore
Moods: Reflective, Sentimental, Rural, Lonely, Melancholy, Twangy, Romantic, Longing, Contemplative, Depressive, Heartfelt, Introspective, Love, Rootsy
Jim White – Waffles, Triangles & Jesus
Style: Americana, Singer/Songwriter, Alt-Country
Moods: Drifter, Surreal, Poetic, Twangy, Colorful, Eccentric, Sunny, Uplifting, Playful, Observational, Contemplative, Warm, Rural, Sentimental, Storytelling
Meg Baird – Furling
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Dream-Folk
Moods: Reflective, Flowing, Dreamy, Bittersweet, Melancholy, Pastoral, Mellow, Breezy, Haunting, Morning, Contemplative, Poetic, Peaceful, Soothing
P.G. Six – Live at the Tavern
Style: Singer/Songwriter, British Folk
Moods: Intimate, Gentle, Storytelling, Lonely, Reflective, Melancholy, Autumnal
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Master and Everyone
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Folk
Moods: Tender, Intimate, Bittersweet, Autumnal, Reflective, Lonely, Poetic, Breakup, Conversational, Lethargic, Loner, Longing, Love, Melancholy, Mellow, Brooding, Pastoral
Musical Qualities: Soft, Sparse, Lyrical, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic
Flying Saucer Attack – Mirror
Styles: Loner Folk, Shoegaze, Noise, Drum & Bass, Space Rock
Moods: Intimate, Nocturnal, Melancholy, Winter, Tender, Loner, Spacey, Eclectic, Lonely, Claustrophobic
Musical Qualities: Home Recording, Noisy, Droney, Lo-Fi, Atmospheric
J.J. Cale – Okie
Style: Americana, Country Rock, Roots Rock, Singer/Songwriter
Moods: Road Trip, Carefree, Confident, Sunny, Romantic, Summer, Reflective, Warm, Breezy, Rural, Mellow
Musical Qualities: Groovy, Lush, Bluesy, Smooth, Rhythmic
P.G. Six & Louise Bock – All Summer Long is Gone
Style: Post-Minimalism, Ambient Chamber-Folk, New Age
Moods: Soothing, Flowing, Dreamy, Meditative, Nature, Peaceful, Hypnotic, Pulse, Intertwined, Reflective
Instrumentation: Celtic Harp, Alto Saxophone, Keyboards, Voice
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
Jerry David DeCicca – The Unlikely Optimist and His Domestic Adventures
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana
Moods: Observational, Peaceful, Reflective, Rustic, Mellow, Romantic, Joyful
Musical Qualities: Soft, Simple, Lush, Lyrical
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Saxophone, Upright Bass, Drums, Fiddle, Cello, Vocal Harmonies, Accordion
Aram Arakelian ensemble – The Oud
Style: Armenian Folk, Arabic Classical Music, Islamic Modal Music
Moods: Mystical, Elegant, Traditional, Reflective, Longing, Desert, Mysterious, Energetic
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Microtonal, Modal, Dynamic, Percussive, Technical
Joseph Shabason – The Fellowship
Styles: Ambient Jazz, Fourth World, Chamber Jazz, New Age
Moods: Ethereal, Introspective, Healing, Reflective, Inner Turmoil, Existential, Meditative, Personal, Religious
Musical Qualities: Electro-Acoustic, Field Recordings, Melodic, Percussive, Pulse, Technical
Mickey Newbury – Heaven Help the Child
Style: SInger-Songwriter, Progressive Country, Chamber Folk
Moods: Reflective, Longing, Heartbreak, Autumnal, Contemplative, Melancholy, Bittersweet, Sentimental, Heartfelt, Lonely, Rainy
Musical Qualities: Lush, Suite, Lyrical, Orchestral, Melodic
Mogwai – Young Team
Style: Slowcore, Noise Rock, Shoegaze, Post-Rock
Moods: Lonely, Melancholy, Rainy, Moody, Sombre, Reflective, Winter, Bombastic, Cathartic, Cold, Epic
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Atmospheric, Slow
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – The Letting Go
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk
Moods: Intimate, Romantic, Bittersweet, Reflective, Gentle, Winter, Poetic, Storytelling, Sombre, Longing, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Lush, Lyrical, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Orchestral Arrangements
Richard Youngs – Amplifying Host
Style: Loner Folk, Ambient Folk, Experimental Songwriter, Slowcore
Moods: Introspective, Dreamy, Melancholy, Intimate, Hypnotic, Autumnal, Flowing, Airy, Contemplative, Mysterious, Nocturnal, Reflective, Tender, Depressive, Eerie, Ominous (A2)
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Repetitive, Lyrical, Slow, Soft
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
The Antlers – Familiars
Style: Chamber Pop, Ambient Pop
Moods: Sentimental, Bittersweet, Mellow, Reflective, Ethereal, Flowing, Dreamy, Passionate, Sad
Musical Qualities: Soft, Slow, Lush, Lyrical, Polished, Dynamic
Instrumentation: Synthesizers, Electric Guitar, Drums, Trumpet, Upright Bass, Fender Rhodes, Organ, Cello, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone
Bert Jansch – A Rare Conundrum
Style: British Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk, Celtic Folk
Moods: Morning, Tender, Bright, Reflective, Mellow, Romantic, Breezy, Spring
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Violin, Drums, Electric Bass, Mandolin, Drums, Percussion, Banjo, Harmonica
P.G. Six – Starry Mind
Style: Folk Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Acid Folk, Americana
Moods: Reflective, Spring, Tender, Sunny, Warm, Breezy, Romantic, Intimate, Rustic, Bright, Contemplative, Fantasy, Introspective, Poetic, Retro, Uplifting, Mellow
P.G. Six – Parlor Tricks and Porch Favorites
Style: Loner Folk, Chamber Folk, heavily influenced by Celtic Folk & British Folk-Rock
Moods: Reflective, Intimate, Autumnal, Pastoral, Soothing, Melancholy, Medieval, Peaceful, Tender, Mournful, Meditative
Instrumentation: Celtic Harp, Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Piano, Frame Drum, Shakuhachi Flute, Farfisa Organ, Djembe, Dumbek, Tabla, Synthesizers
Sharon Van Etten – We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong
Styles: Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock, Synth Pop
Moods: Longing, Reflective, Heartbreak, Autumnal, Sentimental, Anthemic, Apocalyptic, Dramatic, Lonely
Musical Qualities: Lush, Polished, Melodic, Lyrical, Atmospheric
Gram Parsons – GP
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Country, Cosmic American Music
Moods: Reflective, Heartbreak, Longing, Bittersweet, Sentimental, Twangy, Warm
Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Melodic, Lush, Soft
fightmaster – sunday driver
Style: Ambient
Vibe: Enveloping, Intricate, Reflective, Dreamy
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Melodic, Sampling, Tape Hiss, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Looping
Bark Psychosis – Codename: Dustsucker
Style: Post-Rock, Trip-Hop, Dub, Slowcore
Moods: Brooding, Urban, Nocturnal, Sombre, Reflective, Autumnal, Melancholy, Patient, Longing, Dreamy, Moody, Introspective
Musical Qualities: Sampling, Slow, Soft, Lush, Dynamic, Atmospheric
Willie Nelson – Spirit
Style: Outlaw Country, Singer/Songwriter, Flamenco-Influenced
Vibe: Tender, Breakup, Reflective, Patient, Personal, Lonely, Longing, Peaceful, Romantic, Bittersweet, Heartfelt, Intimate, Melancholy, Mellow, Sentimental, Spiritual
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Lyric-Driven, Chamber Arrangements
Alabaster DePlume – GOLD
Style: Art Pop, Spiritual Jazz, Dub Poetry, Collage Pop
Moods: Triumphant, Conversational, Uplifting, Conscious, Communal, Heartfelt, Passionate, Hypnotic, Intertwined, Intimate, Intricate, Playful, Rebellious, Love, Poetic, Reflective, Soothing, Spiritual, Warm,
Musical Qualities: Suite, Improvisation, Analogue Recording, Tape Edits, Dub Production, Sound Collage, Thematic, Polished, Catchy
Instrumentation: Saxophone, Spoken Word, Upright Bass, Drums, Group Vocals, Tabla, Synthesizers, Percussion, Guitar, Cello
Courtney Marie Andrews – Loose Future
Style: Americana, Singer/Songwriter
Moods: Bittersweet, Road Trip, Warm, Reflective, Introspective, Breakup, Rustic
Recommended if you dig Gram Parsons, Edith Frost, or Neko Case
Joan Shelley – The Spur
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk
Moods: Reflective, Poetic, Intimate, Lonely, Loving, Wise, Compassionate, Tender, Soothing, Contemplative, Bittersweet, Rustic, Peaceful, Melancholy, Intricate, Pastoral
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Soft, Melodic
Daniel Rossen – You Belong There
Style: Progressive Chamber-Folk
Moods: Imaginative, Reflective, Cryptic, Evocative, Cathartic, Sombre, Introspective, Haunting, Dreamy, Poetic, Surreal, Ethereal
Musical Qualities: Lush, Progressive, Acoustic, Dense, Technical, Polished
Instrumentation: Nylon Guitar, Piano, Drums, Bassoon, Upright Bass, Cello, Synthesizer
Beth Orton – Weather Alive
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber-Jazz, Ambient Pop
Moods: Reflective, Existential, Autumnal, Languid, Pensive, Soothing, Peaceful, Nature, Tender, Mellow, Contemplative
Musical Qualities: Lush, Slow, Polished, Atmospheric
Featuring Shahzad Ismaily, Tom Skinner, Alabaster dePlume, and more
Jefre Cantu-Ledesma – A Year With 13 Moons
Distorted ghosts of past love and futures lost haunt the spaces between these woozy, blown-out guitar loops and the fragmented rhythms of decaying drums machines. Occasional bursts of noise tear through the sedating static of bittersweet nostalgia.
Avey Tare – Cows on Hourglass Pond
Style: Psych-Pop, Neo-Psychedelia, Acid Folk
Vibe: Aquatic, Ethereal, Peaceful, Hallucinogenic, Reflective, Hypnotic, Mellow, Surreal, Uplifting, Warm, Existential
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Soft, Melodic, Atmospheric, Vocal Fx, Analogue Recording
Joan Shelley – Over and Even
Style: Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Morning, Reflective, Soothing, Gentle, Bittersweet, Warm, Mellow, Contemplative
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Soft, Vocal Harmonies, Melodic, Sparse, Polished Production
Instrumentation: Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Piano, Harmonium, Glockenspiel, Keyboards
Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions – Until the Hunter
Style: Ethereal Country, Psychedelic Folk, Slowcore, Singer-Songwriter, Dream Pop
Vibe: Enchanting, Dreamy, Hypnotic, Forest, Wistful, Brooding, Western, Nocturnal, Sensual, Lethargic, Soothing, Melancholy, Reflective, Autumnal, Ethereal, Desert, Romantic, Bittersweet, Spectral
Musical Qualities: Slow, Lush, Soft, Atmospheric, Vocal Harmonies, Lyrical
Instrumentation: Slide Guitar, Vibraphone, Keyboards, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Bass, Drums, Cello
Eric Chenaux – Say Laura
Style: Experimental Singer/Songwriter, Warped Folk Ballads
Vibe: Gentle, Woozy, Romantic, Reflective, Intertwined, Poetic, Warm
Musical Qualities: Crooning Vocals, Improvised Experimental Guitar, Looping
Mickey Newbury – Better Days
Style: Country, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Bittersweet, Reflective, Breakup, Intimate, Introspective, Melancholy, Poetic, Sombre, Longing
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Sparse, Acoustic, Slow
Bill Callahan – Woke on a Whaleheart
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Alt-Country
Vibe: Observational, Deadpan, Earthy, Reflective, Rustic, Confident, Warm, Storytelling, Contemplative, Loner
Qualities: Lush, Choral Vocals, Lyrical, Rhythmic, Simple
Hiss Golden Messenger / Michael Chapman – Parallelogram
Style: Singer/Songwriter
HGM Side: Americana, Warm, Contemplative, Sunny, Rural, Passionate, Spiritual, Introspective
Chapman Side: Chamber Folk, Melancholy, Morning, Mellow, Autumnal, Reflective, Storytelling
Mickey Newbury – I Came to Hear the Music
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Progressive Country
Vibe: Introspective, Reflective, Heartfelt, Bittersweet, Longing, Lush, Warm, Soothing, Rustic, Tender, Sentimental, Spiritual, Contemplative, Intimate
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lyrical, Melodic, Orchestral, Polished, Background Vocals
Sathima Bea Benjamin – Windsong
Personnel: Sathima Bea Benjamin – Vocals; Kenny Barron – Piano; Buster Williams – Upright Bass; Billy Higgins – Drums
Style: Vocal Jazz, Spiritual Jazz, Ballads, Traditional
Vibe: Healing, Flowing, Warm, Airy, Spiritual, Soothing, Sombre, Heartfelt, Elegant, Uplifting, Bittersweet, Intimate, Morning, Peaceful, Reflective, Rootsy, Sentimental,
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Soft, Improvisation, Slow, Polished, Lyrical, Lush
Magnolia Electric Co. – Josephine
While Magnolia Electric Co’s final record is still tinged with the weariness & melancholy that pervades all of Jason Molina’s previous work, Josephine also feels imbued with vital life force, bittersweet romance, and hopefulness that make it uplifting despite the odds.
•
Recommended if you dig dobro & lap steel, ditch-trilogy Neil young, and autumnal contemplation
P.G. Six – The Well of Memory
Style: Mystical Americana, Ritual Folk, Loner Folk
Vibe: Seeking, Contemplative, Gentle, Spiritual, Heartfelt, Intimate, Healing, Mystical, Pantheistic, Reflective, Soothing, Introspective, Warm, Nature
Musical Methods: Acoustic, Suite, Raga, Lyrical, Soft, Droney, Fingerstyle
P.G. Six – Slightly Sorry
Style: Loner Folk, Weird Americana, Folk Rock, Singer Songwriter
Vibe: Peaceful, Melancholy, Reflective, Romantic, Gentle, Rustic, Warm, Autumnal, Bittersweet, Breezy, Contemplative, Lethargic, Mellow, Intertwined
Musical Qualities: Soft, Lush, Lyrical, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Atmospheric
Sam Amidon – Sam Amidon
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
Bert Jansch – Birthday Blues
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
Jim James – Eternally Even
Style: Psychedelic Soul, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Warm, Conscious, Existential, Reflective, Political, Angsty, Sensual, Smooth, Mellow, Ethereal, Anthemic
Musical Qualities: Lush, Groovy, Polished, Melodic
Neko Case – Furnace Room Lullaby
Style: Alt-Country, Americana, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Bittersweet, Warm, Angsty, Rustic, Heartfelt, Confident, Passionate, Twangy, Love, Breakup, Reflective, Sentimental, Lush, Rootsy
Instrumentation: Electric & Acoustic Guitar, Lap Steel & Pedal Steel Slide Guitars, Fiddle, Electric & Upright Basses, Drums, Vocal Harmonies, Banjo, Mandolin, Organ, Accordion
Hiss Golden Messenger – Poor Moon
Style: Americana, Country Soul, Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock
Vibe: Warm, Introspective, Existential, Rustic, Mystical, Reflective, Uplifting, Christian
Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Lyrical
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Beware
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Loner Folk, Slowcore-Country
Vibes: Contemplative, Bittersweet, Warm, Loner, Mellow, Uplifting, Love, Break-up, Intimate, Heartfelt, Playful, Soothing, Intertwined
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Lyrical, Vocal Harmonies
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
Mess Esque – Mess Esque
Style: Slowcore, Post-Rock, Progressive Songwriter
Vibe: Oceanic, Ethereal, Unstable, Intimate, Bittersweet, Tamed Wilderness, Reflective, Gentle, Exploratory, Hypnotic, Pastoral, Poetic
John Martyn – Inside Out
Style: Jazz-Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Psychedelic Folk-Rock
Vibe: Romantic, Warm, Cryptic, Reflective, Passionate, Heartfelt, Lethargic, Stoned, Sunny
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Melodic, Improvisation
Yo La Tengo – Electr-O-Pura
Style: Noise Pop, Shoegaze, Indie Rock
Vibe: Autumnal, Nocturnal, Intimate, Heartfelt, Bittersweet, Eclectic, Sentimental, Romantic, Raw, Reflective
Musical Qualities: Loose, Melodic, Noisy, Driving, Jammy, Vocal Harmonies
Ry Cooder – Paris, Texas (Soundtrack)
Ry Cooder’s beautifully spacious ambient-western compositions are a transcendent pairing with this meditative, expansive film.
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
Eric Chenaux – Dull Lights
Style: Warped Americana, Free Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Heartfelt, Airy, Raw, Lethargic, Soft, Psychedelic, Peaceful
Musical Qualities: Loose, Lyrical, Acoustic
Instrumentation: Vocals, Banjo, Electric Guitar w/ Fx, Lap Steel, Drums
Ilyas Ahmed & Jefre Cantu-Ledesma – You Can See Your Own Way Out
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)
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)
Xinxin – Xinxin
Style: Jazz-Pop, Neo-Soul, Math Rock
Vibe: Groovy, Reflective, Heartfelt, Smooth
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Technical, Polished, Melodic
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
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
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
Neil Young – Tonight’s the Night
Style: Country-Rock, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Raw, Heartfelt, Sentimental, Mourning, Drunk, Reflective
Musical Qualities: Loose, Vocal Harmonies
Wendy Eisenberg – Auto
Style: Progressive-Pop, Avant-Songwriter, Jazz-Rock, Math-Pop
Vibe: Whispery, Angular, Intimate, Heartfelt, Cerebral, Reflective, Love / Breakup, Restrained, Introspective, Contemplative, Anxious, Loner
Musical Qualities: Odd Time Signatures, Jazz-Influenced, Technical, Dynamic, Lyrical
Cat Power – Moon Pix
Style: Slowcore-Country, Singer-Songwriter
Vibe: Brooding, Hypnotic, Conversational, Reflective, Intimate, Lethargic, Confident, Moody, Overcast
Musical Attributes: Slow, Repetitive, Focused
Robert Plant – Carry Fire
Style: Folk Rock, Chamber Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Influences: Celtic Folk, Trip-Hop, Bluegrass, North African Music, Arabic Folk, Blues
Vibe: Misty, Reflective, Warm, Eclectic, Sentimental, Sensitive, Romantic, Peaceful, Mystical
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Polished
David Bowie – Black Star
Style: Art Rock, Jazz-Rock
Vibe: Introspective, Moody, Passionate, Sentimental, Sombre, Conceptual
Musical Attributes: Lyrical, Complex, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Rhythmic, Progressive
Lyrical Themes: Death, Existential, Personal, Reflective
Solange – When I Get Home
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
Lonnie Holley – Mith
Style: Experimental Singer-Songwriter, Soul Blues, Psychedelic Soul
Vibe: Imaginative, Bluesy, Cathartic, Conscious, Cosmic, Spiritual, Heartfelt, Passionate, Psychedelic, Rootsy, Bittersweet, Poetic
Lyrical Themes: Existential, Afro-Futurism, History, Racism, Reflective
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Lyrical, Improvisation, Raw, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Instrumentation: Vocals, Piano, Synthesizers, Keyboards, Saxophone, Trombone, Percussion
Brand New – The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me
Style: Emo, Indie Rock, Post-Hardcore
Vibe: Introspective, Angsty, Dark, Depressive, Introspective, Passionate, Poetic, Sombre
Themes: Personal, Self-Loathing, Regret, Death, Alienation
Moon Bros – The Easy Way is Hard Enough
Released in 2019 on Western Vinyl Format: LP
Yo La Tengo – And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out
Released in 2000 on Matador Records Format: LPx2
Mount Eerie – Now Only
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Folk
Moods: Intimate, Reflective, Existential, Conversational, Mournful, Sombre, Introspective, Personal, Romantic, Sad
Bill Callahan – Dream River
Released in 2013 on Drag City Records Format: LP Overview In an interview around the release of Dream River, Bill Callahan said he wanted it to be “the last record you could listen to at the end of the day, before you go to bed, around midnight.” So for my first listen of the album I …
David Grubbs – Creep Mission
Album Information: Released in 2017 on Blue Chopsticks Records (Imprint of Drag City Records) Eli Keszler – Drums, Percussion (Tracks 1,2,4) Jan St. Werner – Electronics (1,4) Nate Woolley – Trumpet (1,2,4,6,7) Recorded by Mitch Rackin at the Seaside Lounge, Brooklyn, Jan-Mar 2017 Mastered by Douglas Henderson Cover Art: Albert Oehlen Back Photo: Tom Van …
Do Make Say Think – Goodbye Enemy Airship, The Landlord is Dead
“Recorded in an old wooden barn, this second album is swaddled in twilight autumnal ambiance. While the record is bookended by the band’s awesome psych-rock explosions, much of the material here shows increased referencing of jazz influences (modal horns, brushed percussion) and a more organic deployment of micro-electronics. Raw and polished, visceral and cerebral, the band combines rock and jazz traditions of space music with the ‘instrumental’ potentials of mixing room to present a true gem of a record.” (Press Release)
Do Make Say Think – Other Truths
Styles: Post-Rock
Moods: Autumnal, Focused, Hypnotic, Contemplative, Warm, Driving, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Instrumental, Atmospheric, Melodic
Jeff Parker – The New Breed
“Classic creative bop melodies and golden era beat memories woven into a vibrant new thread of psychedelic soul jazz”
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”
Bob Dylan – Live 1966: The “Royal Albert Hall” Concert (Bootleg Series Vol. 4)
Recorded at Royal Albert Hall in 1966
Format: 2xLP Box Set, 200g, Includes 12″ 20-page booklet of photos and essays
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Folk-Rock
Mood: Cryptic, Poetic, Reflective, Bittersweet, Rebellious, Romantic, Surreal, Intimate
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Live, Melodic, Simple, Raw, Solo (LP1), Acoustic (LP1)
J.J. Cale – Naturally
The debut LP from this unpretentious songwriters’ songwriter offers a quality collection of warm & uplifting songwriting with economic guitar genius and top-notch rootsy arrangements, featuring the heavenly, dreamy reflections of “Magnolia”.