Style: Outsider Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Weird Americana
Vibes: Loner, Pastoral, Playful, Reflective, Rootsy, Warm, Aquatic, Peaceful, Mellow, Morning, Rural, Surreal, Relaxed
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Lyrical, Melodic, Simple
Michael Hurley – Blue Navigator Read More »
Style: Progressive Folk, Symphonic Prog
Vibes: Spring, Adventure, Warm, Breezy, Bright, Morning, Pastoral, Peaceful, Playful, Rootsy, Sunny, Surreal, Vibrant, Nature, Uplifting
Musical Qualities: Suite, Lush, Progressive, Technical, Acoustic, Melodic, Soft
Harmonium – Les cinq saisons Read More »
Style: Appalachian Folk Music, American Primitivism
Vibes: Rootsy, Spiritual, Warm, Passionate, Meditative, Religious, Storytelling, Sentimental, spiritual, storytelling
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Traditional, Lyrical, Droney, Open Tunings, Solo, Sparse
Instrumentation: Vocals, Harmonium, Acoustic Guitars (6- & 12-String), Autoharp, Piano, Banjo
Joseph Allred – Hoddmímis Holt Read More »
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 »
1964 Demos
Personnel: Roswell Rudd, Denis Charles, Arthur Harper, Steve Lacy
Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Post-Bop
Vibes: Ecstatic, Knotted, Bluesy, Angular, Passionate, Rootsy, Energetic, Romantic, Uplifting, Abstracted
Archie Shepp – Derailleur Read More »
Style: Weird Americana, American Primitive, Appalachian Folk
Vibes: Pastoral, Rootsy, Rural, Knotty, Spiritual, Meditative, Ragged, Twangy
Instrumentation: Banjo, Percussion, Piano, Vocals
Nathan Bowles – Whole & Cloven Read More »
Style: American Primitivism, Post-Minimalism, Ambient Americana
Vibes: Contemplative, Nature, Pastoral, Sombre, Focused, Hypnotic, Rootsy, Aquatic, Meditative
Elijah McLaughlin Ensemble – III Read More »
Style: Free Jazz, Creative Music, Liberation Music, Jazz Poetry, Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Passionate, Rootsy, Poetic, Storytelling, Rebellious, Compassionate, Intertwined, Haunting, Spiritual, Driving, Communal, Triumphant, Sad, Powerful
Themes: Ancestry, History, Feminism, Trauma, Memory, Black Liberation, Identity, Death
Musical Qualities: Suite, Thematic, Graphic Score, Improvisation, Spoken Word, Complex, Group Vocals
Matana Roberts – Coin Coin Chapter Five: In the Garden Read More »
LPx2, Archival, Superior Viaduct, 2001 / 2013 Recorded 1975-1979 Style: Weird Americana, “Cowboy Raga”, Old-Time, Celestial Boogie, Back-porch Minimalism Vibes: Hypnotic, Warm, Rural, Summer, Energetic, Groovy, Playful, Psychedelic, Rootsy, Ecstatic Instrumentation: Fiddle, Tapes, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Saxophone, Drums Musical Qualities: Droney, Instrumental, Improvisation, Minimalistic, Modal, Repetitive Graduation by Henry Flynt
Henry Flynt – Graduation Read More »
Style: Irish Folk, Dark Folk, Avant-Folk, Acoustic Drone
Vibe: Haunting, Sombre, Rootsy, Storytelling, Ominous, Melancholy, Dark, Death, Intense, Ritualistic, Spiritual
Lankum – False Lankum Read More »
Style: Klezmer, Chamber-Folk, Balkan Folk Music
Moods: Sombre, Passionate, Mournful, Intertwined, Cathartic, Reflective, Rootsy, Dark, Spiritual
Instrumentation: Clarinet, Violin, Acoustic Guitar, Upright Bass, Mandolin, Saz, Cymbalom, Percussion
Black Ox Orkestar – Nisht Azoy Read More »
Style: Spiritual Jazz, Cape Jazz, Progressive Jazz
Moods: Triumphant, Driving, Communal, Political, Uplifting, Spiritual
Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Thematic, Acoustic, Improvisation, Percussive, Progressive, Spoken Word
Asher Gamedze – Turbulence and Pulse Read More »
Style: Progressive Bluegrass, Folk
Moods: Autumnal, Rural, Rootsy, Twangy, Warm, Melancholy
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Cello, Fiddle, Dobro, Mandolin
Norman Blake – The Fields of November Read More »
Style: Lebanese Folk
Moods: Communal, Passionate, Spiritual, Rootsy, Devotional, Ecstatic, Desert, Nocturnal, Intertwined
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Modal, Microtonal, Percussive
Instrumentation: Oud, Group Vocals, Naye, Rabab, Derbake
Folk Music & Songs from the Middle East Read More »
Style: Roots Rock, Blues Rock, Singer/Songwriter
Moods: Confident, Laid Back, Sensual, Romantic, Mellow Swagger, Road Trip, Warm, Sunny, Bluesy, Sexual, Rootsy
Musical Qualities: Lush, Groovy, Melodic, Sleek
Style: Hindustani Classical Music
Moods: Ecstatic, Joyful, Meditative, Spiritual, Warm, Flowing, Energetic, Hypnotic
Musical Qualities: Raga, Improvisation, Acoustic, Percussive, Microtonal
Ravi Shankar – Six Ragas Read More »
Style: Americana, Roots Rock
Moods: Rural, Playful, Rootsy, Warm, Sunny, Energetic
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Drums, Electric Bass, Violin, Mandolin, Strings, Piano, Slide Guitar
Ry Cooder – Ry Cooder Read More »
Style: Free Folk, Appalachian Dhrupad, Psychedelic Drone, American Primitive
Moods: Ritualistic, Meditative, Spiritual, Rural, Hallucinogenic, Eerie, Mysterious, Rootsy, Woods
Musical Qualities: Droney, Acoustic, Noisy, Dissonant, Improvisation
Instrumentation: Banjo, Hurdy Gurdy, Acoustic Guitar, Esraj, Tanpura, Bowls, Fiddle, Concertina, Chord Organ, Cymbals
This collective of experimental Seattle musicians perform back-porch seances on old-time jigs & folk tunes, half of which can be found in Alan Lomax’s Folk Songs of North America book. The ritualistic, droning dissonance of cello, banjo, harmonium, & fiddle recall Pelt, Henry Flynt, & Tongue Depressor. Despite an often haunting atmosphere, folksiness and camaraderie pervade the tape in the form of warm lo-fi sing-a-longs and friendly, candid banter between tracks. The original social function of the music lives eternally, a nonlinear communication with fellow travelers from the past, present, & future.
Friends of the Road – Now You Know Something Right Here and I’ll Tell You For a Fact Read More »
Style: Jazz (Spiritual, Avant-Garde, Folk), Modern Creative, Spirituals
Moods: Spiritual, Storytelling, Passionate, Reflective, Intertwined, Rootsy, Warm, Uplifting, Poetic, Communal
Musical Qualities: Suite, Progressive, Acoustic, Collage, Complex, Dense, Conducted Improvisation, Thematic,
Instrumentation: Alto Saxophone, Group Vocals, Wordspeak, Operatic Vocals, Piano, Trumpet, Upright Bass, Drums
Matana Roberts – Coin Coin Chapter Two: Mississippi Moonchile Read More »
Style: Folk Rock, Folk Baroque, British Blues
Moods: Rootsy, Warm, Rural, Morning, Mellow
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Sitar, Upright Bass, Vocal Harmonies, Fiddle, Harmonica, Drums
John Renbourn – Faro Annie Read More »
Styles: Griot Music, Mande Music, Afro-Jazz
Moods: Uplifting, Earthy, Sunny, Communal, Dance, Joyful, Passionate, Peaceful, Playful, Ritualistic, Spiritual, Warm, Tribal, Utopian
Musical Qualities: Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Acoustic, Melodic, Technical
Mandingo Griot Society Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Alt-Country, Slowcore
Moods: Reflective, Sentimental, Rural, Lonely, Melancholy, Twangy, Romantic, Longing, Contemplative, Depressive, Heartfelt, Introspective, Love, Rootsy
Edith Frost – Wonder Wonder Read More »
Styles: Digital Cumbia, Organic Beat Music, Psychedelic Electronic
Moods: Brooding, Earthy, Intertwined, Shadowy, Dancing, Determined, Tribal, Complex, Mystical, Hypnotic, Mechanical, Ominous, Rootsy, Haunting, Dark, Knotted, Mysterious, Ritualistic, Futuristic
Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Percussive, Loops, Progressive, SpokenWord, Electro-Acoustic, Sampling
Dengue Dengue Dengue – Zenit & Nadir Read More »
Style: Progressive Bluegrass, Folk, Americana
Moods: Rural, Rootsy, Sunny, Bittersweet, Energetic, Joyful, Storytelling, Summer, Warm
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Fiddle, Cello, Banjo, Dobro
Norman Blake – Old and New Read More »
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
Aram Arakelian ensemble – The Oud Read More »
Style: Outsider Folk, Country Blues, Singer/Songwriter, Americana
Moods: Back Porch, Relaxed, Tender, Melancholy, Uplifting, Contemplative, Heartfelt, Eccentric, Introspective, Playful, Raw, Rootsy, Rural
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Home Recording, Sparse, Lo-Fi, Bluesy, Catchy
Michael Hurley & Pals – Armchair Boogie Read More »
Style: Ritual Psych, Nordic Folk, Free Folk
Feelings: Pantheistic, Ceremonial, Forest, Hypnotic, Exploratory, Earthy, Mystical, Mysterious, Rootsy, Surreal, Tribal, Spiritual
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Chants, Percussive, Dub Fx, Repetitive
Joakim Skogsberg – Jola rota Read More »
Style: Weird Americana, Country-Psych
Moods: Back-porch, Rustic, Cryptic, Surreal, Lethargic, Pastoral, Impressionistic, Autumnal, Eclectic, Hypnotic, Meandering, Rootsy, Twangy, Sunny
Musical Qualities: Electro-acoustic, Repetitive, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Loops, Percussive, Improvisation
Califone – Quicksand/Cradlesnakes Read More »
Style: Appalachian Folk, Piedmont Blues
Vibe: Pastoral, Rootsy, Morning, Rustic, Bright, Spiritual, Warm, Passionate, Contemplative
Musical Qualities: Solo Instrumentals, Acoustic, Melodic, Sparse, Fingerstyle
Instruments: Fiddle, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Dulcimer, Harmonica
Instrumental Music of the Southern Appalachians Read More »
Style: Free-Folk, Weird Americana
Moods: Weary, Melancholy, Pastoral, Communal, Tender, Meandering, Bittersweet, Hopeful, Rustic, Haunting, Murky, Rainy, Sombre, Rootsy
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Vocal Harmonies, Droney, Thematic, Loose
Jackie-O Motherfucker – Flags of the Sacred Harp Read More »
Style: Folk Baroque, English & Scottish Folk Music
Moods: Medieval, Romantic, Storytelling, Rural, Intimate, Morning, Rootsy, Melancholy, Passionate, Mellow
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Fingerstyle, Technical
Bert Jansch – Jack Orion Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Roots Rock, Americana
Moods: Confident, Sunny, Smooth, Warm, Carefree, Romantic, Sexual, Relaxed, Bluesy, Rootsy
Musical Qualities: Melodic, Groovy, Polished, Tight
J.J. Cale – Troubadour Read More »
Style: Post-Industrial Powwow Music, Experimental Electronic
Mood: Communal, Ritualistic, Cathartic, Spiritual, Passionate, Mournful, Epic
Musical Qualities: Chants, Manipulated Vocals, Distorted, Electroacoustic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Percussive, Noisy
Joe Rainey – Niineta Read More »
Style: American Primitivism, Avant-Folk, Tape Music, Raga
Moods: Meditative, Mysterious, Pastoral, Surreal, Loner, Raw, Psychedelic, Morning, Nature, Spiritual, Rootsy
Musical Qualities: Lo-Fi, Acoustic, Tape Collage, Sparse, Fingerstyle
John Fahey – Guitar Vol. 4: The Great San Bernardino Birthday Party and Other Excursions Read More »
LP, Shelter Records, 1972 Style: Singer/Songwriter, Roots Rock, Americana Moods: Heartbreak, Sunny, Swagger, Road Trip, Rustic, Rootsy, Mellow, Reflective, Warm, Angsty Musical Qualities: Bluesy, Groovy, Polished
J.J. Cale – Really Read More »
ft. jaimie branch, Tyler Damon, Sam Wagster, Cameron Knowler, David Grubbs, Ryley Walker, & Yasmin Williams
FFO: Jim O’Rourke (Bad Timing / The Visitor), William Tyler, Ry Cooder Instrumentals, Gastr Del Sol, Elkhorn, Moon Bros, Appalachian Folk, Leo Kottke, Jack Rose
Eli Winter – Eli Winter Read More »
Style: Avant-garde Chamber Jazz, Afro-Carribean Jazz, Gwoka
Moods/Themes: Ancestry, Ritualistic, Meditative, Hypnotic, Communal, Rootsy, Poetic, Sombre, Elegant, Flowing, Warm, Mystical
Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Percussive, Acoustic, Repetitive, Improvisation, Technical
Instrumentation: Upright Bass, Bèlè Drum, Ka Drum, Trumpet, Tenor Saxophone, Vocals, Cello, Violin
Sélène Saint-Aimé – Potomitan Read More »
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
Sathima Bea Benjamin – Windsong 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: Brit-Folk, Chamber Folk, Jazz-Folk
Vibe: Flowing, Morning, Breezy, Warm, Medieval, Sentimental, Rootsy, Mellow, Pastoral, Uplifting
Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Traditional, Melodic, Improvisation
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitars (Fingerstyle), Vocals, Upright Bass, Sitar, Dulcimer, Banjo, Recorder, Harmonica, Electric Guitar, Drums
Pentangle – Solomon’s Seal Read More »
Style: American Primitivism, Acoustic Blues, Folk
Vibe: Meditative, Loner, Morning, Rustic, Spring, Spiritual, Pastoral, Bittersweet, Hypnotic, inspiration, Melancholy, Nature, Raw, Warm
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Technical, Fingerstyle, Instrumental, Sparse, Progressive
John Fahey – Volume 2: Death Chants, Breakdowns, & Military Waltzes Read More »
Style: Gnawa, Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Ceremonial, Hypnotic, Communal, Ritualistic, Spiritual, Uplifting, Serpentine, Warm, Desert, Tribal
Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Acoustic, Repetitive, Chants, Improvisation, Microtonal
Instrumentation: Guimbri, Tenor Saxophone, Percussion, Group Vocals, Clapping
Maleem Mahmoud Ghania with Pharoah Sanders – The Trance of Seven Colors Read More »
LP, Anti- Records, 2002 (2016, RE) Style: Gothic Americana, Alt-Country, Singer/Songwriter Vibe: Bittersweet, Rebellious, Haunting, Western, Passionate, Energetic, Longing, Anthemic, Breakup, Depressive, Heartfelt, Introspective, Twangy, Rustic, Sentimental
Neko Case – Blacklisted Read More »
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
Neko Case – Furnace Room Lullaby Read More »
Style: Americana, Folk
Vibe: Pastoral, Breezy, Sunny, Morning, Rustic, Warm, Rootsy
Instrumentation: Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar, Pedal Steel, Upright Bass, Drums, Harmonica
Moon Bros – These Stars Read More »
Style: Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Warm, Spring, Rootsy, Peaceful, Tender, Morning, Rustic, Lethargic, Nature
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Vocal Harmonies, Melodic
Michael Hurley – The Time of the Foxgloves Read More »
Style: Mystical Americana, Free Folk, Post-Rock, Drone
Vibe: Haunting, Meandering, Rootsy, Rustic, Nocturnal, Mysterious, Deconstructed, Ragged, Communal, Murky, Abstract, Lethargic, Hallucinogenic, Raw
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Instrumental (except B1,C1), Loose, Lo-fi, Dynamic, Droney, Noisy, Group Vocals (B1), Harmonies (B1, C1)
Jackie-O Motherfucker – Fig 5. Read More »
On this self-titled collaboration, acid folk luminaries Helena Espvall (Espers) and Masaki Batoh (Ghost) create mysterious and earthy interpretations of traditional Medieval, Swedish, Japanese, and Finnish folk songs, plus a Son House cover, an original, and a handful of free improvisations.
Helena Espvall & Masaki Batoh Read More »
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 »
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: Psychedelic Folk, Drone Rock
Vibe: Passionate, Hypnotic, Weary, Cathartic, Rootsy, Sorrowful
Musical Qualities: Repetitive, Driving, Droney, Dynamic
The Body & Big | Brave – Leaving None but Small Birds Read More »
Style: Gothic Americana, Experimental Folk-Rock
Vibe: Rustic, Creepy, Surreal, Autumnal, Nihilistic, Disturbing, Dark, Bittersweet, Rootsy
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Rhythmic, Repetition, Vocal Harmonies
Angels of Light – We Are Him Read More »
Ry Cooder’s beautifully spacious ambient-western compositions are a transcendent pairing with this meditative, expansive film.
Ry Cooder – Paris, Texas (Soundtrack) Read More »
Style: Progressive Bluegrass, Americana, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Energetic, Heartfelt, Rootsy, Communal, Passionate, Sunny, Warm
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lyrical, Fast, Technical
Instrumentation: Mandolin, Fiddle, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Banjo, Upright Bass
Sturgill Simpson – Cuttin Grass – Vol. 2 (Cowboy Arms Sessions) 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: Post-Bop
Vibe: Joyful, Energized, Driving, Rootsy
Musical Qualities: Melodic, Improvisation, Acoustic, Technical
Anthony Braxton – In the Tradition Read More »
Style: Free-Bop, Avant-Jazz
Vibe: Jubilant, Kinetic, Energetic, Abstract, Chaotic, Rootsy
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Acoustic, Polyphonic, Complex, Live
Cecil Taylor / Buell Neidlinger – New York City R&B 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: 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: Gnawa
Vibe: Ritualistic, Hypnotic, Communal
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Percussive, Group Vocals, Chants, Repetition, Improvisation
Innov Gnawa – Lila Read More »
Style: New Weird Americana??Vibe: Bluesy, Contemplative, Earthy, Morning, Pastoral, Rootsy, Rustic, Psychedelic, Warm??Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Percussive, Rhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Electronics
Califone – Roomsound Read More »
Style: New Weird Americana, Post-Modern Appalachia, Jazz-Folk
Vibe: Autumnal, Earthy, Imaginative, Lush, Morning, Peaceful, Rootsy, Rustic, Warm, Contemplative
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Melodic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Improvisation, Progressive, Lyrical
Instrumentation: Fiddle, Drums, Banjo, Vocals, Percussion, Saxophone, Acoustic Guitar, Drum Machine, Percussion, Electric Bass, Organ Synthesizers, Flute
Collaborators: Leo Abrahams, Shahzad Ismaily, Sam Gendel,
Milford Graves, Chris Vatalaro, James Sultan
Sam Amidon – The Following Mountain Read More »
Style: Country-Soul, Americana, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Passionate, Rootsy, Rural, Spiritual, Triumphant, Uplifting, Warm, Contemplative, Introspective
Hiss Golden Messenger – Haw Read More »
Style: Appalachian Folk, Folk Blues, American Primitive Guitar??
Vibe: Bittersweet, Rural, Spiritual, Intimate, Pastoral, Warm, Rootsy??
Musical Attributes: Acoustic Fingerstyle, Solo Performance, Sparse, Technical
Elizabeth Cotten – Folksongs and Instrumentals with Guitar Read More »
Style: Irish Folk Music, Celtic Folk
Vibe: Rootsy, Passionate, Communal, Depressive, Rebellious, Triumphant
Musical Attributes: Vocal Harmonies, Droney, Acoustic
Lankum – Between the Earth and Sky Read More »
Style: New Weird America, Alt-Country, Psychedelic Americana, Chamber Folk
Vibe: Rustic, Rootsy, Bittersweet, Psychedelic
Musical Attributes: Chamber, Percussive, Studio-as-an-instrument, Rhythmic, Electro-Acoustic, Loops
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Vocals, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Fiddle, Mallet Percussion, Horns, Electronic Percussion, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Piano
Califone – All My Friends Are Funeral Singers 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: 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
Lonnie Holley – Mith Read More »
Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Free Jazz
Vibe: Abstract, Communal, Exploratory, Rootsy
Musical Attributes: Collective Improvisation, Poly-Free Improvisation, Dynamic
Art Ensemble of Chicago – Full Force Read More »
This impressionistic and contemplative collaboration channels deep American folk roots through free flowing improvisations. The panoramic and sensitive drumming of Jim White (Dirty Three, Cat Power, etc) is a perfect match for Marisa Anderson’s primitivist guitar sensibilities, which feel both immediate and abstract.
Jim White and Marisa Anderson – The Quickening 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 »
Originally released in 2003 on Merge Jealous Butcher Indie Exclusive Reissue (2019) Format: LP, Blue
M. Ward – Transfiguration of Vincent Read More »
Style: American Primitive Guitar, Folk
Vibe: Rootsy, Eclectic, Raw
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Lo-fi, Sound Collage, Vignettes, Bluesy, Instrumental
John Fahey – The Voice of the Turtle Read More »
Released in 2019 on Western Vinyl Format: LP
Moon Bros – The Easy Way is Hard Enough Read More »
Released in 1965 on Elektra Records Recorded in 1964 Format: LP
Phil Ochs – “I Ain’t Marching Anymore” Read More »
Released in 1967 on Impulse! Records Recorded August 19, 1966 Format: LP
Archie Shepp – Mama Too Tight Read More »
Released in 2001 on Future Farmer Records Format: LPx2, 45rpm
M. Ward – End of Amnesia Read More »
Released in 1973 on Warner Bros. Records Format: LP
Bert Jansch – Moonshine Read More »
Another interesting one from Fahey, side A consists of some amazingly intricate guitar duets with Woodrow Mann, including my favorite Fahey song “Jaya Shiva Shankarah”. Side B takes a strange turn though…halfway through the title track a 10-piece dixieland band kicks for a few tracks of New Orleans-style jazz. The album closes in a more familiar place with a contemplative solo piece that most Fahey fans would dig.
John Fahey & His Orchestra – Old Fashioned Love Read More »
Released in 2018 on Thrill Jockey Records Format: LP
Sarah Louise – Deeper Woods Read More »
Originally released in 1969 on Warner Bros. Records 1973 Pressing Format: LPx2
Grateful Dead – Live/Dead 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 »
Releases in 1983 on Takoma Records Format: LP
John Fahey – Railroad Read More »
1967 Originally Released in 1965 on Takoma Records 1967 Reissue Format: LP
John Fahey – Volume 3: The Dance of Death & Other Plantation Favorites Read More »
Album Information: Released in 1967 on Takoma Records Includes 15-page book of stories and song notes
John Fahey – Volume 6: Days Have Gone By Read More »
Album Information: Released in 1967 on Takoma Records This album was originally released on 100 copies in 1959, but was re-recorded in 1967 for this issue This album is included in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry for being considered culturally significant.
John Fahey – Volume 1: Blind Joe Death Read More »
Style: American Primitive Guitar, Folk
Moods: Joyful, Warm, Playful, Summer, Contemplative, Rootsy, Pastoral, Nature, Loner
Musical Qualities: Solo, Acoustic, Fingerstyle, Instrumental, Technical
Leo Kottke – 6 & 12-String Guitar Read More »
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”.
J.J. Cale – Naturally Read More »
