Singer/Songwriter

Neil Young – Time Fades Away

ecorded live between 1971-1973

Style: Country Rock, Singer/Songwriter

Vibes: Ramshackle, Sentimental, Raw, Longing, Angsty, Energetic

Musical Qualities: Live, Noisy, Dynamic, Fuzzy

Alasdair Roberts – Spoils

Style: Folk-Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Progressive Folk

Vibes: Mystical, Storytelling, Mythic, Warm, Occult, Philosophical

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Lush, Melodic, Acoustic

John Martyn – Live at Leeds

with Danny Thompson & John Stevens

Style: Jazz-Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Progressive Folk

Vibes: Ethereal, Passionate, Cryptic, Exploratory, Wistful, Exuberant, Meditative, Pastoral, Reflective

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Echoplex, Upright Bass, Drums, Vocals

Jaköb Battick – Slow Motion Summer

Styles: Experimental Songwriter, Bewitched Tape Music, Ritual Ambient

Vibes: Occult, Spiritual, Decelerated, Ritualistic, Sensual, Otherworldly, Witchy, Nocturnal, Mystical, Alchemical, Dark, Spectral, Devotional

Musical Qualities: Slow, Vocal Manipulation, Lyrical, Droney, Soft, Collage, Home Recording, Atmospheric

P.G. Six – Murmurs & Whispers

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Neo-Medieval Folk, Celtic Folk

Vibe: Reflective, Gentle, Intimate, Winter, Morning, Soothing, Mellow, Romantic, Medieval, Mournful

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Soft, Lush, Lyrical, Vocal Harmonies

Instrumentation: Celtic Harp, Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards, Hurdy Gurdy, Recorder, Electric Bass, Vocals, Saxophone, Flute, Percussion

Califone – Villagers

Style: Weird Americana, Folk-Rock, Singer/Songwriter

Vibes: Cryptic, Autumnal, Warm, Rural, Sardonic, Observational, Apathetic, Mellow, Peaceful, Playful. Twangy

Musical Qualities: Lush, Loops, Electro-Acoustic, Percussive, Melodic, Lyrical, Studio-as-an-Instrument

Modern Nature – No Fixed Point in Space

Style & Influences: Chamber Folk, Post-Rock, Chamber Jazz, Ambient Pop

Vibe: Patient, Winter Mornings, Impressionistic, Peaceful, Soothing, Nature, Meditative, Soft, Slow, Lush

Instrumentation: Fender Rhodes, Piano, Upright Bass, Electric Guitar, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Violin, Drums, Dulcimer, Clarinet, Percussion, Tape Loops

Palace Songs – Hope

Style: Alt-Country, Lo-fi Folk, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Winter, Depressive, Weary, Rural, Reflective, Melancholy, Introspective, Intimate

Musical Qualities: Sparse, Lyrical, Acoustic, Vocal Harmonies

Bill Fay Group – Tomorrow Tomorrow and Tomorrow

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Dream Folk, Chamber Pop

Moods: Ethereal, Tender, Apocalyptic, Spiritual, Contemplative, Cosmic, Christian, Raw, Existential, Melancholy, Soothing

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Loose, Atmospheric, Sparse, Improvisation

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”

Bob Dylan – Desire

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Progressive Country, Folk-Rock

Vibe: Angsty, Rebellious, Storytelling, Passionate, Energetic, Ragged, Bittersweet

Rustin Man – Drift Code

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Art Pop, Chamber-Jazz

Vibes: Autumnal, Sombre, Introspective, Vaudeville, Lush, Sentimental, Theatric, Surreal, Storytelling, Haunting

J.J. Cale – 5

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

Bob Dylan & The Band – Planet Waves

Style: Americana, Roots-Rock, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Romantic, Rural, Personal, Autumnal, Sunny, Warm, Light, Joyful, Love, Morning, Reflective, Sentimental, Uplifting

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

Edith Frost – Telescopic

Styles: Dream-Country, Singer/Songwriter, Neo-Psychedelia

Moods: Longing, Conversational, Heartfelt, Bittersweet, Colorful, Lonely, Warm, Rural, Dreamy, Introspective, Melancholy, Psychedelic

Musical Qualities: Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Lyrical

Joni Mitchell & the L.A. Express – Miles of Aisles

Styles: Singer/Songwriter, Folk-Pop, Jazz-Rock

Moods: Reflective, Poetic, Bittersweet, Romantic, Warm, Playful, Sentimental, Energetic, Groovy, Passionate, Melancholy, Sunny

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Live, Melodic, Soft

Tom Rapp – Stardancer

Style: Folk-Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Acid Folk, Country-influenced

Moods: Autumnal, Moody, Sombre, Bittersweet, Conscious, Eclectic, Melancholy, Political, Mellow, Morning, Mournful, Retro, Psychedelic, Rebellious, Warm

Instrumentation: Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Flute, Piano, Organ, Dumbek, Bongos, Drums, Congas, Cello, Vibraphone, Harmonica, Banjo, Mandolin, Wind Chimes, Vocal Harmonies, Bells

Jakob Battick – To Be Born Again & Again

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Cosmic Country, Dream Folk

Moods: Contemplative, Peaceful, Spiritual, Existential, Flowing, Soothing, Ethereal, Road Trip, Cosmic, Dreamy

Musical Qualities: Lush, Slow, Lyrical, Acoustic, Vocal Harmonies

Alex G – DSU

Styles: Slacker Rock, Neo-Psychedelia, Bedroom Pop, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Introspective, Bittersweet, Sentimental, Reflective, Kaleidoscopic, Warm, Melancholy, Intimate, Whimsical, Nostalgic, Eclectic, Heartfelt, Psychedelic, Summer, Existential

Musical Qualities: Catchy, Riffs, Home Recording, Melodic, Vocal Manipulation, Studio-as-an-Instrument

Jeff Buckley – Grace

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Art-Rock

Moods: Longing, Bittersweet, Passionate, Heartbreak, Angsty, Sentimental, Romantic, Introspective, Sensual, Existential, Poetic, Sad, Sombre

Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Lush, Melodic, Polished Production, Orchestral Arrangements, Gospel Background Vocals

Smog – Dongs of Sevotion

Style: Slowcore, Experimental Songwriter, Slacker Rock

Moods: Alienation, Contemplative, Depressive, Eclectic, Intimate, Melancholy, Brooding, Cryptic, Introspective, Loner, Raw, Playful

Jimmy Campbell – Half Baked

Style: Baroque Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock

Moods: Lonely, Bittersweet, Introspective, Retro, Eclectic, Colorful, Loner

Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Lyrical, Orchestral

Joan Armatrading – Show Some Emotion

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Jazz-Folk, Soul, Folk-Pop

Moods: Heartfelt, Sunny, Romantic, Uplifting, Warm, Spring, Groovy, Sensual, Passionate

Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Polished

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

Neil Young with Crazy Horse – Zuma

Style: Folk-Rock, Singer-Songwriter

Moods: Sentimental, Break-Up, Bittersweet, Rebellious, Introspective, Messy, Passionate, Ragged, Melancholy

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Loose, Raw, Simple

Tim Buckley – Blue Afternoon

Blue Afternoon continues the flowing jazz-folk of Happy Sad while occasionally detouring into the avant-garde atmospheres that manifest more fully on Lorca and Starsailor. The arrangements are characterized by fluid vibraphones, lobbing upright bass, and the virtuosic jazz guitar of Lee Underwood, but what really ties everything together are the vocals and songwriting. Buckley’s voice is so versatile that he is able to express a wide range of emotions, sometimes blurring them from one moment to the next.

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

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

Van Morrison – Beautiful Vision

Style: & Influences Singer/Songwriter, Soft Rock, Celtic Folk, New Age, Gospel

Moods: Triumphant, Mystical, Passionate, Religious, Ethereal, Grandiose, Poetic, Existential, Uplifting

Musial Qualities: Anthemic, Lush, Sleek, Catchy, Groovy, Tight

Neil Young – Neil Young

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Country-Rock

Moods: Longing, Introspective, Loner, Bittersweet, Romantic, Alienation, Rustic, Sentimental

Musical Qualities: Melodic, Lush, Polished, Orchestral Arrangements

Richard & Linda Thompson – Pour Down Like Silver

Style: British Folk-Rock, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Autumnal, Bittersweet, Energetic, Sentimental, Heartfelt, Storytelling, Romantic, Warm

Musical Qualities: Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Melodic

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Accordion, Fiddle, Flute, Shakuhachi, Trumpet

Michael Hurley & Pals – Armchair Boogie

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

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

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

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

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

Samara Lubelski – The Fleeting Skies

Styles: Singer-Songwriter, Chamber Folk, Math-Pop

Moods: Breezy, Flowing, Intertwined, Morning, Warm, Dreamy, Sunny, Spring, Bright, Colorful, Forest, Soothing

Musical Qualities: Soft, Lush, Melodic, Catchy, Loose, Fingerstyle

Instrumentation: Electric Guitar, Violin, Flute, Drums, Bass, Piano, Recorder

John Prine – John Prine

Style: Singer-Songwriter, Country, Americana

Moods: Playful, Sunny, Humorous, Political, Rustic, Storytelling, Rebellious, Conscious, Loner, Twangy

Sharon Van Etten – Remind Me Tomorrow

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Synth Pop, Trip-Hop

Moods: Bittersweet, Sentimental, Warm, Romantic

Musical Qualities: Catchy, Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Polished Production

John Prine – Sweet Revenge

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Country-Rock

Moods: Bittersweet, Humorous, Storytelling, Twangy, Sunny, Road Trip, Playful, Poetic, Warm, Sentimental, Twangy

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lyrical, Background Gospel Singers, Vocal Harmonies, Melodic

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

Bill Callahan – YTILAER

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana

Moods: Contemplative, Existential, Nature, Poetic Lush, Pastoral, Warm, Peaceful, Romantic

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Piano, Drums, Electric Bass, Contra Alto Clarinet, Trumpet, Synthesizers

J.J. Cale – Troubadour

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Roots Rock, Americana

Moods: Confident, Sunny, Smooth, Warm, Carefree, Romantic, Sexual, Relaxed, Bluesy, Rootsy

Musical Qualities: Melodic, Groovy, Polished, Tight

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

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

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

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

Alex G – God Save the Animals

Style: Neo-Psychedelia, Singer/Songwriter, Art Pop

Moods: Uplifting, Heartfelt, Spiritual, Warm, Introspective, Wholesome, Eclectic, Colorful, Cryptic, Ethereal, Joyful, Longing, Bittersweet, Psychedelic, Sentimental, Tender

Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Vocal Effects, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Catchy, Polished, Progressive

Red House Painters – Down Colorful Hill

Style: Slowcore, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Depressive, Existential Late Night Bus Rides, Autumnal, Lethargic, Introspective, Moody, Alienation, Sad, Misanthropic, Sombre, Melancholic, Poetic, Pessimistic, Breakup, Sentimental, Lonely

Musical Qualities: Slow, Sparse, Atmospheric

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

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

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

Matt Sweeney & Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Superwolf

Style: Americana, Singer/Songwriter, Alt-Country, Slowcore

Vibe: Tender, Bittersweet, Stark, Cryptic, Storytelling, Melancholy, Lethargic, Poetic, Autumnal, Heartfelt, Mellow, Playful

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Soft, Sparse

Modern Nature – Island of Noise

Style: Chamber Pop, Post-Rock, Chamber Jazz, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Reflective, Warm, Intertwined, Nature, Breezy, Spiritual, Morning, Apocalyptic, Uplifting

Musical Qualities: Lush, Soft, Suite, Melodic

Instrumentation: Vocals, Soprano Saxophone, Piano, Trumpet, Upright Bass, Electric Guitar, Drums, Cello, Reed Organ, Viola, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet

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

Smog – Red Apple Falls

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Slowcore, Alt-Country, Loner Folk

Vibe: Existential, Warm, Morning, Spiritual, Deadpan, Peaceful, Poetic, Introspective, Lonely, Melancholy, Mellow, Contemplative, Intimate

Musical Qualities: Slow, Lo-fi, Lush, Soft, Sparse, Lyrical

Instrumentation: Pedal Steel, Piano, Hammond Organ, Guitar, Trumpet, Drums, Drum Machine, Hurdy Gurdy, French Horn

Robbie Basho – Visions of the Country

Style: American Primitivism, Singer/Songwriter, Folk, Raga?Vibe: Mystical, Nature, Open, Passionate, Pastoral, Peaceful, Airy, Contemplative, Earthy, Impressionistic, Meditative, Morning, Spring, Spiritual,
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Indian-Influenced, Sparse, Technical

Beth Orton – Sugar Season

Session musicians include Brian Blade, Eyvind Kang, Sam Amidon, Nico Muhly, Marc Ribot, Rob Burger, etc.

Style: Chamber Folk, British Folk-Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Folk-Pop

Vibe: Autumnal, Bittersweet, Melancholy, Moody, Rootsy, Warm, Mellow

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Lush, Melodic, Soft

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

Curtis Mayfield – Sweet Exorcist

Style: Chicago Soul, Funk, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Conscious, Groovy, Warm, Triumphant, Romantic

Musical Qualities: Lush, Rhythmic, Melodic

Hiss Golden Messenger – Terms of Surrender

Vibe: Contemplative, Tender, Soothing, Warm, Bittersweet, Rustic, Open, Pastoral, Light

Themes: Family, Existential, Spirituality, Love

Musical Qualities: Soft, Melodic, Vocal Harmonies, Atmospheric Production, Lyrical

Instrumentation: Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Banjo, Piano, Organ, Harmonica, Mandolin Synthesizer, Electric Bass, Lap Steel Slide Guitar, Omnichord, Drums, Percussion

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

Collie Ryan – The Hour is Now

Style: Folk, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Mystical, Nature, Soothing, Mellow, Tender, Flowing, Forest, Peaceful, Morning, Earthy, Intimate

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Simple, Lyrical, Soft, Melodic, Solo

Ditch Americana :: Vinyl Mixtape

A sprawling meditation on American melancholy & discontent by ways of gothic country, loner folk, country rock, slowcore and folk-blues songwriters.

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

Beverly Glenn-Copeland

Style: Jazz-Folk, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Haunting, Passionate, Forest, Ethereal, Melancholy, Contemplative, Love, Lush

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Progressive, Improvisation

Mark Lanegan – Field Songs

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Grunge Folk, Americana

Vibe: Depressive, Lonely, Regretful, Gruff, Ragged, Lethargic, Rustic, Haunting

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

Brigitte Fontaine / Areski / Art Ensemble of Chicago – Comme á la Radio

Style: Chanson, Chamber Jazz, Avant-Folk

Vibe: Serpentine, Nocturnal, Mysterious, Ominous, Storytelling, Suspenseful, Open, Beguiling

Musical Qualities: Spoken Word, Collective Improvisation, Thematic, Percussive

Instrumentation: Duet Vocals, Muted Trumpet, Acoustic Guitar, Bouzouki, Shenai, Oboe, Flute, Percussion, Drums, Upright Bass, Lute

Julius Lester – Departures

Style: Folk, Acoustic Blues, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Outsider, Rebellious, Melancholy, Storytelling, Intimate, Philosophical, Personal, Political

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Bluesy, Lyrical

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

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Skeleton Tree

On this mournful offering, Cave’s poetic reflections on loss, longing, and loneliness slowly float down a river of gloomy synth drones, somber strings, and sparse piano. While not exactly uplifting, the album has a sense of peace and beauty that continues up through the repeating final refrain, “and it’s alright now”.

Jakob Battick – Rabbit’s Moon

Style: Dream Country, Slow-Drip Americana, Gothic Country, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Sedated, Nocturnal, Contemplative, Dreamy, Haunting, Pastoral, Soothing

Musical Qualities: Slow, Sparse, Acoustic, Lyrical

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

Jerry David Decicca – Understanding Land

Style: Americana, Singer/Songwriter, Folk

Vibe: Peaceful, Rustic, Deadpan, Mellow, Lethargic, Nature, Warm, Morning

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Slow, Vocal Harmonies, Lush, Simple

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Lap Steel & Pedal Steel Guitars, Strings, Upright Bass, Vibraphone, Tabla, Bongos

Neil Young – On the Beach

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Ditch Americana, Country Rock, Folk Rock

Moods: Loner, Introspective, Melancholy, Alienation, Bittersweet, Apocalyptic, Depressive, Lonely, Sombre, Rebellious

Jackson C. Frank – Jackson C. Frank

Style: Loner Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Folk Blues

Vibe: Introspective, Mellow, Intimate, Longing, Autumnal, Raw, Loner, Simple, Poetic, Melancholy

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Lyrical

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

Sturgill Simpson – Cuttin Grass – Vol. 2 (Cowboy Arms Sessions)

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

Meg Baird – Don’t Weight Down the Light

Style: Psychedelic Folk, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Flowing, Dreamy, Nocturnal, Mellow, Soothing, Introspective, Haunting, Pastoral, Airy, Ethereal, Intimate Bittersweet, Melancholy, Contemplative, Loner, Peaceful, Soft

Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Lush, Melodic, Sparse, Reverb

Roy Harper – Valentine

Released in 1974 Chrysalis Pressing (US, 1978) Format: LP Style: Psychedelic Chamber Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Progressive Folk Vibe: Romantic, Floating, Heartfelt, Introspective, Psychedelic, Intimate, Contemplative, Dreamy, Elegant, Mellow, Morning, Peaceful, Airy Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Sparse, Lush, Progressive, Lyrical, Melodic

David Crosby – If Only I Could Remember My Name…

Style: Folk Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Cosmic Americana

Vibe: Dreamy, Hippy, Longing, Bittersweet, Airy, Autumnal, Warm, Loose, Peaceful, Ethereal, Introspective, Psychedelic, Hypnotic, Mellow, Meandering, Stoned, Communal

Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Heavy Reverb, Jams