Alasdair Roberts – Spoils
Style: Folk-Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Progressive Folk
Vibes: Mystical, Storytelling, Mythic, Warm, Occult, Philosophical
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Lush, Melodic, Acoustic
Style: Folk-Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Progressive Folk
Vibes: Mystical, Storytelling, Mythic, Warm, Occult, Philosophical
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Lush, Melodic, Acoustic
Style: Fusion, Neoclassical New Age, Jazz-Rock, Progressive Rock, Mystical Folk
Vibes: Ethereal, Groovy, Exploratory, Dreamy, Cosmic, Meditative, Playful, Psychedelic, Smooth, Soothing, Spiritual
Instrumentation: Koto, Biwa, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Shakuhachi, Nohkan, Strings, Rhodes, Organ, Clavinet, Synthesizers, Chamberlin, Drums, Electric & Acoustic Bass
with Jake Falby, Alex Somers, Eric Littmann, Marilu Donovan, Jefre Cantu-Ledesma & Nadia Hulett
Style: Chamber-Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Ambient Pop, New Age
Vibes: Heartfelt, Reflective, Loving, Bittersweet, Mournful, Healing, Introspective, Compassionate, Observational, Poetic, Contemplative, Ethereal, Summer
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Soft, Lush, Orchestral
Instrumentation: Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Strings, Piano, Synthesizers, Harp, Modular Synthesizer
“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”
Produced by George Harrison
Style: Vedic Chants, Hindustani Classical Music
Vibe: Devotional, Meditative, Nocturnal, Spiritual, Peaceful, Ritualistic, Reflective, Soothing, Ecstatic, Hypnotic, Intricate, Psychedelic
Instrumentation: Group Vocals, Sitar, Autoharp, Strings (Viola, Violin, Cello), Flute, Tabla, Veena, Mridangam, Morsing, Tamboura, Harp, Santoor, Acoustic Guitar, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone
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
Style: Americana, Roots Rock
Moods: Rural, Playful, Rootsy, Warm, Sunny, Energetic
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Drums, Electric Bass, Violin, Mandolin, Strings, Piano, Slide Guitar
Style: Free Folk, Mystical Folk
Moods: Cosmic, Meandering, Exploratory, Ritualistic, Spiritual, Spacey, Communal, Haunting, Hypnotic, Meditative, Murky, Mystical, Raw, Eerie
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lo-Fi, Improvisation, Repetitive, Percussive, Home Recording, Slow, Dissonant, Spoken Word
Style: Baroque Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock
Moods: Lonely, Bittersweet, Introspective, Retro, Eclectic, Colorful, Loner
Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Lyrical, Orchestral
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Jazz-Folk, Soul, Folk-Pop
Moods: Heartfelt, Sunny, Romantic, Uplifting, Warm, Spring, Groovy, Sensual, Passionate
Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Polished
Style: Folk-Rock, Chamber Folk
VIbe: Spiritual, Autumnal, Sunny, Uplifting, Mystical, Warm, Sunny
Lyrical Content: Religious Allegory, Christianity, Islam, Philosophical, Storytelling, Poetic
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Accordion, Horns, Woodwinds, Strings, Drums, Group Vocals
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
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
Styles: Jazz-Funk, Japanese Folk, Prog
Moods: Triumphant, Spring, Smooth, Mysterious, Epic, Adventure
Musical Qualities: Lush, Groovy, Progressive, Uncommon Time Signatures, Orchestral, Improvisation, Instrumental, Technical
Instrumentation: Shakuhachi, Koto, Shamisen, Synthesizers, Biwa, Acoustic Guitar, Strings, Electric Bass, Drums, Percussion, Rhodes, Saxophone, Piano, Ehru, Gong, Organ
Style: Folk-Pop, British Folk, Singer-Songwriter
Moods: Romantic, Sunny, Uplifting, Passionate, Joyful, Flowing, Warm
Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Lush, Groovy, Polished, Melodic, Chamber Arrangements
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
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
LP, Constellation (2008) Style: Experimental Songwriter, Punk Blues, Chamber Punk, Noise Rock, Vibe: Visceral, Brooding, Angsty, Cathartic, Ominous, Sleazy, Dark, Dystopian, Apocalyptic, Intense, Deconstructed, Disturbing, Rebellious, Raw Musical Qualities: Noisy, Dynamic, Heavy, Dissonant, Spoken Word, Distorted Vocals
Vibe: Anthemic, Communal, Uplifting, Colorful, Celebratory, Spiritual, Mournful, Healing, Bittersweet
Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Thematic, Percussive, Acoustic, Lush, Instrumental
Instrumentation: Percussion, Drums, Trumpet, Keyboard, Piano, Cello, Upright Bass, Violin, Baritone Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute, String Quartet
Style: Spiritual Jazz
Style: Modern Creative, Chamber Jazz, Experimental Big Band, Great Black Music, Avant-Garde Classical
Vibe: Communal, Triumphant, Suspenseful, History, Eclectic, Colorful, Intricate, Ritualistic, Patient, Open, Complex, Theatric
Musical Qualities: Poly-Free Improvisation, Dynamic, Collective, Progressive Structures, Technical, Orchestral, Percussive, Reductionism, Suite, Polyphonic
Instrumentation: Trumpets, Upright Bass, Spoken Word, Operatic Vocals, Drums, Percussion, Saxophone, Cello, Violin, Viola
Style: Chamber Folk, Slowcore, Dream Country
Vibe: Flowing, Lethargic, Peaceful, Dreamy, Melancholy, Elegant, Airy, Romantic, Bittersweet, Contemplative, Intertwined, Intimate, Mellow, Sentimental, Smooth, Soothing, Twangy
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Slow, Soft, Simple, Chamber Arrangements, Melodic
Style: Trip-Hop
Vibe: Noir, Brooding, Sensual, Passionate, Melancholy, Angsty, Sombre, Mysterious, Cinematic, Anxious, Sad, Dark
Musical Qualities: Orchestral, Live, Lush, Dense, Rhythmic, Sampling
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk
Vibe: Poetic, Bittersweet, Conversational, Sexual, Dry Humor, Brooding, Melancholy, Longing, Tender, Introspective, Breakup
Musical Qualities: Lush, Lyrical, Groovy, Dynamic
Instrumentation: Electric Bass, Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Backup Vocalists, Trombone, Jaw Harp, Woodwinds, Strings, Banjo, Mandolin, Trumpet, Drums, Percussion, Keyboards
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
Featuring Jim O’Rourke, Josh Abrams, Rob Mazurek, Chad Taylor, John McEntire, Julie Pomerleau, & Archer Prewitt
Style: Chamber Pop, Jazz Pop, Lounge Music
Influences: Bossa Nova, Math Rock, Post-Rock
Vibe: Gentle, Breezy, Intricate, Summer, Intertwined, Mellow, Bright, Smooth
Musical Qualities: Lush, Soft, Polished, Melodic
Style: Chicago Soul, Funk, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Conscious, Groovy, Warm, Triumphant, Romantic
Musical Qualities: Lush, Rhythmic, Melodic
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
Style: Americana, Country Soul, Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock
Vibe: Warm, Introspective, Existential, Rustic, Mystical, Reflective, Uplifting, Christian
Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Lyrical
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
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
Style: Soul-Jazz, Avant-Garde Big Band, Vocal Jazz
Vibe: Conscious, Communal, Political, Passionate, Poetic, Groovy, Lush
Musical Qualities: Suite, Orchestral, Improvisation, Rhythmic, Spoken Word
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
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
Style: Psychedelic Soul, Baroque Pop
Vibe: Elegant, Ethereal, Smooth, Romantic, Warm, Retro, Dramatic, Cosmic
Musical Qualities: Groovy, Lush, Orchestral, Melodic, Polished
Style: Folk-Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk, Progressive Folk
Vibe: Uplifting, Contemplative, Breezy, Bright, Sunny, Warm, Soft
Musical Attributes: Lush, Polished, Acoustic, Lyrical, Session Players
Style: Chamber Rock, Post-Rock
Vibe: Climactic, Triumphant, Epic, Anti-Imperialist, Anthemic, Communal, Apocalyptic, Suspenseful
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Instrumental, Atmospheric, Field Recordings, Progressive, Suite, Droney
Style: Avant-Garde Big Band, Arabic/Egyptian Folk, Psychedelic Jazz
Vibe: Intense, Sombre, Cathartic, Psychedelic, Complex, Ritualistic, Communal
Musical Qualities: Dense, Progressive, Dissonant, Acoustic, Percussive
Instrumentation: Santur, Upright Bass, Piano, Saxophones, Vocals, Percussion, Drums, Clarinet, Flute, Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello), Keyboards, Synthesizer, lap Steel Guitar, Electronics, Harp
Style: Country-Soul, Americana, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Passionate, Rootsy, Rural, Spiritual, Triumphant, Uplifting, Warm, Contemplative, Introspective
Style: Post-Rock, Experimental Rock
Influences: Dub, Kosmische Musik, Bossa Nova, Lounge, Minimalism, Jazz, Electronic
Vibe: Contemplative, Eclectic, Focused, Futuristic, Impressionistic, Lush, Meditative, Peaceful, Soothing
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Complex, Digital Production, Percussive, Polyphonic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Loops, Headphone Album, Rhythmic, Pulse, Instrumental, Progressive, Polished
Style: Soul, Funk?Vibe: Bittersweet, Breakup, Groovy, Heartfelt, Smooth, Love, Lush, Romantic, Sensual
Style: Chamber Pop, Art Pop
Vibe: Lush, Ethereal, Imaginative, Sensual, Storytelling, Surreal, Intricate, Airy, Dreamy
Instrumentation: Vocals, Keyboards (Piano, Harpsichord, etc), Upright Bass, Strings, Drums, Saxophone
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)
Religious allegory, profane thoughts, and lustful confessions intertwine on Human Behavior’s third LP; Kedimum is a brooding suite of psychological chamber folk that introspects into a conflicted mind, struggling to reconcile matters of indoctrinated faith, natural human desires, and internalized guilt. Primary songwriter Andres Parada is joined by a sympathetic cast of vocalists to create a vivid sonic drama complete with choral vocals and spoken word passages to complement his haunting narrations. The intricate and shadowy arrangements blend distorted electronic beats with a wide array of acoustic instrumentation, including banjo, clarinet, accordian, acoustic guitar, violin, ehru, and cello.
Style: Free Folk, Chamber Music, Progressive Folk
Vibe: Ritualistic, Hypnotic, Earthy, Tribal, Nature, Meditative, Medieval, Exploratory
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Improvisation, Instrumental, Minimalistic
Instrumentation: Oboe, Violin, Viola, Recorder, Percussion (Tabla, Drums, Chimes), Cello
Originally released in 1972 on Impulse! Records Superior Viaduct reissue (2018) Format: LP
Originally released in 2003 on Big Dada Records 2013 Reissue Format: LPx2
Style: Chamber Rock, Avant-Prog, Rock In Oppositon
Vibe: Anxious, Angular, Mysterious, Ominous, Dark, Dystopian
Musical Attributes: Instrumental, Complex, Dissonant
Instrumentation: Bassoon , Violin, Viola, Cello, Harmonium, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Drums
Released in 2011 on Constellation Records Format: 10″x2
Released in 1968 on ESP-Disk Format: LP Style: Chamber Folk, Psych Folk Vibe: Peaceful, Mellow, Psychedelic Themes: War, Nature, Love Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Strings, Flute, Banjo, Keyboards, Bass, French Horn
Released in 2013 on Matador Records Format: LP + 7″ The bonus 7″ features covers of Todd Rundgren’s “I Saw the Light” and Times New Viking’s “Move to California”
Released in 1972 on Curtom/Buddha Records Format: LP
Released in 2005 on Asthmatic Kitty Records Format: LPx2 Listen: Purchase: https://asthmatickitty.com/merch/illinois/
Released in 2002 on Saddle Creek Records Format: LPx2
The apocalyptic chamber-folk of Bethpage soundtracks multiple chapters of cryptic storytelling, mixing one’s darkest thoughts with religious imagery and allegory through banjo sing-alongs and haunting spoken word passages. The heavy climaxes are whirlwinds of bombastic drums, driving bass, fiddle, clarinet, and banjo that often recall the communal chamber-punk of Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra. While many tracks feel seeped in shadow and darkness, a heavenly light occasionally floods in through some truly serene and beautiful passages.
Released in 2005 on Constellation Records Format: LPx2, etching on D-side
Released in 1970 on Curtom Records (distributed by Buddha Records) Format: LP
The Order of Things takes you on a strange journey, starting off with a long ambient song built around field recordings, light acoustic guitar and some weird drones in the background. Highly recommended if you’re a fan of experimental post-rock, drone, or music that doesn’t like to be easily categorized.?
Originally released in 1967 on Elektra 2012 Rhino Pressing, cut from original analogue masters Format: LP
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber-Folk
Moods: Poetic, Sombre, Introspective, Reflective, Mythic, Bittersweet, Autumnal, Existential, Longing, Lonely, Love
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Mandolin, Violin, Flute, Jaw Harp, Background Vocals
“Side A is cut at 45rpm and features “Moya”, a broiling cascade of upward scales that repeatedly explodes beyond its own threshold. “BBF3” on Side B clocks in at 18 minutes, and was the band’s most lyrical, multi-movement music to date — more elaborated melodic figures wind around an angry spoken-word field recording (infamously culminating in the recital of the speaker’s poem — verses lifted straight from Iron Maiden)”
Groovy soul instrumentals decorated with sweeping orchestral arrangements, jazz soloing, and psychedelic guitars, all inspired by William Blake’s writings.
Style: Goth Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Dark Cabaret
Moods: Winter, Sombre, Dark, Theatrical, Storytelling, Ominous, Brooding, Violent, Vulgar
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Lush, Polished
Godspeed’s last album before their 10 year hiatus was produced by the legendary Steve Albini, resulting in what might be their heaviest and most direct album to date. Coming off the heels of September 11th, Yanqui U.X.O. seems to be a reaction against the ramped up military-industrial complex and its promotion of fear and xenophobia, as well as protesting Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. The back cover even goes as far as connecting each major record label to some type of weapons manufacturer.
Style: Soul, Singer/Songwriter
Moods: Conscious, Spiritual, Passionate, Uplifting, Bittersweet, Christian, Peaceful, Political, Sentimental, Warm
Musical Qualities: Lush, Groovy, Lyrical, Suite, Melodic
Jazzy Folk-Rock with dynamic songwriting, passionate vocals, and acoustic shredding accompanied by fluid drums, watery vibraphones, distorted keys and groovy upright bass. FFO Astral Weeks, Joni Mitchell, John Martyn, and Tim Buckley
Style: Art Pop, Trip-Hop, Experimental Electronic
Vibe: Breakup, Passionate, Heartfelt, Personal, Intense, Futuristic
Musical Qualities: Orchestral, Glitchy, Lush, Digital Beats
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