Style: Psych / Prog / Experimental Rock
Vibe: Bombastic, Hallucinogenic, Chaotic, Energetic, Psychedelic
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Dense, Complex, Rhythmic, Riffs, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Technical, Odd Time Signatures
Sonic explorations and research from the outer groove
Style: Psych / Prog / Experimental Rock
Vibe: Bombastic, Hallucinogenic, Chaotic, Energetic, Psychedelic
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Dense, Complex, Rhythmic, Riffs, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Technical, Odd Time Signatures
Style: Abstract Groove, Jazz Fusion, Raga Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz, Ambient Jazz
Vibe: Exploratory, Abstract, Mysterious, Chaotic, Hypnotic, Psychedelic, Suspenseful
Musical Attributes: Collective Improvisation, Polyrhythmic, Rhythmic, Dense, Complex, Polyphonic
Featuring Dave Holland, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Bennie Maupin, Jack DeJohnette, Chick Corea, Joe Zawinul, Airto Moreira and others
Released in 2020 on Other People Records
Artist: Nicolas Jaar
Format: LPx2
Style: Progressive Electronic, Ambient Pop, Sound Sculpture
Vibe: Introspective, Mysterious, Nocturnal, Shadowy, Abstract, Dark, Hypnotic, Meditative
Musical Attributes: Electro-Acoustic, Progressive, Digital, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Style: Art Pop, Trip-Hop, Synth-Pop
Vibe: Brooding, Groovy, Passionate, Sensual, Heartfelt, Futuristic, Breakup, Love
Musical Attributes: Catchy, Lyrical, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Atmospheric
Style: Trip-Hop, U.K. Hip-Hop
Vibe: Dark, Nocturnal, Sexual, Surreal, Eclectic, Introspective, Love
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Beats, Rhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Lyrical
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
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
The free-form psychedelia and tribal “group therapy” of Sunburned Hand of the Man are in great hands with producer Kieran Hebden (Four Tet)—his dubs and cuts transform their usually lo-fi, meandering jams into something much more immediate, without losing any of their exploratory and spontaneous energy. Recommended for fans of polyrhythmic Afro-inspired percussion, dubbed out production, communal sound rituals, and dense psychedelia.
Style: Lo-Fi, Experimental Singer/Songwriter, Loner Folk
Vibe: Heartfelt, Imaginative, Introspective, Nature, Intimate, Loner, Bittersweet, Depressive, Psychedelic, Raw, Lonely
Lyrical Themes: Existential, Alienation, Breakup, Philosophical, Poetic, Personal, Death
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Noisy, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Analogue Recording, lo-fi, Distorted
Style: Post-Rock, Experimental Rock Vibe: Exploratory, Hypnotic, Meandering, Murky, Mysterious, Nature, Abstract, Aquatic, Driving, Droney, Psychedelic Musical Attributes: Instrumental, Repetitive, Atmospheric, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Loops, Innovative, Dynamic
Style: Trip-Hop
Vibe: Moody, Urban, Dystopian, Eclectic, Nocturnal, Dark, Melancholy, Groovy
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Dynamic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Polished
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)
Style: Abstract Funk, Jazz Fusion, Spiritual Jazz
Lineup: Eddie Henderson, Herbie Hancock, Bennie Maupin, Lenny White, Billy Hart, Buster Williams, Pat Gleeson
Vibe: Cosmic, Exploratory, Groovy, Atmospheric, Spacey, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Collective Improvisation, Polyrhythmic, Odd Time Signatures, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Style: Psychedelic Funk
Vibe: Apocalyptic, Communal, Cryptic, Earthy, Energetic, Epic, Groovy, Heavy, Philosophical, Playful, Political, Psychedelic, Riffs, Stoned, Eclectic
Style: Progressive Rock, Experimental Rock
Vibe: Epic, Psychedelic, Chaotic, Bombastic, Cerebral, Complex, Cryptic, Energetic, Ominous, Intense
Musical Attributes: Dense, Polyphonic, Technical, Odd Time Signatures, Headphone Album, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Progressive
Style: Psychedelic Soul, Psychedelic Funk, R&B
Vibe: Confident, Conscious, Sensual, Sexy, Romantic, Groovy, Headphone Album
Musical Attributes: Rhythmic, Lush, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Technical
Style: Experimental Rock, Post-Rock, Noise Rock
Influences: Kosmische Musik, No Wave, Musique Concrète
Vibe: Noisy, Groovy, Spacey, Raw
Musical Attributes: Rhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Repetitive
Style: Psych-Folk, Drone-Folk, Free-Folk
Vibe: hallucinogenic, nocturnal, nightmarish, intimate, psychedelic, loner
Musical Attributes: acoustic, droney, raw, studio-as-an-instrument, loops
Released in 1987 on Paisley Park Records Format: LPx2 Style: Funk-Rock, R&B, Pop Vibe: Eclectic, Sensual, Playful, Eccentric, Groovy
Released in 2012 on Utecht Records Format: LP, 45rpm
Released in 2018 on Sublime Frequencies Format: LP
Released in 2020 on International Anthem and Nonesuch Records Format: LP
Style: Drone-Rock, Experimental Rock
Influences: Dark Ambient, Psych Rock, Kosmische, Noise, Drone-Metal
Vibe: Shadowy, Ominous, Brooding, Dark, Driving, Haunting, Hypnotic, Mysterious, Exploratory, Nocturnal, Hallucinogenic
Musical Attributes: Studio-as-an-instrument, Dissonant, Droney
This heavy drone rock feels like a journey through some haunted terrains and forests in ancient Europe. Monolithic fogs of synths and electronic soundscapes drone on for minutes at a time, occasionally being infiltrated by psychedelic guitars and pummeling marches of drums and bass. Given the cohesive ark, determined focus, and fluidity of the album (without as much as a pause between tracks until track 7), it was surprising to find that most of the songs are studio-enchanced improvisations pulled from 2014 tour recordings.
Recommended for fans of motorik drums, the thick drone of early Earth or Sunn O))), psychedelic guitar noises and fuzzy stoner rock riffs.
Released in 1972 on Capitol Records Format: LPx2
Style: Experimental Rock, Art Rock
Influences: Electronic, Kosmische Musik, Glitch, Afro-Beat
Vibe: Surreal, Psychedelic, Messy, Hypnotic, Warm, Mysterious, Cryptic
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Studio-as-an-instrument, Dense, Looping
Themes: Nature
Originally released in 1981 on Rough Trade Modern Classics Reissue (2016) Format: LP
Released in 1975 on Island Records Format: LP
Released in 2016 on R&S Records Recorded 2007-2015 Format: LP
Originally released in 1997 on Thrill Jockey Records 2012 Reissue on translucent red vinyl Format: LP
Released in 2019 on Don Giovanni Records Format: LP, grey vinyl
Released in 2017 on Constellation Records Format: LPx2, etching on side D
Released in 2007 on Stones Throw Records Format: LPx2
Released in 2014 on RVNG International Format: LP
Innovative guitarist and producer Dave Harrington (Darkside) uses his latest record to explore the outer reaches of improvisation and compositional post-production. Pure Imagination, No Country is jazz-rock fusion stripped of its retro connotations—fusing hard grooves, free flights of collective improvisation, and futuristic ambience to create something that is at turns atmospheric and in your face.
Recommended for fans of Bill Frisell, Terje Rypdal, or Jaga Jazzist
Released in 2014 on Temporary Residence Records Format: LP Limited edition, includes screen printed cover, #140/1000
Released in 2018 on International Anthem Recording Co. Format: LPx2
Released in 2008 on Arduna Records Format: LP
Released in 2017 on Rostrum Records Format: LP
Originally released in 1967 on EMI Records 1983 Fame Reissue Format: LP
Released in 2019 on Editions Mego Format: LP
Released in 1977 on RCA Records Format: LP
Released in 2000 on EMI Records Format: 10″x2
Style: Drone, Post-Rock, Experimental Rock, Tape Music Vibe/Moods: Murky, Exploratory, Hallucinogenic, Mysterious, Nature, Abstract Musical Attributes: Drones, Loops, Dissonant, Atonal, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Repetitive
Released in 2010 on Warp Records Format: LPx2
Style: Experimental Rock, Post-Rock
Influences: Kosmische Musik, Minimalism
Vibe: Minimalistic, Exploratory, Spacey, Raw, Noisy, Abstract
Musical Attributes: Instrumental, Repetitive, Analogue Recording
Originally released in 1999 2009 reissue on FatCat Records Format: LPx2, 180
Releases in 1972 on Warner Bros. Records Format: LP
Originally released on K records in 2003 Recorded between 2001-2002 2013 Reissue on PW Elverum & Sun Format: LP
Released in 2008 on Kranky Records Recorded Spring/Summer 2007 Format: LPx2, includes Another Bedroom EP on D-side
Released in 1998 on Warp Records Format: LP
Released in 2018 on Jagjaguwar Format: LP
Released in 2013 on Matador Records Format: LPx2, 45rpm
Originally released in 2003 on Thrill Jockey Records 2017 pressing Format: LP
Released in 1966 on Parlophone Records 1973 UK Pressing Format: LP
Released in 2001 on Thrill Jockey Records Format: LP
Originally released in 2005 on P.W. Elverum & Sun 2015 Pressing, re-mixed and re-designed Format: LP, white vinyl
The Books’ music is simultaneously funny, innovative, catchy and enlightening. They use found sound and spoken word mixed with innovative recording techniques and acoustic instruments to create beautiful sound-collages that somehow create unity between all these disparate sources, as if they were all meant to be together. Everything these guys do, solo or together, is absolute genius.
Released in 1971 on Harvest Records Format: LP
Released in 2009 on Thrill Jockey Records Format: LP
Released in 1986 on Virgin Records Format: LP
Originally released in 2001 on Capital Records 2008 Pressing Format: 10″x2
Released in 1971 on United Artists Records Original US Pressing Format: LPx2
Originally released in 1980 on Piano Records 2016 Light in the Attic Repress Format: LP, 45rpm on side A, any … More
Released in 2007 on The Leaf Label Format: LPx3, 45rpm
Originally released in 1977 on Clocktower Records Later pressing
Originally released in 1971 on United Artists Records Unofficial pressing on purple and brown marbled vinyl Format: LPx2
Released in 1974 on Virgin Records Format: LP
Originally released in 1972 on Brain Records 2010 Grönland Pressing Format: LP, White Vinyl
Originally released in 1991 on Polydor 2011 pressing on Ba Da Bing Records Format: LP
Doug McComb’s first album as Brokeback is imbued with pastoral Impressionism, experimentalism, and a sense of Zen contentment. The record is mostly centered around his Bass VI, a short-scale bass with six strings that is trebly enough to function in both guitar and bass roles. This versatile instrument is usually wet with chorus and reverb that sculpt a fluid, aquatic tone to complement the slow, tranquil melodies. Outside of some solo pieces Doug is joined by a variety of accompaniment including lap steel guitar, synth, upright bass, Rhodes, vocals from Mary Hansen, and light percussion provided by producer/Tortoise bandmate John McEntire. This is a record that can be appreciated from a passive impressionistic standpoint, as well as under the microscopic attention of an engaged ear. (Follow link for full review)
Recommended for fans of Tortoise or Ennio Morricone’s spaghetti Western soundtracks
Originally released in 1979 on Piano Records 2016 Modern Classics pressing on Light I’m the Attic Records Format: LP, includes … More
Released in 2007 by Gold Standards Laboratories Recorded November 2005 in Amsterdam Format: LP
Released in 2009 on Strut Format: LPx2
Pulling away from the jazzy psych-pop of their first two albums, Soft Machine gears towards sprawling sidelong compositions of spacey prog infused with thematic jazz fusion improvisations, compositional edits, and heavy doses of experimental post-production (Click for Full Review)
While the music on Zeit feels motionlessly suspended in the empty vastness of space, the music on Phaedra seem to discover a swampy alien planet, Pulsing sequencers, dramatic mellotrons, airy flutes, and sweeping synthesizers are drenched in strange echoes and reverbs to create suspenseful alien soundscapes.
Darkly cinematic rock instrumentals with some creeping, Dostoevskian vibes. This is probably the most meticulous and progressive album I’ve heard from these guys, who are always finding new ways of funneling their omnivorous library of influences into their dramatic and atmospheric psych rock stylings.
Released in 1999 on These Records Originally recorded for BBC in 1977
Released in 2015 on Partisan Records Recorded 2003-2005
Originally released in 1968 on EMI 1986 Fame Pressing
Released in 1974 on Virgin Records Original U.S. Pressing, Promo Copy
Originally released in 1996 on Thrill Jockey Records 2012 pressing
Recorded August 19-21, 1969 Originally released in 1970 on Columbia Records 2008 Legacy Pressing Format: LPx2
Released in 2012 by Numero Group Recorded in 1976 Format: LP Overview Originally recorded in 1976, this psychedelic latin-jazz masterpiece … More
This fantastic compilation album consists of 2 hours of unreleased recording sessions ranging from 1970 to 1974. Despite some incohesiveness, this release contains some of the most exciting, creative and uncategorizable music of Miles’ career.
I highly recommend this album to fans of the innovative and exploratory period of jazz fusion of the early 70’s, where electric instrumentation, funk rhythms, experimental production techniques, and spacey synthesizers met the improvisation, freedom, and uplifting soul of the spiritual jazz of the 60’s. Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi trilogy, Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew, Weather Report’s first LP are good touchstones, but this album truly offers something unique.
Information: Released in 1978 on PVC Records Format: LP
Space Age Pop
The brooding, atmospheric synth-pop of Poliça’s third LP finds Channy Leaneagh’s passionate vocals once again supported by prominent bass grooves, driving dual drummers, and occasional string and horn arrangements, all mapped into intricate, quantized webs of programmed beats and synthesizers by co-leader/producer Ryan Olsen. Lyrically, the album centers around themes of isolation, fading love, and as well as more political topics such as police violence.
For fans of Portishead, The Knife
Album Information Originally released in 1981 This pressing was released in 2013 on Grönland Records Format: LP Features parallel groove … More
Album Information: This album was self-released on CD in 1997 This pressing was released by Constellation Records in 2013 Format: … More
Released in 2008 on Important Records Format: LP
Released in 1973 on CBS/Columbia Format: LP
Brian Eno and German kosmiche duo Cluster collaborate on a spacey synthesizer album with diverse moods, including peaceful ambient swells, sinister sequencers, industrial drum machine grooves, and suspenseful piano motifs. The release is mostly instrumental but Eno songs sparingly on a couple tracks. The last track features Can’s Holger Czukay playing some pulsing, harmonic bass grooves
Album Information: Released in 2011 on Partisan Records Produced by Emil Amos Jeff Stuart Saltzman recorded tracks B1, B3, B5 … More