Style: Trip-Hop, Psychedelic Electronic, IDM, Downtempo, Ambient Techno
Vibe: Mysterious, Hallucinogenic, Woozy, Occult, Cryptic, Nature, Eerie, Warm, Surreal, Hypnotic, Mellow, Haunting
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Beats, Sampling, Vignettes, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Rhythmic
Boards of Canada – Geogaddi Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Experimental Electronic, Trip-Hop
Vibe: Somatic, Primal, Sensual, Passionate, Winter, Ancestral, Complex, Imaginative, Surreal, Heartfelt
Musical Qualities: A’Cappella, Choral Vocals, Experimental Vocals (Throat Singing, Beat Boxing, Manipulated Vocal Production), Studio-as-an-Instrument
Style: Experimental Electronic, Post-Industrial
Vibe/Mood: Ominous, Disorienting, Mechanical, Brooding, Chaotic, Colorful, Anti-Capitalist, Feminist, Complex, Cryptic, Dance, Futuristic, Surreal, Messy
Musical Qualities: Manipulated Vocals, Dissonant, Polyrhythmic, Dense, Percussive, Polyphonic, Noisy, Repetitive
The Kni?e – Shaking the Habitual Read More »
Style: Avant-Folk, Progressive Folk
Moods: Ominous, Forest, Surreal, Dark, Theatrical, Disturbing, Hallucinatory, Mysterious, Ritualistic, Aggressive, Complex, Shadowy
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Percussive, Chamber Arrangements, Technical
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar (6 & 12-Strings), Violin, Viola, Oboe, Flute, Percussion, Electric Bass
Comus – First Utterance Read More »
Style: Art Rock, Progressive Pop
Vibe: Anxious, Eccentric, Romantic, Cerebral, Complex, Catchy, Bombastic, Dramatic, Surreal, Slick, Intertwined
Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Uncommon Time Signatures, Polished, Progressive, Technical, Rhythmic
King Crimson – Beat Read More »
Style: Progressive Electronic, Ambient House, Collage Pop, Sound Sculpture
Moods: Cryptic, Surreal, Aquatic, Hypnotic, Nocturnal, Futuristic, Melancholy, Collage, Urban, Mellow, Meditative, Ethereal, Eclectic, Rainy, Romantic
Musical Qualities: Sampling, Electro-Acoustic, Field Recordings, Atmospheric, Melodic, Loops
Nicolas Jaar – Space is Only Noise Read More »
Style: Free Improvisation
Vibe: Abstract, Frenetic, Responsive, Primal, Active Listening, Surreal
Musical Qualities: Atonal, Collective Improvisation, Percussive, Acoustic
Instrumentation: Trombone, Upright Bass, Viola, Violin, Banjo, Experimental Vocals, Electric Guitar
Gunter Christman, Torsten Muller, LaDonna Smith, Davey Williams – White Earth Streak Read More »
Style: Americana, Singer-Songwriter, Folk, Slowcore
Vibe: Moody, Cryptic, Grim, Playful, Surreal, Stark, Sexual, Bittersweet, Warm, Dark Humor
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Acoustic, Melodic, Sparse
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billie & Matt Sweeney – Superwolves Read More »
Style: Hardcore Boom-Bap, Experimental Hip-Hop
Vibe: Gritty, Cerebral, Ominous, Futuristic, Restrained, Cryptic, Spiritual, Storytelling, Urban, Powerful
Musical Qualities: Beats, Sampling, Rhythmic
Armand Hammer & The Alchemist – Haram Read More »
Style: Experimental Rock, Totalism, Math Rock, Tishoumaren-Influenced
Vibe: Anxious, Complex, Energetic, Exploratory, Hypnotic, Disorienting
Musical Qualities: Instrumental, Microtonal, Odd Time Signatures, Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Repetitive, Minimalistic, Technical, Drones, Glitchy, Dissonant
Horse Lords – Interventions Read More »
Style: Gothic Country, Occult Folk, Psych Folk
Vibe: Witchy, Rustic, Foreboding, Folkloric, Mystical, Surreal, Autumnal, Cryptic, Ritualistic
Big Blood – Dark Country Magic Read More »
Style: Art-Rock, Progressive Songwriter, Trip-Hop, Post-Punk
Vibe: Brooding, Woozy, Grimey, Nocturnal, Angsty, Introspective, Surreal, Shadowy
King Krule – Man Alive! 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: Experimental Rock, Krautrock, French Pop, Punk-Funk, 80’s Glam
Vibe: Motorik, Surreal, Playful, Confident, Triumphant, Determined, Juxtapositions, Catchy, Hypnotic, Retro-Futuristic
Musical Attributes: Dense, Rhythmic, Melodic, Noisy, Repetitive
Feu Thérèse – Ça Va Cogner Read More »
Style: Psych Rock, Free Rock
Vibe: Psychedelic, Surreal, Ritualistic, Murky, Motorik, Mysterious, Cryptic, Menacing, Suspenseful, Primal
Musical Qualities: Repetitive, Atmospheric, Dynamic, Driving
Sunburned Hand of the Man – Pick a Day to Die Read More »
Style: Surreal Pop, Imaginative Singer/Songwriter, Prog-Pop, Canterbury Scene
Vibe: Dreamy, Ethereal, Airy, Floating, Surreal, Eclectic, Introspective, Complex, Mellow, Imaginative, Atmospheric
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Melodic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Active listening, Jazz-Influenced
Robert Wyatt – Shleep Read More »
Bobb Trimble’s 1980 debut (originally released on his own label) contains nightmarish folk-pop that fits on the fringe of the loner-psych lineage of Syd Barrett and modern bedroom-psych artists like Alex G or Holy Sons.?
Bobb Trimble – Iron Curtain Innocence [Review] Read More »
Style: Progressive Post-Hardcore??
Vibe: Angsty, Existential, Cryptic, Anxious, Surreal, Epic, Intense, Intricate
??Musical Attributes: Odd Time Signatures, Progressive, Technical, Polished
Circa Survive – On Letting Go 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: Jazz Fusion
Vibe: Futuristic, Groovy, Surreal, Complex, Energetic
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Polished, Technical, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Weather Report – Mr. Gone Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Neo-Psychedelia, Trip-Hop, Experimental Electronic
Vibe: Nocturnal, Surreal, Introspective, Longing, Alienation, Abstract, Anxious, Dark, Depressive, Eclectic, Love, psychedelic
Yves Tumor – Safe in the Hands of Love Read More »
Style: Progressive Electronic, Hypnogogic Pop, Neo-Psychedelia
Vibe: Surreal, Nostalgia, Sentimental, Catchy, Futuristic, Longing, Melancholy, Woozy, Uplifting, Eclectic
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Sound Collage, Progressive
Oneohtrix Point Never – Magic Oneohtrix Point Never Read More »
Style: Art Rock, Trip-Hop, Neo-Psychedelia, Hypnagogic Pop
Vibe: Nocturnal, Romantic, Dramatic, Eclectic, Energetic, Imaginative, Love, Sexual, Surreal, Woozy, Elegant
Musical Attributes: Polished, Progressive, Catchy, Dense, Rhythmic, Lush
Yves Tumor – Heaven to a Tortured Mind Read More »
Style: Neo-Psychedelia, Psych Pop
Vibe: Catchy, Colorful, Hallucinogenic, Hypnotic, Psychedelic, Stoned, Summer, Sunny, Surreal, Warm
Musical Attributes: Loops, Sampling, Lush, Melodic, Rhythmic
Panda Bear – Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Folk, Brit-Folk
Vibe: Theatric, Colorful, Eccentric, Eclectic, Imaginative, Messy, Mystical, Playful, Surreal, Warm
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Lyrical, Conceptual, Indian-Influenced
Lyrics: Storytelling, Philosophical, Fantasy, Humorous, Poetic
The Incredible String Band – U Read More »
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
Tricky – Maxinquaye Read More »
Style: Progressive Electronic, Experimental
Vibe/Mood: Ethereal, Spacey, Futuristic, Mysterious, Suspenseful, impressionistic
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Instrumental, Studio-as-an-instrument (Loops, Editing, Dubs), Vignettes, Improvisation
Instrumentation: Synthesizer, Drum Machine
The Common Task is an incessant barrage of jolting polyrhythms that simultaneously hypnotize and disorient.
Style: Experimental Rock, Math Rock, Post-Rock, Totalism
Vibe: Hypnotic, Surreal, Triumphant, Complex, Political
Musical Attributes: Microtonal, Polyrhythmic, Repetitive, Odd Time Signatures, Saharan Africa-Influenced, Technical, Instrumental
Horse Lords – The Common Task Read More »
Style: Collage-Pop, Glitch-Folk, Plunderphonics
Vibe: Surreal, Psychedelic, Peaceful, Cerebral, Meditative, Philosophical, Spiritual, Uplifting, Warm, Playful, Hallucinogenic
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Electro-Acoustic, Melodic, Sound Collage, Vocal Manipulation
The Books – Lost and Safe Read More »
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
Julia Holter – Have You in My Wilderness Read More »
Style: Progressive Rock, Psych, Experimental Rock
Vibe: Bombastic, Mystical, Cerebral, Chaotic, Cryptic, Desert, Energetic, Epic, Hallucinogenic, intense, manic, Psychedelic, Complex
Musical Attributes: Dense, Odd Time Signatures, Progressive Structures, Polyrhythmic, Riffs, Technical
The Mars Volta – The Bedlam in Goliath Read More »
Style: Math Rock, Art Rock
Vibe: Angsty, Complex, Cryptic, Moody, Surreal,
Musical Attributes: Odd Time Signatures, Dissonant, Lyrical
90 Day Men – To Everybody: Read More »
Released in 2017 on Drag City Records Format: LP Review “The world wants an oath but all you can say is: ‘I promise to take up space. I can only promise to take up space” In a society that places such high expectations on individuals to shrink themselves in order to fit into the predominating
Circuit Des Yeux – Reaching for Indigo [Review] Read More »
Style: IDM, Trip-Hop, Electro-Jazz, Drum n’ Bass
Vibe: Nocturnal, Surreal, Futuristic, Energetic, Mechanical, Ominous, Urban
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Complex, Rhythmic, Repetitive
Amon Tobin – Permutation Read More »
Released in 2009 on Warner Bros. Records Format: LPx2
The Flaming Lips – Embryonic Read More »
Originally released on CD in 2003 on Tzadik Records First vinyl pressing from Ice Level Music (2017) Format: LPx2
Kayo Dot – Choirs of the Eye Read More »
Released in 2004 on Young God Records Format: LPx2
Devendra Banhart – Rejoicing in the Hands / Niño Rojo Read More »
Released in 2011 on Software Records Format: LP
Oneohtrix Point Never – Replica Read More »
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
Radiohead – The King of Limbs Read More »
Released in 2018 on Ninja Tune Format: LP
Leon Vynehall – Nothing is Still Read More »
Released in 1975 on Island Records Format: LP
Brian Eno – Another Green World Read More »
Originally released in 1966 on Columbia Records 1998 Simply Vinyl pressing Format: LPx2
Bob Dylan – Blonde on Blonde Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Ambient Pop
Moods: Apathetic, Introspective, Surreal, Sleazy, Melancholy, Sleek, Mellow, Sensual, Depressive, Ethereal, Stark, Meditative
Musical Qualities: Soft, Sparse, Lyrical, MIDI, Smooth, Polished
A.A. Bondy – Enderness Read More »
Released in 2017 on XL Recordings Format: LP Overview By introducing heartfelt vocals into her (often) harsh environments of contorted glitch-pop, Venezuelan producer Arca reaches near-claustrophobic levels of intimacy.
Released in 2003 on Drag City Recorded in 2000 Format: LP
Loose Fur – Loose Fur Read More »
Originally released in 2005 on Warp Records 2013 Reissue Format: LPx2
Boards of Canada – The Campfire Headphase Read More »
Released in 2008 on Anticon Records Format: LP
Tobacco – Fucked Up Friends Read More »
Originally released in 1967 on EMI Records 1983 Fame Reissue Format: LP
Pink Floyd – The Piper at the Gates of Dawn Read More »
Originally released in 1963 on Impulse! Records 1974 reissue, blue/green label Format: LP
Mingus – The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady Read More »
Released in 2013 on Bella Union UK Pressing Format: LPx2, Bonus 7″, Holographic Cover Studio album takes up sides A, B, & C. Side D contains “We Don’t Control the Controlled (mashed-the-fuck-up-remix, Dan Deacon and the Electric Worms’ Insight Violence)” 7″ includes “Sun Blows Up Today” b/w “All You Need Is Love (featuring Alex and
The Flaming Lips – The Terror Read More »
Originally Released in 2004 on FatCat Records 2011 Reissue on My Animal Home Format: LPx2
Animal Collective – Sung Tongs Read More »
Released in 1994 by Drag City Format: 12″ EP, 45rpm
Gastr Del Sol – Mirror Repair Read More »
Released in 2007 on Sub Pop Records Format: LP
Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog Read More »
Released in 2002 on Saddle Creek Records Format: LPx2
Bright Eyes – LIFTED or The Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground Read More »
Originally released on K records in 2003 Recorded between 2001-2002 2013 Reissue on PW Elverum & Sun Format: LP
The Microphones – Mount Eerie Read More »
Released in 1970 on Straight Records Format: LP
Tim Buckley – Starsailor Read More »
Released in 1970 on Harvest Records Format: LP
Pink Floyd – Atom Heart Mother Read More »
Released in 1967 on Elektra Records Format: LP
The Incredible String Band – The 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion Read More »
Released in 1967 on Capitol Records Format: LP, includes cut outs
The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band Read More »
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.
Human Behavior – Bethpage Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Pop, Neo-Psychedelia
Moods: Surreal, Science Fiction, Epic, Bittersweet, Triumphant, Sentimental, Playful, Apocalyptic, Warm, Melancholy, Existential, Anthemic
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Lush, Melodic, Polished
The Flaming Lips – Soft Bulletin Read More »
Released in 2012 on Brainfeeder Records Format: LPx2
Flying Lotus – Until the Quiet Comes Read More »
Released in 1966 on Parlophone Records 1973 UK Pressing Format: LP
The Beatles – Revolver Read More »
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.
The Books – The Way Out Read More »
Originally released in 1972 on United Artists Unofficial Pressing Format: LP, Translucent green vinyl
Released in 1986 on Virgin Records Format: LP
Holger Czukay – Rome Remains Rome Read More »
Released in 1971 on United Artists Records Original US Pressing Format: LPx2
Amon Düül II – Tanz Der Lemminge (Dance of the Lemmings) Read More »
Released in 2008 on Kranky Format: LPx2
Deerhunter – Microcastle / Weird Era Cont. Read More »
Released in 2013 on Warp Records Format: LPx2
Oneohtrix Point Never – R+7 Read More »
Originally released in 1967 on Elektra 2012 Rhino Pressing, cut from original analogue masters Format: LP
Love – Forever Changes Read More »
Originally released in 1971 on United Artists Records Unofficial pressing on purple and brown marbled vinyl Format: LPx2
Originally released in 1974 on Spoon 2014 Mute Pressing Format: LP
Can – Soon Over Babaluma Read More »
Released in 1970 on Harvest Records 2014 Pressing Format: LP
Syd Barrett – The Madcap Laughs Read More »
Released in 2009 on Graveface Records Format: LPx2, Stoughton Foil Sleeve Includes 24″x24″ poster RSD 2010 Pressing
Black Moth Super Rainbow – Eating Us Read More »
Originally released in 1979 on Piano Records 2016 Modern Classics pressing on Light I’m the Attic Records Format: LP, includes foldout booklet
This Heat – This Heat Read More »
Released in 2007 by Gold Standards Laboratories Recorded November 2005 in Amsterdam Format: LP
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez – Se Dice Bisonte, No Bùfalo Read More »
Released in 1968 on Warner Bros.
Van Morrison – Astral Weeks Read More »
Released on Stones Throw in 2004 2006 repress Format: LPx2
Madvillain – Madvillainy Read More »
No Other is a masterpiece of Cosmic Americana from Gene Clark (Ex-Byrds). Here his amazing songwriting is complemented by lush instrumentation, psychedelic production, and grandiose choir arrangements.
Gene Clark – No Other Read More »
Released in 2018 on Domino Records Format: LPx2 Includes 12″x12″ glossy lyric and photo booklet Track Listing *A1 – Turn the Light On (Bombastic, Energetic, Cathartic A2 – Whether (Pulsing, Driving, Staccato) *A3 – Chaitius (Ethereal, Atmospheric, Ambient, Progressive) -long floating, atmospheric intro with wordless vocals -becomes jazzy and cosmic as it builds -loose and
Julia Holter – Aviary Read More »
Released in 1974 on Virgin Records Original U.S. Pressing, Promo Copy
Robert Wyatt – Rock Bottom [Promo] Read More »
Released in 2010 on 4AD Records Format: LP, white vinyl
Deerhunter – Halcyon Digest Read More »
Style: Psych Pop, Surf, Progressive Pop
Vibe: Surreal, Sunny, Warm, Retro, Playful, Existential, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Catchy, Progressive
MGMT – Congratulations Read More »
Information: This album was released in 1969 on Bizzarre Records
Frank Zappa – Hot Rats Read More »
Style: Collage-Pop, Glitch-Folk, Plunderphonics
Vibe: Surreal, Psychedelic, Peaceful, Cerebral, Meditative, Philosophical, Spiritual, Uplifting, Warm, Playful, Hallucinogenic
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Electro-Acoustic, Melodic, Sound Collage, Vocal Manipulation
The Books – Lost & Safe (2011 reissue) Read More »
