Essential anti-folk listening

The albums that define anti-folk.

Our picks for where to start with anti-folk — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The anti-folk essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Mellow Gold

Beck

Mellow Gold

A genre-blurring tapestry of lo-fi hip-hop, alternative rock, and sardonic wit that defined the '90s sound.

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Beck

Beck

Beck

A kaleidoscopic blend of genres, weaving together funk, rock, and hip-hop into an eclectic sonic tapestry.

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Remember Us To Life

Regina Spektor

Remember Us To Life

Regina Spektor weaves whimsical storytelling with poignant melodies over eclectic instrumentation, creating a rich tapestry of sound.

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Soviet Kitsch

Regina Spektor

Soviet Kitsch

An eclectic blend of whimsical melodies and poignant storytelling, underscored by Regina Spektor's distinct vocal delivery.

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The Reminder

Feist

The Reminder

A delicate blend of introspective lyrics and gentle melodies wrapped in a warm, acoustic soundscape.

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Metals

Feist

Metals

A rich tapestry of introspective melodies woven with earthy instrumentation and Feist's haunting vocals.

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Christmas Island

AJJ

Christmas Island

An eclectic mix of punk-infused folk melodies and satirical lyricism that confronts heavy themes with a playful touch.

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Only God Can Judge Me

AJJ

Only God Can Judge Me

A raw blend of anti-folk and punk rock that captures youthful angst and existential questioning.

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Joyride: Remixes

Mirah

Joyride: Remixes

A kaleidoscopic blend of genres featuring inventive remixes that transform Mirah's indie pop into danceable soundscapes.

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First Love

Emmy the Great

First Love

A delicate tapestry of anti-folk melodies intertwining personal narratives with whimsical storytelling.

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Thao + Mirah

Mirah

Thao + Mirah

A playful blend of intricate melodies and heartfelt lyrics, merging folk sensibilities with chamber pop aesthetics.

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Virtue

Emmy the Great

Virtue

A tapestry of introspective lyrics woven with delicate melodies and an anti-folk sensibility that feels both personal and universal.

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Moldy Peaches 2000: Unreleased Cutz and Live Jamz 1994–2002

The Moldy Peaches

Moldy Peaches 2000: Unreleased Cutz and Live Jamz 1994–2002

Raw, lo-fi anti-folk melodies intertwine with whimsical storytelling and playful spontaneity.

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The Moldy Peaches

The Moldy Peaches

The Moldy Peaches

A whimsical blend of lo-fi melodies and quirky lyrics that capture the absurdities of everyday life.

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'Em Are I

Jeffrey Lewis

'Em Are I

Eclectic anti-folk melodies blend storytelling with whimsical lyrics and a DIY aesthetic, reflecting an introspective yet playful spirit.

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The Last Time I Did Acid I Went Insane

Jeffrey Lewis

The Last Time I Did Acid I Went Insane

Quirky anti-folk melodies intertwine with candid storytelling and whimsical yet poignant lyricism.

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Hokey Fright

The Uncluded

Hokey Fright

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Ball of Design

Dufus

Ball of Design

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