4 Essential Albums That Perfectly Mix Folk and Electronica

Folk and electronica, to some, might seem like they are genres at opposite ends of some arbitrary spectrum of music. However, elements from both of these types of music go beautifully together when done correctly. The following four folktronica albums prove it. Let’s take a look!

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1. ‘Thought For Food’ by The Books

Thought For Food is the debut album from The Books, one of the most defining folktronica acts of the 21st century. This 2002 album is absolutely gorgeous and mainly features random, mundane found sounds tracked along with unique instrumentals. Honestly, any of The Books’ albums could have made it to this list, from The Lemon Of Pink from 2003 to their final record, The Way Out from 2010.

2. ‘Up In Flames’ by Manitoba

Technically a Caribou project, Up In Flames by Manitoba is a stunning folk and electronica record. There are some really beautiful elements on this 2003 indie pop record. It got its flowers, too. Up In Flames peaked at no. 15 on the UK Independent Albums chart, and it’s been reissued several times due to fan demand through the years.

Fun fact: The news program Democracy Now! uses the song “Kid You’ll Move Mountains” as part of their rotation of theme music.

3. ‘Ether Teeth’ by Fog

Indie rock band Fog has been blending electronic elements with folk since 1999, and their approach to blending the two genres is unique. Fog’s music once implemented traditional instruments with turntable-operated samples earlier in their career, notably on the 2003 album Ether Teeth.

4. ‘Everyone Alive Wants Answers’ by Colleen

This one is a bit of an underrated folk and electronica gem, in my opinion. Everyone Alive Wants Answers by French composer Colleen was released back in 2003. Technically defined as an ambient album, there are quite a few folk and electronic elements on this record. At the apex of the two genres, experimental works always seem to shine. That’s definitely the case for Everyone Alive Wants Answers. This is the kind of record you’ll want to listen to in full and sit with for a bit.

Photo via The Books’ ‘Thought For Food’ on Bandcamp

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