“IT KEEPS GIVING”

Five albums that inspire Adrianne Lenker

ROBBIE BASHO VISIONS OF THE COUNTRY WINDHAM HILL RECORDS, 1978

“This is a magic record that I’ve had so many great memories to. It’s like a portal. I think it’s absolutely beautiful. From start to finish, like a masterpiece. Robbie Basho’s guitar playing, the soaring qualities of his singing – there’s nothing quite like it. It puts me somewhere that I really like.”

TUCKER ZIMMERMAN SQUARE DANCE MUSIKISTE, 1980

“I discovered Robbie Basho and Tucker Zimmerman at the same time. He used to live in the States, but he’s lived in Belgium since he was in his twenties. He’s in his eighties now. His wordplay, his playfulness – he’s just so smart and witty. It’s psychedelic and nonsensical in all the right ways, but it has beautiful form. His internal rhythm is just so special and unique. I feel like I want to really dance and get down, even though it’s just like an acoustic guitar with a phaser pedal and a harmonica.”

BOWERY ELECTRIC BEAT KRANKY, 1995

“I love the vibe of this. It’s nostalgic for me. It’s kind of trancey; I like the simplicity. When I listen to lyrics, I listen so deeply. It can be relaxing to have something that’s not so lyric-forward. I like the recordings and how it’s mixed, I like the goofiness of it. It’s kind of sexy and dark, but not heavy-dark – kind of moody dark.”

ARTHUR RUSSELL LOVE IS OVERTAKING ME ROUGH TRADE, 2008

“Such a beautiful, spread of all-time great songs. Beautifully written songs like ‘Close My Eyes’, ‘Love Is Overtaking Me’ and ‘Janine’. It gets you in a feeling, inspiring kind of uplifting, but then there’s also sad songs. I feel like he has that rare balance – you can like dance, you can trance, and it’s also just potent, unbreakable songs. It’s a rich album that always keeps it just keeps giving to me throughout the years. I always find myself listening to it.”

DAVID CASPAR CRYSTAL WAVES HUMMINGBIRD RECORDS, 1984

“I honestly don’t know much about David Caspar, but my friend Amy sent me this record when I was on tour once. It became like medicine for me. If I’m in a hotel room, all it takes is that one record and one candle, and I’m OK, no matter what. Touring is very unpredictable. You might be in a weird room that faces a brick wall and be feeling not well and miss home. This album is transportive. It leaves a lot of room for whatever your experience is.”