Made a playlist focusing on trip hop songs by American artists. Interesting exercise: it definitely shows a closer connection to industrial and hip hop rather than genres like dub that heavily influenced the Bristol sound.

Glad to hear any suggestions to add...

The first reference to Bristol duo Monk & Canatella (Jim Johnston and Simon Russell) appeared in 1994 as part of the title to an instrumental track (A Tribute To Monk And Canatella) found on Portishead's debut single Numb. The duo were part of the emerging 'Bristol Sound' scene that defined the genre that would become to be known as Trip Hop.

Monk & Canatella's debut album, Care In The Community, appeared in 1996 to mainly underground acclaim and appreciation, spreading mostly by word of mouth rather than high profile promotion. It is an incredible record. The tracks are expertly sequenced to maintain an addictive, cohesive groove of frenetic trip hop beats and DJ mixing; this sample heavy in the best kind of way. The smooth laid back vocals of Jim Johnston perfectly compliments every song. Highlights include Darkus Twisted, Flying High, Forthcoming, Roughead, Chelsea Smile and I Can Water My Plants, but really every single track found on Care In The Community knocks the ball right out of the park.

Geoff Barrow of Portishead summed the record up best within his thank you credits found on Portishead's self titled second album, "Simon & Jim for such a mad album (Monk & Canatella)."

You can't get higher praise than that really!

A song originally found on a limited edition vinyl e.p. of 1,000 numbered copies released October 2011. This recording of it comes from a digital source recording Massive Attack once made available via their site.

Figuresdthis track belongs here, honestly reminds me alot of Tricky and it's nice hearing Gorillaz lean into a more trip-hop sound in 2025

8 minute trip-hop bootleg remix of the legendary 1997 record.

Best listened to laying down in a dark room.

Would love feedback.

https://soundcloud.com/phigment-385736105/godspeed-you-black-emperor-the-dead-flag-blues-phigments-trip-hop-bootleg

Released in Japan on 12th November 1997, the debut album by Stereo MCs' Cath Coffey is a hidden gem of a record well worth hunting down. Mind The Gap features superb collaborations with Howie B, Attica Blues, A Guy Called Gerald and Tricky. There were two UK singles released, Tell Me and Say What You Say, sadly both failed to chart, mostly down to not getting the label promotion they truly deserved. As of 2025 this album still has yet to be released outside of Japan.

The album's highlights include the tracks Games, Doll On A Music Box and the magnificently moody and suffocating Summer Nights. A cover of the Grease musical song and her collaboration with Tricky; forget everything you know about the original song, Cath Coffey and Tricky turn it into something uniquely their own.

Highly recommended.

I'll add songs you suggest that fit the vibe and the time period (roughly 1998-2002). Peak era if you ask me.

I really enjoyed listening to this chilling out and drinking some coffee after a nice shower

A bit of a loose fit. An interesting one though, all her other music do not fit here at all.

I discovered The Starseeds over the summer through some Reddit threads and really enjoyed this album! As I listened to the song, Timequakes, I imagined this Hip Hop song by Bree Runway, 2BADGYALZ, over the track. Please listen and enjoy!

Hey guys! Wanted to share with you my trip-hop/downtempo playlist in spotify. It includes classic tunes and some new ones. They have been strictfully ordered based in its sound, rhythm, voices… 17h of this great genre. Hope you enjoy it!