Arachnophonia: Bibio “The Apple and the Tooth” and “Mind Bokeh”

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item(s) in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student worker Jane (class of 2022) and features two albums by English musician Bibio. Thanks, Jane!

Bibio

The Apple and the Tooth

Bibio - The Apple and the Tooth

and

Mind Bokeh

Bibio - Mind Bokeh

I can’t remember how I first found Bibio, but it seemed like all of a sudden, his songs were all I listened to (69 hours worth in 2018 alone, but who’s counting?). His music, which blends acoustic guitars and mandolins with ambient nature sounds and funky jazz-electronic beats, has had a huge influence on me since the summer of 2014. His music might not be for everyone; a lot of it is instrumental, and it doesn’t follow a lot of the patterns that most modern pop songs do. I really love it though, and I’m so excited that my requests have been heard and we now have two of his albums: The Apple and the Tooth (2009) and Mind Bokeh (2011).

There are tons of great songs on both albums, but The Apple and the Tooth is kind of special because it has 8 remixed songs from his previous album — one of my favorites in the history of all music — Ambivalence Avenue (2009). Mind Bokeh is filled with more great songs; some of my favorites include “Feminine Eye“, “More Excuses“, and “K is for Kelson“.

If you’re looking for music to study to, fall asleep to, cry to, or feel inspired by, chances are that Bibio has at least 20 songs that will fit your mood. He’s a great artist, albeit fairly unknown, so give him a listen if you want to try something new!