A musical pigeonhole loosely associating a group of US bands from the mid-80s. Generally used to describe a sound that draws influence from both The Velvet Underground and late 60s/early 70s psychedelia.

Bands often referred to as being part of the paisley underground movement:

Opal
Mazzy Star
Rain Parade
Rainy Day
Dream Syndicate
and also lesser-known acts like The 3 O'Clock and The Feelies.