Fleet Foxes

This is a remarkable debut - rich harmonies, strong songs, solid orchestration - just a gem. But if you need a first taste, try their "Sun Giant" EP or listen to teh NPR free live concert.

Most highly recommended. Smart and timeless.

I seriously don't understand the hype over these guys. There is nothing new or groundbreaking in the folk-esque genre on this cd. Actually it is uncomplex, and boring. Is this one of those bands like M.I.A. that the indie blogs and websites throw around just to see if we as consumers will actually buy anything they give 5 stars too? Music is supposed to make you feel and I am not feeling it at all. Go listen to Band of Horses, Animal Collective or anything else for that matter because this thing sucks.

This was my first purchase of the freak-folk type, as recommended by NPR's Fresh Air show. I am not disappointed at all, and continue to enjoy the album weeks after I received it.

I listen to Fleet Foxes new cd as I type this. I recently happen to be flipping through the TV channels and heard them on the David Letterman Show - AMAZING! The song was "Blue Ridge Mountains" my favorite song as soon as I heard it! I knew I had to buy this CD because it was GOING TO BE GOOD. Yep, it sure is. The folk music will enchant you. It seems you can do almost anything while listening to this CD. I could study or be painting while listening to Fleet Foxes. It somehow takes you back in time to a place when music had meaning. The last song "Oliver James" will get your attention a bit more. Make sure to read the insert slip provided which holds the CD. In listening to the CD you can tell the band is very in tune and passionate about their music. This CD wasn't slapped together carelessly like most music is today. Make sure to ADD FLEET FOXES to your collection! I hope they tour and I can't wait for another cd in the future!
Thanks go out to FLEET FOXES for a "enchanting" CD!

Fleet Foxes (2008, Sub Pop) Fleet Foxes' first studio album. ****

The last thing that the Fleet Foxes want to hear is that they sound like someone else, namely Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, but that it's okay, because CSNY was awesome. Of course the influence - assuredly among many others - is there, but the true sound of the Fleet Foxes is one that is incredible; Pecknold, the band's sole songwriter, has managed to make several of the cuts sound like standards. Even stranger, it sounds as if some of these 'standards' are now being covered by Fleet Foxes. Strange, isn't it?

One spectacular track is "White Winter Hymnal," which is pretty self-explanitory. The church-vibed vocal delivery compliments the Americana feel that the rest of the song carries, with only one set of lyrics that is repeated twice. Despite almost every song being incredible, probably the standout among the crowd is "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song," a simple acoustic tune that would have fit in perfectly to the catalogue of any folk or folk-rock artist of the 60's and 70's. Its sound is eternal - while it is reminiscent of any age where folk and acoustic guitar were present, it is remarkably fresh, not sounding like Dylan, CSNY, or any other genius.

The overwhelming spirituality that is put into each song staggering, and ironically doesn't appear in the lyrics. The feeling is what makes this album spectacular, for without the sincerity it so desperately needs, the songs would be hollow versions of themselves; it therefore challenges any cover of these new 'standards' to be better than the rich original. (White Winter Hymnal, Tiger Mountain Peasant Song, He Doesn't Know Why)

-Stephen
www.politicianrock.blogspot.com