I haven’t been doing a very good job of finding new music lately. And I am going to completely blame that on the new Fleet Foxes album. Honestly, all of my free music listening time has been consumed by Hopelessness Blues. Okay, I’ve listened to the new Antlers a couple times on NPR.
I’ve heard some mixed reviews from my friends on the new Fleet Foxes. But I think this has more to do with how many times they’ve listened to the album. This is definitely an album that grows on you, this is an album that infects you with a virus that thus far has no cure.
In an effort to figure out why anyone would dismiss this album I went back and listened to their debut album, for which the world first fell in love with the Foxes of Fleet. And I was almost confused how that album could have made such an impact. Their sophomore effort is leaps and bounds far superior to their initial album.
Fleet Foxes signature has been their very melodic harmonies, and this album is full of that. But the melodies themselves are incredible. And the more you listen to the songs the more you will start to take in the lyrics, which will pierce the soul of anyone in their twenties.
The orchestration is so very subdued compared to the booming vocals. It is almost as if they don’t really need it at parts, and choose to bring it in only when it is there to make a point. And finger picking, who doesn’t love finger picking?
In the past few years I’ve almost come to expect my favorite bands to disappoint after their first, hunger-induced, debut. But I’m going to have to put Fleet Foxes in my ‘will always make good music’ bin.
Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues
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Fleet Foxes – Blue Spotted Tail
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I feel the same way.
I didn’t love the entire first album because it was so lush that I sometimes felt it wasn’t grounded and was flying off into outer space somewhere.
This one is incredible. I’m on my 3rd full listen and there’s a lot more complexity in the music. It’s not just gorgeous but its intricate and full of satisfaction and longing. Amazing stuff. It’s like looking at a Persian carpet or a field of wildflowers.
Really like your blog. I’ll be happy to recommend it.
Sweet, I just started listening to the new album today. I couldn’t get enough of their self titled album. I’m sure I’ll love this one, especially since it’s “Muffin-approved”