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Album Details
- Artist: Fleet Foxes
- Album: Fleet Foxes
- Label: Sub Pop
- Year of Release: 2008
- ME Rating:
- Reviewed by: dscanland on 2008-05-29
Media
RecommendFleet Foxes is another one of those super-hyped bands that I have approached cautiously. They are one of the latest signings from Sub Pop and their self-titled debut album keeps the label's focus a little more on rootsier music. Roots might be the canvas but vocal harmonies are the paints and Fleet Foxes is painter who is able to craft wonderfully lush pictures.
Look no further for proof of the glorious harmonies than "Ragged Wood". This track seems like their masterpiece but the rest of the album just holds that song up even more. The "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song" showcases some amazing songwriting finesse with a pleasant acoustic guitar backing Robin's sublime vocals. This track is one of the best demonstrations of how Fleet Foxes can achieve the personal level in the recording studio. But "Quiet Houses" demonstrates the way this group can harmonize their lovely vocals. There just seems to be a little of everything on this self-titled debut. Even some of the more complicated songs like "He Doesn't Know Why" have everything in the right place. I love the piano lines on this one as well as the break down. One or two listens I had dismissed Fleet Foxes as a Band of Horses or My Morning Jacket rip off but there is too much originality here to warrant and rip off accusation.
Fleet Foxes is one of the great albums of 2008. Don't miss out.
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Tell us why this album is great or sucks ass, or correct the reviewer. If you write enough quality reviews you may find yourself on the editorial staff.
Reviews have to be over 100 words, shorter ones are classed as comments.
Log In or Register to Rate Albumson 2009-08-21 fortunecookie Said:
I'm surprised more reviewers didn't mention "White Winter Hymnal", the glorious opening track. I would associate this group with Band Of Horses, only richer and with less of a rock feel.
Not Rated
Review:
on 2009-08-21 ToddLevinsonFrank Said:
If you're interested in checking out some great new music, or great music that is new to you, I strongly recommend the Fleet Foxes self-titled album. Folky harmony vocals. Almost a Mamas'n'Papas-meets-CSNY vibe, which is strange coming from a group of 20-somethings from Seattle who look more like nephews of the Black Crowes than champions of acoustic 60s vocal hippie pop.
On my first few listens, I wasn't quite feeling it. Too mellow or something. But it's a real grower, and several listens later, I love it. Somehow it's good for travelling and sleeping, but please don't try both at the same time. Just a really beautiful, timeless album.
Rating: 8/10
on 2009-02-08 mountaloha Said:
One of my all time favorite albums. There isn't one song that I'd even call mediocre. 10/10 for me.
Rating: 10/10
Review:
on 2008-10-29 Alotofnothing Said:
Fleet Foxes is a folk/roots band from Seattle, Washington. Whiles most bands utilize their instruments as much as possible; Fleet Foxes use their instruments as a base, and then pursue melody, harmony, and success in their vocalists voice. The album explores a variety of themes, although most relate, in some way, back to nature. Whether it be a thoughtful and poetic look at sunrises (Sun It Rises) or an experience of grief (Tiger Mountain Peasant Song), it manages to reference the importance of nature. Tiger Mountain& shows the grief the narrator is experiencing by comparing it with natures constant joy. Their simplest but in some ways, most profound song is Quiet Houses . The lyrics consist of only three lines Lay me down, Dont give in, and Come to me . The passive voice lets the word embed themselves in your mind, leaving the song open for interpretation.
Perhaps the most memorable song is He Doesnt Know Why a modern version of the prodigal son. Starting out with a harmony between voice and piano, the song leads into an explanation of the son and what he has done You dont say a single word of your last two years, Twenty dollars in your hand makes you hold so tight / All the evidence of your vacant life. The song fades out with a beautifully sung summary of the other sons standpoint Theres nothing I can do / Theres nothing I can say.
Not Rated
