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Hard to categorize and even harder to put down. The rest of the album is a joy to behold. It is different but yet very accessible and if you like diversity in your CD collection, then this sits just nicely. Rock'n'Roll Seattle-style is closer to grunge and hard rock, so it comes as a complete surprise to hear the harmony-infused acoustic-folk, campfire sounds of 'Fleet Foxes'. Enjoy. I was glad that I took the time, the songs are great company, and definitly a world removed from most acts out there today. With a debut album closer to a cross between 'David Crosby' and a 'Pastoral School Choir', than to guitar-driven rock, I really had to sit back and listen intently to this lot in case I missed something. The pick of the bunch is 'White Winter Hymnal' with a melody so infectious that it just never leaves your head.
And why not, there's nothing called plagiarism in popular music. Maybe the next effort will scale the mighty "Velvet Underground". Fun listen but you might prefer original artists like Wilco, the Shins, or Radiohead for real excitement. Ever hear "Longer Boats" by Cat Stevens on his Tea for the Tillerman LP. Well "Fleet Foxes" is what you get when you make a whole disc of tunes that ape that sound, those harmonies, and that vibe.
I don't like the Arcade Fire, I don't like Vampire Weekend, and I don't like Fleet Foxes. Fleet Foxes obviously put a lot of effort into this album, but UHHGGGGG. I cannot believe the hype that goes into the perpetual search for the next big thing. Iron and Wine is so much better, this is just lame and boring.
Grizzly Bears' latest "Veckatimest" is an example of a good record dressed up in costumes far beyond its' actual worth - and the embarrassing positive reviews for that album should be read to be believed - its as if the record could cure a terminal illness. Very pretty indeed, and they sound good live. This has happened time and time again, especially in the years 2008-2009, and we've had to suffer the likes of Animal Collective and Grizzly Bear produce good albums that critics are only too eager to brand 'masterpieces'.
But beyond that I certainly cannot understand why they are so revered. Which is not to say that "Fleet Foxes" isn't a good album - it definitely is, but if you go into it reading various reviews, you are very likely going to be disappointed, for sure.Like any true lover of independent music would tell you, listen to the music first, spend some time with it, and don't believe everything you read. Its true - their talents are enhanced by the production on this album - every song a cool, light tune that reeks of violins, strings, and classical instrumentation.
Clearly, its evident that whenever the collective blogosphere hypes an album, it immediately becomes a 'classic' of its genre and 'the greatest album ever made', etc. They are rather talented and can produce a good pop-rock song. For every undeserving, overhyped band out there, there are tons of others who actually deserve more recognition (Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan, Jasmine Star, Au Revoir Simone, Lisa Gerrard), and its a pity that so many people hailed this as a groundbreaking album when in fact its just another light above-average CD.Three Stars.
Which is sad, really, because all the above artists are good, but none of them have actually released an album that stands the test of time. The same can be said of Animal Collective's overhyped and overrated 2009 album, which at best was a 'collection of interesting sounds'.Fleet Foxes are a band that sounds good, relaxing even.
I do hear resemblance to My Morning Jacket, but I can't remember a band that has grabbed my heart like FF. I heard FF first on Letterman which sparked my interest and once I listened to more Fleet Fox, I was in aural bliss. The song "Blue Ridge Mountains" is my favorite, however, I love and can't wait to hear more from this Seattle wonder. I have listened to this over and over since I bought it on the Ipod and it is like a healing balm for my spirit. Simply beautiful.
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