Album Review: Fleet Foxes (self-titled)
October 2nd 2008 00:05
Album Review: Fleet Foxes (self-titled)
Fleet Foxes - Now THATS an LP cover!
I picked up this record based upon recommendations posted on a music-related forum (I know, I know … never a good idea). It is said to be one of the best releases of 2008. Always on the hunt for good new music, I took the plunge
(Quick aside: It has become increasingly difficult to find semi-obscure indie rock records (in CD form, of course; iTunes has it all, no?). I had to drive to the only good store left in Orange County: the Virgin Megastore at the Block in Orange. A great, great store. Huge selection and decent prices. Highly recommended if you are in the area.)
This record is good. Not great, but good. I’d give it 7.0-7.5 out of 10. The musicianship is outstanding and the songwriting is even better. These boys have a knack for melody that is rare in today’s musical landscape. Musically, the arrangements were grand: sweeping movements and unusual instrumentation. Very nice and unexpected.
The only think that kept me from scoring it higher is the arrangements of the vocals. They tend be very “church-y” feeling to me (the renaissance–like album cover does not help). Lots of reverb on the vocals that sound recorded in a cavern. While this is kind of sweet at first, but becomes overwhelming on all the tracks. This is a small point of contention, to be sure.
Overall, this is very good record. I am definitely recommending it. It is on my short list for the best of 2008 (although I admit to not hearing a great deal of this year’s releases; I have yet to spin The Black Keys, Mathew Sweet, Jenny Lewis, Conor Obest or Dr. Dog, amongst others).
Standout tracks for me:
“Sun It Rises”
“Tiger Mountain Peasant Song”
“Blue Ridge Mountains”
For a small taster, here is a link for a free download of Fleet Foxes & Wilco doing a live cover of Bob Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released”. Enjoy.
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