Album Review: Fleet Foxes/ Fleet Foxes

There is something apocryphal about Fleet Foxes self titled album. It is as if you as the listener have stumbled on a forbidden tragedy of esoteric recordings direct from the backwater churches of the Appalachian Mountains. My first exposure came in the form of their performance on Saturday Night Live. I have long been against the opening of musical horizons on the backdrop of a Grand Central Station Terminal, but for me and their performance, it opened my eyes to what could possibly be the most enjoyable music I have heard in a long time. Below is a track by track breakdown(as usual).

1. Sun It Rises - The opening is what you would imagine a family singing on their porch as the sun sets and dinner is about to be served. When the acoustic guitar pipes in, you think you have this song figured out, and then comes the Brian Wilson melody-something you would not expect from a band who is trying to conjure up a lighter Deliverance with their finger-picking and banjos.

2. White Winter Hymnal - There is a story here, deeply embedded within the melody. It's magical and special and unique and if you really devote yourself to the lyrics, you want more of the story to be told.

3. Ragged Wood- You can imagine people in church singing to this song, dancing and harkening the birth of spring or Jesus.

4. Tiger Mountain Peasant Song- very subtle, reminsicent of Greensleeves, but with an aching voice singing about premonitions of his death.

5. Quiet Houses - This could just be on a Dave record, with a more powerful drumline than the other songs.

6. He Doesn't Know Why - I would imagine this could be a transplant from an early 70's folk band. This song has no place in this era, and that is why it is beautiful.

7. Heard Them Stirring - Churchy and again in that very C G guitar playing that could very well be that timeless song about the beheaded Anne Boleyn.

8. Your Protector - Pan flutes have no place in this day and age. Beautiful singing.

9. Meadowlarks - Neil Youngesque vocals singing of the meadowlarks. Could be one of the top songs on this album.

10. Blue Ridge Mountains - very gentle and subtle. Very Beach Boys on the Susquehanna River.

11. Oliver James- The finale and a keeper.

Overall I would have to say this is a great record. Something different in this world of commonality. I give it Five Thumbs Up.