Fleet Foxes

I’m so upset with myself for never jumping on the Fleet Foxes hype train when I had the chance, because this album as absolutely incredible. Every vocal harmony impeccable, every note perfectly placed. This album feels like looking at a masterfully crafted wood carving. It feels like it takes the best bits of each of the year’s seasons and rolls them into one. Not only is this a 5, but I think it firmly has a place among my favorite records now.

This is the kind of stuff that I almost hate, but don't. The music itself is okay-ish. It's kinda dull and there's a million bands out there like them. It seems pretty soulless. It's folksy music for people that are not salt of the Earth people at all. It's for people that grew up in nice, pre-packaged communities and then want to pretend they have a damn thing in common with the average Joe. Sorry. I might've been projecting from personal experience there. Tl;dr: it's folk music for people from the suburbs that want to cosplay as working class. The band itself is lukewarm. It's not awful but it's not good either and it just feels so inauthentic and plastic.

On one hand, every song on this record is extremely well produced, with a clear and sharp sound and epic vocals. Standout songs for me are Sun It Rises, White Winter, Ragged Wood and Quiet Houses. However, there is very little for me to gain in listening to any more. I am dissapointed by the variety, a lack of tight instrumentals, and an unengaging theme. Because it leans a bit too much on vocals for my taste and I find myself getting tired of the choir-boy indie esthetic after a couple of songs, I feel it deserves a 6/10.

This is like open heart surgery from the point of view of the heart. Painful, uncomfortable, but with just the right amount of sexual tension. It's a noose around an unborn baby's neck. A sex tape set in a cancer ward. Crying whilst fingering your twin sister.

Um hi yes I’m obsessed with this album cover it’s gorgeous what is it. Apparently it’s by Peter Bruegel the Elder which makes since because I love his work. I hope I like this so I can buy it on vinyl just for the cover. 1. This is pretty 2. I have no idea what this is about but it’s pretty - I’ve decided it’s about little snow foxes wearing cute red scarves. 3. Pretty, this is soothing. 4. Oooh a minor key? 5. I really thought they were saying donkey man. Glad they aren’t. 6. “Memory is a fickle siren’s song” great line. 7. Pretty 8. I love this sort of sound - I have no idea what any of this album is about but it’s super pretty sounding 9. This sounds melancholic- very pretty though 10. This is a good album to listen to while you’re laying in bed at night. Calming, soothing, pretty, kinda zen. 11. It’s just a pretty album I guess I’m finally going to go listen to Shore now

One of my favorite albums by probably my favorite band. I started listening to this album on the way to Santa Cruz maybe around when it came out. I was in middle school, and my best friend’s older sister put it on as she took us on the 3 hour drive to the boardwalk. It was the only CD we listened to the entire trip, and I’m not complaining. I have such nostalgia surrounding this! We laughed and swore we would learn to play Blue Ridge Mountains. I was told I could do the timpani or whatever instrument that is before, “in the quavering forestttt” chorus... I love this album with all my heart. I haven’t gone a year, month, and probably even week without listening to at least one of the songs off this album.

Save it for a coming of age indie movie. It's alright, not offensive, but you're just never going to blow your load whilst it's on, are you? Or am I...? I did.

Phenomenal debut, with masterfully crafted folk / chamber pop songs. Sounds like a solid mix between CSNY & The Beach Boys ‘Pet Sounds.’ STANDOUTS: -White Winter Hymnal -Ragged Wood -Tiger Mountain Peasant Song -Quiet Houses -He Doesn’t Know Why -Your Protector -Blue Ridge Mountains

The sweetie-poo folk revival was never to my taste. Too earnest and hookless, but worse than that it's preening and genteel. Pop music is the language of semiotics, and what this communicates is a disdain for the city, the market, vulgarity. All healthy in doses, but in this quantity I sense puritanism. That said, they're very good players, occasionally turn their talents to picking good tunes, and aren't preachy.

*exactly my style of music *can't believe i hadn't listen to them before

4.3 + Haunting, majestic, uplifting - like watching the sun rise over a mountain, gradually spreading light over the rocky crags and dissipating the frigid mist.

An album for simpler days, quite beautiful.

Imagine if the classic prog rock group, Yes, and the classic folk rock trio, Peter, Paul, & Mary, gave birth to a band of children, only to discover that they were a little tone deaf. Introducing, Fleet Foxes. Variously described as Indie folk and Baroque or Chamber pop (this is a new one for me, folks)- ‘a musical genre that combines rock music with the intricate use of strings, horns, piano, and vocal harmonies, and other components drawn from the orchestral and lounge pop of the 1960s, with an emphasis on melody and texture.’ Sounds good, if only 'Fleet Foxes' had been able to deliver. If this is an example of chamber pop, I would suggest a chambermaid to clean up the mess. A bullet into the chamber of a gun would be overkill. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. Lyrically, the cover painting says it all, as a glance at the song titles will confirm: ‘Tiger Mountain Peasant Song,’ and ‘Meadowlarks,’ and such. You get it. And our lead minstrel, of course, goes by the name of Robin. No foolin’. One can only hope he’s better with a bow and arrow than he is with a mic. Robin was better in the lower registers, but as he climbed in pitch, he got pitchier. In fact the whole group’s harmonies, shrill and frequent, were also all over the medieval map. And the very heavy echo on the voices only sustained the bum notes. ‘Heard Them Stirring,’ for example, was three painful minutes of only oohs and aahs, no lyrics whatsoever as a balm for the hurting harmonies. Furthermore, there was very little instrumentally of which to speak, which would have at least provided a merciful relief to the vocals. The final track, ‘Oliver James’- the bleak tale of a poor chap who died down by the river and was brought back home to be laid on the kitchen table in preparation for burial- ended with an acapella vocal by Robin: ‘Oliver James, washed in the rain, no longer.’ And, bless his heart, he was giving it all he had, the passion was there; but, alas. Fleet Foxes, I was washed in your harmonies for thirty-nine minutes and 15 long seconds… but, no longer. Whew.

Think of the sheer STAGGERING quality of this band. This is probably only the second or third best Fleet Foxes record, and yet it's a nearly flawless 5 Star album. Most bands would be beyond lucky and happy to have a "White Winter Hymnal" or "Blue Ridge Mountains" as their opus. This band has BOTH of those, and they might not even be the best song from this era of the group! Incredible, incredible stuff.

As if the Mumfords were trying to pick up girls by demonstrating their deep sensitivity. Maudlin and over-produced but not in a good way. And yet, so precisely of its era that it's hard not to like it just a little bit

10. I don't really think it's objectively a 10, but that's what I'm rating it anyway

I love love love this album. I used to listen to it so much when I lived in Ottawa on Blackburn and then on Argyle. I would bike with my headphones in and sing this album sooooo loud! Thanks for the good listen.

Have listened to this album a million times. Have it on vinyl. Love it with all my heart adn will relisten soon...

Still holds up. Blue Ridge Mountains still stuck in my head.

Did these come before or after Mumford & Sons? It's very Mumford & Sons. Fairly dull folk tinged indie. Thank God this lot and their ilk didn't take over the world as it briefly looked like they would in the early 2010s. Strong album cover though.

I really love this album - it’s one I had forgotten about until this challenge, I was so happy hearing it again after so long! Fleet Foxes was on high rotation for me in the late naughties along with other indie folk revival musicians like Angus and Julia Stone, Joanna Newsom and Beirut. A whimsical time in my life - starting my dream job post uni, before becoming a mother and the change of pace that brings (Of course at the time I didn't realise how magical this season was!) Back to the music - I really enjoy the harmonies, powerful vocals and mostly acoustic instrumentals. Tiger Mountain Peasant Song is particularly burned into my memory as one I'd listen to on repeat riding my bike to work - its probably still on my ipod shuffle somewhere. Sad that my copy of this album got lost somewhere in the many house moves of my 20s, but happy to rediscover it in the age of streaming! Its aged pretty well, but I think it could be pretty repetitive to new listeners. I’m into it.

Wow, this album is special to me, it’s one of the first albums I listened to that wasn’t something one of my parents owned, so it’s sort of formative in that way. White Winter Hymnal is a song I sing all the time. This will probably be an incredibly subjective rating. I will say Helplessness Blues is better but still.

What if you took Simon & Garfunkel and CSN&Y and (somehow) made it better? This album manages to take a sound that was already pretty much perfect and somehow makes it better. The singing and harmonising are extraordinary and He Doesn’t Know Why never fails to bring me out in goosebumps. I remember stumbling across Fleet Foxes on Jools Holland’s show once and instantly falling in love in a way that has happened with very few bands.

When I refreshed the page this morning and saw this album pop up on my screen I was so immensely happy. This is one of my favorite albums of all time and Fleet Foxes one of my top bands. To put it in perspective, 5 of the 11 songs are in my daily playlist (10 total by the band), and 4 made it to the playlist I made for my mom to get a better grasp on the music I love. All that to say it is an instant 5 for me and I am more than happy to give it another listen through with some long listening notes (song by song time! WOOT WOOT!). "Sun It Rises" - I love the traditional folk vocal intro to set the pace of the album in a way. The guitar intro is fun and uplifting and the ethereal vocals on the rest of the song fit my listening style of treating the voice as an instrument and not noticing lyrics right away quite well. The outro riff gives me a almost strokes vibe. "White Winter Hymnal" - It sounds like they are making an indie folk cover of a traditional folk song, but no its an original. I do love the Pentatonix version of this one too. "Ragged Wood" - This is one of the best songs on the album, certainly a departure from the first two song in terms of rhythm and BPM, it plays to its favor though pulling you back in after you drift off to dreamland during "White Winter Hymnal". The bass on this song is fantastic when it is poking through in the energetic parts it is captivating and then a simple but not overbearing bass solo as it then builds instrument on instrument back to that energy. I have listened to this song 62 times according to Spotistats and have never really had the reaction I just had to the bass on that song and I processed some of the vocals in a way I hadn't before. It sounds cheesy, but that moved me. Maybe it was listening through my studio headphones instead of speakers for once but it was amazing. "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song" - This goes back to that traditional folk sound of the doubled guitars making a harp like sound is just purely gorgeous. When they sync up for a measure or two at a time it brings the contrast of the two together. It reminds me of the composition of Simon & Garfunkel's "Scarborough Fair/Canticle". The near shouted vocals on the what I guess you could call choruses have such a visceral feeling to them. "Quiet House" - This is probably my least favorite track on the album. It has amazing instrumentation to it especially that bass it really pulls the other parts together. The "Don't give in" section is what really throws me off, I just hear "Donkey Man" over and over again. The guitar on the outro is also very fantastic. I still really like the track just not my favorite. "He Doesn't Know Why" - I can't quite place my finger on it but the vocals on the intro reminds me so much of another song. It has bothered me since the first time I heard this song and still does. Great song with more great instrumentation. I love the in sync rests they do just before the bridge. "Heard Them Stirring" - I don't have too much to say about this one. It is a good filler track. I don't have strong feelings either way it is just a meditative respite in the middle of the album. "Your Protector" - Another of my favorites. The vocal and flute intro is very gently powerful. The build of the chugging cymbal leading into the bass dig in and then an explosion of instrumentation. There is so much to dissect in this song and I love it more and more each time. "Meadowlarks" - Another one of my lower listen count songs. I love the guitar part under the vocals. They work as two different songs in one that just fit with each other. The chorus of vocals that come in for the middle of the song are very relaxing. The song as a whole is very relaxing. A little too low energy for it to be on my everyday playlist, but I love it. "Blue Ridge Mountains" - The song named for my favorite place on this planet. Is it my favorite for that reason or because it is just an amazing and beautiful song. A little combination. I do prefer the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina but close enough. Another traditional folk sound on the intro. I close my eyes and I am taken there while listening. I can't wait to go back. It is the most beautiful and peaceful places I have ever been. Its fitting for one of the best Indie Folk albums to have a song about part of Appalachia one of the birthplaces of American music and particularly folk. Everybody should drive at least part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in their life. The rolling blue mountains for as far as the eye can see just have the most beautiful calming aspect. "Oliver James" - Another "lowlight" of the album for me. Doesn't mean it isn't a good song I just wish it was in a different spot and it ended with the fade out of "Blue Ridge Mountains". I was going to try to provide a little bit of an objective review at the end but that will not be possible. This is a top 10 album for me all time. It is just a beautiful indie folk album that is in my opinion and absolute must listen before you die. If for some reason you are still reading my long winded review I highly recommend that you listen to A Very Lonely Solstice by Fleet Foxes. It is one of my favorite live recorded albums I have ever heard. It certainly benefits from being recorded with no audience during COVID so not a live album in the typical way. I love this album, I love this band, I was having a stressful week and this just melted so much of my stress away.

Saved Prior: None Not Saved: 11. Heard Them Stirring 10. Tiger Mountain Peasant Song Cutting Edge: 9. Meadowlarks Off Rip: 8. Oliver James 7. He Doesn't Know Why 6. Blue Ridge Mountains 5. Your Protector 4. White Winter Hymnal 3. Sun It Rises 2. Quiet Houses 1. Ragged Wood Overall Notes: Did not expect to like this at all. Folk is one of my least favorite genres, it all sounds so terribly plain to me. But this was impeccable. Lush sounds, wonderful harmonies, nice little lyrical bits. An easy 5, especially considering the genre this is coming from. This is medieval music for the 21st century, and I'm here for it.

10/10. Every song is so good. Tiger Mountain Peasant Song is unreal. Can't say enough good things about this album.

2008: White Winter Hymnal, Blue Ridge Mountain, Ragged Woods, Your Protector, He Doesn't Know Why

Fantastic folk album, been a favorite for years

No. 275/1001 … Sun It Rises 3/5 White Winter Hymnal 4/5 Ragged Wood 4/5 Tiger Mountain Peasant Song 3/5 Quiet Houses 4/5 He Doesn't Know Why 3/5 Heard Them Stirring 3/5 Your Protector 4/5 Meadowlarks 4/5 Blue Ridge Mountains 4/5 Oliver James 3/5 Average: 3,55 Really cool laid-back folk rock album.

Good album. Different to what I normally listen to but enjoyed it.

Indie folk-rock that explores the intersection of pastoral and somnolent. Like a lot of things, how much I like it depends on my mood. I loved it today but could totally see myself smashing the OFF button with glee if I were a little more stressed or cynical. My son said it sounded like Lord of The Rings Holiday music. More specifically, like what you might hear at a Dwarven Castle Keep.

Sonically, this album is amazing. What’s even crazier is it’s a debut album and sounds so polished. Honestly could have came out today and I wouldn’t think twice. I will say, it’s a little slow for my liking, and after 2 listens, I don’t see too much replay value.

Very pleasing to the ear, clearly made by great talent. Good use of many instruments, vocals and melodies are outstanding. Misses a bit of engagement or "WOW" factor though for my tastes.

The soundtrack to your McCarren Park Kickball League.

At first I thought this was kinda like listening to the mammas and the Pappas. Later on I thought it was kinda like listening to the same song on repeat.

Listening to this, I felt like I was at a local music festival and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the local music. After listening, I immediately listened to Mountain Man's "Boat" to hear something similar but much better. Not sure why this album's on this list.

“They placed their guitar amplifiers in Native American tipis for aesthetics”, wrote the Wikipedia contributor, maybe a PR person, ticking off the “lackadaisical cultural appropriation” box in my “I-SPY: Hipster Roots Music” spotters’ guide. A decade or so back, deep in mid-gentrification East London, you couldn’t toss a carefree Molotov without immolating some tender Tarquin in a flat cap torturing a banjo and an oversized mic borrowed from Grandpapa, and while this album sorely lacks banjo, it completely captures that vibe of stealing nostalgia from bones in coffins. Throwing Brueghel’s “Netherlandish Proverbs” onto the cover for its “really weird stuff” is super-functioning hipsterdom, and teasing the listener with an opening song that is actually quite exciting before diving into monotonous, intricate, tuneless harmonising is exactly what their fans deserved. May your tipi burn bright, long and noiselessly.

What was going on in the late 2000s? Why were pastiche sea shanties, skiffle and Gregorian chants on every hipster's iPod? I'm quite glad I missed much of it, the case in favor made here is pretty thin. A disappointment after the earlier "Mykonos" (a relative banger) pointed towards a more tuneful and less precious evolution

Bought it when it first came out based on reviews, never listened much. Now I know why. Damn this record is boring. Not a hook in sight. Beach Boys influenced? Nothing they ever produced is this boring, and I’ve listened to M.I.U. I might be overstating the case, but regardless this album is what purgatory must feel like - 39 minutes that feels like forever, trapped under a dome (echoes!) in the world’s worst renaissance fair.

Folk and Americana for people that don't actually like the genres. This is what they play at the Gap when they want to sound "earthy." For a fan of the grittier sound of both of those genres, this is the album that launched a thousand lame versions.

Igual es porque de por sí estoy un poco bajón, pero me hizo llorar. Una portada muy linda; transmite muy bien el sonido del álbum, producción impecable; un sentimiento de arropo muy fuerte (me hizo acordar a Churupaca en eso), y lo mejor para mí: las armonías, suenan súper limpias y orgánicas (me recordó mucho a Aurora). Necesitaba escuchar algo así, definitivamente voy a escuchar más de ellos.

Smashing darling

Beautiful. I have a massive soft spot for folk. I only knew White Winter Hymnal going in, and always meant to get round to listening to more but never did. Now I wish I had sooner.

Yup. This is the kind of album I need from this list. Not only it hits all checks my taste-wise, but it's the band I've never even heard of. The music is great. There is no other way to say this. The guitar reminds me of Mike Oldfield's playing. All-around great experience.

I love this album. It was big for me when it came out and it holds up.

Really enjoyable listen, I will be revisiting this one

A really full-sounding album. I liked the songwriting but the standout is the immersive colour of the sound they create. I thought I knew the White Winter Hymnal because of the Pentatonix, but much prefer the original, much less bland! Charming soundtrack to painting a little pumpkin haha

Beautiful songs of the woods

I very much like this mix of folk, indie, Americana, etc -- and some beautiful harmonies going on throughout this album as well.

Musically this album is just divine. The use of orchestral instruments like a real bass drum (not one part of a drum kit) in Sun It Rises and the flute in Your Protector kicked things up a level for me. Also the almost Gregorian-type chanting was really cool. I think it's hard to use these types of instruments and themes throughout an album whilst still retaining a real folky vibe.

Folksy abandon A mythic magic runs through Spellbinding beauty

Está cactus de cerati

Dios bajó del cielo y dejó este disco

Love white winter hymnal, so I'm excited to get into the whole album. A lovely album, 5*

Right from the words "indie folk," I'll admit, I was a little worried. See, I tend to have this association in my mind between it and, like, insufferably pompous and hipster twee shit. The kind of stuff contemporary critics will just eat up for one reason or another, but for everyone else it's just a nuisance. Now, of course I went into this project with hopes that that line of thought would be proven wrong. I'm not **that** cynical. I just... Had some doubts otherwise. After listening to it, on the one hand, I can hear where I was coming from. "Lookit us with our flannel and our mountain-man beards–aren't we so **cute**?" That sort of sound. If someone upchucked hearing this music, I'd completely get it. However, looking at the other hand, I gotta admit: I'm happy my doubts were largely proven wrong. I tolerated it way better than I thought I would–heck, I wouldn't even say I "tolerated" it. I actually liked it quite a fair bit, thanks largely to this kind of "beautifully dreamy" atmosphere it has. It reminds me a lot of The Beach Boys' PET SOUNDS. I jus' kinda sank into it, and, well, while I never had that same feeling of "Damn, this is the greatest music of all time" I have with PET SOUNDS, it was just so nice to float along this thing's current. It's not too dissimilar to what I get out of some of my favorite dream pop songs. So, yeah, I gotta hand it to Fleet Foxes. I went into this album expecting it to be a "3 at **best**" deal, but listening to it here in the dark as I write this review... Goodness, no, I may just hafta give this thing a 5. It just hits such a wonderfully good mood for me. I can't say "no" to it. And I guess I should take back what I said about their beards, too. Not the flannel, though. Flannel's a bit much. Like, I'm sorry; I know it fits your aesthetic and all, but that's just how it is.

Absolutely breathtaking folk music. Easiest 5 I can give.

I’m at a 5. I’ve been sitting here for the past 15 minutes, and much like I was after Leonard Cohen’s “You Want It Darker,” I’m struggling to find the words to say about this album. It does evoke art in the classical sense to me, much in the same way that album did, but not in terms of a life long lived that I can’t carry the weight of, nor does it feel like I’m staring at the Mona Lisa in a museum or anything. Instead, this feels more like a family portrait in a living room, and all the stories that can be told about the individual members. This album is rich with variance in its soundscape, its storytelling, and its vocal stylings, and it just evokes the same feeling of a family reunion to me, being regaled by stories of places I’ve never been and people I’ve never met, but making them sound grandiose in their own way, whether it’s from a bright point of happiness or making it sound deeply sad. I can carry those stories with me, much like I can digest this album far easier than Leonard Cohen's. I’m smart enough to recognize that not everyone will feel this way – I can easily see someone giving this a 2 or a 3 for being “overplayed 2000s indie rock” and being deathly bored of this general style, which is entirely fair. For my tastes, however, this just clicked beautifully for me – I think every track was great, the vocals were fabulous (especially when layered), and even if a few tracks aren’t “lyrically interesting,” there’s still something to the instrumentation that gave them such depth and charm in a way that can really only be captured and felt while listening to it. I deeply, deeply enjoyed this. It’s an incredibly easy 5 for me.

This is such an uplifting album. The production is lush and the harmonies are beautiful. I think there's a lot of depth to this album that I'll discover on subsequent listens. Liked Songs Added: - White Winter Hymnal - Ragged Wood - Blue Ridge Mountains

Holy shit why have I never listened to these guys before?! I'd heard of Fleet Foxes a lot and for some reason just never looked them up. I have been missing out though because I loved this album! 5 ⭐️

A LOVING AND NOSTALGIC ALBUM

Well I listened to this approximately 6 times in a row on Friday, so I think I’m rounding my 4.5 up to a 5. White Winter Hymnal has been a favorite for years but I wasn’t familiar with the rest of the album. New favorites include Ragged Wood, He Doesn’t Know Why, Your Protector, Blue Ridge Mountain, and Oliver James.

Just gorgeous. I love this album and Fleet Foxes. An album that feels like being in the beautiful woods surrounded by beautiful nature. Individual tracks don't necessarily stand out but I don't mind at all. 4.5/5

Quite whimsical 4.5

mega fajna muzyczka wprawiła mnie w fajny moodzik brzmi jakby tak folkowo trochę mega mega 9.5/10

Beautiful album. This holds a special place in my heart. I must've listened to this album hundreds of times, but I haven't revisited recently. It's not just a pretty folk album, the arrangements are interesting and counter-intuitive. It sounds old and mysterious--as if it was discovered after being lost for hundreds of years. *****

Amazing album. first time listening to FLeet Foxes, my fav artist now.

It's a pleasure to listen to this one again. My sister in law introduced me to this band, along with Avett Brothers, Dawes, Bon Iver and some other Americana folk indie bands that I thoroughly enjoy. I probably would've found these bands on my own sooner or later, but the memories are always better when someone has shared it with you.

Wow, this is probably the best album I've discovered through this project so far. It feels like a mix of 60s sunshine pop, folk, and baroque pop, and I'm really digging it. I'm definitely going to listen to the rest of their stuff. 4.5 stars

The only thing unfortunately about this album coming up is the timing. This is a perfect winter album

I remember taking a little time to fall under the spell of this album when it was released. But when I did I fell hard. It's just really, really nice. Gorgeous harmonies, never too sweet and sugary. Just uplifting a good for the soul.

Unexpectedly great

Cool folk album. Would recommend for Bradley for sure

All-timer

Good

Enjoyable

A beautiful bit of chamber folk. Perfect for a winter’s day.

I thoroughly enjoyed this album. The second track is my favorite because I have known it for years. It is hauntingly beautiful as is the rest of the album. I never really considered that I like folk until today. I hope to relisten to this album someday.

This has made me realise I'm biasing a lot towards albums that came out when I was in my 20s but.. I guess that's the case for everyone. I love Fleet Foxes and have seen them live multiple times so was always going to give this a 5. The vocals are clearly the best element - Robin's Pecknold's voice is incredible and the harmonies are stunning. Nice finger picked guitars and other instrumental parts too, which lean into folky sounds. If I have any criticism it's that the album is a little "twee" in the lyrical themes but it's still brilliant.

Millennial CSNY without the messiness of four competing songwriters. The Fleet Foxes pull off what it seems Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers and their ilk seem unable to. Their second album might be a little stronger in terms of having impactful lyrics that communicate the sense of ennui pervasive in our generation. I am their target demographic! Oh well.

Incredible album. Makes me feel like I'm with my friends exploring a forest and later settling by a campfire. The harmonies are beautiful, it almost doesn't even need anything else to be good

It's kinda pretentious, but it's beautiful and a pleasant listen.

One of the best albums ever. I wish I could do half stars because 4.5/5 for sure.

Absolutely love this album. How can you be in a bad mood while listening to it? Literally you can’t. Fav Songs: White Winter Hymnal, Ragged Wood, & Oliver James.

Love this album and “Helplessness Blues”. They just had such a fun sound on these two albums. The harmonies are on point, the lyrics hit in the soul and musically they’re perfect for a summer day in the mountains.

Shakespeare ahh music

I wasn't expecting this. One of those bands I thought would be painful twee disco indie sub par Killers knock offs. Well I was wrong. I was familiar with a few of their songs already but never made the connection. I could write a page dissecting their music but only really have time to say that they have filled a hole left by some bands that proved problematic.* *I hope I haven't spoken too soon

My intro into this genre, and really just about the peak of it. This ethereal, folksy, airy rock is a tough venture and one that often exposed many as cliche. That is not the case for this album, in its weakest points it is still a breath of fresh air and creative genius. At its highest points it is magical transportation to a fairy tale world where you float through the sky and observe the beautiful world below. The falsetto harmonies and the jangly guitar strums are propelled by gorgeous arpeggios and wonderful lyricism. These guys created something special that is not for everyone, but is everything to someone.

Almost optimal chaos for my brain. Half of the tracks are perfect, the other half stray into noise, but barely. Still five stars.

This was the most joy I’ve felt listening to an album in a long time. It might not be the most complex, experimental, or heady album I’ve ever listened to, but the band executed on the concept amazingly. I’ll definitely be coming back to this one

This album is so good. It's modern folk/ alternative and there were some many songs I already knew I liked on it, but many new ones that were great too, like Quiet Houses and He Doesn't Know Why. Blue Ridge Mountains is one of my favorites for a while now and it was a joy to hear it again.

This is an incredible album. Some fantastic and complex indie music. Absolutely love it and will listen many times again

Really relaxing, happy vibe

Oh my, I have never gotten excited by any of the bands presented as much as this one! I went looking for their tour. I'm a fan of choral music, and these guys meld this to rock in a way that just moves me strongly! I also love the contrast of the African influenced bright guitar sound providing a beautiful, bell like contrast to what's going on. There's so much music here! I could get lost in this! Beautiful!!! Can I give it 10 stars?

slappin

Fleet Foxes' debut is at times employing the swerve of instrumental experimentation the band would start utilising heftily on following records, but for the main part is packed with cutesy genteel tunes that'd melt the heart of even the most pessimistic of doomscrollers.

Love this

Now that’s some great millennial music, right there!

Love Love Love this album. I love this album. I looooove this album. This album has all of my love. A pivotal and monumental record in the neo-folk/folk rock/alternative genre. Fleet Foxes capture a vibe that sounds ancient and haunting, rootsy, peasant, and timeless. This album could have come out in 1608, but it still sounds so fresh. Songwriting and instrumentation are incredible and wandering, without sounding like a cheesy ren-faire, and the vocal harmonies are angelic. Simply a unique masterpiece. I remember hearing this album for the first time in 2010 and falling in love, and clearly, I've been smitten ever since. It's been hugely influential to my own musical style too, and helped inspire me to start my guitar journey.

stone cold indie classic

In the late 2000's and early 2010's I had my indie phase, but Fleet Foxes never resonated with me. Too jangly and whimsical, I preferred Arcade Fire and The National and so on. A decade later I can say that my music taste has changed. What a wonderful album. Great harmonies, grand sounding without bombast.