Reviews (page 10 of 15)
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.
Enjoyed the mandolin and the indie sound but not the way the vocalist broke up the syllables in the lyrics so distinctly. Winter White Hymnal, I believe, was my favorite
Sweet folk music. Very boy with guitar. I liked when a choir and grandiose instrumentation occasionally joined in. Stand-out: Blue Ridge Mountains, White Winter Hymnal
Unexpectedly great
A unique folk/pop mix. Worth a listen, but in spots it feels a little redundant.
Original and pleasant 3.9
Folk at its core can really bore me. Luckily, Fleet Foxes are doing many musically interesting things here beyond the beautiful vocals. Changing up drum patterns, unexpected chord changes, and overall a really great studio treatment that serves each track really well. When I was in college, my friends and I would sometimes sit around the fireplace when we were feeling mellow, and put on one of the acoustic Alice In Chains EPs, and it just seemed to fit the mood perfectly. This album screams fireplace in a winter cabin cozy.
Loved it
Very good music. Great vocals, nice songs.
Not the biggest fan of this folky pop mid-2000s genre, but the Fleet Foxes did it better. Melodically this is far more interesting than the other bands of this ilk.
I feel like the first half of this album is some of the greatest indie folk ever produced. I love the interesting song structures and the lush harmonies. "Ragged Wood" especially is just a hell of a perfect song. Then I feel like the back half of the album always struggles to leave an impression.
Decent. 3.8
Dude can sing, it's a nice album but passed me by, not really my cup of tea.
Sounds like very calm alt-J
Cool folk album. Would recommend for Bradley for sure
All-timer
Open, spacious sound that makes you feel like you're outdoors. I do wish that the mix was adjusted to allow the vocals to be clearer--sometimes I have not a clue what the singer is saying-- but I get that it creates a sound like monk chants in a cathedral.
Uneventful, like taken the quietest songs from Mumford and sons and making an entire album from them... Like Nick Drake, but more boring... I do not hate it, but I also do not like it... In fact, I find it annoyingly boring...
I like white winter hymnal! And I feel like I would probably like the rest of the album in the winter
This whole list has - 50 albums in - made me realize that I‘m a pretty bad judge of what I will like. This, on paper, should be right up my street. So I thought, hey, I will like this for sure. And turns out .. it’s just ok.
Never quite my thing before, but I was vibing with it yesterday.
I had not heard this album prior to listening. It wasn't memorable. I didn't mind it, but doubt I would seek it out again.
Melodic, orchestral, and perfectly what it was for the time in 2008.
Folk
A more modern take on folk music. I like it.
Had heard some of the groups songs before. Good mood music.
Bit samey
So chilled I almost fell into a chill coma
Never heard this music before. Enjoyed! Will listen again. American Indie Folk Band from Seattle
Good
an album that sounds like a foggy forest hike in the middle of winter. there's a true rustic feel to the album, how it's played and sung makes me feel like i'm one with nature. like believe me, you've most certainly heard plenty of folksy tracks but this is folk at its core, with natural vocal harmonies, guitars and... i think those are bodhrân drums. once the first half of the year ends and all that head and sunshine turns into cold temperatures and withering leaves, i'd say this is the perfect time to listen to this.
Lovely stuff
Not bad. It is worth a second listen
It is Folksy, which I normally like, but somehow this seems boring and like it is trying too hard to be something it isn't. The only song I liked was covered by Pentatonix and they did a much better job.
Expected to get into that more
Pretty dreary but musically interesting
Enjoyable
A beautiful bit of chamber folk. Perfect for a winter’s day.
Chill folk
The soundtrack to a village feast in Redwall, this should come with mice and badgers and shrews and voles dancing around in the shadow of a dry stone wall. I always though this was one of the more boring bands of the 00s indie world and dismissed them as an annoying acoustic guitar open mic band with grand pretensions who failed to rock. 15 years later, I have more patience for it than I did then and appreciate the autumnal harmonies, the diverse pallette they're working in terms of sounds, instruments, and genres, and the chill rustic vibe a lot more. It's got it's feet in 70s country-rock, but there's plent of psych prog 60s 'Canterbury' flair to a lot of it, and a lot of references to medieval music and older folk traditions, but without going in too deep or too far afield from the big acoustic indie sound of their own era. The problem there is that it seeds some of the awful 'stomp and clap' Obama era music, urgh. Great voice, pretty arrangements, and sophisticated song-writing. But still, it doesn't rock and it is a bit pretensious.
I listened to this on a beautiful sunny day laying in the grass and I think that that is the perfect way to listen to this album.
First time hearing this band. I liked them alot.
Sustained and overlapping vocals, atmospheric music
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.
It’s the song from the sad bit of every American tv show. I’m being uncharitable. It’s a very good album. Very listenable. But I couldn’t escape the above thought. Wish I’d listened to this first before Mumford & Sons, I probably would have really enjoyed it as a teenager. I can understand why people love it. But no review is objective. So 3* entirely because of my own hang ups
This is like the band Wes Anderson would create if he was a musician. Both of the opening songs could be the music playing during the opening scene of any of his movies. And the album cover could easily be something that Bill Murray and Owen Wilson are talking to each other about Renaissance painting. I like them less than The Head and The Heart who they remind me of. There is definitely a Beach Boys feeling to this album. The vocals on these songs sound almost identical. Listening to one song from this album, ok. Listening to an entire album, too much. I don't hate the sound, it's just too much the same.
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.
Nicely produced modern sounding folk(?) music. It was fine. The singers were good. It got a bit boring. Ultimately not really for me, but it's OK.
Some interesting riffs but overall flat
Its alright, weird and beard
just not a fan of folk, its the same song every time with different notes and words, but the same nonetheless NNN
This album just encapsulates that era of indie folk so well. And you know what? I like that era a lot.
An indie album that really doesn't resonate with me, with the exception of Your Protector.
Sleepy but really good
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.
Really liked this when it came out. STill stands up in book. STEVEN!
Someone new to me, and quite good.
Decent background music.
Feels like it’d be a good fall/winter album
Hmmmm its ok, I obviously know some of the songs already but some of them felt very same-y
Nice quiet music for a rainy afternoon…7/10
- I like the overall vibe of the album more than its actual sound. I am fond of 00s/10s indie folk, so it seems like this would be right up my alley. But I am unsure why 1) this particular Fleet Foxes album and 2) Fleet Foxes themselves were chosen to essentially stand for this moment in music history. - The tracks largely blend together. I like the instrumentals more than the vocals, but even they are hard to differentiate.
Absolutely forgettable.
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
Not really for me and not a fan of the bands that later blew up in the 2010s who were influenced by this album. Pleasant enough to listen to but a little too precious. Probably my least favorite Sub Pop release.
Le premier morceau fait illusion, mais je trouve l'album globalement très ennuyeux. Ce type de musique (vocal prépondérant) ne me touche vraiment pas, mais n'est pas désagréable à écouter par rapport à d'autres. Je ne suis cependant pas allé au bout. => 1.5/5
Great folk rock/chamber folk debut album by Fleet Floxes. The vocal harmonies are beautiful and remind me very much of Crosby Still & Nash and The Beach Boys. It's an excellently produced album, too, and the overall atmosphere of the album is calm, and mythical. I used to listen to this album a lot in the past - I still love it and find it very pleasant. It may not be a 10/10 album but it's definitely one of the gems of the 2000s folk rock/indie music.
A pleasant surprise, a new artist to look up. I could listen to this type of music on repeat every day.
It's kinda pretentious, but it's beautiful and a pleasant listen.
Nothing special
I listened to this album so much when it came out. I love how their music conjures this mythical quasi-medieval Americana, melding English folk and chamber music, Beach Boys style vocal harmonies, and classic country music depictions of the US landscape.
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.
Lots of falsetto and harmonising throughout the album, lively first half then slightly toned down. Great listen. 7.5/10
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.
sounds like Grizzly Bear and Band of Horses. They have some good songs. some of it sounds like 60's folk.
They are very good at setting a specific atmosphere that I don't like very much. The music is just there. Not bad, but it doesn't stick. Favorite song: he doesn't know why.
American Mumford. The lowest possible 3 star. This era of music was really pretentious.
Beautiful harmonies and voice work throughout. Not usually my jam but I found myself hooked, it also doesnt overstay its welcome. It gets a little sleepy here and there but overall put me in a good mood. Blue Ridge Mountains and Oliver James hit just right.
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.
Was hoping for more from this. Thought it was rather boring. 2.5
90.9 The Bridge plays these guys. Interesting hearing where it all started.
A very well produced folk album. Swelling vocals and harmonies. Notable tracks include the very popular "White Winter Hymnal," "Ragged Woof," and "Quiet Homes." The album sounds like adventuring through the mountains, or a long road trip, or spending the evening in a warm log cabin.
So that's where that irritating "White Winter Hymnal" comes from. Overall this is okay, but it's also the kind of pseudo-folk that the Oh Hellos do so much better.
Shakespeare ahh music
Going in a expected to hate this album, and .... I didn't. Was gentle where I expected whining. More Pet Sounds than bedwetter naughties indie. Also sounded like the soundtrack to an indie film.
Pros: It's pleasant, has a nick gimmicky sound, it's not too long Cons: It gets kind of tiresome quickly. I didn't mind it overall, but I'm certainly not adding it to the rotation.
great for a camp fire hang out
My vague recollection of Fleet Foxes is that they were ascendant in the hipster era of the 2000's and unironically earnest with cloying folk/spirituals revival. I suppose that overlapped with insufferable indulgence of trite anthemic banjo warblers. So going into this record I was primed with my most savage vitriol; upon the first 'stomp, clap, shout' I would come back here and compose an excrement-themed '1 star' review. Now who's the asshole? Not even past the first track I was charmed, rendered docile, briefly a serene humanitarian. Goddammit.
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
The common red fox has led a good life in the wild for many years. However, in 2008, its existence was threatened by the introduction of a new pest species called the fleet foxes. These pests were hard to spot because anytime anybody saw one, they would say "wooaaahhhh" and the person who had sighted them would instantly feel bored and fall asleep. However, this story has a happy ending; after the invasion of 2008, the red fox has gone on to survive as the predominant species in the wild as the fleet foxes failed to find any more major success. Legend says the fleet foxes can still be heard every now and then, however, so unless you're looking to cure some insomnia, you better watch out.
Love fleet foxes, prefer their live stuff to the albums which I feel can be a touch overly produced and intricate. Looking forward to Robins late stage one man and a guitar phase as that will be perfection for me. Nonetheless, some absolute classics on here.
Weirdly, I think of this as a Christmas album. It's really very good but also a bit worthy and twee. On the fence.
Hipster folk. It's fine.
Honestly a vibe even though it’s not what I usually listen to
This album came out when I was in high school and I was a fan. High school was a time when I really started to explore new music. Prior to that time my scope was limited to basically classic rock and pop punk and whatever my parents listened to. I probably found out about Fleet Foxes the way I found out about most new bands at the time. Either an album review in Rolling Stone magazine or seeing them on a late show like Conan which I watched religiously. Either way this was an early foray for me into harmony laden folk music. I love a good harmony and this album is partly responsible for discovering that love. All that being said, this album definitely holds up. My opinion about it hasn’t changed much. For me it’s definitely a front loaded album. The first half is basically flawless, I like every song. The second half falls off though. It feels like they needed more songs and threw some filler tracks on it. Blue Ridge Mountains is solid but the rest are just kind of forgettable. Not bad, definitely listenable, they’re just sparse and light in the harmonies. Maybe they are grower songs that I just never gave the time to breathe, maybe I’ll return to them and give them more time. But as of writing this my opinion is first half perfect, second half needs work.
Great album. Puts me in a very pensive mood. I remembering listening to this when it came out and it was defining for that year of my life.
Takes me back. Fun hippie chill music.
this doesn't tend to a genre that is high up on my list, but this album was so smooth. i saw myself driving through the mountains, listening to this as the winding roads take you on your next weekend adventure. its exactly what it needs to be, and it hits home really well. realistically its a 3.5 for me, but i enjoyed it for sure.
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.
It's genuinely great then and now. Solid 8/10 even tho it's not my usual fave genre
Almost optimal chaos for my brain. Half of the tracks are perfect, the other half stray into noise, but barely. Still five stars.
Completely forgettable.
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
Groovey
108/1001 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑
Listened on Spotify. It was okay but not really my thing as I'm not a fan of the vocals (harmonies) here. I liked maybe three or four musics and thought the rest was kinda bland. Still, it was nice to get to know a different band.
Fleet Foxes were indie folk darlings when the genre began to gain commercial success. I distinctly remember hearing White Winter Hymnal on CBC radio 2, thinking to myself about how unique their chamber-choir harmonies were. And indeed, Fleet Fox's debut album is full of incredible little moments like that. The band managed to capture such a uniquely tender sound that maintains its choral charm throughout.
ok
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.
Just listened to this. Perfectly solid. The main songs stand up but more filler than I was expecting. When you are used to TMG the lyrics are a bit thin. The singing and guitar/mandolin is good although some of the melismatic stuff is a bit cringy.
I enjoyed this album. It reminded me of Winter in a forest:)
pretty beautiful
It was good, feels like walking through a forest in a morning.
Originele sound, verder doet het me niets
This is an incredible album. Some fantastic and complex indie music. Absolutely love it and will listen many times again
Turd!!!!
Dull as 3 day old dishwasher
indie folk is possibly one of the worst genres of music out there, but this album is pretty good for those standards 2.5/5
Good winter album, slightly awk to have it as summer is starting up lol.
Das gefällt mir schon ganz gut, denn die Musik ist abwechslungsreich und die Mischung von Gitarren und Vokalmusik lässt mich so richtig mitgehen.
New age folk kind of album. The vocal harmonies on here are great. I would like to see them do background vocals for other artists if they haven’t already. White Winter Hymnal is a cool song. Cool to see a recent song get sung alongside your normal Christmas songs and hymns. Standouts: White Winter Hymnal, Ragged Wood, Quiet Houses, He Doesn’t Know Why, and Blue Ridge Mountains.
Knew this album prior, but never fully listened to it, went in loving white winter hymnal but came out loving Oliver James a tad more, overall a strong 8/10, makes me feel like frolicking threw a meadow, definitely love it but not absolutely in love!
This would have been an obsessive issue for me in Fall 2021. I do love a couple of voices and an acoustic guitar
Really relaxing, happy vibe
Pretty good
Church like high male tight harmonies with folk feel, sounds like CSNY & Hozier Sun it Rises Tiger Mountain Peasant Song Your Protector Meadowlarks
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.
Probably need to listen this more to really like it
white winter hymnal was the only song i knew prior to listening but god this is such a pretty album, it sounds like the cover art looks (a medieval fairytale)
If I ever wanna frolick through a lush meadow, I will listen to this
If you know one song by Fleet Foxes you know them all. If you like that song then you’ll like this album.
Utter dross. Folk music for people without a soul trying to pretend they have one whilst driving a Range Rover and shopping at Waitrose.
Sure this is very good but I couldn't connect to it.
I expected a little more, but I could see myself listening again
Would I listen to it again: no Is it a no-skip album: no Favorite song: - Least favorite song: all of them Do I like it: no
Folk music fans would love this album. Haunting voices coupled with a variety of melodies made this an enjoyable first listen. And I’m not a folk music fan!
Really enjoyed it, especially after second listen when my mind was relaxed and I could focus on the album. Reminds me a little bit of The New Pornographers in all the best ways. Enjoyed the moody atmosphere and storytelling the most. I think this one is a grower that benefits from repeated listens. I’ll be coming back to it for sure.
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?
This album cannot be blamed for the horrendous albums that followed in its wake, I can't blame it for all the wishy washy crap that poorly imitated it and came out after. I hadn't listened to it since the year it came out, maybe not even since the week it came out when i bought it. I remember liking it back then, and i like it now.
Ok
I remember in 2008, really hating this when I first heard it, along with the whole genre this represents. 18 years later, I still hate it.
I've always loved just how lush the sound is on this record (all Fleet Foxes records for that matter). The mashup of folk, psychedelic pop, and Laurel Canyon styling makes for some amazing camp fire/road trip/rainy day vinyl spinning (I disagree with you Stuart).
Good music. Soothing. Loved it.
Not folking bad
Good album but the style can get old if you’re not in the mood. I like the bright vocals on a summer day.
I had heard a few of these songs. The other ones kind of had a throwback folk-ish kind of sound. Overall it was a decent album.
Gave the vibes of driving through the country side in the late evening.
Lovely music, would pet a fox to it. Now I know where that 'I was following' song came from and it's telling that my Spotify immediately went to a Nick Drake song after the album.
this was 3.5 but I'm rounding down because I'm just not a huge fan of the folk-rock phase generally
I've listened to this one before. I like it more the more I listen to it but it doesn't have any like BANGERS, just songs that I like and some songs that I like quite a bit. The sound is nice, but a little same-y.
slappin
I know I listened to the whole thing but can’t remember it. Clearly not my thing. I’m giving a three cause it must not have been awful.
Oh dear. I feel like I should have liked this. I like mandolins and nice harmonies (and Bruegel). Unfortunately, my sarcastic, flippant, Brit nature won and it just annoyed me. I really wish I could say it was a beautiful thing, but I wanted to do a Jarvis Cocker. Robin, go and swing your pants somewhere else. Meh.
Pleasant enough. Can’t say any one track particular stuck with me, though.
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.
Very nice folk tunes. Refreshing to here such an album from the 2010's. Not my thing but I really appreciate their work and effort.
Love this
This did nothing for me.
I wanted to dismiss this as music for bedwetters after the first few tracks. But there's a lot more depth going off here. The harmonies and analogue feel to the production makes it hard to date this. It's timeless. That time period may not necessarily be one that I want to live in right now, but it's pleasant enough.
First time listener but I'd give it another go
Jotai kolmosen ja nelosen välillä
This is a truly beautiful work of art, and combines a variety of musical perspectives to create a truly unique experience. The vocals are majestic, instrumentals are good, and there are no skips for me. 8/10
Enjoyed the sound
It's a pleasant enough sounding album and the vocal harmonies are very pretty sounding but there wasn't really a standout track to speak of and ultimately it just didn't feel like a very memorable experience. I don't see myself coming back to this album much.
Intriguing start to the album, I was pulled in. But it became too one-note, and the limitations of the singer and the same drony melodies quickly wore thin.
3/5 - I get the achievement but it’s really just a wall of reverb
Hyvää folkkia ja vähän rockia. Onpas tullut hyviä ehdotuksia nyt putkeen. Laulaja muistutti vähän jostain mutta ei ollut tuttu. Kuuntele uudestaan. Parhaat: Tiger Mountain Peasant Song, Your Protector
solo falta mykonos para que sea 5/5
An interesting album, they have a smooth and very melodic sound. It sounds folksy without being over the top.
Has an interesting folk mixed with the beach boys feel that works very well together
I’m not a huge fan of indie music in general cause it’s usually incredibly boring and everybody seems to LOVE it but this was pretty good. The folksy feel to it was quite nice and nice break from what we have been having listening to. The vocals were superb and the harmonies were great. It was really nice to listen to a band with great vocals. The only critique I have that prevents it from being a 5 is that it’s just kinda tame and boring. It’s very much dinner party music which, while nice enough to listen to, is not something I would sit back down and listen to again.
knowing they're on the Sub Pop label this was not at all what I was expecting. enjoyed this listen quite a bit. great harmonies, chill vibe, nice guitar
Very cool album
Really liked this. I'll be looking for what else this band has done since this album. Really enjoyed this.
As far as 2000's indie rock nonsense is concerned, these guys are fine. Kind of like the Decemberists, they're getting by on acapella vocals and gentle guitar work.
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.
No
I had sworn I've never hear Fleet Foxes before, but I did recall hearing "Your Protector" before once I got to that one. Not my usual thing, but I really enjoyed it. Lovely example of modern folk.
Indie folk was such an Entire Thing when this came out, and because of that — despite the fact that there are several wonderful songs on here — it feels very OF THAT TIME. I appreciate the CSNY-ness of it all, but it also played so much in the late 2000s/early 2010s that I'm burned out.
stone cold indie classic
I do love me some hipster folk rock, but most of this album kind of blurs together. White winter hymnal is gorgeous though.
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.
Lovely little album, I was decidedly late to Fleet Foxes, but this is a gorgeous album I love returning to once or twice a year, preferably on a nice road trip. Robin Pecknold has such a distinct and pleasing voice and the pastoral, choral harmonies are pretty unmatched. If anything you could say this leans too much on a classic sound, but over the years I've come to appreciate this as opposed to the obfuscated, murky sound of like Bon Iver's debut. "White Winter Hymnal" is rightfully seen as a classic.
Chill record. White Winter Hymnal is beautiful. The overall sound is like being in the clouds
Pretty good. It's like a folkier version of "Only by the Night" by Kings of Leon
Wouldn’t sound out of place in that weird hippy period of the mid/late 60s, only with better production. I wouldn’t listen to it again but it was…ok
Heel nice
Already an album I love. Lovely to relisten 🤍
Spiritual
I’m surprised, this was sweet!
I own this one but it’s not a favourite
Interesting music. Kind of soothing, kind of folky, kind of melancholy. I liked it.
Haven't listened to this in ages, and will surely come back to it. Some distance actually makes me appreciate it and its impact a bit more.
Fleet Foxes’ Fleet Foxes is a really chill listen, as expected. I feel like my main gripe when listening to this was I didn’t feel a change or uniqueness to the album. Everything sounded same to me, which could just be my relative inexperience in the folk genre. However, I did appreciate some tracks, namely White Winter Hymnal, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Oliver James, which all gave a grandiose feeling matched with a nature-like serenity. I don't know, I could maybe come re-listen to this album after a year and really vibe with it. All in all, Fleet Foxes is an alright album. Best Song: White Winter Hymnal Worst Song: Tiger Mountain Peasant Song
The Fleet Foxes are relaxing to me, but not many of their songs stick out individually. Your Protector is a song I knew. I like the larger collection this album is part of. Very layered, echoey music. I like that they have a song about the Blue Ridge Mountains, which I grew up on the edge of in the ridges and valleys of the Allegheny Montains.
fresco, partes innovadoras, con ganas de escuchar más de ellos.
I know the album, and it's OK
I know these guys. Have heard of them but never listened to them. I am pretty sure I have caught them at a music festival going in between stages. They are folky a bit, not too much of my style.
I dunno. I dont hate it, but I also think it is rather forgettable. Have listened to it 3 times, but no song really stuck out, or stuck with me. I wanted to like it, but it is just mostly not rememberable enough for me.
Not my music
I can appreciate the “sound” of this artist and this album but I don’t think I could listen to any song more than once in succession. Beyond White Winter Hymnal, I don’t think I could remember the beat or even lyrics (choruses included) to most of the tracks on this album. I might be making judgments based on some bias, however. I’ve never been a huge fan of Fleet Foxes. I think they have made some beautiful songs, but I find the lyricism lacking.
What is this? I don't really get it. I can't think of a time or a reason I would want to hear this again but I like the cover.
Will be better at relisten
Nice harms. Songs hold up pretty well.
Had a few of these on repeat in playlists over the years: Sun It Rises, Blue Ridge Mountains. Never sat down and listened to the album through. Very enjoyable although better suited for listening in a relaxing spot rather than my afternoon commute - but alas that is the only time I get to listen to most of these albums :(
Another album that I know well (and a band that I saw live at Boston Calling in 2018). This album is really great, it's definitely top-tier in the indie folk world for me. The sound is just really enjoyable, it's soft and thoughtful with such rich instrumentation throughout. Robin Pecknold has an incredible voice too with great range ("Meadowlarks" is gorgeous). And it's their debut album too, so even more impressive. This is definitely firmly within "my typical genre", but even I'll admit that some music from this era sounds dated now. This one doesn't at all to me though, it's got a very timeless sound that could've fit in just about any era. A masterpiece from Fleet Foxes. A few other minor notes on this one. First, I love the album cover. Apparently it's a 16th century Dutch painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder that they saw in a book. There's just so much going on which makes it visually interesting, and somehow it feels like the perfect fit for the sound of this album (again, timeless sound). Second, I really thought "Mykonos" was on this album, but it was actually on their EP that came out before this, and has not been part of any of their studio releases. A great song that falls through the 1,001 albums cracks. Third, I forgot that Josh Tillman / Father John Misty was their drummer for a bit. I guess he joined for the tour for this album (though he wasn't involved in the recording of it) and then left after recording their second album. So he wasn't super involved in the band really (and seems to have been a pretty terrible bandmate) but interesting that he was in the mix here. Lastly, it's interesting how little music Fleet Foxes have released since this. They have 4 studio albums total (2008, 2011, 2017, 2020) and they've all been critically acclaimed, but that's some huge breaks in between albums. Some artists definitely overdo it though, so I don't think anyone will say that about them. I hope there's some more Fleet Foxes to come on here. Favorite song: White Winter Hymnal Other: Sun It Rises, Ragged Wood, Tiger Mountain Peasant Song, Quiet Houses, He Doesn't Know Why, Heard Them Stirring, Your Protector, Meadowlarks, Blue Ridge Mountains, Oliver James 4/23/24
This caught me on the right day.
Enjoyable listen
Chill
A unique sound and not overly kitschy.
I liked Sun It Rises and then White Winter Hymnal even more but the rest of it was pretty forgettable. Nice instrumentals. Low 4, I’m feeling nice.
Really surprised that I ended up thinking these songs were mostly just meh. I liked white winter hymnal but everything else ended up just too boring to make much of an impression
This is such an interesting album. I love Fleet Foxes, and while all their subsequent releases have been pretty good, I don’t think they’ve released anything as good as this. It’s basically folk gospel music made by nonreligious city boys, so it’s a totally different take on the genre(s) than pretty much anything I’ve heard before. Mostly though it still conforms to the indie rock style that other people in Fleet Foxes’ demographic were creating around the same time, like Grizzly Bear, Iron & Wine, etc. Just more acoustic and with more close harmony. “White Winter Hymnal” is one of my favorite songs; it has the most vivid imagery of any song I know.
Not my favorite
Very interesting, I'm not a huge fan of the main vocalist voice but it's not really the protagonist of the album either so it's not a huge problem.
beautiful Americana, soaring harmonies, gentle playing, so relaxing
this intro is so weirdly atmospheric…not usually a folk person so i’m intrigued about this parts kind of remind me of Bright Eyes maybe it’s cause i’m dumb or just don’t really listen to this genre but why are these songs blending together for me :’) typed that right before “He Doesn’t Know Why” so statement redacted the second half is pretty good tho bit surprised by the closer…not as good as opener imo
I wasn't a fan at all.
A bit folky and not very memorable. Not for me this one.
cool
I don't have too much to say. Kinda boring, didn't love it. But it was relaxing and enjoyable for the most part.
Ahh that was really nice! Yeah I see why people like them! I was going to go four stars but only because it wasn't immediately familiar I think? (What even is my rating system?) But I want it to be, so I'm going five and I'm excited to get to know it more.
i was only familiar with a few songs and damn i liked this album a lot! def gets spinned in autumn. found few songs i really like. Good Album!
Fleet Foxes' eponymous debut studio album is one of indie folk. This album received critical acclaim for its rich harmonies and beautiful instrumentation. Although this album is lauded as being one of the best albums of the decade, it leaves this listener with much to be desired. There is something off-putting about the band being formed in an affluent neighborhood in Seattle singing folk claiming inspiration in gospel traditions yet not being devout.
It's easy to forget that Fleet Foxed only released two albums during their original run, because their sound was EVERYWHERE in the late 00s/early 10s. It takes a bit away from the enjoyment now - a 5/5 in 2008, a 4/5 in 2024.
Fleet Foxes' debut sounds like every other indie band before anyone else even had the idea of such a sound. But while many were to come, very few came close to truly imitate what Pecknold created on this almost mythical debut.
Surprisingly soothing
I want to like Fleet Foxes more, especially since they have a couple really beautiful songs like Sun It Rises. Unfortunately I always get tired of their schtick partway through
Robin Pecknold is a fucking angel. No voice hits my ear as beautifully as his. This album is an indie folk classic. All of the other Fleet Foxes albums slap too. If you're not familiar with these guys and you like this album, I highly recommend you keep going. "Sun It Rises" is a perfectly gorgeous opener. "Ragged Wood" was my introduction to Fleet Foxes and it's still one of my all time favorite indie tunes. All of the other songs are good to great as well. But honestly, there are slightly more lulls in the tracklist here than their following albums. Still a great debut album, I'll give it a 9/10 and round up to 5 stars.
I really just couldn't get into this album. I gave it a couple listens and it's just pretty boring to me. The only band member who's consistently doing anything interesting is the singer and he's pretty good but there is nothing very impressive happening. Some good guitar and piano/organ here and there. Favorite Song: Ragged Wood 5/10
Not my favorite fleet foxes album but a great one nonetheless!
I like the layered vocals. Definitely best appreciated with headphones. A lot of indie folk can be hit or miss for me, but I enjoyed this. Interesting coming after Simon and Garfunkel, feels similar but missing something in comparison. Not as many standouts but consistent throughout. Top songs: Sun it rises White winter hymnal
It is clear that this album was the impetus for the indie folk revival that came about in the 2010s, giving way to acts like Bon Iver, The Lumineers, Lord Huron, etc. The risk with the genre is that it can often sound boring or uninspired when it is not crafted properly. On Fleet Foxes, this is certainly not the case at all. The songs here are vibrant, with lush harmonies/instrumentals and interesting compositions. As a listening experience it is dreamlike, deeply nostalgic for a past that, due to the distance of time, has become so hazy it almost feels like a fairy tale. Idk, I just really vibed with this album today. Perhaps, because it was 60 and sunny this morning when I put the record on it resonated with me so deeply. I very much felt like a conifer in the Pacific Northwest shedding snow from its pines in the spring sun, scenery that probably served as inspiration for this record. 5 Fav Songs -White Winter Hymnal -Ragged Wood -Your Protector -Blue Ridge Mountains
Oh goody! Somebody bought the "Oh Brother!" soundtrack, and became super-earnest.
If the feeling of visiting a decent outdoor brewery on a fairly summer nice day can be encapsulated into song
Fleet Foxes made lovely alt/folk music that is filled with rich vocal harmonies. Their self-title debut album met with notable critical success. They make upbeat, guitar and mandolin based folk songs, with a warm, near-falsetto sound to their vocals.
Clearly a quality album. Has a bunch of great parts but a lot of it doesn't really stand out to me. Has a bit of an old timey English feel. Not really my type of music but good listen nonetheless.
Holds up!
To dage i streg med musik der virkelig minder mig om gym, good times! Det her er en plade jeg har hørt virkelig meget. Kommer ikke helt op på en 5er for jeg synes ikke helt kvaliteten er stabil nok, men de bedste sange herpå (Blue Ridge Mountains, White Winter Hymnal, Your Protector ...) er gravet fuldstændig ind i min hjerne.
Fed plade og tone-angivende for deres fremtidige plader, som efter min mening er bedre. Meget lille 4-tal!
grandiose, majestic sounding stuff
I actually really liked this. Perfect vibe for solo travel
Overall solid album. Personally I'm not as interested in more contemporary folk music, but thus did have some noteworthy songs and was on the whole decent. Top tracks: White Winter Hymnal, Tiger Mountain Peasant Song, Blue Ridge Mountains
Boring album not memorable at all skipped last 3 songs
White Winter Hymnal Ragged Wood Blue Ridge Mountains
Some new age folky stuff but I dig it. Vocals are pretty good and some reason give off pretty good vibes. I don’t wanna give it a 4 but I think it does deserve it for a reason….
good day to listen :)
fuck yeah
The album was chill and melodic. Pleasant the entire album, more than that in parts.
Another good album from a mediocre band, making this record boringly above average.
Nice-sounding folk music but not my thing. Listens: 1 Fave Track: ? Rating: 3
qt y comfy
Love indies raritos
Wailing and intense. a fun listen. Not really craveable though.
I like this kind of music, Good vibe. My wife enjoyed listening to it during dinner so bonus points for that.
Fleet Foxes shall not be fleeting for me.
This isn't my style. I see some talent. I liked the very first song a lot. Just background music for me though.
Would I listen again: 5 Vocals: 5 Instrumentation: 5 Arrangement: 5 Lyrics: 5 Would I recommend: 5 Also a Great album cover. I thought I was listening to, trampled by turtles (Minnesota), a band I adore. Perhaps not for everyone but for me, this one is keeper)
Amazing.
Disappointed. Big fan of song "White Winter Hymnal" due to my love of Phish, iykyk. But the rest of this album is pretty boring They have a blueprint, and follow it. The production is great and the harmonies are nice
Decent, album felt longer than it was though, so that can’t be a good thing for me
Gentle mid noughties indie folk. Very traditional folk in style and theme, with lots of references to nature and the seasons. A relaxing listen and a really, really lovely album. Rating: 4.5/5 Playlist track: White Winter Hymnal Date listened: 28/03/24
Pretty good!! He doesn’t know why is a banger
Ok
yup
The harmonies are perfection!
This one is very much my style. I’ve heard and forgotten about a lot of these songs. Relaxing but upbeat, with elements of nature thrown in everywhere. I would definitely listen to this again. But I can’t say anything surprised me or really blew me away.
Harmonies, Americana, acoustic guitars, blue ridge mountains, and artistic album art. A recipe to my heart. If you haven’t heard pentatonix cover of white winter hymnal you definitely should. It’s always on my holiday music rotation. Verbal meme: spiderman pointing at each other fleet foxes and local natives.
This sounded like what I imagine contemporary Christian music would sound like if it was good. Very light, uplifting, and pleasant to listen to. One thing I thought was odd/interesting - a lot of the riffs seemed super familiar. I know I’ve heard of fleet foxes, but maybe I’ve heard a few songs here and there.
I was reading the artist description on Spotify when I started the album and saw that Fairport Convention was an influence and got scared for what I was about to endure. Luckily, the sound I knew from White Winter Hymnal and Ragged Wood stayed consistent throughout the album and I couldn’t be happier. The indie folk movement has really grown on me and I’m sad I didn’t give Fleet Foxes a deeper look until now. I know it’s a pioneer-like situation, but I wonder if they’d be more popular if they were gaining popularity now? Either way, I thought this was very enjoyable and from what I read, their second album is in line with this one, so I’ll listen to that next. I really liked the song Blue Ridge Mountains. But the Smokies are mountains in Tennessee and the Blue Ridge are the eastern-most peaks in North Carolina and Virginia, both being part of the larger Appalachians. “Near Tennessee” isn’t specific enough. So get your shit together, Seattle boy.
I'm glad this came up. I've seen this album cover a bunch and have heard of Fleet Foxes, but never listened to them. When I saw folk band from 2008 I got excited, but to be honest I was a little let down. Nothing really jumped out at me. I never got into a groove or a vibe. It felt like decent background music. Which isn't a bad thing. Maybe I should have been in a different environment for this album, but for now I don't think I need to worry about Fleet Foxes.
Didcovered a new happy band to me
Kind of meh throughout, kind of annoying near the end.
Never been much of an FF fan, their individual tracks are fine but albums get far too repetitive. Bland 2000s indie sound, which is made all the more frustrating by the few times where they break the formula and it hits so well! Favorite track: Your Protector
Pleasant but hollow. It hits one note well, but that one note is the only note for the whole album. Halfway through I wanted to turn it out and listen to the more popular Mumford and Sons album or the catchier Local Natives first album with more interesting harmonies. That being said, it sure sounds like 2009 to me, which brings with it a certain amount of nostalgia. I surely listened to “White Winter Hymnal” approximately 1,000 times my first year of college.
I bet people love getting high and listening to this at Red Rocks while wearing Keens and man buns. Too mellow for me.
Fire harmonies. Great album. Wish they had more like this.
I do love me some folk music. I had a feeling this was going to be a five star for me, but while there were some definite standouts a lot of it just didn't grab me. Still a fun listen.
Not a big folk music fan, but enjoyed this album.
I used to really like this album but it's so of a time for me that I can't get through it.
Sucked
It’s a nice folk album but didn’t particularly stood out to me. Your protector is a good track.
Sounds like the wicker man soundtrack if the wicker man was filmed in the 2000s.
Pop/Folk White Winter Hymnal Lässt sich sehr gut hören, ist eher ruhig 4/5
Heard of these guys, definitely not turned onto them. Very droney
I remember when Helplessness Blues came out, and I used to listen to it a decent amount (mostly just The Shrine/An Argument tbh) but for whatever reason I never listened to this album. I struggled listening to it because it sounds weirdly dated. This album is late 2000s/early 2010s indie folk rock, a genre I knew just from being alive at the time but didn't really seek out particularly, and I have no connection to these particular songs so all I can hear is the time period. I tried to force myself out of that when listening to this as best as I could, although idk how well that worked. It's a beautiful album! Fave songs: White Winter Hymnal, Quiet Houses, He Doesn't Know Why
A tour de force debut album with dense melodies and harmonics. A true wonder of an album that bursts with spring energy and lifts the spirit.
I loved this album when it first came out, not least because it establishes it's credentials immediately and any lover of two-, three-, four-way harmonies knows that they are going to enjoy what's coming. "White Winter Hymnal", "Your Protector" and "Oliver James" stand out.
Very singer songwriter and mellow. Great as an early Sunday morning album.
Alt folk album. Not my jam, not terrible either. Feels like they had a solid formula for song creation, but did not stray too far away from it. A lot of the songs sound "samey".
Good band. Some of the songs are more memorable than others. I was expecting to like it more than I did. Overall, the album is on the slow side. No specific songs stood out for me.
Trim your beards and jump in the bin lads
Nothing reminds me of my own mortality more than indie folk because my patience for it is so finite. Having said that, 45 minutes on a Saturday afternoon is probably just about the right amount of time, and this album is a pretty perfect example of the genre so it gets some love. I did catch myself thinking I was near the end and finding out that I was halfway through so... There's that. 3/5. Indie has already died, and you will too. 4/5 if it's on so quietly that you can't really hear it.
Again, quite inoffensive and mellow, but not left a lasting impression
Fleet Foxes fucked Gee’s dad. Probably not better than half the albums I’ve rated 3, but ah well, 4 nostalgic stars out of five
Yawn! Maybe good music to sleep to
C'était pas mauvais, musicalement, c'est clairement bon mais c'est vraiment pas mon délire.
This was pretty good, a nice listen.