Reviews (page 10 of 14)
I was so hoping to like this more than I do. But for me it’s so 21st century polish, a little too earnest and a little sterile and soulless Some on here have likened this to CSN(Y) and S&G, I just don’t think that they belong in the same sentence ( well later 1988 CSNY maybe) - other than pale hipster attempt at... In itself it’s ok, pleasant enough in passing and I listened a number of times, and maybe I’m just shocked and had higher expectations because of how highly this seems to be held and all the awards it seems to have garnered , for Fuck sake not even just the music, it won a best vinyl cover in 2008 for a painting that was done in the Netherlands in 1559, if I stick a picture of Michelangelo on my ceiling will I win interior decorator of the year?
Nisam slušala nikad, okej mi je album, ali možda malo dosadnjikav. Nakon prošlog albuma, ipak mi je osvježenje. Rekla bih neka sredina maybe. 3/5, 5/10.
Soft
Feels kinda corny and lame but in like a tasteful and cool way. A true paradox! I liked it
Initially wasn’t thinking I’d like this but in listening it wasn’t half bad. Good background music.
Fun, folky rock
The throw-back harmonies are really lovely and the overall sound is so full and resonate.
Ensimmäinen ja kolmas kuuntelukerta semisti tuskaista, toisella kierroksella jaksoi fiilistellä mukana. Sopivasti haastava levy.
Ihan toimiva, mut tietynlaisen, rauhallisen tilanteen ja tunnelman vaativa
Cheerful American folk/Indy music not really for me but well done.
Noget af det lyder meget godt, men jeg tror jeg synes det er lidt for kedeligt, har svært ved at bide sig fast. Har ikke så meget at sige her
Liked it a lot more when I wasyounger then I do now.
indie, folk, rock, 2008 -> 3
A fun an whimsical time
Another nice mystery band and album from this project. At times they seem a little too earnest in some ways, but I like the kind of baroque take on folk music that sounds a bit like a 21st-century version of (European) medieval traditional songs. There's definitely more than a hint of bands like The Lumineers/Mumford & Sons/Of Monsters and Men, but not enough to seem like a Black Keys sort of homage band. I also enjoyed the somewhat odd claymation video for "White winter hymnal", despite that both it and the bizarre Jesus-and-some-of-his-disciples-in-a-manger-with-a-LOT-of-goats video for "He doesn't know why" made it actually harder to understand each song's intent (and quite the Godspell vibe with the latter video). Regardless, an impressive debut album from a bunch of hairy Seattle lads.
3. 5
Nice and pleasant. Well produced, especially for a debut. It sounds intimate but the slight reverb on the vocals helps give it a bit of a larger and more dramatic sound. A nice use of different instrumentation and creative harmonies too There is just something that's not quite grabbing me and compelling me to listen repeatedly though. I would've liked maybe slightly less emphasis on the vocals (which are good, mind you) and more instrumental sections to provide a bit of variety, give some breathing room and break the album up a little bit. Still good though 3.5 Highlights: Your Protector, Quiet Houses
This was a fine album to listen to, but also pretty forgettable
good album not my taste
Unique harmonies? Unconventional song structures? Buckle up for some late-2000's indie! Fleet Foxes aren't unfamiliar to me, in fact they have a distinctive sound when comparing indie acts from this era. "White Winter Hymnal" is one of those songs that just about everyone around my age has heard at least once. The hymn and gospel-like sound is almost entrancing and hooks the listener immediately. The rest of the album flows along and takes on a folk-like persona in most parts. It's soothing, but I can understand those who would be annoyed by the overall "mood" I guess. I tend to prefer more "energetic" indie rock personally, but this had some beauty I could appreciate.
Börjar exakt som jag förväntar mig att ett band som heter Fleet Foxes ska börja. Jag gillar det. Fint och melodiskt. Kommer säkert lyssna igen. Bra julmusik.
Sleepy and inoffensive.
looks like shit. sorry sun it rises- 6 white winter hymnal- 6 ragged wood- warrior cats. 5 tiger mountain peasant song- booooooo 3 or 4 quiet houses- "come to me" 🤨. 4 he doesnt know why- 4 heard them stirring- 4 your protector- 5 meadowlarks- 4 blue ridge mountains- shenandoah river. life is old here, older than the trees. 4 oliver james- booooo 3 it wasnt that bad, just boring.
I’ve always had a little hard time with this band. On one hand they have some really decent moments but they also come off a tad pretentious. The harmonies are good but are a little overbearing every track. It seems roots sounding but a little contrived. This is a band who I enjoy seldom but I feel they still get a solid 3/5 even with my reservation. It’s not my thing totally but kinda understand it’s high praise. Definitely got better on later albums Ps - this also came out in a time when I was in high school and this was a real “Hipster” band. In the end Fleet Foxes real problem might be just bad timing of when I was introduced
This is the kind of Indy I think I like. Pretty solid! Would give 3.5
Something I have often see at boot sales, but had never taken time to listen to it. Great for in the background, would I buy it next time I see it? Don’t think so at this point.
Sort of alright. Nothing bad but very bland and forgettable.
I really wanted to like this. It possibly seems like one of those albums you have to listen to a few times to get.
ok but not very interesting
First time listening to Fleet Foxes. Quite like their brand of harmonic, folky, slightly psychedelic sound. However, didn't hear much that will stay with me or make me want to hear more from them. Okay I guess
Good album. Aged well. Gets better with more listens.
Pretty good sound
Very enjoyable. The echo voice was a bit trying, but the music was pleasant.
Some very comforting songs on here but I'm left thinking its just for comfort, not for expression. Does he really live his raps? For all the albums so far that lack the proper context for me, I can hear every Shins, Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Fleetwood Mac antecedent that went into this Sub Pop product. Might be better as an EP?
Bit weird
Fleet Foxes are one of the bands that I just never got around to listening to for some reason. I have a lot of friends who love them, so I was excited to see this pop up this morning. I didn’t really know what to expect from this one... I remember reading a tweet or something celebrating the mercifully short-lived reign and welcome death of 'stomp-clap-hey' bands from the early 2000s and couldn't agree more. Fleet Foxes are definitely a stop-clap-hey band. This record is anyway. And while it isn't really to my taste, I do like this maybe a little better than some of the other bands that sounded just like this for a few years. Nothing about this really stood out for me except that it was recorded and produced very well. It sounds great. But I mean if that's the best compliment you can give, that's not exactly high praise for an album. I appreciate the musicianship, I just don't really like the music. I'm not sure I would really seek this particular album out to listen to it again, although I might listen to some of their other things. Maybe listen to some of their more recent records to see how (if?) they grew as a band and what kind of sound they have now. I'd be a little disappointed if it was more of the same but I suspect, as is the case with most of these 2000s indie folk bands, it probably is. 2.5/5 and I guess I’ll round up because rounding down doesn’t really seem fair.
folky, smooth, sitting by the fire with some hot chocolate in hand. Nothing really bothers me about this album and it's an interesting debut album but also nothing really gets me excited. I'd listen again for a relaxed vibe, particularly for the Blue Ridge Mountains song
This was a nice, cozy surprise. It might not be the most inspiring or groundbreaking, but it is just good music, very well produced and performed.
liked, but a whole album of them is a bit much
I have some friends that think very highly about Fleet Foxes, so I came in with high hopes. I wasn't disappointed, but the band sounds exactly what indie-rock in the mid-late 2000's sounds like. To me they have a sound somewhere between Arcade Fire and the Decemberists, kind of a folk-rock, eclectic sound that isn't too wild and commercial enough sounding to appeal to a wider audience. This isn't unique in any way, there are similar sounding bands, so it's hard to dislike this, but also difficult to love. The music feels good and it's a soothing listen, so it's interesting enough to perhaps hear more from the discography.
By no means essential. Not bad, but quite boring. Your Protector stands out and save 3 stars
Loved the vibe, the sound was really indie folk goodness. The lyrics were surprisingly dark and melancholic but it was a nice listen!
I loved revisiting this! So much of what indie folk is today comes from this. I don’t think it has been done better by anyone expect for sufjan. This is perfect running in the woods and finding a picnic spot music and the lyrics don’t have rhyme to be good like the smiths. However knowing the albums that start in this list it’s an easy 7 but closer to a 6/10 so
Only liked 1
mccombo regular con papas fritas regulares
I was wondering how long the first song was so I looked and I was on the 4th track so there's that. Not bad tho, pretty relaxing, I got no issues :)
I really want to give this a 4 because I did enjoy it, but no individual song actually stood out to me, it was all just the same folk drivel. Song after song I found myself not being able to tell when one stopped and the other started, but maybe they have some good stuff spread out across their other albums.
Nice sounds, but didn't really do anything for me at an emotional level. Go background music for an autumn day.
I enjoyed the last half of the album more than the first half but can't say I'd listen again to their music. It was good, but not my favorite.
Honestly, while it's very beautiful music with some standout moments, I struggle to find any urge to listen to it.
This was a cool little mellow melodic album. I was humming the entire time and it was over before I knew it. Not really my preferred genre, but I appreciated it for what it is. Three stars.
It is a fine enough album is what I will say. I like that they call out in the write up that they are a "nature band"
Mmm mmhmm thats some good boom stop clap shit. Mmmhmmm right thurr. Fleet foxes on shuffle is perfect flannel and moccosins music. Realitively uninspiring, but quintessential "pick me, I'm different" music. But at its core is still really warm and diverse in nature. This is a fine example of that aforementioned boom stomp clap music. I like it a lot but can't rank it too high. Its generic, nothing to write home about.
lay me down lay me down
Great sound and vocals. I like their harmonization. Overall, not a bad album and I enjoyed most tracks.
Vocals are nice, and the instrument arrangements are interesting and bring in a variety of instruments. I can understand why the album is rated high critically. That said the album didn't really pull me in and I found it a bit sleepy at times. Maybe I need to give it a few more listens to better appreciate it.
If your in the mood for moody atmospheric indie music. This is your jam
# Playlist track - White Winter Hymnal # Notes - Technically good, but super boring. - I do appreciate the harmonies, but this is a dull album and doesn't really do much unless you really crave some sulking around.
whatever....again, through no fault of its own, this record suffers from an inherent datedness in my mind due to the timeline of my own life, but i did find this quite tiresome by the end of it. i was like shut the hell up with that pitch please oooh woooooaaah a cappella choral harmonies!! the songs that stuck out to me this time were the ones i also liked way back when, so revisiting it now didn't really alter my opinion of the album. fav tracks: white winter hymnal; ragged wood; blue ridge mountains
This is another one that just isn’t really my style, and exposure to this album didn’t really pique my interest in the band/genre. It sounds to me like a lot of the other indie folk that I’ve heard (through no effort of my own) throughout the last ~15 years and I’m not necessarily saying this to write off the album; I’m assuming it’s very possible that since this is considered one of the best albums of the 2000s / best debut albums of all time that it’s a trendsetter, and that so many things sound similar to it because of how influential it was. However it’s not something I’d ever reach for other than two songs at the end that particularly stood out to me as more unique sounding than the rest and very beautiful. Fav tracks: Meadowlarks, Blue Ridge Mountains
Listened to 6 tracks. Felt less interested the more that I listened
This was lovely, languid and dreamy. Knew of them, but not sure if I was familiar with it. Will listen to more of them.
High 3s
I can appreciate the harmonising and the layering, but blimey I can't appreciate how tepid it is.
Not much to say. Quite liked it
White people lose it for this stuff.
It was neat to recognize a couple of songs!
More mellow than expected
Classic indie album. Nothing that floored me but pretty good album.
Meh
Nice easy listening album, but nothing stands out 3/5
Ok
Didn't really do much for me, I only listened to it once though. I saw the album floating around in the past but I never gave it a listen. I really like folk music, but this just seemed like some kind of bland folk-pop to me. I can see myself giving it another listen in the future, though. I really feel like there's more to discover with this release.
Nice harmonies
"White Winter Hymnal" is a fantastic track. "He Doesn't Know Why" is also good. Don't remember Fleet Foxes being this folk-y but the album is a good listen.
Forgettable
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
A unique folk/pop mix. Worth a listen, but in spots it feels a little redundant.
Decent. 3.8
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.
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.
Folk
Had heard some of the groups songs before. Good mood music.
Not bad. It is worth a second listen
Expected to get into that more
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.
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
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
An indie album that really doesn't resonate with me, with the exception of Your Protector.
Sleepy but really good
Decent background music.
Hmmmm its ok, I obviously know some of the songs already but some of them felt very same-y
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Completely forgettable.
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.
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.
Originele sound, verder doet het me niets
Church like high male tight harmonies with folk feel, sounds like CSNY & Hozier Sun it Rises Tiger Mountain Peasant Song Your Protector Meadowlarks
Probably need to listen this more to really like it
Sure this is very good but I couldn't connect to it.
I expected a little more, but I could see myself listening again
Ok
Good music. Soothing. Loved it.
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.
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 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.
Pleasant enough. Can’t say any one track particular stuck with me, though.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
I do love me some hipster folk rock, but most of this album kind of blurs together. White winter hymnal is gorgeous though.
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
I’m surprised, this was sweet!
Interesting music. Kind of soothing, kind of folky, kind of melancholy. I liked it.
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
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.
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.
Will be better at relisten
Enjoyable listen
Chill
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
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.
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.
Surprisingly soothing
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
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.
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
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
Wailing and intense. a fun listen. Not really craveable though.
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
Ok
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.
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'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.
I bet people love getting high and listening to this at Red Rocks while wearing Keens and man buns. Too mellow for me.
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.
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.
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
Very singer songwriter and mellow. Great as an early Sunday morning album.
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.
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
This was pretty good, a nice listen.
Sun it Rises: 5/10 really nice but ruined by too much harmonizing imo White Winter Hymnal: 5.5/10 Ragged Wood: 7/10 Tiger Mountain Peasant Song: 6/10 what a name Quiet houses: 4/10 He Doesn't Know Why: 5.5/10 once again ruined imo Heard Them Stirring: 6/10 Your Protector: 6/10 Meadowlarks: 6/10 Blue Ridge Mountains: 7/10 Oliver James: 5/10 Top Three: Blue Ridge Mountains Ragged Wood Meadowlarks I thought it was ok, I think I would've really liked it with less dramatic elements and harmonizing. I can't really call any of these songs 'bad' most songs started well imo Album Score: 5/10
At first unthought about Mumford & sons which I don’t like. But this was actually way better! Cool to listen to.
White Winter Hymnal is a classic. It’s not really my thing but I respect it a lot for having a unique sound and executing it well. Rating: 3.1
2.7 - listened 3x
Lullabies for adults. Reminds me of 70s easy listening soft rock. Some pretty songs with clearly talented musicians. Well crafted, but I also still find it boring. Music for cool librarians. Very white.
ethereal, my mind went to where the wild things live
Twee keer een kans gegeven, maar helaas toch te niksig. Het is niet slecht, het is zeker muzikaal, maar gewoon een beetje saai.
I had never listened to Fleet Foxes before, but enjoyed it. I find that it's great for background music but sounded all very alike. I'll definitely check out more from them.
Eerste 3 nummers vind ik top. heel mooi harmonieus. Daarna wordt het wat saai en nietszeggend.
Liked it more than I did on previous fleet foxes listens, guess it just flows really well as an album. Few songs kind of blended in with the background but there’s some great songs on here
Nice enough.
Folksy, ethereal, the lyrics rarely evoke modern life, a sort of minor CSN.
Overall a Bit more boring/generic, but I really like the Bach-inspired song and think the lead singer is really good
I found the lyrics interesting , very little mention of modern life, like an old folk album, although they hinted at lost love, devils, family and tragedy sometimes vaguely. The harmonies and guitar reminded me of a low grade CSN
Super super boring
I remember when this came out, and friends were very into it, but I didn't understand the appeal. Maybe the general mood has changed in my life, because now it seems lovely.
just didn't quite do it for me - a middle of the road 3
Cool folke-y type album, not my cup of tea, but it was really chill listening too. I enjoy Mykonos from this band, which wasn't on this album.
Ik vond het niet zo spectaculair hoor
Knew a song from this album. Decent enough to listen to once.
An ok album
Very pleasant and felt like I should listen outside on a walk or a drive through the mountains. I really only loved Blue Ridge Mountains so i don’t wanna rate this a 4 but it’s definitely better than a 3. Damn I need half star ratings (3.5/5)
A rather pleasant album. 3.5 stars
I’m definitely drawn to the acoustic sound and melodic voice, and it totally gives me City and Color vibes. Nice chill music to play in the background when relaxing. Listen again: yes Purchase for my collection: yes, even if just for the cover! Favourite Song: Blue Ridge Mountains
Damn, I never gave this album the time of day. Really enjoyed it. Felt like I was walking thru the woods Anyways, I’m just here so I won’t get fined
It had been 15 years since I heard this band! Great harmonies and melodies. Not my jam but I appreciate their talents.
Felt very chill and folky. Some great harmonies and interesting instruments, may want to give it another listen sometime. Not my favorite or typical genre tho. I feel like 2.5 would’ve been ideal.
I went through a brief "Fleet Foxes" phase several years ago, but since then, all the songs on this album blend together and sound the same to me. It's an enjoyable listen, but not one I anticipate gravitating to.
Good album, not my typical style, too meandering and over produced
This was not bad I dodint mind the album it was a bit to slow at times but I had to first song that I have added to a playlist from listing to this album it is fresh a solid 3.5 White winter hymnal hits dif
I listened to this not too long ago for the first time. While I respected it I didn't get a ton out of it and was bored half way through. This time around I enjoyed it a lot more. Maybe I was more in the mood for this type of album this time around. Vocals are lovely and is put together very well. Fav songs - White Winter Hymnal - Ragged Wood - He Doesn't Know Why - Oliver James
This one was interesting. Its nice and calm. Churchy vibe did kinda pull it down. And it was kinda samey. Good vibes tho. 3.5/5.1.
Cover Impressions: This is probably the most interesting art I've seen on this list so far. Doesn't look like many of the things happening here are pleasant. Guessing more British rock again? Welp, it's American Folk, and the name does sound somewhat familiar... Likely from checking out other SubPop artists, just never found my way to them until now. Sometimes it seems like I think I like folk music more than I actually do. The setting it paints in my mind is nice, but I always get bored sitting at a tavern table or on a stroll. Nothing objectionable here, but I think I fell asleep a couple times. Favorite track:"Your Protector" 3/5
A very particular sound and aesthetic: pastoral instrumentation, pentatonic melodies, rich vocal harmonies, everything drowned in reverb. They wear their influences on their sleeves. I remember the first time I heard Mykonos and was absolutely stopped in my tracks by how gorgeous it sounded. Nothing on this album grabs me quite the same way; I think it was over-hyped, and they suffered slightly from being lumped in with inferior bands from both sides of the Atlantic (hello, Mumford and Sons). It still sounds great though.
Ok, listened while I was on a walk and made some pizza
ok indie
Average early 2000s indie folk, nice moments of song writing but all songs start to sound the same. favourite song - blue ridge mountain 3/5
Nice and peaceful. Makes me want to go camping.
Ok
3 Yeahhh this feels like the kind of thing we were all into in 2008 for a minute and then moved past. I was hoping I would enjoy it a little bit more than I did as someone who’s grown to appreciate a good amount of folk music, but nothing here really did anything for me. It sounds nice, and I didn’t mind having it on, but despite listening to this thing four times, I just don’t feel like I really retained anything. I guess I could point to White Winter Hymnal as my favorite or maybe just the most standout, but I think it’s mostly because that one seems to have a “larger”, grander feel to it as compared to the rest of the tracks. The only other thing I can think of that stood out to me was the opening line to Meadowlarks, but that’s just because I kept hearing it over and over again when my earbuds were glitching on me at the gym, and something about the mention of a cornucopia stuck with me - really couldn’t tell you another song off the top of my head that mentions a cornucopia in the lyrics. Don’t have a ton much else to say on this one. I’ll give credit to the unique production on the album with its classical choral vibes (something I think the album cover nails), but it didn’t result in an overly interesting musical experience for me.
since i can't give it a 3.5/5, i feel more about a 3 than 4 out of 5. too white 2000's suburban folky for me, not bad but too hipster/tumblr(2012)-ish for me
The album is really solid and definitely deserves to be on this list. Feels like a bluegrass-leaning folk music with heavy rock influences as well, which right in my musical wheelhouse. The only thing I will say is that despite being solid overall, none of these songs is a standout to me that I will proactively listen to
Very odd
Sweet
favourite song: white winter hymnal thought white winter hymnal was fantastic but the rest of the album just fell a little flat for me
Melancholic
Ok. Too mellow for me.
I respect the band's talent, but this record is so BORING.
Enjoyed the harmonies. White winter hymnal has been a favorite.
Alright
I enjoyed this but I felt like it was too polished, this kind of folky genre I actually like it to be a bit rough around the edges but this felt like a folk album made in a lab after years of research. Your protector was my favourite song. Low 3.
Ragged Wood was a stand out track. Overall the album was a bit one note for my tastes
A few good songs. Lack of structure
Glad I listened to it but I don’t really see it becoming part of my listening repertoire
Decent, enjoyable, yet forgettable (I actually knew some of these songs but I could never have thought of them just on their own)
Bastante bueno. Interesante sonido acústico.
the bruegel cover's cool, the music not so much white winter hymnal ragged wood quiet houses heard them stirring your protector
Fleet Foxes is a band I've never heard of, and I'm a bit sad I never did. I've always been a fan of this late-2000s folk boom style and this is no exception. It isn't splitting the sky or reinventing the wheel, but it's just good at what it does. It's cozy and easy to listen to, with some great vocal layering and cool effects in the second half.
Interesting
Reminds me of Yes Tales of Topographic Oceans along with some CSN and some country western. I'm not sure why this made it on the list. Is it different? Yes. Is it compelling? Not to me. Seems wildly overrated. Maybe it's critical praise is commentary on music in the 2000s. The cover is entertaining. Wikipedia makes the band founder sound like a dick.
OK enough, didn't turn it off but I won't be going out my way to listen to it again.
3
No lo escuché
mi primer album q emoción! lo he escuchado 2/3 veces, alguna canción sobresale y está mejor, algunas chill otras más animadas, pero nada del otro mundo
Some great harmonies but I never liked the late 00s new folk.
In a nutshell: indie folk revivalists that spawned many imitators. I *really* wanted to like this album, but I didn’t. A friend of mine calls this type of music as “beige”. Many songs sound alike and feel limp instead of stirring. I found myself comparing the album to folk rock/indie artists who came before, at the same time or just after (The Decemberists, Grizzly Bear, The Mountain Goats, Boy and Bear, Bright Eyes, The Middle East). The aforementioned, in my opinion, delivered better albums and are easier to listen to. However, I will give Fleet Foxes some credit for generating a renewed interest in the genre. Overall: 5/10.
good album for a nice change from what i usually listen to
A bit beige, musically it's peaceful and pleasant
Not as dull as I remembered, but still kinda dull.
Ok background music. Not my jam
3.5
A nice surprise. They have that americana southern-ish stomp that Mumford And Sons made so popular but they don't belabour the point and get lost in the weeds. More listens would prob turn me on to this even more.
Good folk pop
Listened Before? N Pretty good. Kinda mellow and groovy. I could listen again but nothing really sticks out to me. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: White Winer Hymnal
as if you’re on a road trip to alaska, escaping the life that was once had, and it’s taking place in the fall 7/10
Ik herkende de band niet meteen maar kende het nummer White Winter Hymnal al Vind het erg fijne muziek, geeft me hetzelfde warme, comforting herfst/winter gevoel als Bon Iver He Doesn't Know Why ook opgeslagen Your Protector niet zo nice Aan het einde heb ik het wel een beetje gehoord allemaal, would buy en hele fijne muziek maar zou niet zo snel het hele album in 1 keer draaien, of gewoon lekker op de achtergrond zetten
already listened. decent, rly like white winter hymnal
Enjoyed
Nice indie folk album
The kids are alright.
2.7 per track.
Pretty good. Atmospheric. Another one for listening to in your van conversion overlooking a canyon.
Don’t like it it’s kinda loud “Blue ridge mountain “ is acceptable Quiet Others are cheerful folk , it’s really scenic music but too los for me
all feels a bit samey. A nice sound regardless
Crosby stills and Nash harmonies over more modern sounded guitars and a dream like atmosphere. The album as a whole is good but didn't have any real hits.
I really love the layered harmonies of Fleet Foxes. However, I’m not a fan of the tinny/echo-y production sound.
Quite good. Will listen again.
Album typique du mouvement indie-rock / indie-folk des années 2000. On est dans un son qui rappelle Animal Collectives, par la place que prend la voix. Ceci étant dit, c'est pas l'album le plus mémorable de l'époque
suena igual a varios discos q salieron aca, pero este es mas medieval destaco la ambientacion del album el 4to tema empieza IGUAL a Cactus de Cerati
Very interesting. Rather soulful music, pretty guitar heavy.
hipster folk. Pretty enjoyable really but not amazing
I don't know why this group gets under my skin. They keep showing up like a pebble in my shoe on a long hike. Like someone helping to scratch an itch I can't reach and failing. It's not bad as folk rock goes, but there are examples of the Stomp/Clap genre I enjoy more. Oh, I know what it is! Listening to this album feels like I joined the cult in Midsommar.
Funky and almost stereotypically indie. Didn't blow me away, but I'm enjoying it. Kinda Lukáš Novotný medieval fantasy vibes and quite gospely. Will come back to it again to form a more profound opinion. Overall though from my first 1.5 listens a solid 7/10.
Sun It Rises - Feels like the kind of thing that should be played over a montage of a small village festival, then suddenly goes all in with the twangy strings. 3.7/5 White Winter Hymnal - I enjoy the way this guy sings summertime. Instruments sound really good together here, bass is punchy. 4.1/5 Ragged Wood - Good, the vocal melody gets a bit repetitive (ironic considering this has been the most lyrically diverse song so far). The bass solo into the second half of the song was nice. 3.6/5 At this point I stopped actively listening. I’d have to categorize this album as either upper tier of mid or decent. It doesn’t suck but it’s also very forgettable and the instruments and vocals across songs are similar enough to blend together. 3.4/5
Óskaplega fallegar lagasmíðar og vönduð tónlist, líklega aðeins of vandað fyrir minn smekk. Vantar einhvern smá hráleika og eina og eina skítuga nótu. Skil samt vel þá sem elska refina. Mjög góð vinnutónlist en ekki eitthvað sem ég myndi hlusta mikið á þess utan. White Winter Hymn er alltaf frábært lag og píanó kaflinn í lok He doesnt know why var alla vega smá spúnk.
still a bland album
Bloody lovely listen that! Beautiful harmonies and created a sense of tranquility. Stand out tracks for me were ‘Your Protector’, ‘Ragged Wood’ and ‘He Doesn’t Know Why’. A strong 3 star, but might have grown into a 4 if had more listens.
Some catchy tunes.
Very dated sound, but overall not a bad album by any means. I wouldn't go back to listen very often
I’m a bit picky with my folk music. Fleet Foxes is good, but I wouldn’t say it’s great. A bit monotonous at times, and the vocals sound a bit of the times.
This album has a weird, ethereal vibe. Harmonies are excellent although I think the echo chamber effect is a bit overdone. The songs themselves are good but nothing really blew me away. Would give it 3.5 if I could.
Should relisten!
Some of the songs are really amazing and take me to where some of Bruce hornsby's folk takes me. Some of the songs have a little too much holiday choir in them (like the opening to rockin' around the Christmas tree by Brenda Lee) or a little too much "Godspell" choir. I think in general the album benefits from the fact that I like the genre. But it doesn't seem particularly challenging music or complex instrumentation, and it doesn't feel like it's super noteworthy.
Pleasant music. Something you would listen to laying in a field of flowers. 3.5/5 Would listen to again
I have never claimed to be a huge fan of folk rock. But there is a certain part somewhere inside of me that loves an acoustic guitar and how simple it sounds. Fleet Foxes are one of the true 2000's indie darlings, and this album is pretty much an indie folk classic at this point. And this is really the perfect time of year to listen to this album. Because it feels so rooted in autumnal vibes, and gives off such a warm and nostalgic fall feeling. And it has some truly gorgeous moments, where the songs sound massive, largely due in part to the rich choral vocals and orchestral arrangements. The song Blue Ridge Mountains is honestly nothing short of a masterpiece. Although the rest of the album is good, I wish everything else was to the same level of quality that this particular song is at. It does everything right, and feels like they took each element of the album that is good, and perfected it, then put it into one song. Rating: 7/10
I remember really wanting to like this album when it was so popular. I love the sounds and vibe, but just don’t connect with the songs.
Good album, catchy tunes
Not bad. About what I expected, a folkier version of Band of Horses, who are my favorite of the Neil Young rehashes of that timeframe popularized by My Morning Jacket
Nicer Einstieg in das Projekt
It was ok, kind of forgettable.
Weird and funky but i like
I love fleet foxes and Winter Winter Hymnal but rest of album is pretty boring
most tracks didnt catch my attention.... i am either missing the point..... or need more listening
Good but wouldn’t call it a must listen to
Easy listening but nothing special
It's just good music.
Good echoey, woodsy PNW vibe. Kinda all sounds like itself after awhile.
Would be a good album to put on for an early morning walk through a trail on the river's edge.
Very good album
Best Song: White Winter Hymnal. A song that comes exactly as advertised. The title is its descriptor. Worst Song: He Doesn't Know Why. Sounds like an overly medicated Mumford and Sons. Overall: A song that verges on too sleepy at times, but still is altogether pleasant. A quiet album for quiet settings.
a little lite for my tastes, not bad tho
I liked the beginning few songs then heard them stirring sounded like I was in a Skyrim dungeon. But then it got a bit too folky for my liking. Good album but probably won't even listen again
Feel like I've tried to get into Fleet Foxes multiple times so we'll see about this. Always felt they were a bit too folky for me. Yup defintiely a bit too folksy for me. Pretty landscape but it''s all more and the same for me. Not something I'd come back to very often. It's like weird lullabies. Pretty solid background music while working though. I need to listen to some hard shit after listening to this and Norah Jones this morning.
Never heard of them. Nice folk rock. Good harmonies. Super mellow and dreamy tunes. Easy to listen to.
Calm, pleasant, nice singing. Overall just a bit slow and too much of the same sort of sound.
Bit to sweet for my liking, but very well produced and accompanied by a beautiful voice.
Very calming, mellow dinner music. Nice vocals, original melodies. But overall nothing special.
Indie with lots of folk elements. A few songs stand out, but overall, would not listen to front to back again. 6/10.
uske kje heilt, men trur da va sånn passe