Reviews (page 6 of 15)
3.5-4
I listened to one song from this album before, I'm excited to listen to the full album. It was great, I love indie folk! This is a definite 4/5 for me!
Hard to say if this album just came at the right time - hard to say if it's just nostalgia from having sung "White Winter Hymnal" in gymnasium. I did like it more than I expected too. Although I'm not a fan of the genre as a whole, I do appreciate the harmony on this album - the soundscape in general. Sometimes I did want "more" from the harmony; just a tiny bit less cliché and more "out there". However, I can't escape the fact that this album did move me and that must count for something. If I could I would probably give 3.5 stars, but in my opinion it is closer to 4 than 3, so that is what it'll get.
Beautiful harmonies and just love his voice. Manages to stick to a particular sound but keeps it interesting and varied. White winter hymnal is also just such a freaking banger.
Never heard it before. Thanks! Super.
The ghosts of Simon and Garfunkel live! Top tier folk harmonies and melodies raised by spectacular production where the drums and vocals are given so much space they sound epic. Recommended 4/5
a worthy, underrated record for this list
I now want to drink beer in a hammock.
Earworming but pretty mellow
Interesting sound. Very 2000's indie rock
Very chill. Love the funky song structures and the poetic lyrics with a hint of dark. The big drum stuck out to me in parts. Some songs lost my interest in the middle. Album art is A+
cool
I wasn’t really on the Fleet Foxes hype train back in 2008—hard to believe that was so long ago. I did buy the album at the time, but I’m not sure I ever listened to it all the way through... until now. Revisiting it with fresh ears, I’ve come to appreciate just how beautifully crafted it is. The harmonies are rich, the production is flawless, and every track feels carefully put together. It’s an album that has grown on me over time, and I find myself valuing it much more now that I’m older. Favourite Song: There are quite a few tracks I’d describe as gentle and easy to listen to—“White Winter Hymnal” and “Oliver James” stand out in that regard. However, the album does feel like it’s missing a couple of big, standout moments. That said, “Your Protector” is probably my favourite—it’s a truly lovely song. Least Favourite Song: Honestly, there isn’t a bad track on the album. Everything is pleasant and cohesive, making for a consistently enjoyable listen. Album Artwork: The cover art is charmingly whimsical and full of intricate detail. There’s a lot going on, and it really draws you in—perfectly matching the album’s layered, pastoral sound..
I have such good memories about White Winter Hymnal I just never got around to listening to the full album unit now. Really good
this seems at first glance like something i would call "soft" but there is a lot going on here that i appreciate and enjoy. first album i felt the urge to listen to twice in a row. especially liked your protector and ragged wood
A pleasant deja-vu!
Fleet Foxes is a band I’ve heard of and never listened to before. It strikes me as borrowing a lot of vocal arrangements, sounds and vibes from The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, the Shins, Neil Young, and even some singer-songwriters like Johnny Cash. I like it, and glad that I found it through this list. At 39 minutes it is a strong, tight debut album and a good listen. 4⭐️
Not my cup of tea, but a nice album nonetheless.
I liked it!
i absolutely adore this album
good folk
Already heard this one, it's a banger
Liked the vibe, listened to it all day and never got annoyed
This album must have thoroughly infected one of my ca. 2010 Pandora station and I recognized maybe 5 or 6 tracks. Yet I've never decided whether I like this music or not. Good, but not for me, but I'll listen to it. 3.5
alright i don't know anything about this band other than they have a cool name and people like them. they're folk too i think. let's do it TRACK BY TRACK 1 SUN IT RISES. wooow. for some strange reason the intro made my skin crawl a bit but my expectations were soon knocked out of the water with the gorgeous lush guitar and the overall dreamy atmosphere this evokes. and that heavier guitar that comes in is crazy good. great introduction and it has got me very excited for sure. 9/10 2 WHITE WINTER HYMNAL. yeah. just so lush and gorgeous. you can really immerse yourself in every instrument because of the crisp production and the harmonies are great, which isn't something i find myself saying much. to me it sounds like if alvvays made folk music, which is probably a weird comparison but that's how i think of it. very pretty, i'm impressed. 9/10 3 RAGGED WOOD. it's like that shining carefree advertisement music where people are smiling and laughing and running through the grass and picking flowers and having fun but instead of being a torturous waste of time that a quick gouging of the eyes would be welcome to replace, you feel like the person in that ad, running through the grass and having fun despite the fact you're running through grass and picking flowers. the music's cool too. 9/10 4 TIGER MOUNTAIN PEASANT SONG. a nice guitar picking song that still manages to be lush and textured despite just being a simple guitar and his vocals. 8/10 5 QUIET HOUSES. this is just so strong and so solid. it does everything the other songs did for me as well as having a very cool piano breakdown and build up. 9/10 6 HE DOESN'T KNOW WHY. only a little weaker but still manages to hit everything right. nothing else to add. 9/10 7 HEARD THEM STIRRING. very evocative and slightly medieval, soundtrack core. 8/10 8 YOUR PROTECTOR. it's another song, surprisingly. not so surprisingly, it's good. 8/10 9 MEADOWLARKS. man the atmosphere is so so good when they hit it fully. very beautiful. 8/10 10 BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS. this band made stomp and holler adjacent music and made it way more than listenable, crazy. this is gorgeous stuff, really. this is when the happy go lucky flower pickers start crying all over the grass. 9/10 11 OLIVER JAMES. weaker but works as a closer weirdly enough. chill. amazing vocal performance. 7/10 and here i was expecting some probably middling indie folk pop band trudging their way through eleven tracks. this album is lush and packed with gorgeous melodies and harmonies over such sweet production. i can see myself coming back to this, maybe when it's a bit sunnier. it's not, if you didn't know. 9/10
Enjoyed it!
its relaxing for working. i didnt dislike it. 4/5
Really relaxing chill music
Sparse, crisp folk rock with an emphasis on vocals. Good sound - just generally a pretty good time.
OVERALL: Going into this, the only Fleet Foxes song I've heard is White Winter Hymnal, and I think Mykonos like once. After listening, I like what I'm hearing. The vocals are very good, but some of the songs are gonna have to grow on me. Blue Ridge Mountains is probably one of the best songs I've heard and maybe one of my favorite songs ever, but it's surrounded by mediocre. About half of the songs are really good while the rest are 7/10 at best. Despite this, the instrumental on basically every song is amazing, and the only songs where the instrumental isn't the greatest have really good vocals. My biggest flaw with this is probably that the lyrics are not that good the more that I think about it, but there are also times when they can be really good. I feel like everything I don't really like about it is balanced by something good, and Blue Ridge Mountainsis probably the best song that this generator has given me. SONG AVG: 8.214545/10 PERSONAL RATING: 7.75/10 Sun It Rises: Haven't heard a lot of folk before, so I can't tell if this is generic. The guitar that comes in at 1:30 is really good, super atmospheric. There are basically no lyrics, but the vocals sound pretty good, although I guess I can see them being corny. Pretty good opener. 7.75/10 White Winter Hymnal: I know this one! It's good. Great instrumental, and the vocals are pretty good. The instrumental is so unbelievably good, I hope this quality continues. It's also a lot shorter than I thought it would be, but I guess it doesn't drag on. Too short for me to give it a higher rating, but it's really nice. The lyrics are certainly there. 9.25/10 Ragged Wood: Nice. The only complaints I have with it is that it is sometimes boring and the instrumental is sometimes not the best. Pretty much perfect otherwise, pretty fun and catchy. I might actually give it a 10, but since some parts are lacking I will lower the score. The lyrics are actually good I guess. 9.86/10 Tiger Mountain Peasant Song: Very eerie and atmospheric, great narratively and lyrically. Kinda boring otherwise, but the lyrics and the story carry this. Might grow on me, but currently above average. 7/10 Quiet Houses: I guess this is an interlude. There are only 18 different words in the lyrics (if I counted right). I don't really like the vocals, and the "darkening" that he's supposed to be saying does not sound like it at all. The instrumental, especially the last minute, carry this to above average. 5.75/10 He Doesn't Know Why: Solid lyrics, and the instrumental is pretty nice. I really like the last section, but for the rest of the song the instrumental feels worse than other songs. It still sounds really good, though. It does feel like it kinda drags on, but it's pretty good for most of it. 8.75/10 Heard Them Stirring: No lyrics on this one. Sounds pretty good, functions very well for an interlude. It is also a 3 minute long interlude, but it sounds good when stuff is actually happening. 7/10 Your Protector: Really good, although a bit corny. I don't really know why I like this other than that I think it sounds good. I guess the lyrics are nice. 9.25/10 Meadowlarks: It's good, but a pretty big change from every other song that comes before it. Very nice and atmospheric, I like the harmonies in the part that does the thing. I go back and forth on liking this one and thinking it's like a 4, so I'll give it something in between. 6.75/10 Blue Ridge Mountains: Holy shit, this might actually be perfect. The intro is really good, kinda like Meadowlarks but I'm confident that I like it. The drop is absolutely incredible, and it keeps staying like that for the rest of the song. The lyrics are above average, but I usually care for sound more than lyrics for artists that use voices as an instrument. My biggest complaint is that there is like 10 seconds of silence at the end, but other than that it's perfect. Definitely should have been the album closer. 12/10 Oliver James: I'm gonna be honest, I didn't realize that this song ended when it did. Pretty good vocal performance, although ends abruptly and is kinda boring. Solid storytelling. This feels like a B-side that probably shouldn't be on here. It reminds me of Hide and Seek, except it doesn't really fit the album. The vocal performance is very good, but they weren't probably the best on the album it would be a 5 at best. 7/10
This album makes me want to frolic in a medieval pasture.
It's a very well made folk album.
Very nice and relaxing. Listened to the extended version and the extra song from the Japanese limited edition release. Might be good hiking music
Love the music, love the indie rock folk vibe. It is just not my favourite genre
***
You can't resist those melodies.
Probably the best indie folk album there is. Make sure to listen to the Sun Giant EP with it; it complements the album in quite an essential way.
Indie/chamber folk of the last 2 decades rarely gets better than this! Always happy to listen to any Fleet Foxes record.
Heard it
I've played this album three times now. And I'm really not sure how to rate this album. I think it's a a lovely set of songs, very nicely recorded. It's just that it's not a musical style I particularly care for.
More soulless Hosier?
Solid album, well written and produced. Didn't have anything that stood out as amazing too me, just mildly enjoyable throughout. 7/10
Very peaceful, I sort of floated through in a bliss. Always loved this album. I found myself a little less interested than I had been in the past.
i get it more now than back then
Хорошая спокойная музыка, в меру лиричная в меру грустная, не заунывная
Another early folksy rock preempting Mumford and Sons, Lumineers. This time with pseudo medieval elements. Better than Arcade Fire Best track - White Winter Hymnal
It took me a bit to determine if I heard Fleet Foxes' music before. That was answered with the second track "White Winter Hymnal" which I listened to in passing. The rich vocal harmonies, the jangly guitar strumming, the lush organic instrumentation, that was a sound that I don't hear often, but when I do it served as a nice wash over me. That's pretty much the sentiment for the whole record, where the group took cues from the bright and cheery pop of the 1960s mixed with alternative country to create a chill vibe that covers you like a warm blanket. Sure, this is another debut album where the lyrics aren't too deep, but the atmosphere is impeccable enough to make it stand out in the indie folk scene. In that regard, Fleet Foxes' record was worth checking out on that quality alone. As a fun fact to end this review, shortly before the release of this debut, the band brought on drummer Josh Tillman to replace Nicholas Peterson. He would work with the group for a couple of years before branching off and finding success on his own under the moniker Father John Misty. It's interesting how life works that way.
I had never heard of this group till this. I was delightfully surprised.
* Like hearing something a bit different.
Great sound/voice! Something special, stands out!
Fun listen, but no new favorites
The second best track featuring singing in rounds since Houmous & Chutney’s cover of ‘You Spin Me Right Round (& Round & Round & Round & Round & Round & Round & Round)’ - in fact a world record for the biggest 2 man round in history! 4.2
Netflix exclusive sitcom music.
This album and band have soaring harmonized vocals paired with soft instrumentals that other indie folk bands have, like Band of Horses or Mumford & Sons - and I really like those bands and each has some great albums. But this album was a bit more like another indie folk band the Decemberists - I really like a couple of their songs but when I go to listen to a whole album of theirs it has some holes or lags in places. I really liked White Winter Hymnal at track two. And to be honest, Sun It Rises, Ragged Wood, and Tiger Mountain Peasant Song around it were pretty solid. Then the album lags. It ends with Oliver James, which is really beautifully arranged and is the best song on the whole album. But the 6 songs in between? I listened to this album a bunch and at times some of those songs really struck me and other times I wasn't so sure. The album feels like a 3.5 and I could probably go either way. Feeling generous today.
Lush harmonies, interesting music. I enjoyed it a lot, but it doesn't pull me in the way a 5 typically would. Solid 4. Favorite tracks: Sun It Rises, White Winter Hymnal, Your Protector, Blue Ridge Mountains.
My kid introduced me to this some years ago, which is not how I expected cultural transference would happen in my household, especially since this album came out the year they were born. Nonetheless, it’s charming.
It's funny- I was thinking 'Animal Collective' and yeah these guys would fit into the 'non-human' theme! I'm a sucka for these kind of bands- pleasant and dreamy songs and safe quirky melodies.
Lush, beautiful harmonies
Bardzo mnie ciekawi jak ta płyta się tu znalazła. Myślę, że dla większości nie będzie wyjątkowa, ale ja bardzo lubię to folkowe, oldschoolowe brzmienie, a druga piosenka z płyty od dawna należy do jednej z moich ulubionych. Bardzo miękki, otulający wokal, delikatne instrumenty i taki klimat wszystkich pór roku jednocześnie. Piękne, akustyczne, moje. 8/10
bom album folk pra começar, gostei mto de he doesn't know why vou ouvir mais projetos da banda 7,5/10
This is a prime-Pitchfork era album. Luckily, I do love this era of music and Fleet Foxes shows us how to make Folk music sound interesting and relevant in a modern-day setting. After so many dreadfully boring Folk Rock album from the late-60's/early-70's we are finally presented with something that's actually exciting and vibrant. Key tracks: White Winter Hymnal Ragged Wood Your Protector Oliver James
Excellent! 👌
Love this band. Folk, but with some rhythm and blues and bounce to it. The vocals pair so beautifully with the instrumentation and the sequencing of tracks is done so well. This record captures everything I think of when Fleet Foxes comes to mind, with uplifting grooves and melodies. A real pleasure to listen to this crew.
Buona musica. Non tutte le canzoni mi piacciono, ma alcune meritano e le ho salvate nella mia playlist.
My second favourite Fleet Foxes behind Crack-Up. I don’t think this reaches any of the highs of that album outside of maybe Blue Ridge Mountains. What this does it does very well. Catchy folk pop songs that are so full in sound and flawlessly produced. Pecknold is a master songwriter. Embarrassingly reminds me of my junior high “girlfriend”. Hope she’s doing well. White Winter Hymnal is forever ruined by Pentatonix.
Sometimes good music is just good music, and this is that!
Sun It Rises harmonies remind me of Beatles Sun King, pleasant. Winter Hymnal is a favourite of mine anyway. Great arrangement, great rhythm to it and the drums sound nice and big when they kick in. Tiger Mountain Peasant is another highlight, the vocal performance is such a triumph and the lyrics conjure mental tapestries of simple townsfolk playing rebecs and shawms. He Doesn’t Know Why has that lovely ascending/descending cadence, it could wear thin in the wrong hands, but they pull it off amidst their distinct sound and tight playing. Nice calm little outro to cap it off. Your Protector is a bit of a belter, it has more bite to it than the other songs. I imagine the villagers featured in the cover art, are rallying to ward off some intruders, or threat of violence, pitchforks, lit torches at the ready, women and children tucked up indoors while the men are poised for battle. The production is excellent. Everything sounds big and clear without being overwhelming, vocals and instrumentals all sit nicely in the mixes, it creates an intimate listening experience. Like being taken to the proverbial church.
Nicely chill
Love how folksy it is.
One of the most beautiful pieces of indie rock I’ve ever heard. The songwriting is top-notch but can get stale at times. Still a great listen.
Like to folk style and some good hits.
boom clap hey ahh music
Very folk, big voices, sweet to the ear. To listen while in a long road trip, wind down feel. Requires a few listens, but still great first album.
Man, I wasn't familiar with this album when it came out, but listening to it now still evoked a lot of nostalgia for me. I guess it does a great job of representing the indie music of the era. Those were some good times, truly. I'm glad this is on here; it's too bad I missed it back in the day. Great album.
Peak indie bliss
Great album when you feel like you need to come of age again.
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes Folk type album that actually sounds pretty damn good. It feels very dramatic, but also chill. The album cover really depicts well to how the music here sounds, feels like a roller-coaster of listening to this, including that with the story-telling which itself is already fantastic. Honestly, this is REALLY good! 1.- Sun It Rises = 8/10 2.- White Winter Hymnal = 9/10 3.- Ragged Wood = 10/10 4.- Tiger Mountain Peasant Song = 9/10 5.- Quiet Houses = 10/10 6.- He Doesn't Know Why = 9/10 7.- Heard Them Stirring = 8/10 8.- Your Protector = 9/10 9.- Meadowlarks = 8/10 10.- Blue Ridge Mountains = 10/10 11.- Oliver James = 8/10 FINAL SCORE: 8.9/10
I’m still not entirely sure that My Morning Jacket didn’t release a bunch of B sides under a pseudonym.
Really enjoyed this! Will be coming back to it
So prettyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy... :D
My favorite FF album.
Late 2000's indie folk goodness. Fleet Foxes is comfortable on this debut. I really like the harmonies and it is sonically pleasing. A couple songs (Ragged Wood, White Winter Hymnal, Blue Ridge Mountains) really stand out, and then the vast majority of the tracklist is just good not great.
Didn’t know much about indie folk but sounded pretty cool. Not sure about the guys voice but I like it
chill
Subtle and atmospheric. I could stand to revisit this closer
solid folk album. it's nice to hear something that isn't classic rock.
Lots of familiar classics heard on this album. Not much my thing, but enjoyable.
I love folk music, and there's clearly great musicianship on this record, with every track well crafted. Lovely album to listen to, but it seems to lack some soul, and in the end failed to really grab me.
I’m not typically into this Folky-Indie Rock style, but I listened to this multiple times. I hope to revisit it again soon.
Wow. Beautiful music. Would rate 4.5 on first listen. I’m interested in seeking out more FF and Father John Misty.
Part of my teenage P4K approved rotation. Very good example of 2000s indie-folk. Compared to Bon Iver's debut it's much more polished, but it doesn't have the tweeness of acts like the Shins. If that all means nothing to you, Fleet Foxes do that song about falling in the snow that's featured in countless Christmas movies. They're pretty good.
Def over-listened to this one back in the day and have yucky ex-girlfriend associations... Probably would have been a 5 back in the day, but alas!
Just a really solid collection of chamber-y folk rock tunes. I love the baroque touches. 4/5
Gammal favorit
It's mellow, easy folk with compelling lyrics and interesting instruments sprinkled in here and there. I like it. All kind of blends together, but not a bad thing.
Took a second listen and really liked it! Wasn't blown away the first time, glad I went back. :)
Great listen, good vibes and allowed for work to still be done. Hadn’t listened to much Fleet Foxes, but will definitely explore their catalog.
I was quick to write this off a bit when I saw it but it's lovely. Will likely revisit! Especially if I happen to be sat in nature lol
8/10. Great, calming album. Good for a variety of times.
A really nice debut album. I think this is one of the more effective records of the age where artists were looking back to genres and moods of the past and really building on them in an interesting way. The vocal production and harmonies are top notch. It also feels interesting how much dynamicism is permitted without someone stomping on a distortion pedal
I really enjoyed this, definitely has a Mumford and Sons/issue movie feel to it. A feel good easy listening album. I feel like it would make a decent road trip album.
I love this kind of music. The Fleet Foxes create a haunting atmosphere with this kind of gospel that's truly out there to transcend and tell the story. The ongoing hall effect - it's just great. This kind of folk music is what I want. Why not 5 starts? The album is great but often I wished for some more interesting instrumentation too. They could've simply done more with their already great base.
The first time I heard White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes was on Mop Mix 2008 track-8. The last time I heard it was a week and a half ago when both my local middle school and high school covered the exact same song. It’s funny how sometimes such a simple song could end up creating such a lasting impact now over two full generations. Fleet Fleet Foxes were always the perfect early morning album. Their soft melodies and ephemeral rhythms were a perfect calming way to start a good day. I actually forgot how good this album really was. It has a beautiful way of offering huge production that simultaneously is coffee-shop personal. Key songs for me for Ragged Wood, and Your Protector, though I have to admit next time I listen to it I’ll probably pick two different songs. This is definitely a Must-Listen kind of album.
I've been keen to Fleet Foxes from the beginning. This whole album is total vibes. Stand out tracks: "Sun It Rises", "White Winter Hymnal" and "Blue Ridge Mountains". I'm not sure why an indie folk "rock" album should work so well but it just does. Just sit back and enjoy the lush harmonies and chill vibes.
I've been an admirer of Fleet Foxes' sound since I first encountered it. It's a lovely bit of 21st century folk music. The real question is- is "White Winter Hymnal" a Christmas song?
Mellow, beautiful, somehow left wanting a bit more whilst also not knowing how.
These harmonies? *chefs kiss*
I was so in the tank for this record and the Sun Giant EP when they were contemporary. It's been a while since I've given the album a listen. It's not as great as I remember; but it is still very good. The harmonies, arrangements and production are reminiscent of the Beach Boys, Crosby Stills & Nash, and Simon & Garfunkel. It was unique and fresh at the time; but in hindsight, the album is kind of stuck in one (very good) gear. Hearing it again reminds me of 2008, for better or worse.
Decent
A calming yet fun and whimsical folk treat for the ears of any music lover.
One of the albums growing up that made me realize I like music
I don’t like much folk music. And ~ 2010 there was plenty of terrible folk pop pumping through the radio, like vanilla pudding in my mouth. This, however, is solid. I didn’t like it when it came out, but have had repeated listens over the past 10 years and it has grown on me (or maybe…I’ve grown?). Agreed that it is a great fall / winter album.
Warrants a re-listen
Enjoy the melody and music notes.
12/6/24. Really good modern folk here. I've heard of Fleet Foxes but this is my first time listening, will need to check out the rest of their work!
love this one
Very solid debut album. Refreshing call-backs to traditional american folk music but it isn't afraid to push the classic sound in innovative directions. Cozy album for log-cabins and cool mornings. 8.2/10
Fleet foxes har jag lyssnat på en del. Gillar verkligen soundet. storslagen folkpop. Skivan är behaglig från början till slut.
Hade aldrig hört talas om dem förut. Fin och väldigt välproducerad. Växte med flera genomlyssningar. Förstår inte riktigt storheten med White winter hymnal som verkar varit lead single och har överlägset mest spelningar på Spotify. Föredrar exempelvis Your protector, Blue ridge mountains och He doesn’t know why. Stabil fyra, även om den är mer jämnbra snarare än att ha låtar som verkligen sticker ut.
Great! Thoroughly enjoyed it. Hard to fault other than maybe a touch same-y.
It's a very pleasant listen but I'm a lyrics listener and it didn't really register on that level. I knew White Winter Hymnal pretty well already and it's a lovely song, but that kind of folky Christmas energy is through a lot of it. Also I love the artwork.
Some really beautiful songs but didn’t keep my interest the whole album
A beautiful, almost medieval love story immersed in a woodland atmosphere. 'Sun It Rises' may not have been a strong beginning, but 'White Winter Hymnal' and 'Ragged Wood' carried the album, and 'Your Protector' was a particularly strong point. It was a little uninspiring, but overall, it was a very pleasant listen.
Not genre breaking, but well written indie folk. A good listen on a cold autumnal morning. 4/5
Not exactly my thing, but not bad. A little bland.
I feel cozy and warm while breathing in the clear mountain air, snow softly and slowly covering my porch, while the fire crackles in the fireplace - the album. On a more technical level: Indie Folk Pop, but really well produced. Leaning heavy on the gentle choir and acoustic sound, and tends to build up to a climax that occasionally doesn't come. The soundscape is also not particularly varied, but the album is short enough to not become boring. Where it does excel, in my opinion, is in conveying this mountainy feeling and invoking images. All in all, an excellent debut.
Feels like Ren Faire music. Easy listen.
Sounded like autumn to me. Was pretty good
My beloved...
Nice and calming
pretty good
I liked the blend of soulful americana and indie pop it was a good introduction to this band that a lot of my contemporaries like
Gran álbum!! Precioso, mucho folk americano e inglés y ecos de Zeppelin, Beach Boys, The Byrds y Simon y Garfunkel. Tratamiento pop pero con toques progresivos y psicodélicos a veces. Los juegos de voces simplemente magistrales.
sounds like a mystical chamber folk movie soundtrack. definitely not offensive, but probably not what I’m going to jam while working or driving or making dinner (the three most important music listening activities)
Très bonne découverte.
I really enjoyed this album? I had heard a few of the songs, but never listen to the whole album. Good all around.
4.5
Fleet Foxes slipped through my fingers during their most active years. Whispers of them here and there but always just sort of outside of my acquisition. Being familiar with a lot of the circle they traveled in makes hearing this album quite resonant with references near and dear. It didn't capture my heart immediately so it's not a five star review but it's a record full of promise to grow into that appreciation.
was only familiar with them vaguely but this was pretty - think it'd be a great summer sunny outdoor album. although it felt like a less-good lord huron to me.
have you ever heard and thought it was calming thats what I thought about the album montezuma it has good lyrics and I like the instruments with the heavenly voice that plays with the lyrics why I like this song is because its got good lyrics and instruments I would recommend listening to this album.
Do like upbeat music? Well, then this is the album for you! I like the song your protector because it is upbeat and the singer has an amazing voice! I also like the instruments because they are amazing too! SO that is why I recommend this album.
Chill early 2000's pop-folk- rock. 4/5
Like it
Great when it came out, great now.
Never heard of these folks before and what a chill smooth vibe. I'm here for it.
Not a very interessting album, but perfect for putting on in the background on a cold winter day.
It reminds me very much of The Last Unicorn for some reason. I'm enjoying it, as it's very restful.
Great for a the season. Easy to listen to, but the start of the hymnal annoys me because I’ve hear it so much haha
Quintessential indie of the 10s
Loooooove White Winter Hymnal, the rest is fine and not memorable for me.
Always loved this. Great that so many influences cohere into something so distinct and beautiful. 4.5 🌟
I'm a bit drunk but there's something quite spiritual (and autumnal) about this album. It entrances me me like Bon Iver and Mudlakes Occupanther.
I quite enjoy this style of harmony-pop. They sounded like the American version on Mumford and Sons without the banjos. Which is a good thing.
Notes
Not bad. Reminds me of Band of Horses.
Contemplates death in a melodic fasion
Songs written with a lot of heart to it, even if I felt like I was being preached to by a Christian choir group.
Nice folky stuff. Makes me wanna buy a phone and run to the beach at the break of dawn in 2012
That is some debut
Peasant music
I liked this one a lot more than I thought I would
I am not a fan of folk music at all, mostly because I never grew up on it but this album is fan fucking tastic. the production is awesome, the vocals are amazing, and the total vibe of the album is unmatched. debut album too. incredible.
I enjoyed this decently well, which is interesting, as I wouldn't say that I am necessarily a huge fan of the genre. I'd probably do a 3.5 if available, but since that isn't an option, I'll round up because of liking it despite the genre.
Good folky
Oh, Fleet Foxes, I really like u! I absolutely love White winter hymnal, but most other tracks in this album just couldn't keep up. That is why this is a 4 not 5.
Pleasant listening. Very nice on the ears. Sounds like adventure the whole album. I dig it
That was nice. This is a nice album. I like it. I'm cool with it being on the list. It's different from other things. It's a folk album that has clear classic roots but also feels modern at the same time. That's a good thing. The sound is very pleasant to listen to. I love it. It makes me happy. The singing is similarly nice. I like the harmonies. The writing is quite good too. This whole album makes me feel cozy in a way. This album makes me want to go outside in the fall. It's not quite fall yet, but at some point in the future, I would love to spend a fall day in the forest listening to this album and then come home to binge watch Over the Garden Wall again. That would be nice. This album's great. I wish I had more to say. High 4/5.
Well I'm a sucker for 00s-10s indie folk, so this one is right up my alley. The lyrics, the instrumentals, and the harmonies are just so good.
Very unique sound, thought I was listening to the beach boys for a second, the harmonies and music are just breathtaking. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Stands out as one of the best debuts from the 2000s wave of folk-rock inspired indie bands, with a touch of neo-psychedelia. Recalls bands like The Shins and Arcade Fire. Beautifully-arranged, well-written and produced songs.
Wore this (mp3) album out in 2008/09. If I recall correctly, they got rockier on the second album and kept moving in that direction, but I could have done with another album or two of folk music and harmonies. (I mean, the only point of “heard them stirring” is to flex those harmonies.) I know I listened to Shore, their 2020 album, and I definitely enjoy Helplessness Blues, that second album, but this is the only one I return to with any regularity.
4-5/5; interesting
Slow pace, might be goo cry to
Happy to have been a white person whose soul was touched.
This was a great album. At times I felt like I was on the way to the ren faire. Other times were more introspective. I loved white winter hymnal
Beach boys do folk
Too slow for my taste but very well done.
Didn't think I'd like it, but I did :)
Very dreamy and feywild fun, would happily listen to again
Some good stuff came out in this era and this still holds up. A unique almost mediaeval sound but great songs.
good vocals a chill indie album
Good harmonies, chill vibes.
Good
You know, I was very in to this album when it came out and listened to it a bunch, saw them live on that tour, and then just stopped listening to it and never checked out any subsequent releases. I was expecting that I'd be pretty meh on it, which I was, but it's also just a good record. The sound is a bit too one note for me, but in general it's super solid.
Agree with the reviewer who said this is an album for simpler days. 4 stars.
I was only familiar with their 2017 release. Why I haven't delved deeper in their discog; god knows why but I'll surely do it now
Really enjoyable background music.
A really unique and interesting sound. Was too sleepy to give it a proper listen, but I’ve heard them before
Was introduced to them years ago. They have a unique sound just reminds me of some valley or field, hard to hate. 3.5
If The Wicker Man starred The Beach Boys. The Bwicker Manboys.
Ég kynntist þessu bandi eiginlega í gegnum kóraflutning á bara einu af lögunum þeirra. Virkilega flott lög og það var ánægjulegt að hlusta á þessa plötu. Hún býr til skemmtilega vellíðan og fer alveg pottþétt aftur á fóninn til að skapa rólegheitastemmningu.
Never heard this band, but so good. It’s almost like a new take on late 60’s early 70’s, but still modern and indie ish. Very cool.
Haven’t heard this album in over 10 years. The reverb and mixing always felt claustrophobic which turned me off. Once I got through that this time, I actually found myself enjoying most of it. I would give it a 3.5 if I could.
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
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.
Sounds like very calm alt-J
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.
I like white winter hymnal! And I feel like I would probably like the rest of the album in the winter
Never quite my thing before, but I was vibing with it yesterday.
Melodic, orchestral, and perfectly what it was for the time in 2008.
A more modern take on folk music. I like it.
So chilled I almost fell into a chill coma
Never heard this music before. Enjoyed! Will listen again. American Indie Folk Band from Seattle
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
Chill folk
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
This album just encapsulates that era of indie folk so well. And you know what? I like that era a lot.
Really liked this when it came out. STill stands up in book. STEVEN!
Someone new to me, and quite good.
Feels like it’d be a good fall/winter album
Nice quiet music for a rainy afternoon…7/10
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.
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.
Lots of falsetto and harmonising throughout the album, lively first half then slightly toned down. Great listen. 7.5/10
sounds like Grizzly Bear and Band of Horses. They have some good songs. some of it sounds like 60's folk.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It's genuinely great then and now. Solid 8/10 even tho it's not my usual fave genre
Groovey
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.
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.
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
Pretty good
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.
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.
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.
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).
Not folking bad
Gave the vibes of driving through the country side in the late evening.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Heel nice
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.
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.
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 :(
This caught me on the right day.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.
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
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
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….
qt y comfy
Love indies raritos
I like this kind of music, Good vibe. My wife enjoyed listening to it during dinner so bonus points for that.
Pretty good!! He doesn’t know why is a banger
The harmonies are perfection!
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.
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 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.
Pop/Folk White Winter Hymnal Lässt sich sehr gut hören, ist eher ruhig 4/5
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.
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
Enjoyed it. First time sitting down and truly focusing on a fleet foxes record.
Really nice, soothing and chill