Looking at some of the more negative reviews, it seems that a bit criticism of Fleet Foxes is a lack of originality. I think that the point is correct, to an extent, but don't let it deter you from getting the record. If you're looking for an experimental band, Lightning Bolt, the Boredoms, or even Animal Collective are where there's a lot of great innovation in pop. However, Fleet Foxes aren't trying to experiment with the boundaries of what listeners will put up with, let alone enjoy. No, this record is recorded to be beautiful, not new. In that respect, it succeeds.
The best way I can think to describe the sound of the music is to say that it's the kind of album I'd listen to on a warm autumn night where the leaves aren't quite falling from the trees. Lyrically, it's vastly superior to other breakout bands from 2008. Vampire Weekend, which was the band of the month it seems from January '08 until God knows when has no depth to their lyrics. This criticism cannot be leveled at Fleet Foxes in the same manner. Given, a song like the opening "Sun it Rises" or the popular "White Winter Hymnal" aren't exactly brilliant. However, if you look to tracks like "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song" or "Oliver James," you'll find beautiful, if chilling lyrics, with the specter of mortality running through them.
1. Sun it Rises, 2. White Winter Hymnal, 3. Ragged Wood, 4. Tiger Mountain Peasant Song, 5.Quiet Houses, 6. He Doesn't Know Why, 7. Heard Them Stirring, 8. Your Protector, 9.Meadowlarks, 10. Blue Ridge Mountains, and 11. Oliver James.
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