To those of you who stopped listening to music after you got tired of the ‘8 Mile’ soundtrack, here’s a suggestion: get on your bike and ride to your local record shop. Greet the clerk and ask him or her to direct you to the rock section (maybe the indie section depending on the shop). When you reach the right section, look for the F’s. The artist you are looking for is Fleet Foxes, the album is their self-titled debut release in the summer of 2008. Put the disc in your hand and slyly lower it into your pocket. Walk around the perimeter of the store, as far from the clerk as possible. It is important to be looking at your feet during this time, and if you are wearing a hoodie, raise the hood over your head. As soon as the clerk is busy placing a special order for the funny looking guy that just walked in, make a run for it. You just got a free new record, and the best part: it’s a great record.
Fleet Foxes are a five piece group from Seattle. Their self-titled debut album was released in June 2008. The first impression I had when listening was that they sound like My Morning Jacket. Some online research confirms that music critics and writers think the same thing. Don’t get me wrong, this is not at all a bad thing. Some of the things I love about MMJ: the soaring melodies and reverby vocals are present, but Fleet Foxes have a much more traditional-folk driven sound. While MMJ was busy drinking whiskey and listening to Neil Young, Fleet Foxes were home-brewing beer and listening to Nick Drake. I always relate to music in terms of the geographic origins of the band, and these guys really do make me think of a rainy-day drive through the pine-tree covered Mountains of the Pacific Northwest. “White Winter Hymnal” is a great display of the vocal driven anthem Fleet Foxes has perfected. The liner notes of the album are really cool as well, so it will do you no good to just download. You’re going to go steal this one for yourself. Come to think of it, nevermind about the shoplifting – get a job and buy the damn record.
