Red squirrel in the morning,
Red squirrel in the evening,
Red squirrel in the morning,
I’m comin’ to take you home.
The Fleet Foxes’ self-titled full length debut kicks off distinctively with the above
a capella introduction, reminiscent of the beginning of “Clap Your Hands,” but trading
in the travelling sideshow for the medieval troupe. Believe the hype, the Fleet
Foxes have produced here one of the most creative albums of the year.
Replete with pastoral, multiple-part harmonies and crisp instrumentation, this album
will float you back centuries to the time of the travelling bard. The band has referred
to their style as “baroque harmonic pop jams.” And honestly, that’s a pretty spot-on
description. Resist the urge to default to Jethro Tull references, though. For
starters, that’s just not polite. But it’s also not accurate. There’s no kitsch
here, no gimmick. The Foxes’ brand of minstrel pop is more genuine and better constructed.
In other words, it’s not just a 70’s “metal” band that’s throwing in a flute and
singing “songs from the wood.”
For starters, the entire album sounds like it was recorded in a cathedral, adding
to the ethereal ambiance. This produces a softening of virtually every musical edge
and provides an especially spectacular platform for the more sparse or haunting tracks,
such as “Oliver James” or “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song.” But it’s not all lutes
and lyres, as the Foxes take these qualities and add an indie-pop (if not a 60’s
pop) sensibility. With every Byrds-like shake of the tambourine, this album seems
to blend un-blendable bucolic and contemporary styles to a sublime success. The
result is an album that would be equally at home playing in a medieval Court or at
Championship Vinyl (“I will now sell five copies of the Beta Band”).
However, beyond the underlying style, the Foxes also prove to be gifted songwriters.
Similar to Plants and Animals’ offering this year, the Foxes have created a set
of intricately arranged songs that effortlessly shift from one musical theme to another,
all the while eschewing any traditional refrain or chorus. (Note: I wholeheartedly
agree with co-contributor Kelly that Parc Avenue is also one of this year’s best
and also believe that numerous similarities can be drawn between that album and this
one). The result is a unique sound truly all their own, which influenced bands will
find difficult, if not impossible, to emulate.
All in all, the Fleet Foxes will without question find themselves very near the top
of many a “Best of” list this year, including mine.
