The great folks over at Sub Pop accidentally sent me an extra copy of Fleet Foxes new album Helplessness Blues (which drops May 3rd) on CD. First world problems, right?
That’s why I’m running a contest to give that extra copy to one of you guys. They gave me the green light, so here’s your chance to grab this wonderful new album from Fleet Foxes for free.
To win, just leave a comment with your favorite song from the album and why. That’s all. I’ll pick a winner at the end of the month, allowing enough time to get it to you on the May 3rd release date.
Andrew brandt — 20 Apr 11
my favorite track on the new fleet foxes album is easily the title track, ‘helplessness blues’. Robin Pecknold’s voice on the song is simply stunning. the first strums of guitar that open the song give me shivers every time. at first i wasn’t a fan of the throwback sound they were going for, but with dozens of listens this song has grown to be a front runner for my favorite of the year. the song is so critical yet hopeful at the same time, and while it sounds beautifully retro, it is ridiculously applicable to the problems Americans face today. fleet foxes ability to promote a great message with unbelievable lyrics and music just ‘wows’ me.
Reniazen — 20 Apr 11
If I had to pick one song to call “my favorite” on the new album, it would be the plains/bitter dancer; classic gorgeous vocals and luscious harmonies, this is the fleet foxes I know and love, only it’s not the same tired songs over and over. I love this tune and could listen to it on repeat all day!
David Sexton — 20 Apr 11
My favorite track on the record is “Lorelai”. THe song calls to mind one of my favorite Beatles songs, “Norwegian Wood”. It’s an upbeat, catchy track with a great rhythm and impeccable vocal harmony.
David Wolfson — 20 Apr 11
The title track blew me away immediately. Folk storytelling at its finest. I can’t wait to see them do it during their headlining slot at Pitchfork Festival this summer!
Brendan — 20 Apr 11
Whenever I download mp3 singles from albums, I usually download a lot at one time and cipher out which ones instantly stick with me, and which ones don’t.
Having said that, “grown ocean” instantly caught me. it literally made me stop in my tracks and listen to the beauty.
unlike a lot of bands nowadays, fleet foxes can really paint beautiful pictures and give you a great feeling for an entire album. “grown ocean” is the perfect example of this. it’s a flawless song. Robin’s voice echoes and creates these wonderful landscapes, in a way in which no one else can do today.
John Grimshaw — 20 Apr 11
i hate redundancy but my favorite track is also helplessness blues. This song’s lyrical content is some of the most refreshing and different material i’ve heard in contemporary music, and feels just right for Fleet Foxes. A song about how individuality is overrated, and working hard for both oneself and others leads to real satisfaction is right up their alley. Musically the song is arcing, punctuated, and lilting, and inspires an incredible sense of inner peace. All in all a wonderful, heartfelt song; I expected nothing less of Robin Pecknold.
Logan — 20 Apr 11
Great to see everyone picking different songs. My favorite so far would probably have to be Montezuma. I feel the song is talking about the way we change when we grow older and how some things we held onto when we were younger make us seem petty now. We start to see life in a different way and we react. This is just my view, but I am getting older now and feel that I am starting to see the world in a different light then I used to when I was younger.
Alex Fuller — 20 Apr 11
Before I pick my favorite song, I have to preface it by saying that it’s hard to pick just one, since the entire album and every song therein is so stunning. It’s almost unfair to other bands how Fleet Foxes are operating at such a whole other level.
That being said, my favorite song of the new album is “Bedouin Dress.” It begins so masterfully, first with the rhythmic guitar strumming, then the addition of the piano and percussion, and finally the arrival of Robin’s unmistakable voice (“If to borrow is to take and not return / I have borrowed all my lonesome life”). I get completely hooked every time I hear it, especially after the brilliant little violin accompaniment that follows the first verse. The entire song has a wonderful rhythm and progression that makes it a joy to listen to every time.
I absolutely can’t wait to see Fleet Foxes live on May 8th; I know it’s going to be a religious experience.
Ellen — 20 Apr 11
I really love “Grown Ocean.” It has a bit more edge and drive to it, But the familiar repetitive layering of the guitars and beautiful vocal harmonies heard throughout keeps it grounded to what we know as the Fleet Foxes.
Patrick — 21 Apr 11
I would have to say that my favorite track would be Grown Ocean. I was blown away by sound created in this song, I think like most, the first time I heard it was with the short film by Robin’s brother. when it finished I just had to sit there in silence for a minute, and then was kinda depressed that the next track didn’t start up… so I listened to it again. these days that seems to be a rarity. with bands constantly trying to stay ahead of the game and changing their sound all the time. Honestly, I’m just glad were not getting soundbites from the band being apologists or trying to sell us on a new album… like ” I know that our roots are in folk, but we felt that it was just time for a prog rock album, and we really thought our fans were ready for that too”
Matt — 25 Apr 11
It’s difficult to choose only one track as a favorite. Bedouin Dress really jumped out of the speakers and Lorelai oozes positivity despite the subject matter. however, based on their recent performances on Jools Holland and BBC radio, I think Grown Ocean has become my favorite track. It displays Pecknold’s brilliant songwriting and feels like the most genuine track on the album.
Jeremy — 25 Apr 11
All of the tracks upon “Helplessness Blues” have that same charm that caused me to become such a fan of Fleet Foxes. Of the collection of tracks present on the LP I would have to say that “Battery Kinzie.” The tracks regal-ness, lush harmonies, driving drums and melodic guitar chords cause it to stand out and make it one of my favorites.
Outside of those details the reason this track is my favorite on “Helplessness Blues” is because of a certain video I saw back in January. While browsing through Fleet Foxes I came across a breif studio video they had posted. The video was of Robin, the Engineer and a few other members. They were in the midst of recording vocal harmonies and Robing was singing the part to the others. They then broke off into inprov singing which was very hilarious.
The vocal harmony being worked on became the chorus for “Battery Kinzie.” From the moment I saw that video I could not wait to hear where the highly catchy and lush vocal part would be used. I was overjoyed to hear it when the track was released back in March. This song still remains one of my favorites on the album much due to the raw video showing its vocals being recorded.
Todd — 29 Apr 11
I really like The ShriNE/An Argument. It’s a really ambitious song that demands your attention. (why is this comment box forcing caps lock?)