Helplessness Blues

After three listens, this album is really starting to sound great. As a huge Fleet Foxes fan, I knew it would be difficult to follow up the huge success of their first LP and EP. Fortunately, the Fleet Foxes have done a recording that is neither a copy of their earlier material (I don't like artists who repeat themselves) - nor is it so left-field in direction as to alienate any fans of the early releases.
I gave this 4/5 (it just didn't have the immediacy of the first album). The first album hooked me after 30 seconds, this album took about three good listens. After my initial listen I felt the album lacked the strong vocal hooks of say "White Winter Hymnal" etc. With repeated listens however, I've discovered there is some real gold in this recording. The overall sound is more dense than the first album (check the instrument list!). Like many of my favourite albums, the ones that take a bit more time to "get into" seem to last longer with me.
There are a few sonic "surprises" on this - check out the John Zorn-ish Saxophone on "The Shrine/An Argument"! Texturally, a very interesting disc. On another note - and this is important - The Fleet Foxes have continued the tradition of creating an interesting album cover. There's a completeness in what they do. Great music - great graphic ideas. Makes me want to buy this on both CD and LP (as I did with their first album).
I could have given this a 5/5, but somehow after such a long wait it didn't quite connect initially. Let's say I've given it a very strong 4/5, and recommend it as an album who's treasure becomes more apparent after a few listens.

Never have I so eagerly awaited a follow-up effort as I have Helplessness Blues. The Foxes' first CD & EP were so totally different from everything else on the market that I couldn't wait to hear their further explorations of their vision, for that is what Robin Pecknold is, an American visionary. The only comparison that comes to mind in terms of uniqueness of vision is maybe the first records of The Band, all those years ago, even though the music of the Band was so very different. But in terms of originality, as well as their interpretation of various American archetypes and myths, the Foxes warrant comparison with The Band. The music here is considerably denser, fuller, than the first album, and the harmonies even more lush, more gorgeous. All I can say is they have totally met the expectations kindled by the first album, and then some. This is spiritual music, "soul" music, of the highest order.

Having heard good reviews about the latest Fleet Foxes album, I purchased Helplessness Blues about 2 months ago. I was struck by the complexity and diversity of the songs in terms of instrumentals, lyrics, and feeling. Each song has many layers to appreciate and allows you to listen with fascination again and again. A lot of the creativity in this album can be felt in the band's previous release, but all aspects seem to have blossomed and matured.

Songs like Montezuma and Helplessness Blues take in the listener immediately. If you keep listening, the haunting lyrics and instrumentals pull you into every song on the album. Even after 2 months, I find myself listening to this album almost everyday, something I can't say about any other album I've come across.

I eagerly look forward to more releases from Fleet Foxes. You'll miss something special if you don't listen to this album.