Helplessness Blues
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CRITIC REVIEWS
100
Wide-eyed self-searching is this record’s predominant mode, which Fleet Foxes do both lyrically and sonically, reveling in the process of discovery.
94
Fleet Foxes have become a band who will not stop pushing, who will challenge themselves to avoid stagnancy, who will work with both their instruments and their minds.
90
Helplnessness Blues is not a reinvention, but rather a refinement.
90
Helplessness Blues is a cosmic, bombastic record, undaunted and ready to expose itself on every corner with a whole lot of heart.
90
It’s an album that makes you sad that it’s not longer; sad that it can’t just go on forever.
88
The record showcases the band's expanded range and successful risk-taking, while retaining what so many people fell in love with about the group in the first place.
80
It’s a richer, more diverse sound than their self-titled LP or the Sun Giant EP.
80
It's the music that stands out, and the band's acoustic folk/chamber pop combo makes every song sound like a grand tribute to back-to-the-land living.
80
This is a dynamic record that improves on the band’s already impressive accomplishments in every way.
80
Far from that folksy, laid-back image, Helplessness Blues confirms Fleet Foxes' place as one of the most exacting, creative, and straight-up best bands making music in 2011.
70
This is more than just a supremely strong follow-up.
40
Fleet Foxes suck. They’re the soy-latte house band of Starbucks.
So I haven't listened to this in years and I don't think I even finished it then. After reading Wes' "Friends as Albums" post (again) I figured I'd give it a spin again......Wes...my man...are you like a psychic or something? Because damn. Just damn. This is like one of the most relatable things I've listened to since discovering Haley Heynderickx
Use of instruments is unbelievable. Brings a form of shrinkage to the glorious capacity of our world. I love this music, and the use of the instruments.
Fav Tracks; The Cascades, Blue Spotted Tail, Grown Ocean
Fav Tracks; The Cascades, Blue Spotted Tail, Grown Ocean
Fleet Foxes reach a higher level of artistry in their sophomore record. An album that was highly acclaimed at the time of its release, but shows signs of consistency and quality even now, five years later. Helplessness Blues shows the band finding a balance in their incredibly vivid narrative and the sparse instrumentation that had been a constant in their sound since the beginning of their career. The songwriting is upgraded in comparison to their already bright debut album, but now the sense ... read more
Masterpiece---
This is Simon and Garfunkel on STEROIDS: a much more grand and full production and instrumentation style, three part harmonized vocals, and a better overall tone for an album. It's a satisfying listen through and through, and it has a homey and nostalgic feel to it, almost as if you're travelling somewhere that you haven't been to but it feels familiar. I believe that this might be the overall theme of the album as well. So sosososo great.
Color: Yellow
FAV TRACKS: Helplessness ... read more
This is Simon and Garfunkel on STEROIDS: a much more grand and full production and instrumentation style, three part harmonized vocals, and a better overall tone for an album. It's a satisfying listen through and through, and it has a homey and nostalgic feel to it, almost as if you're travelling somewhere that you haven't been to but it feels familiar. I believe that this might be the overall theme of the album as well. So sosososo great.
Color: Yellow
FAV TRACKS: Helplessness ... read more
It's cute and comfy. It has this nostalgic vibe to it, specially on songs like Bedouin Dress and Helplessness blues. Beautiful from beggining to end although it can get a bit boring.
Favorite Tracks: Montezuma, Bedouin Dress, Helplessness Blues, Blue Spotted Tail
Favorite Tracks: Montezuma, Bedouin Dress, Helplessness Blues, Blue Spotted Tail
END OF YEAR LISTS
| #1 | / | PopMatters |
| #1 | / | The Needle Drop |
| #2 | / | Paste |
| #3 | / | FILTER |
| #3 | / | MOJO |
| #3 | / | One Thirty BPM |
| #3 | / | Pretty Much Amazing |
| #4 | / | No Ripcord |
| #4 | / | Rolling Stone |
| #4 | / | Under the Radar |
| #6 | / | Urban Outfitters |
| #7 | / | Treble |
| #12 | / | Uncut |
| #13 | / | Bigger Than The Sound |
| #13 | / | Clash |
More Lists
MISC LISTS
| #2 | / | NPR Listeners |
| #2 | / | Pitchfork Readers |
| #4 | / | Spinner (First Half) |
| #19 | / | Stereogum (First Half) |
| #33 | / | Paste (Indie Folk) |
| #82 | / | Pitchfork: The People's List |
Track List
- Montezuma
- Bedouin Dress
- Sim Sala Bim
- Battery Kinzie
- The Plains/Bitter Dancer
- Helplessness Blues
- The Cascades
- Lorelai
- Someone You'd Admire
- The Shrine/An Argument
- Blue Spotted Tail
- Grown Ocean
In Library (79)
