Who: Fleet Foxes
What: Fleet Foxes
Where: Seattle, Washington, USA
Why: Seattle based post grunge indie folk rockers Fleet Foxes, under the careful, considered guidance of their fearless leader, principal songwriter and lead vocalist Robin Pecknold, held considerable sway in the late oughts.
Building on momentum created by their debut EP and its follow up, adoring fans and the international music press alike eagerly awaited the release of their Phil Ek produced 2008 self titled debut album.
With accolades showered upon them from the likes of Rolling Stone magazine, Pitchfork and Britain’s The Guardian, who cited the album as, “a landmark in American music, an instant classic”, Fleet Foxes enjoyed the enviable position of being the hottest new thing in Rock N Roll at the time.
A mere three years later their sophomore album peaked at number 4 in Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart, an astounding feat for a guitar driven act, practically unheard of today.
And even though 80s baby Robin Pecknold was born a full 20 years after the Summer Of Love, his contrary muse steadfastly feeds off an abundant feast of 1960s San Francisco sonic flourishes reminiscent of a young Marty Balin and Grace Slick, embracing both tight harmonies and the recording sensibilities of the day.
Sure, Surrealistic Pillow is probably the most definitive San Francisco album ever made, but even a Seattle act can dream. Right Jimi?
When: 2008
Editor’s Choice: