any band introduced as offering a “sound combining the baroque psychedelic pop of the ’60s, sacred harp singing, gospel, and folk music” requires full attention.

especially when they back it up by selecting Pieter the Elder Bruegel’s “The Blue Cloak” as the album cover. these guys are arteests.

God blessed me in the most fantastic way of discovering Fleet Foxes, too. I spent an unmeasured time in Good Records, in Dallas, TX, floating through the aisles of discs. one of the listening stations highlighted their self-titled LP, and I stopped to soak it in. the last time I remember the awe of discovery so fondly was when the Virgin Music store was still in Mockingbird Station and I imbibed Iron & Wine’s Woman King EP. Fleet Foxes contains a band full of Sam Beams; haunting harmonies, layered and textured instruments, and lyrics laced with mesmerizing narratives (”Tiger Mountain Peasant Song”).

one notes the echo of Jim James’ vocals throughout the album, but Robin Pecknold’s lead quickly billows into much more as his bandmates join the effort (”White Winter Hymnal”). some of the grooves also ring of My Morning Jacket (more Z than Evil Urges), but ultimately Fleet Foxes’ depth and range of sound outstrips MMJ. on “He Doesn’t Know Why,” whispers of the actual band James thread through the measures.

clearly, though, the standout track is “Your Protector.” hearing this the first time I thought, “This must be what it was like the first time ‘The Battle of Evermore’ spun on your turntable.” yes, I really said that. the track can withstand that comparison. try it.

anticipating your fear that you don’t have time to listen to all these tracks, I endeavored to cut the list down to five solid pieces. I found, however, that deciding which tracks would remain was much like deciding which of my ten fingers I would choose to keep, had I the responsibility to sever the others. trust me - just listen to the whole set: