More civil war beard blog rock. They sound just like a less rock influenced My Morning Jacket and Band of Horses. There's nothing original going on here. The songs are pleasant enough, but you've heard it all before. The title track "ragged wood" very blatantly rips off MMJ's "golden".

This is what I call an album, fun from beginning to end. A truly groundbreaking achievement in the music industry. These guys know what REAL music is all about. Truly astounding, nuff said.

There is absolutely nothing wrong to say about this record. Perfect. Cannot recall how many times I've dreamed about Blue Ridge Mountains. This is what I call music.

Fleet Foxes, sounds pure, dreamy and is a pleasant album. Which is a lot to ask nowadays. (Maybe that's why "masses" liked it, superior-being Joe Blow, and tastes are different so but that logic anything is better than something, since there's no general agreement that something is good, and it doesn't really make any sense for metacritic to exist...).

Technically proficient but other than "White Winter Hymnal," there's no real magic.

Solid debut full of great harmonies and solid arrangements, good folk record.

This album gets better and better with each listen. Even though there are obvious splashes of CSNY, The Zombies, and Simon & Garfunkel, it never sounds like a rip-off and is always fresh and original. Easily in my top five favorite albums this year, and very easily could make the top mark. It's that good.

A solid and exciting debut of melodic pop gems a la label mates the Shins and Band of Horses.

Steps higher than the rest untalented music that is out this year. 2nd only to the crazyness of Mgmt.

A great first album , it give hope , but vocal are not really good , sometimes yes sometime no. A bad production with boring songs. But when i hear Tiger mountain or your Protector , i am sure this bands have a great potential.

nothing is new...but i think this is new..got it?!...before i download this album i was thinking this is going to be the best..& this is good.. not the best!...got it?!

I can't think of a bad thing to say about it.

The most impressive debut I've heard in 15 years or more. This music has reinvigorated a joy for music in me that I haven't felt in the mp3 era.

A wonderful album, from start to finish. Intricate, thoughtful, haunting at times, and always eminently listenable. I know it's high praise to say that listening to this album can set the tone and change the mood of a period in one's life, but I don't feel it's an exaggeration to claim this in the case of Fleet Foxes. This album (and the band's earlier EP, Sun Giant) have helped define my summer, and I will likely be enjoying this album for many, many months to come. Such a well-crafted album is hard to come by these days.… Expand

Listen to some of these user reviews: "I *cannot* listen to a single song without mentally placing myself in a Robert Frost poem". "...or on a late fall road trip through a wooded nowhere." "Harmonies flow and haunt you..." "Probably only Biffy Clyro or Lightspeed Champion have come close..." When you see remarks like these, you know the music is garbage. These people aren't even making sense!… Expand

Instantly became one of my most favorite albums, but it's not for everybody since some people don't feel "cool" listening to folk-ish music the only problem i see with this band is, well, can they really make an album better than this one? i doubt it.

This record is so good!!! The vocal harmonies and instrumentation go so well together. Bordering on life-changing!

Mark F, I don't agree with you. I just think the production is done really well. Just because of this way of producing the album gives that unique sound. For the rest Fleet Foxes is the music that we all have been searching for.

Slightly above average, but nowhere near as good as the reviews. Maybe I expected too much after seeing such a high metacritic score. There are definitely albums with lower scores that rock more, are more fun, and more worth a listen.

nothing is new...but i think this is new..got it?!...before i download this album i was thinking this is going to be the best..& this is good.. not the best!...got it?!

This is the best album of the year. Order goes 1. Fleet Foxes everything else.

Fleet Foxes are a welcome, fresh, and beautiful addition to the Indie scene. They manage to sound original and forward-thinking while referencing a slew of great 60's/70's influences (CSNY, Simon & Garfunkel, Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, etc.). I also want to point out that on top of their exceptional harmonies, voices, and musicianship that their songwriting and compositions are well thought-out, engaging, and keep you interested throughout the entire record.… Expand

Hands down the best CD of the year so far. Pick up the Sun Giant EP too - both are excellent.

Far and away the most breathtaking thing I've heard in a long time. The sound of every instrument is absolutely perfect, when each element is added it's heart stopping. The vocals are unbelievable, their harmonies are perfect. But I'm gonna have to say that it's Robin Pecknold's vocals that make these songs so stunning (and I'm not usually someone that is grabbed by singing, I usually like them lower on the mix) the subtle reverb and everything down to how things are pronounced by him is just perfect. Go buy this album asap along with sun giant, I can't see people disliking this record and I for one can't wait to hear what these guys do next!… Expand

This might be the best album of the year. Lush landscapes and texture. It's a different state of mind.

If you don't like this, I don't like you.

After all the hype, I finally listened to this. And what a letdown - it just fits in that dull niche of paint by numbers alternative music. Nice, safe, repetitive but ultimately disengaging and downright dull.

I don't understand the hype. When I first played this album I turned the volume WAY down so no one else would hear it. It was pretty embarrassing. This sounds like something that should be playing as background music at a King Richard's fair.

The album of the year. Incredible harmonies, beautiful melodies all in its very own world.

No no no. Way overrated. It was really... boring. All the tracks sound the same and there's just nothing I loved about it. Bleugh.

Too good for these times.

This album moves you!!! That is all I can say! You must just listen to it to understand.

This album captivates the mind and soul. Congratulations Fleet Foxes, you've made it into my chosen few of all time favorite artists and with but a single album.

One of the best albums I've ever heard and I am a massive music fan aged 41. Sublime and profound.

Uhg. Crap. Stop it already. Just stop it.

Stepping in to the music of The Fleet Foxes is about as folk as folk gets. A camp fire band if you could say. Bunch of Bards playing and singing before your ears. The bands first album is truly a satisfying one to listen to. It would be almost perfect, if they just cooled off on the complex elements waving together through some of the songs. This can tend to drag a great complex peace down if you go over the top. They do tend to do this at times and it makes it hard to focus on the music. Other then this the album is great for mature listeners.… Expand

Hexum the people ur bashing make perfect sense, ur just to thick to understand them, awesome album by the way

Joe blow = typical pretentious opinion i'm glad there are at least some people who listen to the music for the music, not to be as obscure as possible to bolster their hipster cred.

Each song on this record is like an old friend. You are instantly drawn to them yet learn to appreciate them even more as you get to know them. wholly organic yet sophisticated and haunting, this record is one that will towards the front of my record collection forever.

Cynical types will dismiss this, but stripped of any hype or its indie critic favor and this album is still gorgeous, refreshingly accessable and wonderfully produced. I hope they DON'T make it more "bumpy" and stick to making beautiful, harmonized folk tunes, because there's more than enough top-tier indie bands making that kind of challenging music already. It's okay to make something nice and relaxing, too, you know. It's great to find a band that does it well.… Expand

Awesome? Yes... Overrated? A bit... I should say that I think some of the songs are boring, but I won't instead I will say that some songs are the BEST of 2008... "White Winter Hymnal" and "He Doesn't Know Why" are the most beautiful songs of the century (ok, that's a little too much), the Fleet Foxes are way too good for pop lovers, anyone that is a fan of Fleet Foxes, is obviously smart.… Expand

This album is very good, just not as good as they say. It doesn't endeavor to extend beyond the structure and sonic signature set out many, many times before in recent years. Plenty of good stuff to listen to here, not as much to be excited about.

"White Winter Hymnal" sounds like The Shins rewriting XTC's "Senses Working Overtime". Catchy as hell, like Split Enz's "I Got You" with vocal harmonies reminiscent of Brian Eno and John Cale's "One Word", "White Winter Hymnal" replaces thinking, replaces everybody's favorite song with this towering achievement of genius. Gorgeous stuff. I also like "He Doesn't Know Why" because it sounds like a tribute to The Chills' Martin Phillips. The majestic ballad would've been at home on either "Submarine Bells", or "Soft Bomb". Fleet Foxes know Kiwi pop. Fleet Foxes blows your mind again on "Your Protector". Imagine Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" as a Broadway musical. Imagine John Proctor singing "you run with the devil" to Abigail before he pins her to the bed. "Your Protector" also sounds like the October Project with an ethereal male singer, instead of an ethereal female one. Along with Vampire Weekend and Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes is helping make 2008 a banner year for indie-minded music.… Expand

This is awful. This is terrible yuppie music. Read all the reviews and gave it a listen. This is lifestyle music for Starbucks-addict faux hipsters. Your parents will love this because it sucks. Instead, listen to any of the amazing musicians from the last forty years of recorded popular music this band is ripping off that are leaps and bounds ahead of this. Go buy some Squeeze, Fairport Convention, Pavement, Elvis Costello, or anything else. Sappy, derivative trash.… Expand

A glorious synthesis of Smile-era Brian Wilson and forest folk. Bold in its scope, but achingly perfect in its sound and economy. Melodies are extended and rerouted in ways that are surprising and satisfying. An album with the creative heft to be considered one of the year's best.

This is and will be the best album of 2008. Easily.

I confess, as one whose tastes would best be characterized as "mindless hipster-zombie", i felt obliged to enjoy this appealingly anachronistic album. I further admit I didn't really enjoy it at first, but I encourage multiple listenings; it really is a great album!

This album is solid, but let's get ahold of ourselves, this is not one of this years best in the big picture. People kind of need to cool their jets and quit riding the Hype Train.

The melodies. The guitar work. The harmonies. I'm practically speechless. Album of the year, so far!

Sub Pop has found another indie gem in the pacific northwest. Fleet Foxes' thick harmonies and foggy-mountain sound coupled with Ek's production create the best album of 2008 thus far. This record is jam-packed with melodies that whisk you away to a log cabin somewhere tucked away in the mountains. I strongly recommend this album, the best record that has come out in a very long time.

Amazing. Best album I've heard in a long time.

wow... I am listening to the album for the first time right now and almost finished. This is truly amazing stuff for some reason. I never LOVE an album after 1 listen most of the time these days. It is also important to say i hardly ever listen to stuff like this, I usually go for different things, anything soft is usually like dead meadow or explosions in the sky. Very original to me, captivating, beautiful, I have to tell about it.… Expand

One of the Best Albums Of 2008! A complete masterpiece!

If you haven't heard this album yet, you may be asking yourself whether it could possibly be that good. I am here to tell you that it is. This record that will stand the test of time.

There aren't many records on Metacritic I give 10's, in fact the only other two I can think of right now are Radiohead's "In Rainbows" which of course deserves it and She & Him's "Volume One" which reminds me of Joanie Mitchell. "Fleet Foxes" is amazing stuff. Just look at the reviews and you'll see why. Soaring vocal harmonies, hooky, folky melodies, and epic, imgainative lyrics make you feel like you've been transported into another time or dimension even. You can tell these guys have been heavily influenced by bands like "Crosby Stills Nash and Young" or even as new as "The Shins". Overall, "Fleet Foxes" is a wonderful record full of emotion and talent. A great debut for a great band. The record will soon become a classic, mark my words.… Expand

I just finished listening this disc and it is very good!! I agree with everyone, this is one of, if not the best, albums to come down the pipe this year.

Spectacular.

It took me one listen to realize this is an absolute certified classic album – this album has a purity of sound and spirit that makes it totally unique in 2008. I’d bet my mortgage on this being the best album released this year!

A shoo-in for my favorite record of 2008. Take the album as a sum of all its parts; don't dissect who they sound like, what the songs remind you of, etc. Just sit and listen. At the 2:04 mark of Blue Ridge Mountains is when this album hits absolute nirvana. I will be listening to this album when I'm an old man.

My rating may seem low but something has to be done to tame all the crazy high praise. If you like boring mountain music with really lame lyrics and harmonies that will make you want to turn the music down when a car pulls next to you so not to be embarrased -then this is the band for you. Songs that start off by repeating lay me down over and over with vomit inducing harmonies do not make album of the year. There is so much better music out from this year alone. I can't believe how over-hyped these guys are. Just wait until some time passes. I bet no one will want to admit they thought this was a masterpiece 2 years from now. It will be like Clap Your Hands Say Yeah all over again but worse. Basically, this music is lame. Don't get caught up in the hype.… Expand

Incredible album. Leer uses the term "captivating" for a reason. This music -- the vocals especially -- dance around the center of the melody splendidly, seemingly occupying a space hovering above the music. These guys have forged their own unique and poignant sound. Sure they have their influences, as do all bands, but the difference is that Fleet Foxes frequently transcend them while employing them at the same time. Stunning freshman album. Minus one point for two mediocre songs at the end.… Expand

Absolutely outstanding album, I've played it to death and still keep coming back to it. Mightily impressive for such a young band - believe the hype.

Well put together, but i think it lacks any daring or innovation.

First of all, drenching vocals in reverb doesn't can't cover up bad singing but the record is nostalgic and innocuous enough to win over some ears. The "Are you Going to Scarborough Faire/Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme" folksiness of Simon & Garfunkel) and shows that people really still dig baroque choral music. But essentially the combined the overly drenched reverb of the old AM radio sound that My Morning Jacket did on "Z" a couple of years ago. There's also a little freak folk bandwagonesque going on this side of Joanna Newsome. Hopefully Fleet Foxes will slink away quietly and might be able to weather the long haul. As for now, it's the flavor of the month for the indie world.… Expand

I feel like this is one of those bands that come out of nowhere and make an album of atmospheric beauty like 70's albums from the Band or Dylan. The vocal harmony, lyrics, and the backwoodsy feel. It's refreshing to hear a band just play songs without using overproduced polish.

Superb, utterly superb. I have long waited for this type of sound and these guys deserve every accolade.

Absolute perfection. I *cannot* listen to a single song without mentally placing myself in a Robert Frost poem or on a late fall road trip through a wooded nowhere.

This is my new favorite band, hands down. Every last song they have is amazing. I hate to use that word, but it is. Just listen for yourself if you haven't already.

This music makes me want to stick knitting needles into my ears.

When I first heard this I thought it was way too twee for me. But after a few listens the shear brilliance won me over. Not previously my cup of tea at all, I am definitely a convert.

Excellent harmonies created with the voices.

I listened to it when it first leaked, bought the vinyl when it was released, and continue to return to it more than any other album from 2008. The entire album is full of twists, brilliant vocals, and such distinct emotion that your mood can change the instant Red Squirrels stops its awkward chanting (I must say that part is the 10 or so seconds I dislike from the entire album). The guitar melodies are beautifully constructed to unsuspectingly pop in your head every so often-- which explains my addiction to it. I honestly think the best part about this album is that it's perfect "background" music. That's typically regarded as a bad thing, but I can walk, talk, work, think, or just plain listen to it. Brilliant stuff. The only bad thing is that I just don't see how they can possibly to top this sound in their sophomore effort. But I guess we'll just have to wait and see.… Expand

Best album of 2008.

Just another perfect example of the oldest misconception in the world, if everyone likes it that much, it must be good. Wrong. The way I see it, if everybody likes it that much, it probably means that it's suited for the masses, meaning, common, saturated ideas that are more than likely being done better elsewhere, not en-masse.

Timeless folk music. Sumptious harmonies with carefully crafted instrumentation. Stick it on repeat and you won't regret it!

The album is exceptional, perhaps the best I've heard in the past few years. I saw them live at All Points West Music and Arts Festival and I was blown away. Imagine four of the five band members harmonizing perfectly. On the cd you may think they sound off key, but it's intentional, it sounds unique and they wanted you to hear Robin Pecknold primarily. Truly one of the innovative bands we have seen in this era. For all of you Kids that only like metal or straight rap, get out of here. This place is for those who seek truthful insight. From those who have actually listened to the music, and not some punk who gave it a zero just because everyone likes it so much and it's "mainstream."… Expand

An absolutely stunning album. I have to disagree with Gene S. If you listen to Robin sing with out reverb he proves to be a wonderful singer, the reverb just serves to add the the ethereal nature of this masterpiece. From the lonesome acoustics of Tiger Mountain Peasant Song to the epic, glorious Ragged Wood or Your Protector, this album stuns me every time with its sheer beauty, honesty and musicality. Wonderful.… Expand

For avid music listeners you can't deny the catchy melody and the unforgettable storytelling that this album infuses upon its listener. It take you through a short but sweet journey of chamber/folksy and soft rock and it never lets go of the emotional grip. A truly classic that will be overlooked but will be remembered in the future.

I don't get the hype and really don't understand how this made so many best of 08 lists. It's listless and dull, without a memorable track. It sounds like My Morning Jacket on valium.

This is an excellent debut that is full of lush production that sometimes pushes the echo a bit. And though it holds shades of the stranger Beach Boys and a little CSN dust, there are still some incredibly delicious original songs here that never grow stale.

Blows away everything I've heard in a long time. Probably only Biffy Clyro or Lightspeed Champion have come close for me personally.

I would just like to extend a congratulatory high-five to everyone – thankfully the minority here – who's cool enough to shit on great music. It's so awesome when people with terrible/no taste in music comment on an album as good as this. (I only gave it a 9 because I'd like to think the band can go somehow improve upon it.) I also find it laughable that when pulling the "too much reverb" card, Gene compared it to My Morning Jacket's "Z", on which MMJ used about half as much reverb as their earlier (and excellent) albums. Maybe you should listen to music before writing about it? Just a thought.… Expand

It truly amazes me. That's what real artists' music sounds like.

I don't understand how this album does not have a higher score. It is simply amazing. The fact that it comes as a debut makes it even more remarkable. I have no idea how they will ever top this

it's impossible to compare Fleet Foxes to anything else that is out there right now. They hold a beauty in their music and harmonies that is seen nowhere else. How isn't the whole world listening to this album.

I heard this record playing in the local Borders while I was looking for Funk/Soul records...not exactly the headspace I was in at the time, but somewhere around "He Doesn't Know Why" I was hooked on this! I asked what it was, expecting the clerk to tell me it was like some rare reissue by a band I wasn't familiar with from the late 60s...boy was I surprised! Fleet Foxes have a good thing going. It will be interesting to see where they take us next...my only question, as a producer, is What reverb did they use? It's as much a part of the music as everything else!… Expand

One of the most beautiful records I have heard in years. This is American music.

Jump the bandwagon if you must, but frankly this can only appeal to those with an affinity for Shakespearean costume dramas that address each other with "thou" . Save for a couple of undeniably beautiful moments ("Blue Ridge Mountains" and "Mykonos") it is difficult to understand the group's appeal beyond Robin Hood's trusted men. "Meadowlark, fly away down/I hold a cornucopia and a golden crown/for you to wear upon your fleecy down". I guess that would have passed as poetry circa 1540.… Expand

This is a really great album.. it just pulled me in. what i was prepared for was something very indie as they go, but what I was treated to was a beautiful album quite unexpectedly. I can't wait to see the guys live here in Chicago soon.

I would rate in higher but the production lets it down, and the harmonies to my ears often seem less than on point. A better producer would not have allowed it to be released in this form.

This album, and everything by this group, is just amazing. Reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, but with their own unique sound, I just can't stop listening.

What a great sound coming out of this band. Harmonies flow and haunt you long after you've listened.

I saw the band live before I heard their CD. Very tight harmonies with great singable melodies. Very talented band.

This album continued to impress me as I was introduced to quality song after quality song. I couldn't believe that so many unbelievable songs could come from one CD. Kudos Fleet Foxes.

A folk blast that has plenty to feel, plenty to hear and a warmth, tho it sounds just like my morning jacket in places, I don't know which one came first.

Anyone denying the strength of this album probably shouldn't be listening to it, probably shouldn't be listening to music at all. They're the same people who don't like the film 'Amelie' or the TV show 'The Wire'... it's simply a classic, and it deserves universal acclaim because it's an extraordinarily well crafted piece of culture.

Fleet Foxes is a wonderful record. Each song stands out for me. Robert Pecknold has the perfect voice for the melodies created in this album. The lyrics are are great and listening to this album makes me wanna grow a beard and live high up in the mountains. Each track is catchy and makes you wanna hum to it. All In All, Fleet Foxes is a wonderful album that needs to b e listened too. A-

Fleet Foxes creates a atmosphere of wonder and mystique in something which is somewhat not all that uncommon; they play it the drifting way, the organic style, with echos and oddities of strings and melody, sounding like something that's come brushed out of the old ages. But most importantly, they do what they do true and they capture your senses as you get carried along.