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Fleet Foxes Mix B-Sides and Old Classics in Compilation: First Collection 2006-2009


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Ten years after the release of their first LP, Fleet Foxes recounts their beginnings with a new compilation.

newyorktimes-1024x768.jpgPhoto by The New York Times

On November 9, Fleet Foxes released First Collection: 2006-2009. The four-disc compilation contains their self-titled debut album, the Sun Giant EP, The Fleet Foxes EP (formerly an extremely rare, self released EP), and B-sides & Rarities.

The release hearkens back to the band’s early days, when their music could be described as innocent, dreamy folk-pop. In doing so, it directly contrasts the complex, moody soundscape people associate with them today, with projects like Crack-Up, their latest album.

subpop.jpgPhoto by Sub Pop

Revisiting their early works is a like a much needed breath of fresh air. In a musical landscape where music production is often overbearing and predictable, Fleet Foxes’ natural sound and—in the cases of the B-sides and unreleased demos—lack of production creates an intimate feeling that is often lost in pop releases.

Of the four discs, the first, and longest, is their debut album Fleet Foxes, released in 2008.

The record contains classics like “White Winter Hymnal” and “Blue Ridge Mountains.” It is a perfect example of the cosy, simple sound people fell in love with.

consequenceofsound-1024x1009.jpgFleet Foxes circa 2008. Photo by Independent

The second disc contains the Sun Giant EP, their first major release.

With earworms like “Mykonos,” Sun Giants paved the way for many folk-pop acts, and even landed itself as the #1 album of the year by Pitchfork.

subpop1-e1541968553702.jpgPhoto by Sub Pop

The third disc contains the relatively unknown Fleet Foxes EP

Unlike the Fleet Foxes album, the EP, self-released in 2006, has almost never seen the day of light. Sold directly by the band in local shows, only fifty copies were ever made. Surprisingly, the melodies seems to take a more traditional pop-like stance, albeit with the acoustic instrumentalization we’ve come to love. It is definitely worth a listen.

The fourth, and perhaps most interest disc, is titled B-Sides and Rarities. It contains never before released tracks, folk covers, and old demos.

The first half of the disc is a mix of unreleased songs and yes, covers of folk tunes like “Silver Dagger.” The second half are demos of their other tracks. This last disc, in my opinion, is Fleet Foxes at their purest: pared-down production, beautiful harmonies, and dreamy lyricism.

While I wait for a new album to come out of Fleet Foxes, Collection is a reminder to revisit what made me fall in love with them in the first place. If you are looking to get into Fleet Foxes, look no further.

The post Fleet Foxes Mix B-Sides and Old Classics in Compilation: First Collection 2006-2009 appeared first on Verge Campus.

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