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Tag: Eagles

  • First Listen (and Free Download): Fleet Foxes “Helplessness Blues”

    ”Helplessness Blues” by Fleet Foxes
    To preview their sophomore album, Helplessness Blues, due for a May release, indie darlings Fleet Foxes have just posted the record’s title track for free download. It took me a long time to get over my initial skepticism about the band when their first album got so hyped, but it’s hard to deny the lush 70s-style gorgeousness of their country-folk-pop harmonies which come across as equal parts Eagles and Seals & Crofts.

    The first half of this new song sounds like something Simon & Garfunkel might have done for their Bookends album, a personal reflection that feels somehow bigger, almost like a generational reflection: I was raised up believing I was somehow unique like a snowflake distinct among snowflakes… and now after some thinking, I’d say I’d rather be a functioning cog in some great machine. Then, a little more than halfway through, the song takes a turn. What started as a simple, brisk campfire story song morphs into something slower, more rhythmically complex, more atmospheric. The unadorned two part harmonies of the first half give way to an almost choral sound: “If I had an orchard, I’d work ’til I’m sore.” It’s like a small Great Recession-era John Steinbeck novel in song. I can’t wait for the album.

    Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues by subpop

  • Eagles Set To Fly By Spring

    Billboard is quoting Eagles frontman Don Henley as saying the group’s first new studio album in nearly 20 years will be released this spring. The band’s website is mum on the release, and no tour dates have been announced in support.

    Reports in The Los Angeles Times claim that the album will be exclusively available for a year and that the band will indeed tour. The media feeding frenzy began in earnest and bits of the story are floating around the web. I’m personally more inclined to believe the statements Henley made to Billboard and wonder if we’re seeing the final payout for the band that pioneered California country-rock.

    Spinning In The CD Player Today
    I’m still liking Gwen Stefani’s The Sweet Escape, especially the title track. The No Doubt singer put the world on notice with Rich Girl and the rest of her 2004 release. Sweet Escape peaked at #3 on the album charts, but has already thrown off two Top 10 songs. This one is worth adding to your collection.