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Fleet Foxes — White Winter Hymnal
Album: Fleet Foxes
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2061









Released: 2008
Length: 2:24
Plays (last 30 days): 0
I was following the
I was following the
I was following the
I was following the
I was following the
I was following the
I was following the

I was following the pack, all swallowed in their coats
With scarves of red tied 'round their throats
To keep their little heads from falling in the snow, and I turned 'round and there you go
And Michael, you would fall and turn the white snow red as strawberries in the summertime

I was following the pack, all swallowed in their coats
With scarves of red tied 'round their throats
To keep their little heads from falling in the snow, and I turned 'round and there you go
And Michael, you would fall and turn the white snow red as strawberries in the summertime

I was following the pack, all swallowed in their coats
With scarves of red tied 'round their throats
To keep their little heads from falling in the snow, and I turned 'round and there you go
And Michael, you would fall and turn the white snow red as strawberries in summertime
Comments (156)add comment
 ice-9 wrote:



He didn't bitch about it.  Stop bitching about the critical comments.  They have a place here too.

like william gives a damn.
 jp33442 wrote:

Then hit the skip button simple as that, instead of bitching about it 



He didn't bitch about it.  Stop bitching about the critical comments.  They have a place here too.
 vandal wrote:

Sorry, I just don't like it.  Still a 1 after all these years. 


Then hit the skip button simple as that, instead of bitching about it 
Sorry, I just don't like it.  Still a 1 after all these years. 
Great Lake Swimmers followed by Fleet Foxes....Can't get better than this...Compliments to RP...
 ace-marc wrote:

LOL. 
Don't you mean a Vanilla, Low fat, Organic Soy,  Chai Latte?
All Indie Folk needs to go away. 
Sappy and Crappy!


Let's remove the California hippie scene while we're at it.  Goddamn Indie Folk people wish they would just wander off into the desert with their Chai Lattes. And choice, let's get rid of that as well - always too much of the goddamn stuff. 
am baking today as the air is finally dry and cooler. Have increased my ratings on a few tunes - related? yes - though let's say if the baking doesn't turn out so well, will I revert to cranky? no. mood is everything and music helps raise my spirits



8  >>>>>  9 !!!!!

PSD
Birdie does a nice version, too. 
Love you RP for continuing to play such classics. Love it!!!
I always discover one or the other new music, everytime I listen to it. 
 thewiseking wrote:
As formulaic as a Chai Latte
 
LOL. 
Don't you mean a Vanilla, Low fat, Organic Soy,  Chai Latte?
All Indie Folk needs to go away. 
Sappy and Crappy!
Such a jolly tune for such a dark subject. Great song, though!
 jimmy99s wrote:
my favourite Father John Misty song.
 
He didn't write it.
my favourite Father John Misty song.
 thewiseking wrote:
As formulaic as a Chai Latte
 
Well let's hear your music then.
And in case you didn't know, most of the stuff out there is formulaic. And it's good.
Condescension gets you nowhere.
As formulaic as a Chai Latte
 triviagal wrote:
I love the cover art!  I can spend hours finding new items in it.

 
Yes, me too. It's one section of a painting - Die Niederländischen Sprichwörter (The Dutch Proverbs) painted in 1559 by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. See link.
I...I just can't.
Well I still like these guys. Good music.
 kz1300a1 wrote:
Thanks. I'm feeling hip now. Think I'll grow a beard. 

 
I actually have this song on a playlist called "Let's Grow Beards and Move to the Woods." 

Saw these guys in Charlotte, NC in the spring. Great show. They really recreate their sound very well. Lots of multi-instrumentalists in the group. 
Thanks. I'm feeling hip now. Think I'll grow a beard. 
 odopop wrote:
Best title on this album! 

 
Wow, if this is the best cut, I'd sure hate to hear the rest of it!

Reminds me of Lord Huron, which I another reason why I choose PSD.
 
 LizK wrote:

One of the reasons I like RP'  no Philip Glass. 

 
I think you just haven't heard it yet, but it is here.
 sfoster66 wrote:
Firstly, repetition does not necessarily equate to an artistic lack of talent, please see Philip Glass' compositions if you require examples of this concept.  Secondly, the imagery in this song is not juvenile.  Its about children, not for children, so all you critics here who claim this sounds like a kindergarden song need to examine the lyrics and recognize that the harmony and repetition contribute to the texture of the piece and act as a counter-point to the rather sinister message contained within.  

Last thing...comments should be about the track, not the album; or am I just being too picky?  I dunno, who cares how great of an album it is when one is listening to a station that plays individual songs.    

 

 
One of the reasons I like RP'  no Philip Glass. 
 Stingray wrote:

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORING!!!!!

SUPER-SUCKO!



 
i liked the story but who is Michael?
lost me  
Best title on this album! 
If Fleet Foxes were a racehorse, it would be described in form guides as "one-paced". There's so little variation in their sound. Which if you like it may be a good thing, but to these ears all their songs are lullabies {#Sleep}
I love the cover art!  I can spend hours finding new items in it.
This was very nice when I first heard it. It has lost its staying power, imho. 
Happy Monday !
 
happy friday  {#Cowboy}
lovely
 cosmiclint wrote:

That's my preference too. I bought a bunch of individual tracks off iTunes for a recent wedding, as I didn't want to lay out hundreds of dollars for music when I only needed about 25 songs. But usually I buy albums.

 
buying...?

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORING!!!!!

SUPER-SUCKO!


 QueenLucia wrote:


I disagree.  Sometimes I'll like a track so much I'll wonder if I should buy the album.  And yes—this might date me, but I like to buy whole albums, not simply download single tracks.

 
That's my preference too. I bought a bunch of individual tracks off iTunes for a recent wedding, as I didn't want to lay out hundreds of dollars for music when I only needed about 25 songs. But usually I buy albums.

 sfoster66 wrote:
Last thing...comments should be about the track, not the album; or am I just being too picky?  I dunno, who cares how great of an album it is when one is listening to a station that plays individual songs.    

 
 

I disagree.  Sometimes I'll like a track so much I'll wonder if I should buy the album.  And yes—this might date me, but I like to buy whole albums, not simply download single tracks.

Firstly, repetition does not necessarily equate to an artistic lack of talent, please see Philip Glass' compositions if you require examples of this concept.  Secondly, the imagery in this song is not juvenile.  Its about children, not for children, so all you critics here who claim this sounds like a kindergarden song need to examine the lyrics and recognize that the harmony and repetition contribute to the texture of the piece and act as a counter-point to the rather sinister message contained within.  

Last thing...comments should be about the track, not the album; or am I just being too picky?  I dunno, who cares how great of an album it is when one is listening to a station that plays individual songs.    

 
 membeth wrote:
Now that I have the album, I quite like it.  With many RP bands, the whole CD is not as good as the songs RP plays, but Fleet Foxes, the whole CD is good.
 
{#High-five} Yes, it's a strong album.

 vandal wrote:


Yeah, kinda like the private meditations of a sociopath. . . {#Eek}
 

Is that necessarily a bad thing?


 deanis wrote:

This is the full picture used on the cover, with explanations.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlandish_Proverbs


 

Thank you !

This is the full picture used on the cover, with explanations.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlandish_Proverbs


 shawshank wrote:
What is this song about?{#Stupid}
 
It's about a personal experience of Robin's.  He was ditched by some friends.
He mentions it in an article in Rolling Stone
https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/24012632/fleet_foxes_perfect_harmony

What is this song about?{#Stupid}
Ah, these guys just make me smile.
 
Nice eclectic song and album.
Go  the Breugels.........................
 horstman wrote:
This band has to be the biggest disappointment of 2008.
  <sarcasm>I agree.  In 2008, nothing disappointed me more than Fleet Foxes</sarcasm>  You either lack clarity in your writing or you live in a bubble and lack perspective.


Ow. Owowowow. Owowowow.
Owowowow. Owowowow. Ow. Owowow......
 Darkmatter wrote:
To me, this sounds like a most unfortunate crossing of My Morning Jacket and the Shins. I may like both, but not mixed together.
 

funny - i really dislike both the shins and mmj (though some of their older stuff is digable) and love the fleet foxes.  go figure.
 horstman wrote:
This band has to be the biggest disappointment of 2008.
 

sorry - incorrect.
This band has to be the biggest disappointment of 2008.
I don't get it.
reminded me of an everly brothers thing{#Smile}
Got to drive home in the snow, a rare occurrence where I live, and since this was the CD in the car stereo anyway, I went to this track.  And then I videoed a bit of my drive home.

I know that "art is not about liking" and all that, but I can´t get into this hymnal vibe...perhaps the only way this may work for me, irrespective of the lyrics, would be as the soundtrack for a remake of The Graduate, specifically "the running to the church scene" in which Hoffman´s part would be played by Ben Stiller ...
 yofitofu wrote:
I am yearning for some James!
 

Nice call!  "Skindiving" would be a tasty follow-up.
I am yearning for some James!
Well, either I've developed an immunity to it or this song is actually better than a lot of the crap coming out these days, which has elevated it's status by default.  Either way I'm kicking it up a notch.
Just an excellent album, and this song has magical powers!
Now that I have the album, I quite like it.  With many RP bands, the whole CD is not as good as the songs RP plays, but Fleet Foxes, the whole CD is good.
 Jungle_Jim wrote:
I sing this song with a friend and I do the harmony parts - try it, it's got health-giving properties.
 
This made me smile. {#Cheesygrin}
This was my favorite concert of 2008 by far!

This album, plus their Sun Giants LP, are so amazing. Did you all catch them on SNL? They sang "Blue Ridge Mountains" and "Mykonos." I'd bet good money that some of those audience members walked away from the screening thinking, "I just witnessed something amazing," and they're not referring to host Rosario Dawson.
Josh Ritter and Fleet Foxes what and amazing line up - let's hear more of it!
The best album of 2008. It's rare that I hear a song for the first time and think - instant all time classic. I know this band looks and sounds like the early 70s - but they're totally for real, they're not just borrowing. The cute thing is I heard that during the recording of this album the singer - for inspiration - came to England and toured around ancient sites like Stonehenge, while listening to Nick Drake and Fairport Convention - and he's just a young guy mid-twenties. These guys are drinking from the right fountain, and they've got the talent to go there.

I sing this song with a friend and I do the harmony parts - try it, it's got health-giving properties.
 peter_james_bond wrote:
I recently purchased this cd and I’m glad I did because it is a solid effort from start to finish. References to MMJ are somewhat valid however I also think this album is a throwback to the 60s, I can picture Simon and Garfunkel singing some of these songs. That being said it's not overly derivitive, these guys have carved out their own sound. Some of the lyrics are a bit odd – lots of references to forests, rivers, mountains, trees, wanderers - however the songs are quite catchy and you may find yourself singing along. Highly recommended, I can see why the album made many best of 2008 lists.
 
I agree. Even Solomon admitted that there was "nothing new under the sun". Give them a break! {#Clap}
I recently purchased this cd and I’m glad I did because it is a solid effort from start to finish. References to MMJ are somewhat valid however I also think this album is a throwback to the 60s, I can picture Simon and Garfunkel singing some of these songs. That being said it's not overly derivitive, these guys have carved out their own sound. Some of the lyrics are a bit odd – lots of references to forests, rivers, mountains, trees, wanderers - however the songs are quite catchy and you may find yourself singing along. Highly recommended, I can see why the album made many best of 2008 lists.
To me, this sounds like a most unfortunate crossing of My Morning Jacket and the Shins. I may like both, but not mixed together.
sounds like something you'd hear at an elementary school recital...annoying, unless your kids in it. 
FKN love the 'feel' o f blowing in the wind on this song.....freee
A mixture of 50's pop, 60's surfer music, and MMJ; all of which I really don't dig.
Wow, these lyrics are awfully morbid for such a cheery, catchy little tune.
much more original than mmj.  such a refreshing album.
I just love this album! Possibly my favorite of the year.

I just heard this for the first time last night on TV, they were alone in a gymnasium. I wasn't sure what to think. Even after a couple other tunes. Still not sure.  Interesting though.


Love this song.

One thing, though — is it me or do the vocals remind you of My Morning Jacket? Before I knew about Fleet Foxes, I thought this WAS a My Morning Jacket song.
Yay!
{#Bananasplit}
 ScopArch wrote:
Aaahhhrrrggghhh!

Aaahhh...

 
Exactly!

IMO, one of the best albums of the year. Really a winner!
Obviously an MMJ imitation, but what it really reminds me of a much older group: The Kingston Trio.
The first time I heard this I found it incredibly annoying. Surprisingly, it's grown on me and now I actually go {#Jump} when it comes on!

On the list of best albums of 2008
Aaahhhrrrggghhh!

<Mute>

Aaahhh...

Different.  I liked it.
This group irritates me a bit because they sound too much like their plagiarizing My Morning Jacket, (whom I like), but I find this song quite enjoyable.  A nice reflection on a child's first realization of mortality.

Fresh?  Doubtful.  This sounds sooooooooo much like MMJ (and not nearly as good/creative) that I'm seriously wondering if it isn't a Jim James side project. . .

{#Stupid}

 ScopArch wrote:
Make.
It.
Stop!
 
No. Make Tull stop. This is fresh, melodic.
What the.... ?
Make.
It.
Stop!
Within seconds of hearing the opening words, I knew it was Fleet Foxes.  That distinctive voice should serve them well.  I've GOT to get some of their albums.
 andiman wrote:
Is it a Pieter Brueghel painting on the cd cover?
 
Now one can say definitively: Yes. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlandish_Proverbs 
The sound and the lyrics are great and just get better each time I hear it.  Unique song.
 andiman wrote:
Is it a Pieter Brueghel painting on the cd cover?
 
Certainly looks like it - one might have to ask Google specifically which one though.
I like this, it is really charming and earnest. Qualities that are unusual in pop music.
sounds like a kindergarten song . . . blech!!!
Is it a Pieter Brueghel painting on the cd cover?
 lily34 wrote:
that was horrible!
 
Come now: don't sugar-coat your opinion—give it to us straight.
7 > 8
vandal wrote:


Yeah, kinda like the private meditations of a sociopath. . . {#Eek}

Well said. That's part of the reason why this song just grabbed me.

Some of you are still hating on this song huh?


First time I heard this one - wow. I'm really liking it, so different and great harmonies. It masks the fact that the lyrics are repetitive...which in this case is in no way a bad thing. I've got a strong feeling this is gonna grow on me - please play this one again!! {#Smile}
I'm pretty sure I don't need to hear this song again.
Oh nice! Little Foxes this morning!

 lily34 wrote:
that was horrible!
 

oh so horrible!
sdn wrote:
Beautiful song.

The lyrics kind of weird me out, though.


Yeah, kinda like the private meditations of a sociopath. . . {#Eek}


Beautiful song.

The lyrics kind of weird me out, though.
 superfido wrote:
Hey, anyone know, is that a Brugel painting they took for the cover?
 
It is a Brueghel painting known as "Children's Games".

source: https://artchive.com/ftp_site.htm.  Click on Brueghel's name in the left column and then on "image list" 


Sure looks like a piece of Breugel The Elders' work, or a blatant extrapolation.
Pearls Before Swine had a piece of the original on their 'Balaclava' album circa 1970.

Hey, anyone know, is that a Brugel painting they took for the cover?
very nice and mellow ...
More! More!

This album makes me go to sleep.
{#Sleep}


I certainly hear "My Morning Jacket," but my first thought was of Steeleye Span!

(1972 album Below the Salt)
https://www.google.com/musicl?lid=tI9PZI6Am9P&aid=dihulsIXAwK


 Danimal174 wrote:
Now I know. (And knowing is half the battle, apparently).
 
..according to GI Joe, as I recall from my increasingly distant childhood.


cc_rider wrote:
Is there such a thing as a SLOW fox? Just wondering.

I like this. I don't know why.


Slow Foxes are known as Fur Coats.

I like it too.

love this sooooooo much!
Oscar 
I think I heard this song on Sesame Street or Kindergarten . . .
 you wrote:
Beautiful song. Good choice. Play more Fleet Foxes!
  Is there such a thing as a SLOW fox? Just wondering.

I like this. I don't know why.

Not bad.  This more the listen the more it grows.  Sounds like an old tune been around a while but yet not.
I recently heard this on our local public radio station (WNCW), and was wondering who it was. Now I know. (And knowing is half the battle, apparently).

Very catchy tune; I can't seem to get it out of my head after hearing it.