Every week, Hit or Hype looks to wade through the buzz to determine which blog-favorite bands are the best of the bunch. This week: a few choice picks from the charts at BlogFreshRadio.
Lykke Li: First things first: it's pronounced "Lick-ee Lee." This Swedish vocalist has been gaining traction online for a while now, but enthusiasm skyrocketed after a series of sensational shows at South By Southwest. Her songs are terrifically coy, full of longing and hesitation. Take breakout hit "A Little Bit": the song consists of nothing much aside from a steady bass thrum and Li's fluttering voice, but the instant she starts skipping across that angelic chorus, it's curtains for your resistance. Verdict: HIT
The Mae Shi: This Los Angeles quartet has been kicking around for four years now but, like Lykke Li, they used this year's South By Southwest as a kind of self-contained tour, playing nearly 20 shows over the course of the week. Their music is blissfully chaotic, pulling equally from hardcore and schoolyard chants and computer-pop and built around gang-style choruses. They can be a bit obnoxious, but separate their songs from their demeanor, and there's more than enough memorable bedlam to satisfy. Verdict: HIT
Fleet Foxes: Recently signed to Seattle indie behemoth SubPop, this Washington quintet occupies that same intersection where '70s AM radio meets '00s indie rock (you can hear equal parts Neil Young and Rogue Wave in their music). There's nothing specifically wrong with Fleet Foxes, but haven't we had enough of cottony falsetto and twinkling acoustic guitars? The full-length could prove us wrong, but the songs on their EP are so wan that they're almost airless. Verdict: For now, we're saying HYPE
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DGH | August 9, 2009 4:03 AM
Fleet Foxes aren't bad. It's nice to see a band actually put themselves out there like they are doing, going completely raw and all-out with the songwriting and harmonies. Totally bare. Totally naked. Compared to most of the crap you hear out there today, they definitely stand apart from the rest. However, in the grand scheme of things, they aren't doing anything new, and really are quite cliche. I'm curious to see how they end up growing into themselves, because right now they are in in their "teenage years", band-wise. Truth be told, I anticipate good things coming from them.
matt | March 17, 2009 12:29 AM
fleet foxes nice melodies, nice production, nice acoustic guitar, nice beards? but under all that theres no much else. lyrics? melody? style over substance most disappointing album in a long time. hype.
Fleetfoxesblow | January 21, 2009 10:54 AM
I saw them on SNL, first the song was way to long and boring for that late on a Saturday. Second, what a bunch of creepy looking losers. I never learned how to shave! WTF, get something new.
Rosario Dawson's nostrils are tilted... | January 18, 2009 4:02 AM
Fleet Foxes...sound like America...remember "Horse with No Name"? I just watched them on SNL and they bite the chorus of said tune pretty hard on the first song they performed on the show...I'm kinda over that whole Iron and Wine, Grizzly Adams look. "homeless Vietnam Vets sounding like some Seals & Crofts bullshit" = pretty dead on assessment.
Anonymous | January 18, 2009 12:56 AM
Fleet Foxes are totally lame beyond boring. Trying too hard to look like homeless Vietnam Vets sounding like some Seals & Crofts bullshit. I bet you go back to like '96 and could dig up some photos of these dudes looking like Joey Lawerence. Full on posers...hello darkness my old friend....
joe | January 2, 2009 10:59 PM
Her name is not pronounced "lickee lee." You'd think a big name rag like Rolling Stone could at least get that much right.
It is closer to "lugkuh lee," though I don't really know the best way to spell out the Danish pronunciation.
Just try googling it, you'll find her pronouncing it herself in like 10 seconds.
Dave | January 2, 2009 10:33 AM
Fleet Foxes need a song. they are all dressed up and no place to go. Nice harmonies and production without a melody is boring. Write a good song and then put the harmonies on top of it and then you may have something. To hear them now is like musical MSG, they are honestly pretty bad. Sorry, just saying, but they are. Biggest hype of the year.
Hype? | October 24, 2008 5:46 PM
Hey J. Edward Keyes- Though you say there is nothing specifically wrong with the Fleet Foxes, there is something very wrong with your review.Perhaps you should see them in concert before you call them hype. Far from wan, it is truly magical to see them perform and harmonize, it's actually quite incredible they can sound better live than on their album. Hopefully you get the chance to see them in concert so they can prove you wrong.
wtf | October 1, 2008 9:23 PM
oh yea lykkki li and mae-shi suck too!
stax | September 13, 2008 6:49 PM
yo what the fuck. I understand trying not to conform to other people's opinions, but Fleet Foxes debut and Sun Giant are fucking incredible. They're both American classics and I think these records will be remembered for years. Don't dis them just because all the other publications like them.
fleet foxes bore me | July 13, 2008 4:01 AM
i mean seriously, what is wrong with you people, i agree completely with what the reviewer said
rdc2000 | June 22, 2008 11:04 PM
Fleet Foxes now have not one, but two contenders for album of the year honors. The Sun Giant ep throws down the gauntlet, then full length eponymous cd shows the depth.
They are not CSN&Y or Dylan or The Beach Boys or The Band or Band of Horses or MMJ. But they are a product of all of them and like all great acts, take it in a new direction.
For me, it's the most auspicious debut since Talking Heads 77 and the follow up More Songs... They've set a high bar for themselves...
206 | June 16, 2008 6:30 PM
Fleet Foxes are more than RS is saying. They have amazing melodies, and are NOT boring.
And don't be dissing on the cottony falsetto. Everyone loves them.
Hillaricious | May 28, 2008 11:49 PM
How very dissapointing! Fleet Foxes are BEYOND good and exceed any and all expecations of what a good band should be! Some of you may buy into all this image crap and teenybopper-never wrote any lyrics - no talent crap.... but if you want crafted, well played and beautifully written and sung music then Fleet Foxes are your answer... "Your Protector" and "Mykonos" are just two examples of how powerful Pecknolds voice is. Nobody sings like that anymore. They are the real deal. I can't wait to see them live next month. RS needs to get it right!
Dan | May 28, 2008 10:40 AM
I'm not surprised in the least of your opinion of the Fleet Foxes. This is some of the best new music out there right now and for a geriatric corporate magazine like Rolling Stone to miss the boat......well, this is why you guys just suck. You've hit the shitter long ago just like MTV. Subscription canceled.
Tres | May 28, 2008 12:12 AM
Thanks so much for mentioning Sloan. They are an amazing band from Canada that has opened for the Stones and pretty much makes the best unheard of music in the world. If they come to your town go see them. Say you heard em first before you're left behind on the band wagon box.
Jennson | May 11, 2008 12:53 AM
I don't know, the more I listen to Fleet Foxes, the more I like them. I think you need to revisit them to appreciate the campfire feel of their music. I'd rather listen to Fleet Foxes than 90 percent of the crap on top 40 radio nowadays anyway
Catgirl | May 4, 2008 8:50 PM
No we haven't had enough of bands like the fleet foxes, in fact we need more of them. Its sad when Rolling Stone, the quintessential rock mag can't appreciate the artistry of a great young band because they use a little reverb. And it's especially sad, when the same rock mag decides print a very lame cover featuring the four NON-MUSICAL reality "stars" of the Hills. Will someone please tell me what those women have done to deserve a cover shot? It R.S. trying to increase their market share of tweens?
rs | May 3, 2008 4:03 PM
change your mind on fleet foxes or lose my subsription.
PM | April 30, 2008 4:26 PM
i was just put on to FF and heard "Your protector" and was almost in tears on my commute to work. RS, sometimes you really suck.
pianofan | April 26, 2008 3:30 PM
This comment is well after your article. I needed to think about your words regarding the Fleet Foxes. Trying to think of why I enjoyed their music so much. This is my conclusion: I was not ready for Crosby, Stills and Nash to stop making music. Loved them. So I am much appreciative of the Fleet Foxes sound. Second,with all the news of 'Going Green' and such, songs of running rivers just might remind us consumers to take notice of what is going on with our world. And finally, my life is fast paced, busy, hectic with 40+ hours a week. At the end of the day, listening to their music helps me with my nightly transition. A person needs soothing healing music sometimes. My comment: Hit, keep the music coming!
Snoopy Koutouvides | April 26, 2008 1:02 AM
The Fleet Foxes are fantastic. Sure, they're firmly planted in that Band of Horses/My Morning Jacket reverby trip, but it's a damn good trip.
And Mykonos from the Sun Giant EP has been on constant replay on the old iPOD ever since I got it.
This band is completely the real deal and they're only going to get better - I can't wait for their full-length in June.
trousersandpants | April 21, 2008 3:12 PM
No doubt, the fleet foxes are much more than hype.
Saw them several weeks ago, and after the set, folks who had never heard of them before left shaking their heads in wonder.
e.p. and album (they kind of go together) = release of the year.
Stephen | April 14, 2008 8:21 PM
4 part harmony fuckin' rocks!
Dave | April 12, 2008 11:59 PM
Lykke Li was incredible at South By Southwest!
Fleet Foxes suck
CC | April 12, 2008 11:57 PM
Yeah, I totally agree with RS. Fleet Foxes are boring. What is it with so many lame Seattle bands copping that Neil Young flavor? Fleet Foxes full length that leaked was no better than the EP, so sorry, RS but don’t expect much more from them than HYPE in June.
... | April 12, 2008 9:46 PM
Mm, disagree on the Fleet Foxes bit as well. Fell in love with the EP and leaked album immediately (it is fantastic), saw them in concert and they were amazing, and they're definitely the top release of 2008 for me so far.
David | April 12, 2008 8:32 PM
There are many things that could be said about Fleet Foxes
But to insinuate that these guys are obi WAN kenobi is simply silly. Listen, if you want to say they aren't re-inventing the wheel, then do so. Its true. Thats the comfort I take in them, that there is still room for great songs to be written by great songwriters written in four part harmony. The idea isnt dead. It makes me feel hope, there is still more space to be explored in the most trusted of contexts. I have their LP, I haven't given it a good ear, but "White Winter Hymnal" (I know, already mentioned, so cliched by now) is amazing. Also, Mykonos, on their EP IS SO GOOOD! That song alone validates their existence.
So, while I feel that this feature may have the grand opportunity to crap on all those artists WORTH crapping on, this is really starting off on a bad foot by crapping on an up and coming band that i TRULY have confidence in.
Oh. And, do you think that Hiedi will forgive spencer on the hills? LOL! hope to find out in ur newest cover piece!
Someone With Taste | April 11, 2008 6:33 PM
How anyone could refer to an album containing a song as incredibly rousing as "Drops In The River" as "wan" is beyond me. That song alone is easily Track Of The Year material.
But hey, I can't wait to see the cast of THE HILLS featured on your next cover. You guys have not at all hit an all-time low, forfeiting all artistic integrity. Your musical expertise is still the most respected in the business right next to Maxim Magazine.
KT | April 11, 2008 3:26 PM
"White Winter Hymnal" (Fleet Foxes) is my fav song so far of 2008! This band is truly amazing, but the EP is kind of deceiving...for those who haven't heard them before, don't listen to the EP, go on their myspace!
Oh and the Mae Shi rock!
Lykke Li is similar to Kate Havnevik, don't you think ?
lover | April 11, 2008 3:00 PM
j edward keyes, you are the worst writer in the history of music. Fleet Foxes is the best new music around. Hands down. Go take a bubble bath with Rogue Wave.
God's Ears | April 11, 2008 11:51 AM
this ought to be a good feature.
and anybody named LikkyLee is GO from my neck of the woods....
eric | April 10, 2008 5:56 PM
In regards to fleet foxes, you are an idiot.
where the fuck is this rogue wave reference coming from? ever heard of crosby stills nash and young?
do you have a problem with 4 part harmony? if you do - you're a fucking idiot and should not be making judgement calls for a living. if you don't have a problem with 4 part harmony, name a band that can pull it off like fleet foxes both live and on record?
i accept your apology... tool
papi | April 10, 2008 4:39 PM
i disagree on the fleet foxes. the harmonies are beautiful. one more thing we can never have enough twinkling guitar.