Oh Man, Oh My, Oh Me

For lack of a more interesting and witty inaugural sentence to trumpet in the humble beginnings of this blog, I will simply say that Fleet Foxes' sublime "Montezuma," the first track on their recently released sophomore album Helplessness Blues, is my new favorite song of the moment.

Lead singer Robin Pecknold's lilting vocals flow effortlessly over the group's characteristically delicate guitar licks and ethereal vocal harmonies. With lyrics like "Gold teeth and gold jewelry/ every piece of your dowry/ throw them into the tomb with me/ bury them with my name," Fleet Foxes once again prove that they have a knack for undertaking potentially depressing concepts (i.e., remorse, failed childhood dreams, solidarity) and molding them into such goddamn poignant, uplifting tunes.

In 2008, Fleet Foxes shocked the music world, and perhaps themselves, with their near-perfect, critically acclaimed debut album. Now, three years later, the fact that the band has created a new sound complete with all the same energy, creativity, and heartbreaking honesty as their original album is not simply hard to believe. It is a small miracle.