There are two things you need to keep in mind in order to appreciate the greatness of the Fleet Foxes (band and album):

a) The best definition of them that I’ve read is: Beach-Boys-as-Appalachian-Folk-Group.

b) Because of 1., you MUST sing along with them.

I’ve got the album (Fleet Foxes) and the EP that they released earlier this year (Sun Giant), so I’ll tell you about both of them. I’ll start with the easiest track and from there move on to less accessible stuff. If you don’t like them at first try to have a bit of patience, and if after that you still don’t like them then disregard the rest. (more…)

It was hard to understand this album. All reviews mention that he (Justin Vernon) broke up with his band and with his girlfriend, and decided to go live in the mountains by himself for about four months and apparently all he did was hunt deers and create this album. Yes, it reminds everyone of that book Walden (which is basically the same idea minus the band and the girlfriend and with more leftist politics if y memory doesn-t fail me). The story behind the album helps the listener understand the contrast between the quiet music (his voice, his guitar and some drums and trumpets here and there that were recorded after) and the lyrics full of rage, sadness and disappointment (perfect combination). I-ll show you the best tracks, then I-ll write a quick summary of my favourite albums so far. (more…)

So, Herbie Hancock’s latest album, River: The Joni Letters, was released a few months ago. However, as far as I’ve heard from the media, it hasn’t really generated much buzz until recently, after it got a few nominations for the grammys. I downloaded it after hearing it won album of the year, the first time a jazz album has done so in 43 years, and I wasn’t surprised to find out it fucking rocks.

Considering the last couple of things Herbie has released (i.e. Possibilities, a pretty pop-oriented collaboration piece), River is like going back to his glory days with Miles Davis’ second legendary quintet. Most of this album (songs like Nefertiti, Sweet Bird, and Solitude) is straight-up, unadulterated jazz. But that’s not to say his electric side that shined in the 70’s and 80’s isn’t present - just listen for the funky guitar in Edith and the Kingpin, and you might start remembering bits of Rockit or Chameleon.

The first track, “Court and Spark” (to remind you the album is a tribute to Joni Mitchell), is really the signature piece in my eyes. A soft melody on the piano starts it out, then the bass and rhythm kick in to bring it all together. And when Norah Jones starts singing, it gets you right into the mood of the whole album.

All in all, River is a definite must-listen-to for any fans of Herbie, and I would recommend it for anyone who likes music in general.