Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes - Uhune

ALBUM

Props to Helplessness Blues for making the fretless zither cool again. On their second album, Fleet Foxes continue to take their music in unusual directions, creating a baroque folk-pop sound that hints at a number of influences -- Simon & Garfunkel, Fairport Convention, the Beach Boys -- but is too unique, too esoteric, too damn weird to warrant any direct links between the Seattle boys and their predecessors. It's still a downright gorgeous record, though, filled to the brim with glee club harmonies and the sort of stringed instruments that are virtually unknown to anyone who didn't go to music school (and even if you did, when's the last time you rocked out on the Marxophone?). Relying on obscure instrumentation can be a dangerous game, and Fleet Foxes occasionally run the risk of sounding too clever for their own good, as if the need to "out-folk" groups like Mumford & Sons and Midlake is more important than writing memorable, articulate folk tunes. But Helplessness Blues has the necessary songs to back it up, from the slow crescendos of the album-opening "Montezuma" to the sweeping orchestral arrangement of the encore number, "Grown Ocean." Robin Pecknold remains the ringleader of this Celtic circus. His is the only voice to cut through the thick, lush harmonies that Fleet Foxes splash across every refrain like paint, and his lyrics -- rife with allusions to the Bible, Dante the Magician, and the poetry of W.B. Yeats -- reach beyond the territory he occupied on the band’s first record, which painted simple geographical portraits with songs like "Sun It Rises," "Ragged Wood," "Quiet Houses," and "Blue Ridge Mountains." On Helplessness Blues, he's just as interested in the landscape of the human heart. Still, it's the music that stands out, and the band's acoustic folk/chamber pop combo makes every song sound like a grand tribute to back-to-the-land living.

1. Montezuma

Primary Artist: Fleet Foxes; Main Performer
Acoustic Guitar: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Bass: Casey Wescott; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Double Bass: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Drums: Josh Tillman; Performer
Dulcimer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Electric Guitar: Christian Wargo
Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Fiddle: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harmonium: Casey Wescott
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harp: Robin Pecknold
Skylar Skjelset; Performer
Harpsichord: Casey Wescott; Performer
Mandolin: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Mellotron: Casey Wescott; Performer
Miscellaneous: Casey Wescott; Other
Moog Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Organ: Casey Wescott; Performer
Percussion: Josh Tillman; Performer
Piano: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Samples: Casey Wescott; Performer
Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Vocals: Robin Pecknold
Christian Wargo
Josh Tillman; Performer
Woodwind: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Composer: Robin Pecknold; Composer

2. Bedouin Dress

Primary Artist: Fleet Foxes; Main Performer
Acoustic Guitar: Robin Pecknold
Skylar Skjelset; Performer
Bass: Casey Wescott; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Double Bass: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Drums: Josh Tillman; Performer
Dulcimer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Electric Guitar: Robin Pecknold
Skylar Skjelset
Christian Wargo; Performer
Fiddle: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harmonium: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Harp: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harpsichord: Casey Wescott; Performer
Mandolin: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Mellotron: Casey Wescott; Performer
Moog Synthesizer: Casey Wescott
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Miscellaneous: Casey Wescott; Other
Organ: Casey Wescott; Performer
Percussion: Josh Tillman; Performer
Piano: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Samples: Casey Wescott; Performer
Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Violin: Alina To; Performer
Vocals: Christian Wargo
Josh Tillman
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Woodwind: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Composer: Robin Pecknold; Composer

3. Sim Sala Bim

Primary Artist: Fleet Foxes; Main Performer
Acoustic Guitar: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Bass: Casey Wescott; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Double Bass: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Drums: Josh Tillman; Performer
Dulcimer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Electric Guitar: Christian Wargo
Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Fiddle: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harmonium: Casey Wescott
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harp: Robin Pecknold
Skylar Skjelset; Performer
Harpsichord: Casey Wescott; Performer
Mandolin: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Mellotron: Casey Wescott; Performer
Miscellaneous: Casey Wescott; Other
Moog Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Organ: Casey Wescott; Performer
Percussion: Josh Tillman; Performer
Piano: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Samples: Casey Wescott; Performer
Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Vocals: Robin Pecknold
Christian Wargo
Josh Tillman; Performer
Woodwind: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Composer: Robin Pecknold; Composer

4. Battery Kinzie

Primary Artist: Fleet Foxes; Main Performer
Acoustic Guitar: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Bass: Casey Wescott; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Double Bass: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Drums: Josh Tillman; Performer
Dulcimer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Electric Guitar: Christian Wargo
Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Fiddle: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harmonium: Casey Wescott
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harp: Robin Pecknold
Skylar Skjelset; Performer
Harpsichord: Casey Wescott; Performer
Mandolin: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Mellotron: Casey Wescott; Performer
Miscellaneous: Casey Wescott; Other
Moog Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Organ: Casey Wescott; Performer
Percussion: Josh Tillman; Performer
Piano: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Samples: Casey Wescott; Performer
Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Vocals: Robin Pecknold
Christian Wargo
Josh Tillman; Performer
Woodwind: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Composer: Robin Pecknold; Composer

5. The Plains / Bitter Dancer

Primary Artist: Fleet Foxes; Main Performer
Acoustic Guitar: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Bass: Casey Wescott; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Double Bass: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Drums: Josh Tillman; Performer
Dulcimer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Electric Guitar: Christian Wargo
Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Fiddle: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harmonium: Casey Wescott
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harp: Robin Pecknold
Skylar Skjelset; Performer
Harpsichord: Casey Wescott; Performer
Mandolin: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Mellotron: Casey Wescott; Performer
Miscellaneous: Casey Wescott; Other
Moog Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Organ: Casey Wescott; Performer
Percussion: Josh Tillman; Performer
Piano: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Samples: Casey Wescott; Performer
Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Vocals: Robin Pecknold
Christian Wargo
Josh Tillman; Performer
Woodwind: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Composer: Robin Pecknold; Composer

6. Helplessness Blues

Primary Artist: Fleet Foxes; Main Performer
Acoustic Guitar: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Bass: Casey Wescott; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Double Bass: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Drums: Josh Tillman; Performer
Dulcimer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Electric Guitar: Christian Wargo
Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Fiddle: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harmonium: Casey Wescott
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harp: Robin Pecknold
Skylar Skjelset; Performer
Harpsichord: Casey Wescott; Performer
Mandolin: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Mellotron: Casey Wescott; Performer
Miscellaneous: Casey Wescott; Other
Moog Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Organ: Casey Wescott; Performer
Percussion: Josh Tillman; Performer
Piano: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Samples: Casey Wescott; Performer
Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Vocals: Robin Pecknold
Christian Wargo
Josh Tillman; Performer
Woodwind: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Composer: Robin Pecknold; Composer

7. The Cascades

Primary Artist: Fleet Foxes; Main Performer
Acoustic Guitar: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Bass: Casey Wescott; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Double Bass: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Drums: Josh Tillman; Performer
Dulcimer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Electric Guitar: Christian Wargo
Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Fiddle: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harmonium: Casey Wescott
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harp: Robin Pecknold
Skylar Skjelset; Performer
Harpsichord: Casey Wescott; Performer
Mandolin: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Mellotron: Casey Wescott; Performer
Miscellaneous: Casey Wescott; Other
Moog Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Organ: Casey Wescott; Performer
Percussion: Josh Tillman; Performer
Piano: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Samples: Casey Wescott; Performer
Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Vocals: Robin Pecknold
Christian Wargo
Josh Tillman; Performer
Woodwind: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Composer: Robin Pecknold; Composer

8. Lorelai

Primary Artist: Fleet Foxes; Main Performer
Acoustic Guitar: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Bass: Casey Wescott; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Double Bass: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Drums: Josh Tillman; Performer
Dulcimer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Electric Guitar: Christian Wargo
Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Fiddle: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harmonium: Casey Wescott
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harp: Robin Pecknold
Skylar Skjelset; Performer
Harpsichord: Casey Wescott; Performer
Mandolin: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Mellotron: Casey Wescott; Performer
Miscellaneous: Casey Wescott; Other
Moog Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Organ: Casey Wescott; Performer
Percussion: Josh Tillman; Performer
Piano: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Samples: Casey Wescott; Performer
Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Vocals: Robin Pecknold
Christian Wargo
Josh Tillman; Performer
Woodwind: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Composer: Robin Pecknold; Composer

9. Someone You'd Admire

Primary Artist: Fleet Foxes; Main Performer
Acoustic Guitar: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Bass: Casey Wescott; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Double Bass: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Drums: Josh Tillman; Performer
Dulcimer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Electric Guitar: Christian Wargo
Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Fiddle: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harmonium: Casey Wescott
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harp: Robin Pecknold
Skylar Skjelset; Performer
Harpsichord: Casey Wescott; Performer
Mandolin: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Mellotron: Casey Wescott; Performer
Miscellaneous: Casey Wescott; Other
Moog Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Organ: Casey Wescott; Performer
Percussion: Josh Tillman; Performer
Piano: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Samples: Casey Wescott; Performer
Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Vocals: Robin Pecknold
Christian Wargo
Josh Tillman; Performer
Woodwind: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Composer: Robin Pecknold; Composer

10. The Shrine / An Argument

Primary Artist: Fleet Foxes; Main Performer
Acoustic Guitar: Robin Pecknold
Skylar Skjelset; Performer
Bass: Casey Wescott; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Double Bass: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Drums: Josh Tillman; Performer
Dulcimer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Electric Guitar: Robin Pecknold
Skylar Skjelset
Christian Wargo; Performer
Fiddle: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harmonium: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Harp: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harpsichord: Casey Wescott; Performer
Mandolin: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Mellotron: Casey Wescott; Performer
Moog Synthesizer: Casey Wescott
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Miscellaneous: Casey Wescott; Other
Organ: Casey Wescott; Performer
Percussion: Josh Tillman; Performer
Piano: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Samples: Casey Wescott; Performer
Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Violin: Alina To; Performer
Vocals: Christian Wargo
Josh Tillman
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Woodwind: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Composer: Robin Pecknold; Composer

11. Blue Spotted Tail

Primary Artist: Fleet Foxes; Main Performer
Acoustic Guitar: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Bass: Casey Wescott; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Double Bass: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Drums: Josh Tillman; Performer
Dulcimer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Electric Guitar: Christian Wargo
Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Fiddle: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harmonium: Casey Wescott
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harp: Robin Pecknold
Skylar Skjelset; Performer
Harpsichord: Casey Wescott; Performer
Mandolin: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Mellotron: Casey Wescott; Performer
Miscellaneous: Casey Wescott; Other
Moog Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Organ: Casey Wescott; Performer
Percussion: Josh Tillman; Performer
Piano: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Samples: Casey Wescott; Performer
Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Vocals: Robin Pecknold
Christian Wargo
Josh Tillman; Performer
Woodwind: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Composer: Robin Pecknold; Composer

12. Grown Ocean

Acoustic Guitar: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Bass: Casey Wescott; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Bass Guitar: Christian Wargo; Performer
Double Bass: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Drums: Josh Tillman; Performer
Dulcimer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Electric Guitar: Christian Wargo
Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Fiddle: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Guitar: Bill Patton; Performer
Harmonium: Casey Wescott
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Harp: Robin Pecknold
Skylar Skjelset; Performer
Harpsichord: Casey Wescott; Performer
Mandolin: Skylar Skjelset
Robin Pecknold; Performer
Mellotron: Casey Wescott; Performer
Miscellaneous: Casey Wescott; Other
Moog Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Organ: Casey Wescott; Performer
Primary Artist: Fleet Foxes; Main Performer
Pedal Steel Guitar: Bill Patton; Performer
Percussion: Josh Tillman; Performer
Piano: Robin Pecknold
Casey Wescott; Performer
Samples: Casey Wescott; Performer
Synthesizer: Robin Pecknold; Performer
Vocals: Robin Pecknold
Christian Wargo
Josh Tillman; Performer
Woodwind: Morgan Henderson; Performer
Composer: Robin Pecknold; Composer

Technical Specifications

Volume

1 volume only

Tracks

12 tracks available

Type

ALBUM

Format

Digital Media

Duration

49 minutes and 57 seconds

Explicit

None

Coverart

Available and up to 1000x1000 px

Booklet

Available in PDF format

Max Quality

CD Quality (Lossless)

16bit / 44.1 kHz

Stereo

Audio Extension

Lossless: FLAC, M4A, WAV, WV, AIFF

Lossy: AAC, MP3, M4A, MP4, OGA, OGG, OPUS, WMA

Archive Format

Available in these formats: ZIP, TAR, RAR

Lyrics

11/12 tracks have lyrics

Synchronized Lyrics

10/12 tracks have synced lyrics

Genres

Pop/Rock, Alternative & Indie, Baroque Pop

Label

Nonesuch

Music Distribution Service

Warner

Country

United Kingdom

Language

English (United States)

Popularity

Release Date

May 1, 2011

Track Preview

Available

Delivery Charge

Free

Delivery Method

Digital download link via Email or Personal Dashboard on this site

UPC

75597937145