Wednesday, May 9, 2012

SOD: Fleet Foxes "Mykonos"

The Fleet Foxes are a Seattle based independent band. They're roots are very heavily drawn from the folk genre, and they've cited Brian Wilson and Bob Dylan (later period Bob), as influences. Their arraignments are very distinct, and their vocal harmonies resemble a new age Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Those vocal harmonies are a huge part of the groups sound. Lead singer Robin Pecknold has a very unique voice, partly soothing, partly haunting. Sometimes it reminds me a bit of Neil Young, and other times of Ben Bridwell (Band of Horses). For such a young group, they have a very mature sound, which I think is quite apparent on this track.

The other part of their music that is not only mature beyond its years but also quite unique, is the lyrics. Pecknold has a storytellers mind, and a poets phrasing. But it's not a rip-off of Bob Dylan, it's very much it's own kind of beast. After hearing this song for the first time, I had to listen to it again while reading the lyrics, to make sure I heard some of the words correctly. The imagery is astounding. The cadence very intriguing and fresh. The music video for this film was also very beautiful I thought, and accompanies the song rather perfectly.

(please note, I could not find the official lyrics anywhere so this is my best attempt)

The door slammed loud and rose up a cloud of dust, on us
Footsteps follow down through the hollow sound, torn up.


And you will go to Mykonos
With a vision of a gentle coast
And a sun to maybe dissipate
Shadows of the mess you made


Pallid animals in the snow tipped pines, I find
Hatching from the seed of your thin mind, all night


And you will go to Mykonos
With a vision of a gentle coast
And a sun to maybe dissipate
Shadows of the mess you made


Brother you don't need to turn me away
I was waiting down at the ancient gate


You go
wherever you go today
You go today


I remember how they took you down
As the winter turned the meadow brown


You go
Wherever you go today
You go today


When I'm walking brother don't you forget
It ain't often that you'll ever find a friend


You go
Wherever you go today
You go today

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