My Favorite Album Today...

There have always been a few "ultimate favorite" albums tucked away in the corners of my brain: The Beatles by The Beatles, The Wall by Pink Floyd, and Kid A by Radiohead. It has always been that way, and it will continue to be so until I shrivel up and start enjoying Polka music. 

Despite these standbys, taste in music temporarily wanders. The same two or three CDs remain in my bag for a month or so until I know every breath the singer takes and every obscure background noise is duly noted. 

That being said, this is my current selection...

Fleet Foxes, Fleet Foxes, Sub Pop, 2008

There is not a single song on this CD I skip when I listen. It plays through from beginning to end and then over again. The songs are delicate but bright, the harmonies are effortless, the instrumentation is intricate and warm. It's fair to say that there really isn't another band out there that is quite like Fleet Foxes. 

Comparisons to Crosby, Stills & Nash are plentiful. Both ensembles are noted for their bright, folk sound and complex harmonies that garner each song. However, Fleet Foxes aren't quite as mellow--having numerous up-up-tempo songs on the album.

This is music for a long summer car ride with the windows down and the sun setting far away. It's music for a winter gathering with hot chocolate and a fire burning. It's music to lay on a blanket and smile to. 

Final Note: If you decided to buy this CD, make sure you buy an actual copy instead of downloading. Not because it's ten times as awesome, (though it truly is) but because the packaging is absolutely beautiful, the CD sleeve has a lovely story written on it, and yeah, it comes with a poster. 

So how about you fine people? What can't you stop listening to?