Helplessness Blues is the second studio album by Seattle-based folk band Fleet Foxes (release: May 02, 2011 on Bella Union) - leaked almost six weeks prior to the release). Initially, Robin Pecknold had stated he would like the album to be released in 2009; however, the band's touring schedule had caused them some setbacks. They got together to rehearse new songs in February 2009 in a rented house outside Seattle, but the sessions were mostly scrapped. As a result of those wasted sessions, the band lost $60,000 of their own money. After their tour in support of the 2008 releases Read more on Last.fm.
Folk rock at its best. This album is definitely better than their last, in mere progression of substance alone. However, in consideration that the Fleet Foxes are not my usual cup of tea, I’d refer to other reviews, but for someone who typically doesn’t dig on folk I like it, it was a superb record to soundtrack my day of getting tasks completed.
In a world where everything is moving at an olympian pace, there are few things that exist, now-a-days, to help you to ‘unplug’. You’ve got a once a year vacation, if you’re lucky. You’ve got illicit substance, if that’s you’re thing. You’ve got friends and family. You’ve got nature, and you’ve got records like Helplessness Blues.
With a bigger sound, higher production qualities and improved instrumentation, Helplessness Blues is a worthy successor to the self-titled first album. Unfortunately the songs lack the distinction and freshness that songs like Ragged Wood and He Doesn’t Know Why had. No throwaway tracks here; a couple of excellent songs such as the title track and Sim Sala Bim. However, the album suffers from from high expectations and ultimately disappoints. Helplessness Blues has a beautiful sound but expect to return to the self-titled debut after a few listens.