Helplessness Blues

Last updated
Helplessness Blues
FleetFoxesHelplessness Blues2011.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedMay 3, 2011 (2011-05-03)
Recorded2010
Studio
Genre
Length49:56
Label
Producer
Fleet Foxes chronology
Fleet Foxes
(2008)
Helplessness Blues
(2011)
Crack-Up
(2017)

Helplessness Blues is the second studio album by American band Fleet Foxes, released on May 3, 2011, by Sub Pop and Bella Union. The album received universal acclaim from critics, going on to be nominated for Best Folk Album at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. The release peaked at number 4 on the Billboard 200, the band's highest position on the chart to date. To support the album, the Fleet Foxes embarked on a worldwide Helplessness Blues Tour.

Contents

Helplessness Blues is the band's first studio album to feature bass guitarist Christian Wargo and multi-instrumentalist Morgan Henderson. It is also the only Fleet Foxes album to feature drummer and backing vocalist Josh Tillman, who left the band in 2012 to pursue his solo career under the name Father John Misty.

Recording

Robin Pecknold had initially hoped that Fleet Foxes could’ve released their second album 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, costing the band $60,000 of their own money. After their tour in support of the 2008 releases ended, Pecknold mentioned the possibility of starting to record new songs, but Josh Tillman, Fleet Foxes' drummer and co-song arranger, was scheduled to play Europe and North America all along the 2009-10 winter as part of his solo musical act.

Added to this, Phil Ek, the band's producer and friend answered in an interview that he was likely to continue as the producer as Robin had already sent him some demos to start listening to. In an interview with Pitchfork Media, Pecknold stated he expected the album to be released sometime in the second half of 2010. In an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, Pecknold admitted that his girlfriend of five years found the stress this album placed on their relationship too much, and ended things. Upon hearing the completed album, she realized that Pecknold's efforts were worth it, and they tried to work it out. [1] The couple has since split up. [2]

Pecknold has come out saying for their second album he tried to sound "less poppy, less upbeat and more groove-based". Taking inspiration from Roy Harper's folk album Stormcock , or at least its 12-string guitar he said: "That will be the primary sonic distancing from the last record". Added to this, he stated they wanted to record very quickly, saying he wanted to do the "vocal takes in one go, so even if there are fuck-ups, I want them to be on there. I want there to be guitar mistakes. I want there to be not totally flawless vocals. I want to record it and have that kind of cohesive sound. Van Morrison's Astral Weeks , to me, is the best-sounding album because it sounds like there were only six hours in the universe for that album to be recorded in. So I want it to have that feeling." [3]

The band had recorded since April 2010 in different locations (including West Hurley, New York) after two years of writing material and decided to scrap the earlier idea of a fast recording (though according to the band, the vocal takes so far have all been done in one take, perhaps in line with the original imperfect recording idea).

Release

The album cover was illustrated by a Seattle artist Toby Liebowitz and painted by artist Christopher Anderson. [4] The title track, "Helplessness Blues" was released via free download on January 31, 2011, and the album's fourth track, "Battery Kinzie" premiered on Zane Lowe's show on March 22. Their record label, Sub Pop, also released a downloadable music video made up of recording and other miscellaneous footage set to "Grown Ocean" on its site in support of the album. For Record Store Day on April 16, the band released a 12" double A-side single of the title track backed with "Grown Ocean" in the US and with "Battery Kinzie" in Europe. [5]

On November 1, the video for "The Shrine / An Argument" was released via Sub Pop's YouTube account and Sean Pecknold's Vimeo account. [6]

Composition

On Helplessness Blues, Fleet Foxes take on indie folk, chamber pop, and "meticulous, expansive" folk rock. [7] [8] [9] It also sees them craft a baroque folk-pop style. [8]

Their debut's Americana is also exchanged for a bigger psychedelic folk influence, particularly the kind from 1960s-era Britain. [10]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic? 8.1/10 [11]
Metacritic 85/100 [12]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [8]
The A.V. Club A [13]
Entertainment Weekly B− [14]
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [15]
The Independent Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [16]
Los Angeles Times Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [17]
NME 4/10 [18]
Pitchfork 8.8/10 [19]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [20]
Spin 9/10 [10]

Helplessness Blues received widespread critical acclaim from contemporary music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 85 based on 42 reviews, which indicates "universal acclaim". [12] Larry Fitzmaurice of Pitchfork wrote that the album's "analytical and inquisitive nature never tips into self-indulgence" and that "amidst the chaos, the record showcases the band's expanded range and successful risk-taking, while retaining what so many people fell in love with about the group in the first place." [19] Chris Martins of The A.V. Club praised the album's "sophisticated, truth-seeking songs", [13] while Alexis Petridis of The Guardian called it "almost laughably beautiful." [15] Andy Gill, writing in The Independent , felt that Fleet Foxes "manage to make giant strides creatively without jettisoning their core sound." [16] Robert Christgau, who was dismissive of the band's previous releases, gave the album a one-star honorable mention, indicating "a worthy effort consumers attuned to its overriding aesthetic or individual vision may well like," and declared it "darker and more socially conscious than either their escapist admirers or their ideological detractors are equipped to notice." [21]

The album was nominated for Best Folk Album at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. [22]

Accolades

PublicationAccoladeYearRank
Consequence of Sound Top 50 Albums of 20112011
14 [23]
The Guardian The Best Albums of 20112011
20 [24]
Paste The 50 Best Albums of 20112011
2 [25]
PasteThe 100 Best Indie Folk Albums of All Time2020
33 [7]
Pitchfork The Top 50 Albums of 20112011
15 [26]
PitchforkThe 200 Best Albums of the 2010s2019
135 [27]
PopMatters The 75 Best Albums of 20112011
1 [28]
Rolling Stone 50 Best Albums of 20112011
4 [29]
Spin The 50 Best Albums of 20112011
33 [30]
Stereogum Top 50 Albums of 20112011
31 [31]
Uncut The Top 50 Albums of 20112011
12 [32]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Robin Pecknold, arranged by Fleet Foxes

No.TitleLength
1."Montezuma"3:36
2."Bedouin Dress"4:30
3."Sim Sala Bim"3:14
4."Battery Kinzie"2:50
5."The Plains / Bitter Dancer"5:54
6."Helplessness Blues"5:02
7."The Cascades"2:08
8."Lorelai"4:25
9."Someone You'd Admire"2:30
10."The Shrine / An Argument"8:06
11."Blue Spotted Tail"3:05
12."Grown Ocean"4:36
Total length:49:56

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes. [33]

Musicians

Fleet Foxes

Additional musicians

Recording

Studios

Art

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Portugal (AFP) [61] Gold10,000^
United Kingdom (BPI) [62] Gold164,918 [63]
United States (RIAA) [64] Gold500,000

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<i>Daisies of the Galaxy</i> 2000 studio album by Eels

Daisies of the Galaxy is the third studio album by American rock band Eels. It was released on February 28, 2000, in the United Kingdom, and March 14 in the United States, by record label DreamWorks.

<i>Stormcock</i> (album) 1971 studio album by Roy Harper

Stormcock is the fifth studio album by English folk/rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Roy Harper. First released in May 1971 by Harvest Records, it is widely considered his best record.

Indie folk is an alternative genre of music that arose in the 1990s among musicians from indie rock scenes influenced by folk music. Indie folk hybridizes the acoustic guitar melodies of traditional folk music with contemporary instrumentation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fleet Foxes</span> American indie folk band

Fleet Foxes are an American indie folk band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 2006. The band currently consists of Robin Pecknold, Skyler Skjelset, Casey Wescott, Christian Wargo, and Morgan Henderson. Founding members Pecknold and Skjelset have been the only constants through the group's history, with the former serving as leader and principal songwriter.

<i>Fleet Foxes</i> (album) 2008 studio album by Fleet Foxes

Fleet Foxes is the debut studio album by American band Fleet Foxes, released on June 3, 2008, by Sub Pop and Bella Union. The album garnered wide praise from critics, many of whom named it one of the best albums of the 2000s and one of the greatest debut albums of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mykonos (song)</span> 2009 single by Fleet Foxes

Mykonos is a song by American indie folk band Fleet Foxes, from their second EP Sun Giant (2008). It was released in the UK on January 27, 2009, by European label Bella Union; in the format of 7" vinyl as well as a digital download, and peaked at number 51 on the UK Singles Chart. The B-side is a live version of "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song" from their debut album. On May 5, 2009, it was released in the U.S. on Seattle-based record label Sub Pop, with the song "False Knight On the Road" in place of "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song". An alternate version of the song, with a track length of 3:39, was released on the deluxe version of their debut album Fleet Foxes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robin Pecknold</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1986)

Robin Noel Pecknold is an American singer-songwriter, who serves as the principal songwriter and vocalist for indie folk band Fleet Foxes, with whom he has recorded four studio albums. He is known for his distinct baritenor voice and introspective lyrics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tedeschi Trucks Band</span> American blues and blues rock group

The Tedeschi Trucks Band is an American blues and blues rock group based in Jacksonville, Florida. Formed in 2010, the band is led by married couple Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks. Their debut album, Revelator (2011), won the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Blues Album. The band has released five studio and three live albums.

<i>Moonfire</i> (album) 2011 studio album by Boy & Bear

Moonfire is the debut studio album by the Australian indie rock band Boy & Bear. It was released on 5 August 2011 in the band's home country, with later release dates elsewhere. Recorded at Blackbird Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, with producer Joe Chiccarelli, the record garnered comparisons to other indie folk bands such as Fleet Foxes and Mumford & Sons.

<i>Angles</i> (The Strokes album) 2011 studio album by the Strokes

Angles is the fourth studio album by American rock band The Strokes. It was released on March 22, 2011, through RCA Records. It was the group's first album in over five years, following First Impressions of Earth (2006).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lilly Wood and the Prick</span> French music duo

Lilly Wood and the Prick is a French folk pop duo composed of Nili Hadida and Benjamin Cotto. Nili was born in Israel. They are best known for their single "Prayer in C”, which gained popularity after being remixed by German DJ Robin Schulz.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Head and the Heart</span> American indie folk band

The Head and the Heart is an American indie folk band. They were formed in the summer of 2009 by Josiah Johnson and Jonathan Russell. The band currently includes Jon Russell, Charity Rose Thielen, Chris Zasche (bass), Kenny Hensley (piano), Tyler Williams (drums), and Matt Gervais. The band is signed to Warner Bros. Records and have released five albums. Their fifth studio album, Every Shade of Blue, was released on April 29, 2022.

The Helplessness Blues Tour was a world tour by Seattle folk band Fleet Foxes in support of their second album Helplessness Blues which was released on May 3, 2011. The tour visited North America, Europe, Oceania and Japan.

<i>Crack-Up</i> (album) 2017 studio album by Fleet Foxes

Crack-Up is the third studio album by American band Fleet Foxes, released on June 16, 2017, by Nonesuch Records. Loosely inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald's essay collection of the same name, it is the follow-up to their 2011 album Helplessness Blues, following the band's three-year hiatus from 2013 to 2016. It is also the band's first release on the Nonesuch label after departing Sub Pop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Tillman discography</span> American singer-songwriter discography

The discography of Josh Tillman, an American singer-songwriter, consists of fourteen studio albums, six EPs, seventeen singles, a soundtrack and several contributions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fleet Foxes discography</span>

The discography of Fleet Foxes, a Seattle-based indie folk and folk rock band, consists of four studio albums, three extended plays (EP), and nine singles. Fleet Foxes was formed in 2006 by vocalist Robin Pecknold and guitarist Skyler Skjelset, and were then joined by keyboardist Casey Wescott, bassist Bryn Lumsden, and drummer Nicholas Peterson.

<i>Shore</i> (album) 2020 studio album by Fleet Foxes

Shore is the fourth studio album by American band Fleet Foxes, released on September 22, 2020, by Anti- Records.

<i>How Long Do You Think Its Gonna Last?</i> 2021 studio album by Big Red Machine

How Long Do You Think It's Gonna Last? is the second studio album by American indie duo Big Red Machine, which consists of musicians Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon. It was released on August 27, 2021, via 37d03d and Jagjaguwar record labels. Dessner stated the album is built around themes of childhood, familial dynamics, and mental health. He cited The Last Waltz, the 1978 live album by the Band, as an inspiration for the record.

<i>A Very Lonely Solstice</i> 2021 live album by Fleet Foxes

A Very Lonely Solstice is the first live album by American band Fleet Foxes, released on December 10, 2021, by Anti- Records. It was first livestreamed as a pre-recorded concert film on December 21, 2020.

<i>Twelve Carat Toothache</i> 2022 studio album by Post Malone

Twelve Carat Toothache is the fourth studio album by American rapper Post Malone. It was released on June 3, 2022, by Mercury and Republic Records. The album contains 14 tracks and includes guest appearances from Roddy Ricch, Doja Cat, Gunna, Fleet Foxes, the Kid Laroi, and the Weeknd. The deluxe edition was later released on June 7, 2022, including two new tracks, "Waiting For Never" and "Hateful".

References

  1. Breihan, Tom (2009-12-03). "Fleet Foxes' Robin Pecknold Talks Next Album, Side Projects, Creative Struggle". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on 2009-12-07. Retrieved 2009-12-04.
  2. "Robin Pecknold — Olivia, In A Separate Bed". All Things Go. All Things Go, LLC. Archived from the original on 23 May 2012. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
  3. Michaels, Sean (2009-12-07). "Fleet Foxes Recording 'Pretty Boring' Second Album". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 2013-12-14. Retrieved 2009-05-22.
  4. Alissa (2011-01-31). "Fleet Foxes Announce Second Album, Helplessness Blues, Pre-Order Now". Sub Pop Records. Archived from the original on 2013-01-15.
  5. "Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues / Grown Ocean". Discogs. Archived from the original on 2019-12-19. Retrieved 2020-04-25.
  6. Murray, Robin (2011-10-25). "Watch: Fleet Foxes - The Shrine / An Argument". Clash Music. Archived from the original on 2011-10-31. Retrieved 2011-10-25.
  7. 1 2 "The 100 Best Indie Folk Albums of All Time". Paste . May 20, 2020. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
  8. 1 2 3 Leahey, Andrew. "Helplessness Blues – Fleet Foxes". AllMusic. Archived from the original on February 15, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  9. David Peisner (May 31, 2017). "How the Fleet Foxes Frontman Got Out to Get Back In". The New York Times . Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2020. Fleet Foxes' first two albums of meticulous, expansive folk-rock have sold more than two million copies worldwide
  10. 1 2 Petrusich, Amanda (May 3, 2011). "Fleet Foxes, 'Helplessness Blues' (Sub Pop)". Spin . Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  11. "Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes reviews". AnyDecentMusic?. Archived from the original on December 25, 2019. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  12. 1 2 "Reviews for Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes". Metacritic. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  13. 1 2 Martins, Chris (May 3, 2011). "Fleet Foxes: Helplessness Blues". The A.V. Club . Archived from the original on January 21, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  14. Greenwald, Andy (April 27, 2011). "Helplessness Blues". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on April 12, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  15. 1 2 Petridis, Alexis (April 21, 2011). "Fleet Foxes: Helplessness Blues – review". The Guardian . London. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  16. 1 2 Gill, Andy (April 22, 2012). "Album: Fleet Foxes, Helplessness Blues (Bella Union)". The Independent . London. Archived from the original on January 4, 2012. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  17. Wappler, Margaret (May 3, 2011). "Album review: Fleet Foxes' 'Helplessness Blues'". Los Angeles Times . Archived from the original on May 17, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  18. Haynes, Gavin (April 27, 2011). "Album Review: Fleet Foxes – 'Helplessness Blues'". NME . Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  19. 1 2 Fitzmaurice, Larry (May 2, 2011). "Fleet Foxes: Helplessness Blues". Pitchfork . Archived from the original on February 16, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  20. Fricke, David (April 28, 2011). "Helplessness Blues". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on March 9, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  21. Christgau, Robert (January 20, 2012). "Odds and Ends 005". MSN Music . Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  22. "Nominees And Winners". The Recording Academy. Archived from the original on 1 February 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2011.
  23. "Top 50 Albums of 2011". Consequence of Sound . December 16, 2011. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  24. "The Best Albums of 2011". The Guardian . December 1, 2011. Archived from the original on October 1, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  25. "The 50 Best Albums of 2011". Paste . November 29, 2011. Archived from the original on April 5, 2016. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  26. "The Top 50 Albums of 2011". Pitchfork . December 14, 2011. Archived from the original on April 6, 2016. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  27. "The 200 Best Albums of the 2010s". Pitchfork . 8 October 2019. Archived from the original on 8 October 2019. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
  28. "The 75 Best Albums of 2011". PopMatters . December 26, 2011. Archived from the original on April 16, 2016. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  29. "50 Best Albums of 2011". Rolling Stone . December 7, 2011. Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  30. "The 50 Best Albums of 2011". Spin . December 12, 2011. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  31. "Top 50 Albums of 2011". Stereogum . December 5, 2011. Archived from the original on May 5, 2016. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  32. "The Top 50 Albums of 2011". Uncut . January 10, 2013. Archived from the original on April 26, 2016. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  33. Helplessness Blues (liner notes). Fleet Foxes. Sub Pop. 2011. SP 888.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  34. "Australiancharts.com – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  35. "Austriancharts.at – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  36. "Ultratop.be – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  37. "Ultratop.be – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  38. "Fleet Foxes Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  39. "Danishcharts.dk – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  40. "Dutchcharts.nl – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  41. "Fleet Foxes: Helplessness Blues" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  42. "Lescharts.com – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  43. "Offiziellecharts.de – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  44. "Irish-charts.com – Discography Fleet Foxes". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  45. "Italiancharts.com – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  46. "Charts.nz – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  47. "Norwegiancharts.com – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  48. "Portuguesecharts.com – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  49. "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  50. "Spanishcharts.com – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  51. "Swedishcharts.com – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  52. "Swisscharts.com – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  53. "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  54. "Fleet Foxes Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  55. "Fleet Foxes Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  56. "Jaaroverzichten 2011". Ultratop. Archived from the original on December 27, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  57. "Årslista Album – År 2011" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Archived from the original on April 13, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  58. "End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2011". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on April 3, 2015. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  59. "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2011". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 1, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  60. "Top Rock Albums – Year-End 2011". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 12, 2019. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  61. "Portuguese album certifications – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues" (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Archived from the original on 27 March 2012. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
  62. "British album certifications – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues". British Phonographic Industry.
  63. "Official Charts Analysis: Royal Blood score second chart-topper". Music Week. 23 June 2017. Archived from the original on 21 September 2017. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  64. "American album certifications – Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved 31 May 2023.