Momma Knows Best

My musical taste has undeniably been shaped by my mother; I know the words to every Joni Mitchell song and I was convinced as a child that Paul McCartney would never age. Rather, Paul would wait for me to turn 18, at which point we would elope and have beautiful, musically gifted babies.

I've finally recovered from the realization that Paul is, in fact, a total geezer -- but I still vehemently believe that my mother has near-perfect taste in music. Behold Lori's latest musical suggestion:

Fleet Foxes are a five-piece Seattle-based band comprised of Robin Pecknold, Skyler Skjelset, J. Tillman, Casey Wescott and Christian Wargo. The band gained critical acclaim with both their second EP, Sun Giant, and their full length debut Fleeting Foxes. Reviewers comment on their use of "refined lyrics and vocal harmonies" and the band describe their music as "baroque harmonic pop jams."

What really appeals to me about Fleet Foxes is that they appear to draw from a variety of influences, which is reflected in their music. While listening to Mykonos I was suprised by how much the band reminded me of The Shins. However, at approximately 2:11, the band throws in a full-on Neil Young tribute. Of course, listen to Tiger Mountain Peasant Song and you might think for a minute that you've come across something from Rufus Wainwright's private, less obnoxious, recordings.

The band appeared at Glastonbury this summer where they played two new, yet to be released tracks. While I'm keeping an eye out for the latest, here are a few of my current favorites: