I’ve been spending the past few hours working on the second post for my “Decade in Music” series: The Decade’s Biggest Moments in Music—the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (hint: “nipplegate” is there).

See the first post in the series, The 50 Best Songs of the 2000s here.

Anyway, needing a break I thought I’d post a little weekend music pick for everyone out there: The Fleet Foxes.

The Fleet Foxes, from Seattle WA, are one of the best bands to emerge over the past three years. Clearly influenced by CSNY, Pet Sounds era Beach Boys, as well as  contemporary artists like My Morning Jacket, the Fleet Foxes don’t simply wear their inspirations on their sleeve, but use their influences as a starting point where they explore intriguing back alley melodies and out-of the-main harmonies. It’s as if they’ve discovered some strange and wonderful new city that seems familiar, but is entirely new and rich-- and unspoiled. 

The Fleet Foxes sound is akin to the hipster indie guy in a pork-pie hat getting sick of the soulless city and pretending to like Pabst Blue Ribbon, who moves  in with his hippie cousin in the country to soak up the crisp fall air, the warm sunshine, and kick back with a spliff. A wonderful breath of fresh air, and a surprisingly agreeable and warm juxtaposition of styles and influences.  

I cannot recommend this band enough. Their EP The Sun Giant and their eponymous debut were hands down the best albums of 2008, and will be going on my list of the best albums of the decade.

^{(Remember to tune in Monday afternoon for part 2 in the Decade in Music when we'll revisit the The Decade’s Biggest Moments in Music—the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly)}