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Noah: Almost too much so. On my first couple of listens I was concerned about the fact that the songs blended together, but as I listened further I realized that Helplessness Blues is an onion...just keep peeling back the layers.

Steve: So going back to my opening comment, reaching a little bit not to sound so effusive - it's hard to place a band that plays chamber music and channels David Crosby so much of the time into my "all time favorites". But I'll happily acknowledge that the Fleet Foxes are the best at what they do, and they've created an enduring masterpiece of contemplative, gorgeous music that I can play for guests without worrying they will find it too noisy.

Noah: So does this mean you like it?

Steve: I love it.

Noah: As do I.

It's a fantastic album. My only wish is that they'd explored the quiet side a little more. Songs like "Blue Spotted Tail" are riveting and make you want more.

But I also wish they'd rock out a little more. I want them to play in the margins a little on their next album. Ride both ends of the spectrum. That's not a complaint, by the way - I'm just anticipating where they might go next.

Steve: I think I will end up revisiting this album more often than their debut (which I also liked). There seems to be a lot going on lyrically, and I look forward to exploring Robin Pecknold's words once I can get my hands on the lyrics sheet. I appreciate when a songwriter surprises me with what they have to say, and I feel that's what's going on with Helplessness Blues.

Noah: I agree. From the moment the album begins, as Pecknold talks about the selflessness of parenthood and questions his ability to set himself aside, I couldn't help but be impressed with how assured he is as a songwriter.

Also, let’s not lose Robin Pecknold’s voice in our earlier praise of the musicianship. They did the right thing by featuring his voice a little bit more than on their self-titled debut full-length. Pecknold’s voice is incredibly dynamic and full of personality.

I do think their debut is more immediately catchy and listenable, but while it's early, I'm fairly certain Helplessness Blues is a more impressive work. And I LOVED their first album.

Steve: It took them a while to pull this album together, and it wasn't without some false starts from what I've read, but hearing the finished product proves they are working at the top of their craft at present. I've put them on my "see this band live immediately" list as well. In the final analysis, I rate Helplessness Blues as Really Good.

Noah: If you aren't reading the highly entertaining Fleet Foxes Twitter feed, it's Pecknold at his most neurotically entertaining - great random thoughts about the album as it was recorded.

Helplessness Blues is an album that I suspect will add additional texture and further depth after seeing them play live – as I will in July. Honestly, I'm a little surprised you aren't going with a Great for this album, I sure am.

Steve: Well, Really Good is still a really good score, and I might end up revising at the end of the year. I think the thing that keeps it from being a Great album for me is simply due to the reservations I raised at the outset. I don't want Fleet Foxes to be something they aren't, not at all. But there is probably a ceiling on my appreciation of their music being that it's more straight up folk.

Noah: That's all fair. But I bet you'll come around in the end.

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