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You Can't Hear it on the Radio is a blog about the current golden age of music. At no time since the 1960s has there been such an output of quality music by so many varied artists. Add to that technology that makes it easier than ever for the curious to find good music today. But, like an unlimited selection at an all-you-can-eat buffet, there's no table service. You will have to seek it out. The old model is dead. Generally speaking, you can't hear it on the radio. You can learn about it here, though.

Steve: I'll admit, when it comes to the new Fleet Foxes album, I feel like I took more notice of its upcoming release, rather than really anticipating it.

I liked their debut album and accompanying EP well enough, don't get me wrong.  But I like rock and roll, and the Fleet Foxes are not folk-influenced rock and roll, they are a folk band.

Noah, what were your expectations coming in around the new FF album?

Noah: I didn't expect much other than more of the same. Beautiful harmonies, folk guitars and epic songwriting. I think "they are a folk band" is an understatement. It's important to remember what the Fleet Foxes ARE, and set appropriate expectations. I was hoping for more of the same, but that they'd show obvious growth. I was not disappointed.

Steve: It's a strong effort, really inventive and pretty, and the musicianship has really developed in the three years since their debut. I love their harmonies but I could listen to Helplessness Blues as an instrumental album and be just fine, that's how much I like their playing.

Noah: I was really struck by that too. I really noticed the almost effortless musicianship. A record like this (or their first full length) could EASILY sound fussy and pretentious. Somehow they manage to walk the razor's edge and make it sound like it's no big deal.

Steve: Effortless is a great way to describe it.

Noah: Which is really an accomplishment considering how dense this album is. There is a LOT going on.

Steve: I was reading about all the new instruments on this album, and it's an impressive list: 12-string guitar, the hammered dulcimer, zither, upright bass, wood flute, tympani, Moog synthesizer, the tamboura, the fiddle, the marxophone, clarinet, the music box, pedal steel guitar, lap steel guitar, Tibetan singing bowls, vibraphone, along with more traditional band instrumentation.

I mean, Jesus.

Noah: That list alone may make this album qualify as prog-rock. The Decemberists would be proud.

But speaking of prog-rock, as I listened, I couldn't help but marvel at the number of songs that had second or third acts. The New Pornographers have songs like these...hooks within hooks.

Steve: That's a good point. I've been listening to the NPR stream at this point, so I don't even really know where some songs end and others begin. In addition to sounding effortless and organic, it's a very cohesive set of songs that flow nicely.

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