Critics slobbered all over the Fleet Foxes’ first album that was released in 2008 (Pitchfork even made the album its “Album of the Year”–gads).  Though the album had its moments (and they separately released at least one beauty of a song, Mykonos), after being bored to tears repeatedly when watching them on the talk-shows and in various formats, we wrote the band off until “next time.”  One of the main Fleet ones, Robin Pecknold, didn’t help matters much with his self-indulgent solo opening set for Joanna Newsom at the Lobero this past summer.

And now “next time” is upon us.  The Fleet Foxes next record, “Helplessness Blues,” is due to be released on May 3 by Sub Pop.  The band also announced that they will tour for the first time in two years, including a stop at the Hollywood Palladium on May 7th.

You can listen to and download the title track via the image below.  To our ears, while pleasant enough, the song doesn’t break any new musical ground.  And despite a decent “message” the lyrics are mostly treacly and fatuous (read:  more of the same).  Take, for example:  “like a snowflake, distinct amongst snowflakes, unique in each way you can see.”  Really????  Indeed, but you might want to keep that to yourself.

But that’s just us talkin’ over here at Lefort.  Perhaps the rest of the record will overcome this first reaction.  Listen in yourself, and let us know what you think.