Robin Pecknold Releases Non-Fleet Foxes Tunes

Fleet Foxes frontman Robin Pecknold took to Twitter today and dropped three new musical treats on us, presumably to tide fans over until the 1 May release of the band's sophomore effort Helplessness Blues (Sub Pop). Pecknold indicates that they were recorded in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago: "These aren't Fleet Foxes songs, but I didn't know where else to disseminate it. Pretty mellow jams." The first is a contemplative rambler titled "Derwentwater Stones":

"Derwentwater Stones" - Robin Pecknold

The second piece is a collaboration with Grizzly Bear's Ed Droste. It reminds us of the David Crosby compositions from the first CS&N album as well as his initial solo effort If I Could Only Remember My Name . . . :

"I'm Losing Myself" - Robin Pecknold with Ed Droste

The final selection is a beautiful cover of English musician Chris Thompson's "Where Is My Wild Rose," a Gaelic lament that fits right into Pecknold's vocal wheelhouse.

"Where Is My Wild Rose" - Robin Pecknold

If you want to download your own copies, follow Pecknold on Twitter.

New Fleet Foxes Album Imminent?

Over the past few weeks, Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes has posted brief, but telling, comments at the band's Facebook page. First there was the teaser that the group, winner of TNOP's 2008 Album of the Year, is planning tour dates. Then the above image appeared, spurring whispers that it may just be the cover art for an upcoming album.

Now, this: "Hey all, it's been a bit since a recording update. Well, recording is done! We are flying to New York tomorrow to mix and master the album and will have information about release date and when you'll get to hear a song or two SOON. Geologically soon but soon."

You may recall that at the end of December 2009 there was a cryptic note from Fleet Foxes promising new material in 2010. Although we've seen no other announcements for the remaining calendar year, here's hoping . . .

In the meantime, let's revisit Fleet Foxes' "Blue Ridge Mountains" from a Take Away Show courtesy of La Blogotheque.

New Fleet Foxes In 2010

Seattle-based Fleet Foxes are recording their second full-length album and plan to release it "the second early half, or the mid-second half of 2010," band member Robin Peckhold tells The Guardian. His description of the tone and direction of the new songs? Well . . . Peckhold's explanation is about as clear as the release date. But it seems as though the boys are looking to deliver a minimally produced sound that will reflect their strong live performances.

Peckhold also grants an extended sit-down to Pitchfork and discusses his side projects as well as on-going involvement with Fleet Foxes.

Fleet Foxes' self-titled debut was TNOP's 2008 Album of the Year. To see why, revisit their performance of "Mykonos"on Saturday Night Live as well as the Take-Away Show at La Blogotheque.