The Quiet Return of Fleet Foxes and Sufjan Stevens

The Quiet Return of Fleet Foxes and Sufjan Stevens

Author: Pitchfork September 25, 2020 Duration: 29:33
This week brought new albums from a pair of beloved artists who emerged a little over a decade ago as purveyors of artful indie folk: Fleet Foxes, who announced their fourth full-length Shore on Monday and released it 24 hours later, and Sufjan Stevens, whose eighth solo album The Ascension arrives today, September 25. Each has navigated listeners’ weighty expectations in their own way: Fleet Foxes by eschewing promotion and embracing the vibrant simplicity of their early songwriting, and Stevens by avoiding the character sketches and personal narratives of his past albums in favor of broader questions about the state of the world. On this episode, Pitchfork Editor Puja Patel is joined by Features Editor Ryan Dombal and News Editor Matthew Strauss for a discussion of both albums and the artists who made them.

Ever find yourself reading a music review and wondering exactly how that score came to be, or what the real conversation sounded like behind the published words? That’s the space where The Pitchfork Review lives. Led by Pitchfork editor-in-chief Puja Patel and Reviews Editor Jeremy D. Larson, this podcast is essentially a backstage pass to the publication’s critical process. It’s not just about announcing opinions; it’s about the lively, nuanced, and sometimes contentious discussions that happen when passionate experts dissect new albums and singles. Each episode feels like you’re sitting in on an editorial meeting where the hosts and their colleagues break down what makes a track compelling, why a particular production choice works or fails, and where an artist fits within the broader musical landscape. You’ll get clarity on how reviews are crafted, sure, but more importantly, you’ll hear the genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge that defines Pitchfork’s approach. Whether they’re championing an exciting new sound, debating the merits of a highly anticipated release, or even calling out a disappointing one, the dialogue is always insightful and refreshingly direct. For anyone who loves to think critically about music and wants to go beyond the star rating, this podcast offers a consistently engaging and authoritative listen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 84

The Pitchfork Review
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