ABSTRACT
This chapter examines formal and stylistic parameters techniques. It's not unique to the Fleet Foxes but shared by a number of other 'new-folk groups some contemporaries of Fleet Foxes this examination may be useful to others studying new-folk. One is left with the impression that they cannot reach their ambitious goals, and aside from their admired musical predecessors, they lack the social and political awareness of the folk and folk-rock movement. There are several possible interpretations of the lyrical narrative in 'Helplessness Blues', however, one in particular seems to us to be cohesive enough to encompass the contrary nature of the lyrics across the entirety of the song. The rhythm and metre in 'Helplessness Blues' function on two interpretive levels. While the relationship between production and other musical elements such as harmony, melody and rhythm can be difficult to untangle, it is worthwhile, as production shapes the sound or timbre of a song.
