First Collection 2006–2009 cover

First Collection 2006–2009

Fleet Foxes · 2018

103 min · 30 tracks · folk rock

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The collection showcases strong songwriting and craftsmanship but lacks a cohesive flow due to its length and inclusion of demos.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent use of rich vocal harmonies layered over acoustic instrumentation, creating a warm, inviting sound.
  • Several tracks incorporate intricate guitar picking patterns that serve as both rhythm and melody, particularly evident in 'Blue Ridge Mountains' and 'Tiger Mountain Peasant Song'.
  • The album includes multiple demo versions and sketches at the end, which contrast with the polished studio tracks and provide insight into the band's creative process.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • gentle harmonies for quiet moments
  • nostalgic melodies for reflection
  • short tracks for casual listening
  • evocative storytelling through simplicity

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer high-energy music
  • want complex, lengthy compositions

Where this album fits

Stylistic neighbors
Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· Bon Iver

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Sun It Rises 3:11
  • 2 White Winter Hymnal 2:27
  • 3 Ragged Wood 5:07
  • 4 Tiger Mountain Peasant Song 3:28
  • 5 Quiet Houses 3:32
  • 6 He Doesn’t Know Why 3:20
  • 7 Heard Them Stirring 3:02
  • 8 Your Protector 4:09
  • 9 Meadowlarks 3:11
  • 10 Blue Ridge Mountains 4:25
  • 11 Oliver James 3:23

Disc 2

  • 1 Sun Giant 2:14
  • 2 Drops in the River 4:13
  • 3 English House 4:41
  • 4 Mykonos 4:35
  • 5 Innocent Son 3:07

Disc 3

  • 1 She Got Dressed 3:29
  • 2 In the Hot, Hot Rays 3:06
  • 3 Anyone Who’s Anyone 3:48
  • 4 Textbook Love 3:26
  • 5 So Long to the Headstrong 4:18
  • 6 Icicle Tusk 4:37

Disc 4

  • 1 False Knight on the Road 3:45
  • 2 Silver Dagger 3:19
  • 3 White Lace Regretfully 2:32
  • 4 Isles 3:07
  • 5 Ragged Wood (transition basement sketch) 1:48
  • 6 He Doesn’t Know Why (basement demo) 3:15
  • 7 English House (basement demo) 4:00
  • 8 Hot Air (basement sketch) 0:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata