Fleet Foxes: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Bob Boilen | March 9, 2021
"I'm Robin Pecknold from Fleet Foxes. Thank you so much for asking me to find the tiniest desk I could, and sing unadorned for the first time in too long."
With his guitar and that unadorned voice, Robin Pecknold performs four songs from Fleet Foxes' 2020 album, Shore. It's an album that pays homage to some of the greats that we've lost - some more recently, including David Berman and Richard Swift, and some long gone but still influential, like Elliott Smith, Curtis Mayfield, Jimi Hendrix and Judee Sill. Robin wrote the songs while driving in the Catskills and (as you hear on "Going-to-the-Sun Road") Montana, a place that feels like home.
It's been a dozen years since Robin Pecknold's first, self-titled Fleet Foxes album, a record filled with harmony that brightened the somewhat dark lyrics. Here, alone, his message comes through even more apparent, and the songs written both before and during the pandemic shine light on darkness.
SET LIST
"Going-to-the-Sun-Road"
"Sunblind"
"Featherweight"
"I'm Not My Season"
MUSICIANS
Robin Pecknold: guitar, vocals
CREDITS
Video: Fortress Entertainment, Riley Burke, Tristan Seniuk, Sean Pecknold
Audio: Jarvis Taveniere
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Video Producer: Morgan Noelle Smith
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
Tiny Production Team: Kara Frame, Maia Stern
Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#fleetfoxes #tinydesk #nprmusic

[@barbietkach]

Cannot even begin to describe how important Fleet Foxes’ music is to me

[@trezf1]

Words not needed. We get it

[@gpless05]

Life-altering moments through the soundwaves these guys have created for me!

[@JJDOG9]

Totally with you

[@angusmcleod9400]

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had the helplessness poos

[@haleygardner0728]

Me too

[@papabucks8582]

For people new to Fleet Foxes, go listen to their album “Helplessness Blues”. It literally saved my life, and it is perfect from start to finish. Trust me

[@emgwest]

Oh my goodness, yes. That and I am particularly fond of the Sun Giant EP as well

[@IndieBassJA26]

Currently stuck on it after being stuck on their self titled

[@mchjsosde]

@@IndieBassJA26 I relate to this. You can replay their albums over and over so often it becomes as natural as the world turning.

[@RobertSchaefer]

"I wanna be a functioning cog in some great machinery serving something beyond me" is the most impactful lyric I have ever heard. Helped me understand where I felt like my place should be in the world. Favorite band.

[@IndieBassJA26]

@@mchjsosde I have their self titled, sun giant, and helplessness blues all in one playlist and when I’m studying I just let it play. Insanely beautiful music to say the least

[@sarahjones7097]

Oh god...his voice, his guitar playing, his face, the Birkenstocks. It's all too lovely. I can't...

[@sczj777]

...Stop crying? Me too 💜

[@jeremylitten5145]

Stop it, yes you can! I believe in you!

[@zachkaeser8320]

Haha he's definitely got the aesthetics down with those Birkenstocks

[@feralquietude]

i have never seen how he looks before and i just fell in love

[@marsifuentes4425]

robin pecknold singing in portuguese is one of the things i didnt know i needed

[@gui_andraded]

His voice got so better with the time its ridiculous

[@deathchips926]

Really? His voice has always been a pretty strong asset.

[@michaelclark1811]

He quit smoking cigs

[@gui_andraded]

@@deathchips926 Yeah it's always been good, but now is even better

[@deathchips926]

@@michaelclark1811 true that!!

[@jetthagerty8841]

He's a fine wine

[@JonathanOgdenMusic]

Shore is a masterpiece. These songs really shine with the stripped-back arrangement.

[@theleogeckoguy]

I’m not my season is such a gorgeous song. This version brought me to tears

[@benoitallouis1398]

100% agreed, the album is really great but slightly too overproduced for my taste

[@ayon6854]

Best album ever

[@sir_vix]

I thought the acoustic arrangement really allows his subtle tonal shifts to resonate complex emotional nuances in a manner I'm struggling to articulate or find comparison. It's like the difference between talking to a friend on a road trip and comforting a mourning lover. Everything has a higher density of significance.

[@makscho1]

Word.

[@Ironlungwrdsmth]

Robin Pecknold is more than a songwriter, he is gift to those who feel his music, rather than hear it. A kindred spirit to those with troubled thoughts...lost and in awe of existential chaos... confused by the futility of it all.. trying to find their way. Thank you Robin.

[@rortle]

Well put.

[@brandonp2824]

Blue Speckled Bird

[@sidsmith6839]

I couldn’t think of a more perfect comment

[@shaunjacobalde6345]

Friend: Hey, what are you listening to? Me: Fleet Fox

[@blakesonasnake]

Nailed it.

[@makscho1]

Hahahahahahah

[@brainflowvideos]

Hehehe

[@erinhansen7737]

Too clever hahaha

[@elphidium]

Robin should definitely be remembered as one of the most influential musicians of the beginning of the 21st century

[@peteaxe2067]

Hes great. But idk about influential. Hes an underrated

[@wes4192]

Influential?

[@jdutra]

Robin singing in portuguese at the end of Going-to-the-Sun-Road is absolutely beautiful. thank you for this

[@barbaradodorico5028]

EXATAMENTE..............

[@De_liebste_un_beste_Mensch]

One of the best voices alive. And from a songwriting perspective this is the same league as Simon & Garfunkel. Legit.

[@scottingram9427]

that portuguese part of Going to the Sun Road gets me everytime

[@Wahlrusberg]

I love all the bells and whistles to Fleet Foxes with the harmonies and stuff, but dude could definitely release a whole album of just him and guitar

[@avicarnonbagel279]

This comment aged well.

[@rodsmade]

@@avicarnonbagel279 oh?

[@avicarnonbagel279]

@@rodsmade A Very Lonely Solstice. An entire live album of just Robin with a guitar

[@thetreesify]

Does anyone else tear up hearing 'it's not my season'? Because of the state of my mind and general exhaustion from the past year, i just really feel this song every time It's on.

[@gabrielledennis549]

It was definitely my theme song late last year

[@emmalane18]

I definitely cry everytime

[@LucasRodmo]

I just cried right now

[@TheDreamingJune]

His voice is so warm and comforting. Like the most delightful hug from an old friend.

[@evanzeh6696]

What a perfect comparison!

[@mayamagination]

these stripped back versions are so comfy, his voice really is an instrument in itself

[@angusmcleod9400]

I agree! I love ff but this simple version of sunblind so so pleasant

[@tammyjoma]

Yes on both! I am bewildered why some people don't consider an instrument in itself and singers musicians as feels so true.

[@jamesturner2914]

Featherweight is my anthem of the pandemic, no other piece of music released during the year 2020 encapsulated how everything felt, and still feels. Robin is a wonderful soul.

[@gman8133]

For how optimistic and cozy the rest of the album is, it stands out that much more. It's so, SO melancholy but so beautiful

[@matheust.9996]

It's mine as well, James. What a great song!

[@XanStephP]

Agreed!

[@mattyb808]

Yup same here brother...

[@LucasRodmo]

I still come here, time to time. I feel the warmth of his beautiful soul, hear his gentle guitar, his sweet, embracing voice, listen to his deep lyrics, and feel good about the world again. Is remedy for the soul. No matter the storm going outside, this brings me true joy

[@leonielefaucheurwoodward789]

A true musician. He’s just a genius. The fleet foxes are the best live band out there. Saw them in Paris last week on the Shore tour, they are just outstanding

[@Big_Tough_Guy]

I wonder what he's been through... He's the only musician I would trade places with

[@KadanzaD]

I want to listen to this version of Going to the Sun Road forever. God so beautiful.

[@sfdottie]

I have it on repeat 😬

[@mchenoboe]

Holy cow his acoustic arrangement of going to the sun road is great

[@aradieschen4880]

Yeah I wish someone would make a lesson for it. I can’t figure it out

[@zacharynewman4852]

@@aradieschen4880 has he ? he did insta videos teaching his songs that are on here

[@aradieschen4880]

@@zacharynewman4852 yeah, thanks, I’ve watched some of them now. I can’t finde the full video of the latest one, though. Also are a little different. I guess it’s just hard for me because it’s open tuning.

[@sfdottie]

Just mind blowing

[@jessib00]

And just like that, I found my strength for the day

[@Youfoh]

“I’m Not My Season” is my favorite song.

[@gabrielleclague]

Mine too!

[@delaneywatters8898]

I think it really carries the feelings of 2020 within it. It's definitely a comfort song through all the trials of the last year

[@plasmaWisp]

Featherweight is such a gorgeously understated FF song. Definitely my favorite off that album, and a top 10 in their discography.

[@EllieUchiha17]

Here IMMEDIATELY. I LOVE fleet foxes with all my heart and soul. Robin also started with my favorite song from the album. What a blessed Tuesday morning

[@Bandstand]

Thanks NPR. Way to start my morning 👌🏻

[@tylerbakermusic]

Love seeing you here Bandstand:)

[@tcgtonysamazingpulls]

Im with u

[@cracky4415]

Wait Bandstand likes Fleet Foxes? Based.

[@_cathyting]

Same sentiments. 💕

[@nicollemosqueramusica]

Totally

[@cloudbusting_]

"Sunblind" acoustic and unadorned is brilliant. What a fantastic tribute to his friends and influences.

[@eugenelorenzo8675]

I’ve just recently discovered and started to listen to Fleet Foxes. At such a time of grief and anxiety, their music came when I needed it the most. Thanks, Fleet Foxes.

[@LucasRodmo]

Welcome!

[@kevinchristopher1443]

It's amazing how well Sunblind fits into the larger Fleet Foxes style

[@thanhhoangnguyenngoc9610]

Shore is easily one of the best and most underated album already of this decade. The melody, the lyrics, vocal are just simply heavenly and beautiful. I like to drive around the city on my motorbike with the album playing on my earphone.

[@binhaaa]

MANO, o Robin cantando em português, que coisa mais linda!

[@BahgaBliss]

Eu não tava pronto pra isso (na verdade estava sim) hahah ❤❤

[@SolarisAjna]

Agora temos que convencer ele a vir para o Brasil...

[@Gustavoalessandrom]

Surpresa total!

[@kevenniaraujo]

E apois... me surpreendi.

[@HannoverXavi]

Coisa linda, quando escutei no album, nem acreditei mas agora... melhor ainda!

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Going-to-the-Sun-Road* (3:30) 4:17 - *Sunblind* (8:30) 8:41 - *Featherweight* 12:30 - *I'm Not My Season* [15:35 - Tiny Desk team]

[@marsifuentes4425]

god bless you

[@ashleypatch5741]

I really love that you included the credits and in between bits where he talks

[@justy5944]

It is so annoying that Tiny Desk don’t do this in the description

[@PentameronSV]

@@justy5944 Exactly

[@nandobritto]

And the song in portuguese?

[@xeniasimeonidou7746]

still watching it and tearing up...

[@richarddalton1066]

It’s amazing how him playing these songs solo offers such a different perspective on the music...

[@DannCianca]

Love Robin/Fleet Foxes and loved the sound. That first mid-roll add was super jarring though. "Going to the Sun" wasn't even over yet. :(

[@Lamadesbois]

Yes, the ad is terrible. I am glad we can then wash it with beautiful music 🙂

[@rosenori8345]

I’ve never really listened to the words of Featherweight before. It might be my favorite Fleet Foxes song after hearing this version. Robin is a phenomenal songwriter and an even better lyricist.

[@goingupandupandup]

I need that Ragged Wood performance exponentially

[@steelcityspeedshopj.r6942]

Truly my favorite song writer ever. Just Robin and a guitar is all thats needed.

[@zacharyfriedman782]

I love Fleet Foxes so much. Robin is such a prolific songwriter, lyricist, and performer. It's always nice to browse the comments section of their videos and know that other people feel the same.

[@monoyamono]

Word.

[@zacster311]

I have loved Fleet Foxes ever since I randomly found their first CD at at public library back in 2008. Robin's voice is amazing and their compositions are so beautiful. I also love that they are from my hometown of Kirkland, Washington and that Robin and Skyler went to my rival high school. May they continue to make fantastic music for years to come.

[@evanzeh6696]

The first time I heard White Winter Hymnal, I was hooked. 2008 was a good year.

[@turboturtlehead]

Unlike anything I heard in 2008, and still today, always be one of my favorite bands. Every album is amazing

[@silversaint]

Sunblind is one of the sweetest songs I've ever heard. Probably the best love song I could ever not imagined. We've all heard the typical love song. This is a beautiful tribute to wonderful souls gone. Makes you happy to be alive, while you are alive.

[@bpreston14]

One of a small handful of artists that brings me to tears upon listening. Just gorgeous.

[@barehandkiller]

"the old wrenches hardly turn me" is such a good lyric

[@alexkaufmann5994]

who had the gall to dislike this gorgeous piece of music

[@maiap2469]

not to be dramatic or anything but ive been waiting for this my whole life

[@gabrielledennis549]

Have mercy, this is gorgeous. I love how creative he got this live performance

[@JohnsonKayla12]

Ahhh! I literally screamed this when I saw this video. 🥺

[@joaquinmartinez6612]

God I just love this stranger so much

[@janeconnelly2483]

Robin Pecknold, your magnificence is one of a kind. You are the nurturing nature of beauty made into a human being.

[@Acw279]

Thank you NPR. Thank you Robin Pecknold for making me feel safe.

[@alexpuertasjr]

One of the greatest bands of all time

[@jasonmcdonald2657]

Clear my schedule. I've got to watch/listen to this on repeat for the foreseeable future.

[@ritepu]

Wow the melody of the first song is unpredictable. I have habits of predict the melody of the song, but this just completely made me like "wow so different". Shout out to you! Great songs!!!

[@retnavijayan4521]

Waited so long for Fleet Foxes on Tiny Desk! Perfect in every way. Will be watching and listening a few times a day.

[@jordan-xe2yb]

Love all these songs. Especially enamored with Sun Road. Obsessed.

[@itslaurenze]

Sometimes I forget how much their music truly uplifts and soothes me, and when I listen again I regret ever forgetting.

[@veraeroes]

I love the acoustic arrangements of all these songs, especially “I’m Not My Season”, which has meant so much to me during the pandemic. Robin’s voice commands such a presence on its own 💜

[@KostasMkostasm]

What a soul! This must be the voice of empathy...

[@laurakateblack4043]

Incredibly peaceful way to start this morning. “I’m not my season” will always be one of my favorites - so glad that was the in the lineup.

[@jbridgy123456]

Listening to Shore during UK's third lockdown helped so much, genuinely haven't listened to an album that has had such a big effect in a good way, thank you Robin ❤️

[@make_good]

Whew did I need this. Sending love to all who listen.

[@GrandStudable]

What a pure musician Robin is. My god

[@luciostheimer2644]

Didn't ever think Going-to-the-Sun Road would translate so beautifully to acoustic woww :'))

[@JakiraJakira78]

When Robin released the Shore stems on Bandcamp I got to listen to it with just the vocals and guitars. Some pauses where instrumental parts were but just as beautiful.

[@bobwise1977]

His voice is just a balm for my tired and fractured soul. I needed to find this video today 💙

[@papayer]

Going-to-the-sun-road is such a gorgeous track. I'm glad to see it made the cut on here. Probably the only 'live' recording of it there exists, so it's precious to me lol

[@DataRew]

Wow. I was hoping the whole band had video-conferenced or something when I clicked on this, but I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the solo songs too.

[@stardudis]

what a joy to wake up to this! and you nailed the Portuguese, Robin :)

[@elicraig7367]

Me and my 2 year old are clapping in our living room after each song. Can't wait to go to a show together.

[@redhotchilifan98]

An absolutely incredible band. Everytime I hear one of their songs I'm just flooded with an over sense of joy, and content. Robin is unbelievably underrated.

[@robertopistolesi2735]

The best music I've heard from this program. By a long distance the most heartfelt performance. So real. Thank you.

[@matthewdarcy6859]

What a beautiful soul. Some man....some man...

[@adamnienke3633]

Oh my goodness, this is incredible

[@JoolsieT]

Hi Robin, thank you! Your voice is as soft as a feathered pillow and as gentle as a sweet kiss in the summer when the sun is setting, still as warm as it was at mid-day! xx

[@Mewpasaurus]

You can never go wrong with Fleet Foxes. Thank you!

[@wesleyd21]

Love this. I am certainly not a Pitchfork apologist but one of the best insights I ever read in a review was that if you reduce Paul Simon's influence down to two basic parts you get Robin Pecknold on one hand and Ezra Koenig on the other. Pecknold represents the "I Am a Rock" part of Paul Simon (contemplative, solitary, brooding, etc.) and Koenig is Graceland (cosmopolitan, fun, witty, etc.). It's definitely an oversimplification but I think it has some value.

[@madalynntraylor8545]

Thank you for sharing this, I had never considered this and found your thoughts extremely interesting

[@rodrigomatosopecanha1035]

As a Brazilian I appreciate the effort, his accent was cute

[@redfordreddington8834]

Now we just need a Portuguese person to chime in.

[@mauoricio]

I just DIED! Robin singing in portuguese I- typing from my grave

[@Ozymandias_1818]

Robin is a gift from the ancient heavens

[@StigOHarrison]

A phenomenal songwriter with a guitar is all that you need sometimes 🖤

[@Big_Tough_Guy]

Obviously he's a musical genius, but I just now noticed how incredible those lyrics are. Shivers...

[@kennygold217]

Robin singing is like hearing a Angel singing in heaven. So beautiful.

[@adamcoe7873]

I've had this on repeat for hours. It's spellbinding, takes me to a whole other place.

[@matthewkrueger304]

Shore is AOTY. Masterpiece.

[@papajohn6839]

It came out last year but I agree

[@matthewkrueger304]

@@papajohn6839 🤯 losing track of time over here.

[@aradieschen4880]

Agreed, AOTH of 2021. It was strangely ahead of its time. Also I keep wondering how the album would have felt if November 23rd had worked out differently. How could he have sung stuff like ‚may the last long year be forgiven I couldn’t, though I’m beginning to’ then?

[@kvetch23]

We need a Robin Pecknold/Adrianne Lenker collab!!

[@gilpinsteven]

I agree, that would be amazing!!

[@blakestebbe7937]

Oh my god, my life would be complete if that were to ever happen.

[@ruthiemarchand7624]

I just started obsessing over Adrianne Lenker's Songs and Fleet Foxes is my forever fave so...YES

[@adrianmeadows6855]

I AGREE SO MUCH

[@devontejonvireclark]

Now you’re talkin my language

[@meggyblue3348]

Sigh... Just gorgeous. It must be over a decade since I saw you guys at The Junction in Cambridge, UK, and i still consider it one of my very favourite special gigs ever. Thanks for recording this. We're still all out here listening with two full ears. 🙏🎶💙

[@77baileymeister]

Thank you for this Robin. Your music sustains me so much. You’re not the season you’re in, yet you are. This is life and your music reminds me of this like no other.

[@jerichosiahaya]

This is what I've been waiting for. Thanks NPR! It's really a surprise.

[@emgwest]

“Sunblind” and “I am not my season” are two gems on shore

[@gordonsmith7065]

I've been listening to music for over six decades and I can't think of a song that means as much to me as Sunblind does. What a gorgeous song--the melody, the lyrics, the vocal performance are all utterly magical. Whether I'm listening to the original version on Shore, the solo versions that pop up, or the various live versions available (solo and with band), the song never fails to make my heart leap. I've listened to it thousands of times, I think, and it never, ever gets boring. I don't think there's a better line in pop music than "In your rarefied air I feel sunblind." Thank you, Robin.

[@juanlovato5]

I was waiting for this for so Long, now all I have to say to NPR it's thank you.

[@rosykeira]

Thank you for this!!! Seriously. I didn't know I needed this. Brought me to tears.

[@dudeofsweet9080]

More Fleet Foxes is exactly what this world needs right now

[@haleygardner0728]

The fleet foxes are the soundtrack to my soul

[@RyanHicks306]

These songs are so beautiful. I love hear Robin playing them in a simple way. It really demonstrates what an incredible songwriter, singer and guitarist he is. Thank-you NPR.

[@Adpalodichuk]

Future songwriting legend! He's getting up there with the big ones.

[@danihk2872]

future ?

[@tingle2958]

He's been up there

[@gusisagreatname]

It's adorable to see RP getting older. All praise due to each and every one of us that is dying!!

[@barefootalex]

Having worked at East Glacier lodge, Going - to - the - Sun road is etched in my mind as such a positive experience. Somehow Fleet Foxes managed to equated to music. Bravo!! digging this track so much!!

[@Mockingbird819]

I’ve waited for this day for so long.....perfection (sigh) Thank you Robin. Thanks NPR

[@danilopfvr]

Conheço o Fleet a anos. Talvez conheça antes mesmo de saber o sentimento verdadeiro que uma música pode trazer. Pode passar o tempo que for, mas eu continuo sentindo a mesma coisa que sentia quando descobri essa banda. Um sentimento forte, uma sensação de estar vivo. Um arrepio. Não sei explicar. Brinco com algumas pessoas sobre as músicas que tenho vontade de ouvir em um dia frio dentro de uma casa de madeira no meio de uma floresta, e definitivamente Fleet Foxes é esse mood para mim.