Fleet Foxes - ‘Fleet Foxes’ (Self-titled LP) + Bufala Negra
Ingredients: 1 1/2 ounces bourbon, 1 1/2 ounces chilled ginger ale, 1/2 ounce simple syrup, 1 teaspoon aged balsamic vinegar, 4 basil leaves
Mixing Instructions: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 3 of the leaves with the vinegar and simple syrup. Add ice and the bourbon and shake well. Strain the drink into an ice-filled glass, stir in the ginger ale and garnish with the remaining basil leaf.
Notes: When Fleet Foxes released their self-titled debut LP in 2008, frontman Robin Pecknold was just 22 years old. It’s a small detail, but one often overlooked as most fans wouldn’t have guessed him below 30. Really, it’s just a hat-tip to the caliber of music that he and the rest of the Foxes released that year. Incredible harmonies, beautiful lyrics, genuine emotion and a traveled and experienced feel that borders on timelessness—not usually attributes found in a debut release from a band led by a 22-year old.
There is no other way to listen to this album than on vinyl… it’s art and no other medium can fully capture it. The details of the individual tracks, the liner notes, the detail of Netherlandish Proverbs on the cover… all things that not only provide a beautiful physical product, but also a more meaningful artistic engagement. Even better, paired with a Bufala Negra you’ll get lost in the experience again and again for years to come.