Rush is certainly one of the most influential bands that mixed Progressive and Hard Rock, being an inspiration for countless groups who followed that path. Fronted by Geddy Lee, who also played bass and keyboards, the band sold an estimated amount of more than 42 million records worldwide and was active for more than three decades until they retired in 2015.
So Geddy Lee had the chance to see the evolution of Rock and Roll up-close and in the 2000s he praised the debut album of a new band at the time.
The 2000s album that Geddy Lee said is incredible
That album was the Fleet Foxes‘ self-titled debut album released in 2008. He listed that record in an interview with The Quietus in 2012, when he chose some of his favorites of all time. “I love the very approach of Fleet Foxes. They seem to have no desire whatsoever to appear trendy. I know they are genuine in that although, obviously, that soon becomes a trendy stance in itself. I can see a bit of Rush in that dilemma.”
“But they are simply natural, organic and are so well rooted in folk and rock that they can take both these extremes anywhere they want. This happens a lot on this incredible album which certainly shouldn’t be lumped in an Americana basket. There is so much going on.”
He continued:
“They way they play and beautiful use of harmonies. I couldn’t believe it when I first heard it. But it gave me hope that there will always be something new happening in music, no matter what they say. Everything on this album is old but, when pieced together like this, it is truly groundbreaking,” Geddy Lee said.
That same year he praised the band in an interview with Terrorizer magazine. He said that he loved the band and thought they were awesome. Lee also noted that they reminded him of Amazing Blondel or one of those bands.
At the time it peaked at number 3 on the UK albums chart and 36 on the United States Billboard 200 charts. Fleet Foxes was formed in Seattle, Washington in 2006 and is often described as an Indie Folk group. Until now they have released four studio albums, the most recent one being “Shore” (2020).
One of his favorite songs of the band is “Your Protector”
In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine in 2013 (Transcribed by Rush is a Band), Geddy Lee listed some of his favorite songs of all time. One of them was “Your Protector” by Fleet Foxes, which was “Your Protector” from their self-titled debut album.
“I’ve spent so much time listening to this. I’m moved by the unusual melody and harmony structures, the production and the great singing,” Geddy Lee said.
The band has had the same the same line-up since 2010. It’s formed by Robin Pecknold (Vocals, guitar), Skyler Skjelset (Guitar), Casey Wescott (Keyboards), Christian Wargo (Bass, guitar) and Morgan Henderson (upright bass, guitar). Since 2022, the band’s touring drummer is Christopher Icasiano. Their most recent and only live album is “A Very Lonely Solstice”, released in 2021.