One of the highlights at this year’s Austin City Limits Music Festival was watching and listening to Fleet Foxes drummer J. Tillman lead the band in singing “Silent Night” backstage before they took the stage for their Sunday set. Tillman joined the band in late April and it was apparent that he’s the unspoken leader of the group. He made jokes and engaged the audience like a seasoned pro.

When Tillman accepted the gig with The Foxes they had this to say on their MySpace page: “It’s with a level of excitement known only to those who’ve ever won The Super Bowl, discovered DNA, or unearthed the Rosetta Stone that we tell you that J. Tillman has joined our musical group.” I couldn’t agree with them more.

I prefer Tillman’s solo work over the Fleet Foxes material. The talented singer-songwriter has released 4 LP’s and 1 EP and plans to release a new album, Vacilando Territory Blues in January 2009 on Autumn Tone Records.

His brand of lo-fi folk music reminds me of Bon Iver, Jason Molina [Songs: Ohia] and Will Oldman’s work. He uses his smoky voice to convey raw emotion with an understated power. I highly recommend checking out his music. I expect big things from Tillman with or without The Fleet Foxes in the coming years.

Download (Right-Click Save As):
MP3: J. Tillman – Barter Blues
MP3: J. Tillman — Evans And Falls
MP3: Fleet Foxes – Drops In The River

Download:
J. Tillman – Minor Works (iTunes)
J. Tillman – Cancer and Delirium (iTunes)
J. Tillman – I Will Return – Long May You Run (iTunes)
Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes (iTunes)