Fleet Foxes’ “Helplessness Blues” is one of the most lauded releases of the year, and deservedly so. The once-purely buzz band waited three years before putting out a sophomore record, taking time to mix, master and perfect the album’s 12 choral folk songs. Lead singer Robin Pecknold’s vocals and lyrics shine years beyond his age (25) and the band’s harmonies easily set it apart from the pack of indie-rock imitators. Past trips through town saw the Seattle sextet cramp onto the Hi-Dive stage before a crowd of 300, but on Thursday the Foxes will headline the Fillmore Auditoriumfor more than 3,000. Tickets, $44.20-$57.10, are available through .
No Colorado summer is complete without taking in some live music in an outdoor setting. Josh Ritter will bring his Royal City Band and opener Blind Pilot to Chautauqua Auditorium on Wednesday for a night of acoustic Americana and complex storytelling. Tickets $25-$45 through .
John Hendrickson: @RVRB; jhendrickson@denverpost.com
