Music Review/Interview: Foxes & Fossils — 50 Million YouTube Views Can’t Be Wrong
By Jason M. Rubin
Even though they are a cover band, Foxes and Fossils’ performances are fresh and delightful. While faithful to the originals, they are not slavish imitations.
Foxes & Fossils: L-R: Tim Purcell, Maggie Adams, Toby Ruckert, Scott King, Sammie Purcell, Johnny Pike. Missing: Chase Truran, Darwin Conort. Photo: courtesy of the artist.
YouTube is the universal stage, the ever-open venue where Justin Bieber was discovered and that launched him into the stratosphere of fame. That ignominious fact aside, it is also the nurturing soil in which videos of a certain quality are easily shared throughout the social media universe, creating a digital word-of-mouth campaign that — especially during the pandemic, with so many people having so much time on their hands — has star-making potential.
One such act that has benefited from the YouTube gaze is Foxes & Fossils, an Atlanta-based cover band comprising a group of older men on instruments (the Fossils) and younger women on vocals (the Foxes). If it sounds a little creepy, it’s not, although the 10-year-old group formed when the Foxes were just in their mid-teens. But the Chief Fossil, Tim Purcell, started the band with his daughter, Sammie, the inaugural Fox, who sang in church choirs with the second Fox, Maggie Adams (a third Fox, Chase Truran, joined later). Over the last decade, their videos have received an aggregate of 50 million views, most coming over the last two years.
The pandemic can explain part of their growing reputation among music fans denied live music events and hungry for something new (in fact, a typical comment on their YouTube videos is, “The only positive thing that came out of this lockdown was discovering Foxes & Fossils.”). But the real reason for their success, in this writer’s opinion, is that they are crazy good. Even though they are a cover band, their performances are fresh and delightful. While faithful to the originals, they are not slavish imitations. The group’s latest CD, Songs from the Basement, collects 13 of these covers with an original composition by Tim, who also sings lead on that and a couple of other tracks.
While most F&F fans will have seen videos of these songs already, it’s nice having them on a CD; these are the kind of songs that make long car rides bearable. Culling from artists spanning the ’60s to the present — from the Beatles and Beach Boys, to Billy Joel and Todd Rundgren, to Lake Street Dive and Brooks & Dunn — they hit every one out of the park. Some of my favorites include Sammie’s touching rendition of John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery,” Maggie’s perfectly languid “Harvest Moon” (by Neil Young), and Chase’s powerful performance on Todd Rundgren’s “Love Is the Answer.”
But there’s more. Aside from being talented musicians, most of the Fossils also do background vocals and, combined with the Foxes, they recreate amazing harmony vocal stacks on the Beach Boys’ “Don’t Worry Baby” and the Eagles’ “Seven Bridges Road.” All three Foxes pay homage to the trio of Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, and Emmylou Harris on the beautiful “Telling Me Lies.” And Tim absolutely nails Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” and gets his Denny Doherty on in the Mamas and the Papas’ “California Dreaming.” Lead guitarist Darwin Conort helps himself to a fine rendition of Gordon Lightfoot’s “Early Morning Rain” as well.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Tim and Sammie via Zoom — but before getting to their insights, let’s introduce the rest of the band, all of whom were members of Tim’s prior group, the Mustangs: Tim plays acoustic guitar and piano; Toby Ruckert plays guitar; Scott King, who came up with the name of the band literally as they were taking the stage for their first gig, plays bass, ukulele, and mandolin; and Johnny Pike is on drums and bass. In addition to lead guitar, Darwin plays harmonica on “Piano Man.”
(Disclosure: Sammie has just wrapped up a master’s degree in Journalism from Boston University, where one of her professors was Arts Fuse editor Bill Marx. Sadly, she’s already moved back home, so no chance of her showing up at an open mike around town — if there were any.)
AF: Tim, how did this all begin?
Tim: I was the only sibling that my mother didn’t force to take piano lessons, and yet I’m the one who went into music. I got interested in the guitar at six. Lessons weren’t for me but I learned to strum and I could always sing. When I got out of college, I joined Darwin in a band. We had original material but to get gigs and make money, you need to play covers. Eventually, I formed the Mustangs to further my career as a singer-songwriter. We were an event-type band but when the market went south we lost a lot of corporate gigs. At the same time, I knew Sammie and Maggie could sing so we started doing that and the two bands ran parallel for a while. The girls’ mothers wouldn’t let them play during the school year so that was a summer thing. Darwin was playing in several bands at the same time, so Foxes & Fossils was basically the Mustangs rhythm section with Maggie and Sammie out front.
Sammie and Tim Purcell.
AF: Sammie, what is it like being in a band with your father?
Sammie: It’s funny because when I was 15, I thought OK, this will be a fun thing to do over the summer. Play three or four shows, make a little extra money. And then we did more recording and had to keep churning out content. It’s definitely more time-consuming now but it has never felt like a chore to me. It still feels like a fun project and I really like singing, although my big love is musical theater. I find it’s easier to pretend to be someone else than to stand there with a microphone and just sing. When I do “Angel from Montgomery” it’s more acting because the woman in the song is so different from me.
AF: Tim, I think your composition on the album, “The Road to Forever,” is very beautiful. Are you hoping to do more original songs with the group?
Tim: Yes and no. We have a Patreon service, and subscribers get “Tim’s Song of the Month.” I have lots of songs from over the years. Problem is I’m beyond the age of wanting to tour and really trying to sell my songs. I would love it if the interest we’re generating inspires someone else to approach me and want to record some of them. But people want to hear songs they’re familiar with and that’s fine. Fame doesn’t appeal to me. My philosophy has always been to be the least among the group. I would never, ever tell Scott what to play, and the girls bring the songs they’d like to do. There’s a whole lot of mutual respect within the group.
AF: Finally, is there a chance for you guys to do some live shows later in the year?
Sammie: We’re in a few different states now, and I’m starting a new job so we’re doing different things, but if we play live again we’d try to bring everyone back.
Tim: We talked last year about doing a reunion concert, maybe film it and offer it as a pay-per-view event, but then everything screeched to a halt in March. I’m meeting with a promoter this spring to discuss it. Maybe do something in September, but it would be a one-time thing. Chase is the one with the talent and the interest to go to the next level and I want to do everything I can to help her.
To learn more about Foxes & Fossils, view their videos, and purchase CDs and downloads, check out their website.
Jason M. Rubin has been a professional writer for 35 years, the last 20 as senior creative associate at Libretto Inc., a Boston-based strategic communications agency where he has won awards for his copywriting. He has written for Arts Fuse since 2012. Jason’s first novel, The Grave & The Gay, based on a 17th-century English folk ballad, was published in September 2012. His current book, Ancient Tales Newly Told, released in March 2019, includes an updated version of his first novel along with a new work of historical fiction, King of Kings, about King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Jason is a member of the New England Indie Authors Collective (neiac.org) and holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Tagged: Chase Truran, Darwin Conort, Foxes & Fossils, Jason M. Rubin, Johnny Pike, Maggie Adams, Sammie Purcell, Scott King, Tim Purcell
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One of the best days of my life was the day I discovered F&F. I tell everyone about the sound, professionalism and pure enjoyment of listening to them. Thanks for being there for us!!
I’m absolutely charmed and delighted with Foxes & Fossils!
They have captured the soul, heart, and loving intent of each
tune in their own fabulous way! I LOVE THEM ALL!
* Robert Cavalier; Forest Grove, OR; 2 July, 2023.
Their rendition of Telling Me Lies is an example of one of the most beautiful harmonies I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. I’m still listening to it several times a week. I call it my Goosebump therapy. 🙂
The Foxes were challenged with filling some very big shoes on that song, as big as they get. And our girls nailed it. They hit the ball out of the park.
I won’t say they were better than Linda, Dolly, and Emmylou, but they sang at a professional level. They were outstanding.
Everything you sing is an angel to my ears. Thank you 😊
Thanks So Much for your Well written Article! I listen to many Cover Groups and F&F are the Best of the Best! It’s So Nice to kick back and enjoy their Music, and have it take you back in time! Such Awesome Memories! Their on My Bucket List to see! Hopefully it comes true! Thanks again to You and Most of All Foxes and Fossils.
Great article. It’s nice to hear that F&F are enjoying this ride. They deserve it. Keep churning out the songs. We fans love it, and some day in the distant future you will look back with a big smile on your face. You are making songs for us, but memories for your band and families.
Mr. Rubin
In these days of disinterested journalists, let me commend you for a job well done. You boiled down the essence of this fine band with a short and truthful account. Who they are, where they’ve been, and where they are going. (“To the toppermost of the poppermost”)
You, and the Foxes and Fossils, are refreshing.
Thank you!
The ravages of Covid and ‘lock-down’s’ here in England ,as well as those affecting the Global family, have really taken their toll upon those who enjoy music concerts ,in all forms.Musicians ,both amateur and professional, have found it difficult,if not completely,impossible to meet and play together.I include myself in the scary amateur guitarist group.Foxes and Fossils emerged through a well known Web medium, last year ,just at the best possible moment and ,although reluctant Global stars, they have,and continue ,to lift the spirits and wellbeing of those who view and listen to their fresh and beautiful renditions of songs, old and new.They have certainly inspired me to keep practicing and playing along with them – excellent therapy. ! We wish them continued health and success and,above all,stregthening of that spirit that bonds them and drives them to contribute to harmony and perfection. Looking forward to further releases and the online concert!
VERY WELL SAID SIR!
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU.
Great article. I discovered them accidentally looking for the song landslide and I got hooked…Tim is a master arranger …blending the foxes and fossils …and the harmonies are spot on. Love I the answer is utilizes the strengths of all the bacd. Love them always a good listen when I am down. It says something when a cover band discovers part of the song that the original didn’t
Discovered them in 2012 with Suite: Judy Blue Eyes and haven’t stopped listening to them over and over. The harmonies are stellar, the accompaniment is rock steady and very much in the pocket. Toby’s guitar work, Scott’s accurate bass lines, and Johnny Pike provides the pocket for Tim and the ladies to sing with. Tim’s work on guitar AND keyboard, as well as arranging, engineering, his singing fills out everything. And I cannot leave out Darwin, who was an original Fossil. His work as a guitarist and vocalist with the band makes him a go-to-guy for work in the studio providing another layer of texture on guitar with double leads with Toby. All together, these folks have it going on!
I was looking for a video of one of my all-time favorites Todd Rundgren singing his hit “We Gotta Get You a Woman” when YouTube presented me with the F & F version. What a magically delicious treat. My father was a professional bass player and session man who was never in the spotlight, so I’ve always gravitated toward the foundations of music—bass, drums and especially the nuanced talents of great background singers. While every performer in F & F can lay down a very satisfying solo, the songs with the Foxes’ polished background singing is a high for me. The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” would not be the mind-bending tune it is without Merry Clayton’s background vocals wafting in the ether then jumping around the corner square into your face. Foxes, you had me at “Wha-Wha-Ooh”.
Thank you for additional background on this very special group. I was invited into the fanclub just a couple of days ago. I think i may have logged 15 hours listening to them already. I plan to order several cds. They have a patrone website too to lend support to the group. I hope your article will help others find their way to this amazing group.
Last Year was a Horrible Year – topped off by not even being able to see the children & grand children at Christmas is pure torture. The one good thing that came out of 2020 is Foxes and Fossils. I am from Canada & I am one Canadian that that thinks they are truly amazing. Some of their renditions are better than the original – some of the others are close enough that you want to listen to them over and over again. Just as an example – they did an amazing job on “LANDSLIDE” – truly fantastic. BUT that song was made for Stevie Nick’s voice. They cannot top her on that, But then it is not a contest – Foxes and Fossils are amazing and I hope they tour to Canada – would love to see them LIVE! There are very few bands I will see live – they would be one.
I received a “share” on facebook of Harvest Moon. I had never heard of Foxes and Fossils prior to that. I played and replayed that video, picking out the harmony lines and the instrumental lines….and was totally amazed at the flawless arrangement and HEART these artists put into the video. I have since listened to everything they have done multiple times, and I am absolutely captivated by the package each song brings. Everyone shines at one point or another, powerful without overpowering. Incredibly well mixed.
The quality of their music and harmonies is absolutely astounding. Clean, crisp, heart felt, and powerful. And that was just the tip of the iceberg. Everything they do is so incredibly fresh, while never flying in the face of the original arrangement. In a word, EXCELLENT.
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Jason, Well Done! Thanks for publishing this article. Those of us who have been F&F fans for a while now like to see our favorite band being featured in print media. Not too many bands out there who last performed live 10 or so years ago, and whose YouTube videos have been up all this time and enjoy a growing following. They then decided to come back together and through the use of modern technology, produce videos of their new recording sessions 10 years later. Even while living in 4 different states, Tim Purcell has mastered the art of pulling together their wonderful musicianship, harmonies, and song-smithing remotely. Posting these new recordings on YouTube has resulted in a whole new generation and of F&F fans and rejuvenate their long time supporters. To reach the milestone of 50 million views is so amazing. What I appreciate about this multi-generational group is that they all seem to be as good as people as they are as musicians. That means a lot to me. Check out their music on YouTube. Once you realize how much you like them, check out their Patreon site which provides a F&F patron, the opportunity to support their work, get to know the band members as musicians and as people, learn what goes on behind the scenes, and interact with other F&F fans as well as the band members themselves. Perks may include a CD of their latest album, early showings of their video releases, etc. To learn more about Patreon and the Fox and Fossils site, go to: https://www.patreon.com/foxesandfossils. Thanks, Steve (only a fan in Seattle).
Suite Judy blue eyes has got to be the best cover EVER by any band of any song! I absolutely love these guys and gals!
I am swamping my friends with examples from F and F whilst wallowing in their music every day.They are acting as a soothing balm as we in England continue with elements of lockdown.Long may they produce quality music x
Great article Jason. For those of us who are ‘rusted on’ fans of F&F, we are familiar with much of the back story, but it’s great to see the increase in exposure this amazing group of fine musicians are getting from mant sources. Stay safe ! Greetings from Adelaide, South Australia (F&F have an ‘international’ following 🙂 )
My husband discovered this band on YouTube this year and plays their songs nightly. They are fantastic and I wish we could see them in person. That would be an awesome surprise for my husband Scott. He would love them to do “That Thing You Do”. Your article was great and enlightening. Thank you and great last name, that was my maiden name. I’m from New York.
I discovered F&F during the first wave of Covid. March of 2020. I wish I would have found them sooner. The musicianship is outstanding and the vocals are second to none. I play the Youtube videos whenever I can.
Love every thing you do. Most beautiful voices I have ever heard. Thank you for making my days so bright.