In a beautifully understated turn of events, Fleet Foxes — led by Robin Pecknold — have released a tender and faithful cover of Elliott Smith’s “Angel in the Snow,” the quietly shimmering track originally included on Smith’s New Mooncompilation. The cover appears on the soundtrack for the upcoming holiday comedy Oh. What. Fun.
A Cover That Hits Home
Pecknold’s admiration for Smith comes through instantly. Rather than reinventing the song, he treats it with the kind of reverence usually reserved for sacred texts — keeping the structure intact while lending it Fleet Foxes’ signature warmth and layered harmonic glow.
In a recent statement, Pecknold said the song had long been a personal holiday favorite, making the opportunity to record it feel “like a huge joy.” He also shared a poignant memory from his teenage years: distributing “RIP Elliott” flyers at his high-school graduation in 2004, a moment that speaks to how deeply Smith’s songwriting impacted him.
Fleet Foxes’ version unfolds gently — vocals fading back as shimmering instrumentation takes the foreground, giving the track an almost wintry glow. It’s delicate, devotional, and unmistakably Fleet Foxes.
Why This Cover Matters Now
This isn’t just a nod from one admired artist to another — it’s a cross-generational connection between two pillars of indie folk. Smith’s influence runs deep in the genre, and Fleet Foxes’ interpretation brings that legacy into the present with care and nuance.
The release also arrives alongside a star-studded soundtrack. Oh. What. Fun., directed by Michael Showalter, features contributions from St. Vincent, Gwen Stefani, Jeff Tweedy, Weyes Blood, and more. Both the film and its accompanying soundtrack are set for release on December 3, with the soundtrack arriving via Sony Music Masterworks.
A Personal Tribute, Not Just a Song
Pecknold has said he’s “very literal” about covers — he thinks of them almost like historical reenactments. That approach works beautifully here. It’s not flashy, not embellished, but deeply sincere.
And because Smith’s work shaped Pecknold’s formative years, the cover becomes more than an homage. It’s a musical thank-you letter, delivered with restraint and affection.
The Takeaway
For longtime Elliott Smith fans, this is a touching, respectful tribute. For Fleet Foxes listeners, it’s another reminder of how gracefully the band can channel vulnerability. And for anyone planning to watch Oh. What. Fun., it’s an unexpectedly emotional highlight tucked into a holiday soundtrack.
If you haven’t heard it yet, it’s absolutely worth your time — a quiet moment of beauty from one artist honoring another.