Merriweather Post Pavilion

Albums like this make me think that the "before" in "1001 Albums to Listen Before You Die" in fact establishes a causal relationship, rather than a procedural one

helllllll yes dude i love this album!!!!! its like 1 of my favs. im like entirely unablle to write rn but this sxhit owbns. ethereal n gorgeoutd n psychedekiivc n shit. sorry thid is one handed im eating an apple rn. not my fav anco but top 5 4 sure

Appreciate the creativity here but I’m not sure it was animal collective’s intention for people to listen to this without access to shrooms

An album born from ambition and technical prowess, but the unfortunate result is an album that's impossible to love. Let me elaborate. I came here knowing nothing about Animal Collective (after university I travelled the world for a decade, so when this came out I had no real desire to strain myself with maintaining a working knowledge of contemporary American indie trends), so this was my first experience of the group. Afterwards, I feel no internal clamour to make Animal Collective part of my life. Firstly, their aesthetic is wilfully garish and saccharine, but a conscious use of the garish and saccharine, whether sincere or ironic, is still garish and saccharine, and it will annoy those who have a distaste for the garish and saccharine, just as metal's aggressiveness and indelicacy alienates plenty of people. Secondly, I mentioned at the start that the album is ambitious, which is of course a highly loaded term. For instance, the choral singing constantly used on the album is a clear nod to the Beach Boys, but such an homage reveals irresolution as much as taste: are they complimenting the Beach Boys, or are they grasping for the trendiest ideas? I honestly can't tell you. Developing this Beach Boys comparison further, I don't think the melodies on this album are that memorable. Yes, I know there's also an unmelodic, glitchy rave aspect to this, but I think the desired result was to be a synthesis, not the actual unsatisfying compromise. This lack of memorable melody is what deflates the album, and I can't help feeling that the album was conceived as an exercise in cleverness rather than heart. For such a supposedly outgoing, emotive, happy band, I heard the faint clang of calculation in the background. Finally, on Guys' Eyes, one of the noises sounds like a fart. There are moments that appeal, and I accept that further listenings may increase my fondness for this, but I don't know if I want to devote any more of my life to Animal Collective. I'll give it three stars for effort (like I said, ambition has positive aspects, as well as negative ones), but that is partly bcause I want to be generous.

I have quite the soft spot for the psychedelic pop that Animal Collective seems to energetically spew into the world. It's loud, bewildering, complex music with an energy that I can never quite put my finger on but personally cannot stop chasing. It's a thrilling album that continues to challenge 10 years later while never feeling overbearing. The groups masterpiece no doubt.

🐵🦍🐶🦄🐯🦓🐷🐃🦙🐏🐀🐿🦔🐰🐓🦘🐧🐸🐊🦚🐙🦋🐍

Forgive me for my bias, because Animal Collective is one of my favorite bands and their 2000s run is everything I like about experimental music, but yeah this is kind of a masterpiece. If you don't see some beauty in the chorus of My Girls, I don't know what to tell you. It's an interesting progression into maturity to hear this band go from screaming about growing up, playing tribal tunes, and complaining about college to crooning about their desire for a simple life with a house and a wife but it's unmistakably still the same writers. Amazing production, amazing sequencing, amazing emotion, recommended for edgier fans of Brian Wilson.

Introduction: Animal Collective's 2009 album, "Merriweather Post Pavilion," stands as a seminal work in the realm of experimental and electronic music. Known for their boundary-pushing soundscapes and innovative approaches to songwriting, this album solidified their status as pioneers of the genre. In this detailed review and analysis, we will explore the lyrical content, musical elements, and the broader context of this album's impact on contemporary music. Track-by-Track Analysis: "In the Flowers" The album begins with a cascade of layered vocals and intricate electronic textures. Lyrically, it explores themes of growth, transformation, and self-discovery. The use of ethereal harmonies and reverberating percussion sets the tone for the album's dreamlike journey. "My Girls" "My Girls" is a standout track that blends elements of electronic and folk music. The lyrics reflect a longing for stability and security, a sentiment many can relate to. The pulsating rhythm and hypnotic vocal loops create a sense of euphoria that's impossible to resist. "Also Frightened" This track delves into the complexities of human emotions and the fear of the unknown. The intricate layering of vocal harmonies and evolving electronic textures mirrors the theme of uncertainty and personal exploration. "Summertime Clothes" With its infectious melodies and vivid lyrics, "Summertime Clothes" captures the essence of summer and youthful joy. The song's playful rhythm and use of samples contribute to its danceable nature, making it a fan favorite. "Daily Routine" "Daily Routine" is an introspective exploration of the mundane aspects of life. The repetitive, almost ritualistic percussion and the mantra-like vocals mirror the monotony of daily existence while simultaneously evoking a sense of transcendence. "Bluish" Here, Animal Collective delves into themes of love and vulnerability. The lyrics, delivered with heartfelt sincerity, are complemented by shimmering synths and a soft, pulsating beat. It's a moment of tenderness in the midst of the album's experimental landscape. "Guys Eyes" This track introduces a more stripped-down sound, focusing on acoustic guitar and percussion. Lyrically, it explores the complexities of human relationships and the search for connection. The simplicity of the instrumentation highlights the emotional depth of the lyrics. "Taste" "Taste" is a psychedelic journey that touches on themes of desire and longing. The intricate layering of sound, including choral vocals and electronic glitches, creates a surreal and hypnotic atmosphere. "Lion in a Coma" Here, Animal Collective embraces a more tribal and percussive sound. The lyrics allude to the struggle for self-identity and personal evolution. The repetitive rhythm and chanting vocals give the impression of a spiritual ritual. "No More Runnin" "No More Runnin" reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The gentle acoustic guitar and soft vocal harmonies convey a sense of nostalgia and resignation. "Brother Sport" The album concludes with "Brother Sport," an anthemic track that celebrates unity and brotherhood. The tribal percussion and uplifting lyrics provide a fitting climax to the album's journey of self-discovery and growth. Musical Elements: "Merriweather Post Pavilion" is a sonic masterpiece that blends elements of folk, electronic, and psychedelic music. Animal Collective's use of vocal harmonies is a defining feature, with the layered vocals creating a lush and ethereal soundscape. The album's electronic textures, ranging from intricate glitches to warm synths, add depth and complexity to the music. The percussion, often tribal and rhythmic, serves as the heartbeat of the album, driving the songs forward with infectious energy. The use of samples and loops adds an experimental edge, making each track a unique sonic adventure. Lyrical Content: The lyrics on this album are poetic and introspective, exploring themes of self-discovery, love, longing, and the human experience. While often abstract and open to interpretation, they resonate on a deeply emotional level. Animal Collective's lyrical approach is both personal and universal, allowing listeners to connect with the themes on a visceral level. Impact and Legacy: "Merriweather Post Pavilion" had a profound impact on the world of experimental and electronic music. It pushed boundaries and inspired countless artists to explore new sonic territories. Its influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary musicians, and it remains a landmark album in the genre. In conclusion, "Merriweather Post Pavilion" by Animal Collective is a sonic journey through the complexities of the human experience. Its intricate musical arrangements and introspective lyrics make it a timeless and essential album for anyone interested in innovative and emotionally resonant music. This album stands as a testament to Animal Collective's artistic vision and their ability to push the boundaries of what music can be.

This is one of those albums you have to experience everywhere. I've listened to this with headphones, on tiny speakers, and with large speakers and a bass system. I've listened to this while on a train, trying to sleep, working, high on edibles, even on shrooms. Just like mbv's Loveless, there's a lot of ways to experience the album and break down everything happening. It's a psychedelic pop masterpiece: Animal Collective's proudest and most accessible moment. The songs completely envelop you. It's immensely colorful and bright. The vocals are clear, and the lyrics are optimistic and engaging. The synths are used to advance their creativity in psychedelia, tools that had been developing for a decade following Flaming Lips's reinvention of the genre. Some tracks you can dance to, while at other things they serve a more artistic purpose, to wow the audience and glue the tracks together as part of a large continuous scheme. Track ordering is perfect. Starts off with the fan favorite "In The Flowers," setting the standard for the impressive weirdness you're in store for. The next four songs are the accessible pop hits to entice any newcomers to the wonderful world of psychedelic synthpop. The rest of the album has their own merits. They're dynamic, constantly evolving, and very fun to listen to while high. Pick and choose your favorites, but I love them all. I find them all super memorable. There are moments to groove along, and there are moments to just pause and appreciate what's happening. Reminds me of Bjork's work here and there, but mostly The Beatles and Beach Boys during their psychedelic phases. The album ends with the optimistic "Brother Sport." I adore the repetition in this album. Some may find it excessive, but I find it works really well, especially when it takes the focus while noises shift in the background. "Brother Sport" is based around this idea in each of its stages and it leaves with a satisfactory happy ending.

Dull, repetitive, unimaginative, and muddled is pretty much this album… “Experimental Pop” my ass – what the hell is that??? If mindless whining of less-than-pedestrian and sterile lyrics, to repeating uninventive keyboard chords is your idea of “brilliant” – than this is your album… Saw a comment that this album only works IF you’re on ‘shrooms, and I call BS… I was on ½ gm of psilocybin yesterday while power-washing my deck – while unfortunately listening to this swill, and “Merriwether Post Pavilion” actually ruined my time out in nature to be honest… This is just shockingly bad on every level, and have no idea how this got on the list… Is the “1,001 Album” guy the brother of one of the dudes in this band??? Does that band have some compromising photos of the “1,001 Guy”??? Did somebody pay the “1,001 Guy” to please put this album on the list??? Who knows, but this is horrifically dreadful on an epic scale – and almost an hour long on top of that… Brutal – just brutal… Would give it a 0 in a heartbeat – and again, I really wonder what truly deserving and awesome album did NOT make this list due to this sludge, but I’ll have to settle for the lowest I can rate it… Man, the 2000’s have had some shitty music if this passes as decent…

A masterpiece of folk psychedelica

There are some pretty off the wall ideas and sounds over here but at its core this is just a really exuberant and danceable pop album, this Aussie gives it five McFeasts from Macca's out of five

AC's best album and one of my all-time favorites. Here's a totally subjective track ranking: Brother Sport > My Girls > Bluish > Lion In a Coma > Summertime Clothes > Also Frightened > No More Runnin > Daily Routine > In the Flowers > Taste > Guys Eyes Also check out their Fall Be Kind EP for more of this style, especially What Would I Want? Sky and I Think I Can

good shit, it’s like Oneohtrix Point Never meets MGMT meets LCD Soundsystem 10/10 album, I definitely need to look into more of their discography

Je n'ai aucun souvenir de cet album, et pour cause, un événement tragique a eu lieu ce week end. Replongeons nous dans le contexte. Vous n'êtes pas sans savoir que mon camarade d'écoute, robsepulturière, a récemment pris un grand tournant dans sa vie. En effet, dans la continuité de l'emergence de ses idéaux musicaux extrêmes, il décidé d'emmenager en Allemagne pour se rapprocher de Kraftwerk et NEU75. Il faut savoir que rob, s'étant récemment fait virer de son cabinet d'avocats suite à ses prises de paroles musicales intempestives, est en grande difficulté financière. C'est pour cela que rob a choisi de vivre en famille d'accueil en Allemagne. C'est là, au sein de cette famille, que l'impesable va se produire. Alors que rob ouvrait la porte menant à l'intérieur du domicile de sa famille, il fut directement intercepté par la mère, horrifiée. En effet, cette dernière avait retrouvé un CD des Crusarders caché entre les chaussettes de rob. Pour "purifieren" rob selon ses termes, elle se décida à lui jouer une chanson de Michael Kiwanuka. Or, Michael Kiwanuka vien tde faire son entrer dans la liste des 1001 albums du générateur. Rob a donc brisé le serment générateurien, en écoutant une chanson n'ayant pas encore été générée... Mais ce n'est la que le début des rebondissements, la suite dans le prochain review.

Un album sympathique mais très froid, un peu comme l'air qui soufflait dans mes cheveux tout au long de la promenade durant laquelle j'ai écouté celui-ci. J'ai d'ailleurs croisé plusieurs animaux parmi lesquels des chiens et des chevaux. Vous avez probablement eu connaissance du scandale auquel j'ai pris part et qui a été dénoncé par mon compagnon d'écoute et rival elpouletbasquaise. Voici ma version des faits. Vous savez comme moi que la dernière édition du grimoire de Robert contient désormais l'album Kiwanuka de Michael Kimanuka, projet que j'avais d'ailleurs déjà écouté avant qu'il ne soit introduit. Vous savez tout aussi bien que, pour pouvoir prétendre aux 1001 vierges promises par Robert au terme de la liste, il est interdit à quiconque d'écouter la moindre chanson issue de celle-ci. Et justement. Il y a quelques jours, la mère de ma famille d'accueil me demanda si je connaissais un certain Michael Kiwanuka. Je lui répondis que je le connaissais évidemment, tout au contraire d'elpouletbasquaise qui, soit dit en passant, est un odieux personnage. Prenant ma réponse affirmative pour une invitation à faire entendre l'un de ses morceaux, celle-ci lança l'un d'eux, à savoir Love & Hate. Je vérifiai comme à l'habitude que la chanson n'apparaissait pas dans son album générable, et une fois ceci fait, appréciai alors la musique l'esprit léger. Un rapide coup d'œil en direction de l'écran de téléphone duquel sortait le son me fit entrevoir la pochette de l'album interdit. Cette apparition totalement injustifiée me fit croire à une transgression des règles du générateur, j'appelai donc Robert pour implorer son pardon, sans savoir que j'étais dans mon droit. Robert me l'accorda mais promut elpouletbasquaise au rang de bras droit. Revenons maintenant à ma promenade. À mon retour, au moment d'insérer la clé dans la serrure, je m'aperçus qu'elle avait été forcée. J'entrai donc à mon domicile et rejoignis le salon. Quelle ne fut ma surprise de découvrir la mère de ma famille d'accueil ligotée sur le sol. Au niveau de sa tempe était dirigé un pistolet silencieux appartenant à l'inquiétant Norbert Episode (l'espion apparu dans ma critique de Destroyer de Kiss). Celui-ci rangea son arme, s'avança vers moi puis chuchota à mon oreille les mots suivants: « Revirements dentaires ». J'allai aussitôt me coucher en ressassant ce qu'il venait de me dire : « Revirements dentaires, revirements dentaires... Mais bien sûr ! "Revirements dentaires" était une anagramme de "Dernier avertissement"... » J'avais été menacé.

This was a pretty easy listen. Other than the ethereal aspects of the production, there really isn't anything that stuck out enough for me to want to listen to again.

This album grew on me as I listened to it, as my intial thoughts were more along of the lines of "they experimented so much they forgot to make an actual song". That being said, still don't think it's anything crazy. Every song is reverb effect, repeat a line for three minutes, add jungle noises. Like, I like some stuff, but even those often didn't turn into something I liked until too late, such as Bluish. Not to say the songs all sound the same, because they don't, but they do all have the same general formula that gets repetitive in one sitting. I do like how each how each song goes into the next, I'm a sucker for that stuff, but most of the songs don't stand on their own when needed.

Okay I guess, but this is the kind of album that you listen to and immediately forget about afterwards.

There certainly is creativity here, it just fails to reach me

You may have caught me on a bad day, animal collective, but I am offended by how mediocre and boring this is. I am a 2010s indie darling and this stuck me as the worst of the worst, middling, repetitive, and never ever building or leading toward a progression of a song. I remember hearing “my girls” because everyone did and it reminded me of why I never got into you back then - that’s it. That’s all there is. I imagine somehow these dorks said “we are avant garde beach boys” as they somehow took the worst of the beach boys and made it even more unpleasant by slapping some awful loops on top of endless echoing singing. How does every single song sound the same? I cannot imagine a single person on this earth identifying a single song and saying “that’s my favourite song of all time”. For me, there’s no heart, no soul. Just bland.

Lush Beach Boys harmonies and wild electronic experiments? I’M IN! This was fantastic fun! So interesting and engaging. Brother Sport was the perfect finale!

Another of my all time favourites. Such a euphoric album. The harmonies. The beats. Brian Wilson pushed to his logical conclusion. I love the complexity of the songs though, it took me a while to really fall in love with this, at first I kinda hated it, after really liking (mainly) Feels and Strawberry Jam. But it unwraps itself on repeat listens. My Girls a personal theme of ours, particularly in our small family's early years and our search for a habitable home. No more runnin (says my mind) is a glorious paeon to just stopping and being. Shutting up all the nagging thoughts. Love it.

Love this. Music like this makes me listen attentively, and really think about how the hell they made it. I associate this album with big phase of musical discovery and expansion of my taste, constant gig-going in London, saw them in Brixton just after this was released. frantic, visceral, live, immediate, expansive. Listening to this again makes me feel really happy. It's been a while. Brother Sport is genius, its like a chaotic psychedelic club tune, the tension builds in the noise and instead of the beat dropping, the cheerful melody does !

My partner had this album on his list a couple of months ago. He described it as "torture". I think this is where our neuros diverge, because listening to this album was like a spa day for my ears and brain. Love it!

really enjoyed the vibes from this album!!

What is there to say about this album that hasn't already been said? It's one of the most inventive pop albums of all time and it has some of my favorite synth riffs and arpeggios of all time. The lyrics and general vibe create such a beautiful everlasting summertime vibe. There isn't a time where I would decline listening to Merriweather Post Pavilion in its entirety. Highlights: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

You know those early days of meeting someone, where you're a bit scared but a bit giddy, and you're sharing all the things you like - music, food, random internet sites - and you're receptive to all the things this new, cool person is sharing with you, like beers you wouldn't typically drink, science fiction you wouldn't typically read, and weird, experimental bands you first tried to listen to back when all the music blogs were talking them up but you're pretty sure are a bit too avant garde for you. Only this time around, either through the lens of meeting this amazing person whose opinion you're rapidly finding yourself valuing, or because they ask you to listen to precisely the right gateway song (Summertime Clothes), you realize this weird experimental music is actually fun and exuberant and insanely creative. And maybe perfectly captures what it's like to walk around Capitol Hill on hot, humid nights, a bit giddy and a bit scared, but willing to give the whole love thing another try because how can you not?

One of my all time favorites

So good and groovy! Would love a relisten. 9

I loved this, Animal collective is so weird and cool. This album reminds me of Age of Adz in a lot of ways. The second half is what really sold me on this, the first part up until Daily Routine was good felt a bit monotonous. 9/10

GOATED. One of the greatest indie rock albums ever and a pure 10/10.

One of the great albums.From the get go...the build up and the drums at 02:31 of 'In the flowers' and we are off!!inventive,hypnotic a new discovery every listen...great stuff altogether

It’s a good album. Chill and indie. The first time I actually heard a song from this album was when I was at this girls place I had a crush on in college.

Really good album, not a bad song in it. I especially like In The Flower and My Girls.

Nope

Very interesting alternative album. Psycho, choir, classic synths - great

I’m gonna term this as electroniprog. It’s all a bit wacky and the time signatures do whatever they want. It’s quite a nice sound - I like prog rock and I’ve tended to love some sides of the world of electronica. This makes for a fun trippy synthscape. The vocals are pleasant and the frequent call and return between members kept me engaged. This didn’t knock my teeth out, but I did enjoy it.

Never really gave Animal collective much of a listen before this. This album really ticks a lot of boxes for me in terms of style its experimental nature and psychedelic influences. Really enjoyed it and one I’ll come back to more frequently.

It's a pretty hectic album. I liked it but it made me feel funny and I needed to sit down for a while after listening to it.

Reminds me a bit of Bitte Orca by Dirty Projectors that we heard very early on in this project. It's got elements of pop and elements of electronica but goes in unexpected directions. I had it mostly in the background today, which was fine. Not much really caught my attention. I liked it but don't see it becoming a favorite. I laughed hard at the title Guys Eyes, which I assume is a reference to my favorite line from Rosemary's Baby.

7. Might need to relisten since I did this across multiple stints of driving and navigating, but it seemed pretty good but nothing stood out

This was something new, and different...or was it...because it sounded like the same thing over and over... I liked it, but maybe that is because "i'm on vacation" and it is a chemically-induced experience. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge....

I’m the flowers was a really strong way to start the album and I loved the spacey electronic sound it was going for. I really loved summertime clothes and the album finished well with brother sport. Overall very epic

Glimmering and strikingly different, but also choppy and severely lacking in flow, though it does seem warm-hearted and joyous enough. It gets better (and easier on the ears and brain) the more it goes along. One finds it gets better on repeated listens ... which says one's not sure what about its overall quality. This album's influence has been considerable, apparently, but not necessarily to all positive effect. A begrudging 4 primarily for the ecstatic/orgiastic closing track.

The Bleach Boys

This record is intelligent, well-executed, and after two or three playthroughs has left barely a biscuit crumb in my head. Applying electronic oddness to baroque, Brel, Piaf or Walker-type chanteur pieces is a neat idea, albeit one Bowie perhaps perfected earlier. This washed passed me on repeat so politely that I had to concentrate to notice individual songs. Maybe the songs aren’t strong enough, but I think this is more a problem of vibes: the singing and melodies belong to a noughties trend towards whimsy and songs that hover in the background with ordering-a-café-latte vocals. For a contrast, go back a couple of decades and see how those young geeks in Slint used their frail voices to dramatic effect.

Have you ever spat cum onto the floor of a Travel Lodge? I'm going to bite your genitals off. About as arousing as a cot death.

I enjoyed listening to this today, but it wasn't able to grab much of my attention (repetitive electronica tends to seep out of my consciousness if I try to do anything else, like drive or make dinner). But maybe this sort of music is supposed to seep into our subconscious, so on that metric, it succeeded splendidly and pleasantly.

Part Polyphinic Spree, part Arcade Fire.

Didn't hate it but most songs just fell flat for me.

Changes between good and... Noise

The Beatles if every song was written in the style of strawberry fields.

Couldn't make it through this trash. I don't have time for this kind of shit. I could be listening to literally anything else. After having read a lot of the reviews by professional critics, I'm left wondering what "pop" music is, since this was considered some transformational experimental pop album. Zero catchy melodies, droning overstuffed instrumentation, and virtually monotone singing...this is pop? It's more appropriately described as semi-coherent noise; barely recognizable as music Fuck this album. 1.5

I started out hating this but it grew on me over time, up to a point. A lot of it feels like disorganized cacophony. Some of the 'songs' that are decent go on for too long or degenerate into repetitive noise. Every song on the album is about 90 seconds too long. Indulgent, smell your own farts songwriting.

Weird, not in a good way

I just felt like it was too much going on, didnt really like the mesh of instruments. Though it was an interesting listen, not my style.

I appreciate this album from a creative perspective, but it's not for me. At any single point it sounds like at least two different millennial "indie-pop" songs with random electronic beeps and sounds trying to come together, but repeatedly fails. For me, the mess is too distracting and I have hard time not being annoyed. But hey, whatever frosts your cookie.

Was happy to get this - I have two (unheard) Animal Collective albums in my collection (not this), and remember MPP being highly praised during a period I didn't listen to much new music. First impression: yeah, you want to establish that electronica Beach Boys production vibe (we all know what I think about the Beach Boys, of course), wrong audience sorry!; later: sounds like Vampire Weekend and Matt and Kim (Christ!) fighting in a broom cupboard; finally: this is annoying as hell, turn it the fuck off! At the least, I regained some hard drive space. Cruel, but deserves the 1* PS - I quite like the Panda Bear/Sonic Boom collaboration, although it does basically follow the same listening experience outlined above

More psychedelia... unlike Country Joe & The Fish, there was no blues evident at all - just sound effects. I found this unlistenable.

Couldn’t finish it. It was discordant cacophony that set my teeth on edge. Musical fingernails on a blackboard.

0/10 did not enjoy

There are no songs on here that I want to ever hear again. 1 star or F.

The absolute worst of late 2000s whinge pop

Jesus, when the first song kicks in... grimace. This is way too much. I fully expected this to be released in like 2020 something, as it feels like the kind of music I'm too old and out of touch to understand. I mean, I definitely am too old, the album cover alone is giving me a headache. But the music just doesn't make sense to me. I don't think it's clever to have random noises and time-signatures that make it feel completely disjointed. I don't understand it. I just don't understand! I want to round this up to 2 just so I don't have to look at this stupid album cover again on my user summary page, but I'm just too much of a professional dammit.

I don’t get it.

Never heard of Animal Collective before. This music is classed as "experimental pop". These guys should experiment with shutting the fuck up. These idiots must love recording in caves. The reverb on the music is fucking crazy. It muddles everything together, and renders it all just noisy garbage. They also have reverb turned way up on the vocals, which makes you feel like you're in a crowded store with hundreds of people talking at the same time: It's hard to isolate one conversation. In the same way, I can't understand what he's saying. What a fucking awful album. I was going to say that this is the worst album to date, but Robert Wyatt takes that cake. This is a close second though. I'd take that screaming German band (Einsturzende Neubauten) over this horseshit any day. This was just noise for the purposes of making noise. No musical talent found. Just three asshats who can push buttons on computers and synths. Fuck this album, and whoever thought this should grace a list like this should have their head examined. Artsy, hipster shit. No redeeming qualities. Really dumb album cover. I'm not on enough psychadelics for this album. Favourite song: Summertime Clothes? It's all utter garbage, but that may be the most tolerable? To be honest it all ran together into one big dumpster fire. Least favourite songs: this whole piece of shit album. 1/5

I think I could’ve died without listening to this album

I managed to listen to it all the way through, but that's about the best I can say about it.

Very repetitive

Hipster garbage. I couldn't wait for it to be over.

Listened to the first few songs... this is just not for me. Not much going on here.

love it

Interesting

One of the easiest 5* I'll ever give. Didn't realise this album was actually on the list, but more than worthy of being on here. This is probably one of my most listened to albums of all time (as well as Strawberry Jam). There isn't really a song on here that I don't like, and My Girls is one of my favourite songs of all time. Fav songs: My Girls, Bluish, Taste

4.5 stars, probably the peak Animal Collective album. I think the whole album is fantastic, only thing that detracts a half star is that it's such a maximalist assault on the senses that a full, uninterrupted listenthrough can get a little much for my brain to process. Not quite as many peaks and valleys as an AnCo album like "Strawberry Jam". "My Girls" is one of the most iconic songs of the 00s, "Bluish" one of my favorite love songs, and"Brother Sport" an all-time album closer. Rounding my rating up instead of down this time to help the average against the philistines who will inevitably give this a 2 or something.

Big fan of this one. Just some great 2000s indie electronica pop type stuff. I think I've gotten other albums by animal collective on this list but I think this'll be the only one that lasts with me because every song is excellent. My girls, summer time clothes, and bluish were my faves.

You know it's a gem when you scroll down to "Shorts remixing this video" section on youtube and see a video titled "When you have no friends:" Probably the first album I did a complete 180 on, at first it was annoying, didn't feel like real music, and I cared very little. Now I can't get enough of it. Truly hypnotizing.

A wonderfully strange album that is more refined than previous albums by this band. I love the earlier stuff, but this album is just a lovely vibe. Good stuff.

"Merriweather Post Pavilion" is the eigth studio album by American experimental pop group Animal Collective. This album combines the electronica-based sound of their previous album "Strawberry Jam" with a lusher, multilayered production. Guitarist Dekon (Josh Dibb) left after their previous album which led to the band's extensive use of synthesizers, samplers and reverb. Animal Collective was a trio at this point including Panda Bear (Noah Lennox), Avey Tare (Dave Portner) and Geologist (Brian Weltz). Commercially, it hit #13 in the US and #26 in the UK and critically, it had wide-spread acclaim with many labeling it the best album of 2009. Heavy machinery noise opens "In the Flowers." Dreamy with sampled voices and piano keys as Avey Tare describes meeting a girl dancer and they dance the night away until the morning when leaves her flowers. A great midway explosion with a drum beat and fast-paced keys. The wind blowing and synth-layered keys lead off their first single "My Girls." Great lead vocals by Panda Bear as he sings about only wanting a house for his wife and daughter, no social status. Hypnotic, superb backing vocals by Avey and just a fantastic song. I like the way they change the intro of each song and in their second single "Summertime Clothes" it's loud echoing synth sounds backed by a beat. The song is catchy and builds. It's a hot night in the city, Avey can't sleep and just wants to walk around with a girl. "Bluish" seems to be a straight-forward love song. Swirling synth keys and an organ. Avey sings in a falsetto. Panda Bear harmonizes the backing vocals. The closer ""Brother Sport" opens up with Panda Bear singing "You got to open up, open up your throat." It's a song with repetitive and hypnotic lyrics, beats and noises. The song with the most noise, synth and vocal layering and it completely works. It's about Panda Bear encouraging his brother to talk about his ordeals that have troubled him. One of Animal Collective's best songs. This is a great album and one of my favorites of the 2000's. Pyschedelic, dreamy and hazy but catchy. There are great lead and backing vocals sometimes harmonizing like the Beach Boys. Everything serms very detailed with the beats and multi-layeted synths. A high recommendation from me.

Love this album. Have it on Vinyl. Some weird parts but I like them.

I saw this band

One of the best albums of the last 25 years.

5 stars for the nostalgia alone. This is one of the defining albums of my life, and I’m glad to hear that it holds up so well. Just an absolute joy.

Not for everyone but definitely my king of music. This was the top of my Top 50 list in 2009, here’s what I wrote then: Animal Collective really came into their own in 2009. They are still one of the weirder bands out there, but they are paying more attention to songs and melody and the result is both one of their more interesting and out there albums to date. Like Radiohead, they do their own thing and the other bands can only watch- the only difference is Animal Collective is several shades more out there than Radiohead. At points scary, beautiful, psychedelic, spacy, experimental, catchy and just plain messed up, they still are not for everyone- in fact, I believe they remain an acquired taste. But it's my favorite album of 2009, and that's what this list is all about.

Keep it real, give a real shout-out

I wish all pop music could be as fun as this album. Cute lyrics about family life set to wild bouncy loops of electronics. Banger after banger after banger. 'Brother Sport' is an insane way to end an album.

One of the most insane and impressive auditory experiences ever. From the start of the first track, you have no inkling that there is going to be loads of catchy poppy choruses on this album, but there are, all over. The first time I heard this album, it was like sensory overload. After my 5th listen, I can really appreciate the production and all the keyboard stuff that happens. One of a kind album, and my belief that this is Animal Collective's masterpiece, and they already have a lot of great albums

Loved it

I rather enjoyed this collection of upbeat psychedelic pop, which is full of ambition, euphoria, electronic noises, catchy tunes, vibrant vocals, the works. Its kitchen sink production might put some people off but I like it. Sod it, I'm giving it a 5 :)

Oooooooh yea. This album is poppy and fun, but also experimental, which makes for a cool and varied experience. One of my favorites when it comes to psychedelic pop.

I’m fascinated by the way rhythms overlap on this album. As a former drummer (once a drummer, always a drummer), I love listening to offbeat rhythms or oddball time signatures. On song after song, Animal Collective introduces a series of beats, rhythms and melodies that at first seem to conflict. But give it a minute and everything clicks into place. This is dense, layered music but the big picture is stunning every time. Listening to the beginnings of these songs is like watching someone put together a puzzle of an abstract shape. It looks wrong at first but in time, the full strangeness of the picture takes shape and makes sense. What really helps this music work though are the emotions. Animal Collective have a big heart and these songs resonate with earnestness. The music also captures a childlike wonder and sense of play. As complex and intricate as the music gets, it doesn’t feel pretentious to me. They sound like they had a lot of fun experimenting in the studio (and presumably smoked a lot of weed). And as polished as the final product is, it still has that feeling of friends goofing around. For years I appreciated Animal Collective at a bit of a distance. This album came out when I was in college and I respected it without fully embracing it. But last year Animal Collective put out a great album called “Time Skiffs” that unlocked their sound for me. It’s a lighthearted album of psychedelic pop and very approachable by their standards. I read a review of that album that referred to the Beach Boys influence in their music and that comment hit me like a bolt of lightning. I’d hadn’t thought of that before but once you hear it, it’s hard to miss. The way they harmonize is right out of the Beach Boys playbook. And that bass drum thump in “My Girls” could easily be a timpani hit lifted off of “Pet Sounds.” This album has grown on me over the years and it gets better and better. Classic album cover too. Very trippy.

Surprising hit

The contrast between the first two reviews currently topping this section is hilarious. Personally, I feel like eating an apple this morning, instead of digging my brain so as to find a clever line. Sure sign that I will give this album a 5/5 grade--truth be told, I've loved it for a long time now, even if I remember how dumfounded I was by it at first, when it came out in 2009. Not that the other review panning this record isn't smart in its own way. Yet I feel like using your intellect to judge *Merriweather Post Pavilion* will never do it justice anyway. This a communal, instinctive, trance-like party album. You need to let go to "get" its peculiar dynamics, hence why so many folks talk about drugs and being high in their reviews. Not so many records work like that in the 21st century. You usually need to return to the 60s and the 70s to find such brilliant experimental pop records, sonically daring, yet also paving the way for promising popular developments in the future. I know AC themselves would probably fret a little about the obvious references (they went down into rabbit holes far more obscure than the names I'm about to drop), but think Beach Boys, the 13th Floor Elevators or The Seeds with 21st century sounds (most specifically electronic when it comes to *Merriweather Post Pavilion*). There are too many highlights in this LP to mention them all. "In The Flowers" is a gem--a telluric opener whose rumbling rhythm evokes ancient deep forces of the earth ; "My Girls" is obviously one of the catchiest, most endearing tracks Animal Collective has ever written--one where it's easy to relate to the feelings of its narrator wishing to settle with his family at last ; the final vocal climax in "Also Frightened is a magical moment--it feels personal and heartfelt, and yet in keeping with the psychedelic mysteries gracing this LP from start to finish ; and "Brother Sport" is a riotous closer that leaves a lasting impression long after the album is over Funny coincidence: last week, I have interviewed Animal Collective's Deakins and Geologist for a music website I write for. Their latest album *Isn't It Now?* has just been released, by the way, and if you enjoyed *Merriweather Post Pavillion*, check it out, it's one of their best LPs in their twenty-year+ discography. We didn't really discuss this 2009 breakthrough record the 1001 Albums app has selected for me today--Deakins didn't play on it, he was on a sort of amicable hiatus with the band at the time (all the band members have done this at some point or another during AC's career, an open-door philosophy that is quite rare in the music business). So I didn't feel it was appropriate to mention said record during the interview. And we didn't have a lot of time on our hands for the interview anyway... That said, what I took away from this moment I shared with two of the band members is that they're never been the trendy hipsters some of the reviewers see in them when you browse through this section's reviews. Today's trends being very different from the band's adventurous knack for noise, hectic surges, and goofy moments, I'm not so surprised by the current low global score they received in this app. But I'm confident the wheel will turn again and that they'll find fans in the next generations. So yeah, past trends can't fully explain Animal Collective's appeal, whether back in 2009 or now. The topics and moods conveyed through each of their records indeed follow their progression from young adult artists to middle-aged ones--it all seems very sincere, and devoid of any calculated thoughts about hypes and fashionable sounds (Pitchfork's usual raves about them be damned). They're just doing their thing, and since their brains are wired in a very idiosyncratic manner, the results have always been off-kilter for a lot of casual listeners. Yet once you dig a little further, beyond all the unexpected layerings and weird arrangements, you can sense a real heart beating in most of the band's songs. It just takes a little time to "get" it somehow. But once you get it, this never gets old, believe me. Number of albums left to review: 393 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 275 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 144 Albums from the list I won't include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 193

Cool sounds

With music from the last 20 years or so, it seems harder to pick what the really BIG important albums are - but to me this is one of them. I can see why this isn't for everyone, as it definitely is an experimental album, but they tempered it with... I wouldn't go so far as to say a poppiness, but there is a certain sweetness that makes their experimentation into a thing of thrilling beauty. They constructed such an incredibly rich, cinematic sound that it comes across like a constantly shifting sonic environment, which is particularly dazzling on headphones. Like a series of carnival rides all linked together, where you start on the gravitron, then transition into the roller coaster, and then smoothly onto the swirling teacups, one right after the other. Animal Collective sound like they come from an alternate timeline in which Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys completed and released Smile in 1967, whereupon it set the world on fire, forever changing music as we know it. I want to live in that world. Listening to this album may be the closest I will ever get to feeling like I do. Something else I remember feeling when I first heard this album was that they had truly found a new sound. A sound that felt unique and modern, while still remaining largely pleasant and palatable. Eschewing both the standard guitar/bass/drums of rock, as well as the dance oriented tendencies and cliches of most electronic music, they carved out new territory between the two somehow. I think that is quite an amazing achievement really. At the very least, they have a truly original, identifiable sound of their own. Career wise, it took them awhile to find the right balance of elements, but they figured it out here and undoubtedly produced their best work.

Open up your open up your open up your

Although I listened to a lot of indie in 2009, I somehow missed them. What a shame, because this record is fantastic.

better than i remembered it. definitely gonna come back to this again and again

The absolute most important record in Animal Collective's discography, Merriweather Post Pavilion gathers every sound they've gotten their hands on up to that point and allows it to gleam and shine as though it was radiating with a sense of purpose. This is what the sound of the zeitgeist sounds like and it just so happened to have come out at the most appropriate time, when the last vestiges of alternative/indie rock still held on to the imaginations of those who still thought of it as a world-beater and the nucleus of the culture. Some may say they've soared before this, some may claim they did afterward. All that is known is that they wouldn't come out of it the same way again.