merriweather post pavilion

The high acclaim that Animal Collective's new record, Merriweather Post Pavilion seems to be garnering is totally and completely legitimate. I felt like such a good consumer waiting until this morning to go cop the vinyl and download the tracks. And boy, was it worth it. Although I'd heard most of the tracks before in a more raw format, the way in which the album was recorded is extremely different than anything else these guys have put out. The low tones and instrumentation almost doesn't sound like the same band. Hell, the vocals even sound almost like another group. Not that I don't believe it's either Avey Tare or Panda Bear, I just think that the modulations and effects placed on their singing was a surprise, albeit a welcome one. Case in point, standout "My Girls." Panda's vocals are tweaked just so slightly to comfort but also to  cement the fact that this band is going places and we're simply along for the ride. Their talent is unrivaled and their musical explorations light-years beyond everything else. Though it has undergone a name change, I've always loved "My Girls" and I'm glad to see that everyone else does too. One of the most welcome tracks for me has been "Bluish" in its engulfing synths and hazy dual vocals. If not the first, it's certainly the best love song Animal Collective have ever written. The duality of singing duties, both on this song and on the album itself, suggests both a certain cohesion and comfort that contribute to Merriweather Post Pavilion's insanely mature sound. Saying that this record is accessible doesn't appear to be far off the mark. Not that other releases have been drone and endless repetition (though some in fact, have), it appears that MMP has seen one of the most imaginative bands pull a 180 on everybody, including themselves. What was once a band experimenting with the power of a 4-track and beauty of banging the shit out of drums or whatever happens to be available, Animal Collective are anything but a one-trick pony. The music is to say nothing of the lyrics, which have a painstaking way of finding surreality in the mundane. Perhaps its the coolness with which they sing, but both Avey Tare and Panda Bear are never kitsch but always relevant and encompassing. The future is yours, Animal Collective. You're the fearless leader of galaxies left unexplored. All I ask is that you keep us informed of your travels.

Also, be sure to check the Frankie Knuckles/Animal Collective track by xxxchange that sheds a little light on the songs original brilliance. It will only further blow your mind.