Best Music of February, 2009: "Merriweather Post Pavilion" by Animal Collective
Why it’s significant: Animal Collective seem to have tapped into a hidden pop need with Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Merriweather Post Pavillion is full of vaguely familiar, lightly fearsome sounds, with disorientating repetitions and just a gist of language. It’s also kind of cute. It might be a classic.
The lads of Animal Collective have put in years of grunt work, amassing a surprisingly supersized fan base and many loving tributes from the culture creepers. But the recordings are polarizing. Many find them interesting but tedious. With Merriweather Post Pavillion the drawn out experimentation of the band’s past is crafted into a singular, beguiling whole.
The opening track, “In The Flowers,” could put a quizzend smile on any face that ever listened to Pet Sounds, read a Rough Guide, danced with glow sticks, or opened a triple gatefold. It then gets somewhat stranger still, banging away in the manner of theatrical post-punk outfits way back there in the closet. This is followed by the pastoral “My Girls,” a sweet and catchy stretch of maximum minimalism dressed with blue-eyed soul. One of my favorite tracks, “Lion in a Coma” (awesome homophone) riffs on Isicathamiya (awesome South African a capella). Such un-europop sounds are present within many an Animal Collective number. In contrast to the weighty and open sonics, the album’s lyrics seem light and inward; romantic, askew poesy concerning family and friendship.
Despite its eccentric qualities, Merriweather Post Pavillion, is incredibly listenable. One might ignore it like any pleasant pop record at a party or café. When you feel like digging in, Merriweather Post Pavillion rewards your attention. It feels like you’re in on something special.
--Patrick Whalen
Cheap Car GPS on June 08, 2011 at 05:17 AM
Some of their songs really shock me !
Peter on May 29, 2009 at 01:01 AM
Join Web’s First Music Social Network and Get A Free CD.Nikki Beach, known globally for amazing parties, music and entertainment, announced the launch of its new music social network, Nikki Beach Music (http://www.nikkibeachmusic.com). With the launch of Nikki Beach Music, Nikki Beach has created the web's premier music destination, offering the most exclusive music, entertainment news, music events, best dance parties, DJs, producers and top music downloads. The site will provide the members a gold mine of musical discoveries and an opportunity to explore new sound and visual experiences.
The new site will be the central place for music fans and will deliver music and music-related content from a different lineup of Producers and DJ’s who will be playing only the newest compositions, straight from the studio and into your hearts.
The site will provide music lovers an opportunity to experience the original music straight from its inception. As an incentive for the new members becoming a part of this premier music social network, Nikki Beach Music is giving away the newest CD download as a gift for all online members.
Los Angeles Recording Studios on March 13, 2009 at 04:16 AM
I just love the opening track "In The Flowers" it takes my mind to a well relaxed stats. So happy to see it as the best.
Nat Sattayapornphisut on February 16, 2009 at 09:31 AM
Sound interesting......!!!!