Best Music of February, 2009: "Merriweather Post Pavilion" by Animal Collective

In 2000, in New York City, Avey Tare (aka David Porter) and Panda Bear (aka Noah Lennox) established Animal Collective with the issue of Spirit They're Gone, Spirit They've Vanished on their own Animal imprint. It was the first of a flurry of captivating, occasionally frustrating releases exploring the fringes and intersecting boundaries of folk, noise rock, ambient drone, twisted psychedelia, and, ultimately, pure melody. Joined by their friends Geologist (aka Brian Weitz) and Deaken (aka Conrad Deaken), Tare and Panda Bear released Danse Manatee (Catsup Plate) in 2001, followed by a live release documenting their debut tour with Black Dice. Here Comes the Indian (Paw Tracks) was issued in 2003 to considerable acclaim, and the Collective backed it up with the droning, folky simmer of Campfire Songs, again for Catsup Plate. (FatCat also became the group's European sponsor, issuing their first two albums as a package and signing them for future releases.) Animal Collective returned in May 2004 with Sung Tongs, a mysterious, fragilely melodic album that garnered even more critical acclaim and spawned a series of tours. Panda Bear issued Young Prayer, his solo debut, in September 2004. The Prospect Hummer EP, which featured a collaboration with Vashti Bunyan, appeared in May 2005, and the full-length Feels followed in October of that year. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide

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 to something special.

Tags: Animal, best of song