Animal Collective Appreciation Thread

You know, with this being the Hip Forums and there being so much psychedelic-based activity around here, I'm surprised to see this band barely get any mention on here. Plus I feel like they deserve a thread in the psychedelic music section.

To me they're THE center of new psychedelic music, and they have a very unique style. No other band really sounds like them. I feel like they're really pushing the envelope in music, and they've put out some very amazing masterpieces. Definitely on par with any 60's classic IMO.

If you haven't listened to them yet then let these load, get blitzed, then press play:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nagI_slIviA"]Animal Collective | Merriweather Post Pavilion - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdftJH3IdrI"]Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam (Full Album) - YouTube

 

Merriweather Post Pavilion is a masterpiece of electronic psychedelic music IMO. The earlier albums, I don't really "get" them and some I even find somewhat disturbing (maybe I should give them another listen).

But MPP left me in awe from the first listen. Listening on acid is an extraordinary experience, the closed eyed visuals i got were fantastic and some of the tracks had me rolling on the couch in laughter from the joy and ecstasy they caused me. Just candy for the mind, man.

I hear their new album is due out in September, hopefully they will top themselves as they did with MPP.

 

Definitely agree with you! I remember listening to MPP on my first shroom experience. It wasn't like the full-blown shroom trip I had back in January, but it was still a memorable experience.

I remember being in the park with my friend, looking at the bright colours, the diorama buildings, the optical illusions, the fire truck that passed by only to reappear again at the end of the song "Daily Routine".

But you're not into "Strawberry Jam" yet? I HIGHLY recommend you give that album another listen right now. And take a look at the lyrics while you're at it, too.

"Peacebone" is one of the most random songs lyrically, but the rest of the songs on the album deal with the theme of childhood, and the struggle of giving up one's inner child when you grow up. It's every bit as equal in being a psychedelic masterpiece as MPP. Very layered. Very pioneering, in fact. No other album sounds like it.

I also let "Strawberry Jam" go over my head when I first heard it. I didn't get it. Funny enough, I thought I couldn't connect with it, but that's because I didn't actually read the lyrics. Plus, I was comparing it too much to MPP. If you treat it like a separate world instead, then you'll definitely hear it for what it truly is. No two Animal Collective albums are the same.

Heck, I'll even send you a vinyl rip if you want. I've found the official CD to be too compressed for my tastes. Most people don't notice that sort of thing (I'm sort of an audiophile), but it was another factor that played a role in me loving the album.

 

bonefaceee

jwjxoaomx boing boing boing zx-0ixk[kx[kxan obsession with the past in like a DEAD FLYYY

BOIN BOING

 

they are an awesome band.

 

They are awesome. I discovered a group recently that has an at times similar sound, M83.

 

Here's a song that was made during the "Strawberry Jam" sessions, but was deemed too long for the album. It was released as a B-side for the "Peacebone" single instead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rvPX8UlQ78"]Animal Collective - Safer - YouTube

I couldn't find a version on YouTube without the fan-made music video, but I hope you enjoy the song anyway. "Safer" is probably the most underrated Animal Collective song ever, considering what a masterpiece it is and yet how it was released. Definitely something to listen to while blazed or on a trip.

 

I'll give strawberry jam another listen!

 

new album out in september

 

Yeah, I can't wait for "Centipede Hz". I'm actually going to be working on a radio show mix for that contest they're having in promotion of the album. Gonna put together some of my favourite, wildest 60's psych rock songs.

 

So who else has actually heard the new "Centipede Hz" yet? I can't even stop from praising this album. At the one hand, it feels like they went TOO far. On the other hand, it's an innovative masterpiece.

Definitely one of the most, if not THE most psychedelic album I've ever heard. For sure, that's my initial impression of it. Every psych head should be tuned into this.

 

Here's a YouTube quality link to match the others which I posted:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO_rgQOYK7o"]Animal Collective - Centipede Hz [Full Album] - YouTube

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaD8AyoDcRc"]Animal Collective- Centipede Hz ALBUM REVIEW - YouTube

 

Ah, yes. This is the review that makes my blood boil. Typical indie crowd reaction.

And this guy does not know psychedelic music no matter how many times he brings that word up. Try Pink Floyd's "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" as a reference to this album. With an album like that as a major influence, why shouldn't it be logical that Animal Collective wouldn't try and step it up and unleash their own effects-drenched masterwork?

He also made this video, which is quite embarrassing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02BToM5GZ_Y"]Do drugs make music? - YouTube


"Centipede Hz" is a magnum opus. Doesn't matter whether I'm high or sober, but I can't get enough of this album. And it holds so much replay value as a whole. The modern psychedelic rock album I've been waiting for years.

I know everyone is entitled to their opinion, but this isn't really an album you listen to once, and then mark your final judgment on. There's a lot going on for the listener to dissect. Not to mention the awesome lyrics. "Pulleys", in particular, reminds me of Alex Grey's paintings when it describes the 'tunnels and caves' of the human body. And "Amanita" has a sly reference to psychedelics, especially in the last few lines. "Wide Eyed" is supposed to sound like an Eastern drone with its structure. Themes about overcoming obstacles pop up in different parts of the album, as well.

Methinks Animal Collective just don't have the right audience for what they're going for. Not enough hippies and classic rock fans: people who would understand where this band is coming from.