Showing posts with label Animal Collective. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Animal Collective. Show all posts

Friday, August 17, 2012

New Video: Animal Collective "Today's Supernatural"

New video from Animal Collective for "Today's Supernatural" off their upcoming LP Centipede Hz, out Sept. 3rd / 4th via Domino. PS - may induce seizures.

Monday, July 30, 2012

New Track: Animal Collective - "Today's Supernatural"

What do you think of the first single from AC's upcoming album Centipede Hz, out September 4th via Domino?

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

New Music: Animal Collective - "Honeycomb"

Dig the new tune from Animal Collective off their upcoming 7". Very cool player and a great track. Oh yeah, it is Tuesday, so that happened.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Matt's Top 14 EPs of '09


Here's another for your list of lists Winston. I realized that I should give some love to the awesome EPs that came out this year as well as the albums. So without further ado, my top 14. That's right. 14.

Animal Collective: Fall Be Kind

I'm still convinced Animal Collective put this EP out to remind critics that they had a record out this year (who would forget?) for year-end lists. Yet, the motives do not take away from the fact that this was another excellent offering from the gods of indie rock.



Acrylics: All of the Fire

This band appeared on the radar in the spring with a few stand-out singles. The momentum continued for this duo (soon to be permanent full band) as they were signed to Chris Taylor's Terrible Records and released this stellar EP of well-written, 80s-inspired, pop-infused gems.



Best Coast: Make You Mine

Best Coast were one of the stand-outs from the cliched "summer/beach" movement that took up a lot of attention in '09. Yet, along with Real Estate, the songs here are very solid, and show a ton of promise. More to come in 2010 I'm sure.



Class Actress: Journal of Ardency

Class Actress were a late entry to the race. Also signed to Terrible Records, Class Actress are dead ringers for Glass Candy and Chromatics, but that doesn't make their songs less great. Again, another band to watch in 2010.




Delorean: Ayrton Senna

I honestly don't know too much about Delorean other than that they make infectious, dance-floor, elctro-rock jams, that really work well at parties that go past dawn. Not like I would know or anything.




Dinosaur Feathers: Early Morning Risers

Thanks to Pop Tarts Suck Toasted and The World in a Paper Cup for turning me on to this group of Philly acoustic-poppers. They purvey lazy, pleasant melodies that are at once arresting and extremely well-crafted.




Lissie: Why You Runnin'

Stark is heavy on the Lissie bandwagon. Check out our review. This EP heralds a new talent and force to be reckoned with. By far the most promising artist I've seen in 2009. Hands down.




Lissy Trullie: Self Taught Learner

This EP began what was to become a break-out year for Lissy Trullie. These songs eventually went on to become part of the excellent Self-Taught Learner LP, but the EP was so strong that it got everyone's attention and sufficiently whet their appetite for more from this fantastic new post-rock star.


Mountain Man: S/T

Thanks to Microphone Memory Emotion and Chocolate Bobka for these guys. Here is some of the most organic and well-written folk songs you'll hear all year. There is a strange ethereal quality to everything they produce, and the Vermont trios' vocals are utterly captivating and quite moving. Still haven't' seen them live, but I can imagine it's a thing to behold.

Pains of Being Pure at Heart: Higher Than the Stars

No one made it through 2009 without hearing about Pains. This EP could be called a victory lap, if it wasn't so goddamn good. The highlight here is the Saint Etienne Remix of "Higher Than the Stars." Worth the price of admission alone.



Sleigh Bells: Demos

Another late comer to the game, Sleigh Bells slowly released several demos which could constitute an EP over the past few months. The music is loud, trashy, catchy, annnnd LOUD. Fuck, even Sasha Frere Jones loves 'em. Did I mention that they're super buzzy right now? Yeah. That too. Oh well. It's good.


Tristen: Deceivers are Achievers
Full disclosure - Stark is in cahoots with Tristen. Does that make her EP less good? Not a chance. Tristen is the predominant talent in Nashville right now, in a field that's crowded and downright competitive as hell. Tristen turns out hand-crafted exquisite country-pop gems faster than us Yankees talk. And they are all amazing. THE artist to watch in 2010.



Washed Out: Life of Leisure

While the LP didn't deliver (like at all) this EP was a true standout in the EP collection. Call it chillwave or whatever stupid name the kids are calling it, this is good stuff, and some of the best in that whole weird genre. It's just great music, maaan.



Warpaint: Exquisite Corpse

This EP is filled with crazy, weird and boarder-line genius stuff. Most all of the time, I don't know what the hell is going on with Warpaint. I just like it.

Monday, September 28, 2009

My Boys!



Seems we got too caught up in the first segment of P4K's top 200 albums of the decade this morning to notice the premiere of the video for Taken By Trees' "My Boys" their cover of the insta-classic Animal Collective track "My Girls." We love this Taken By Trees album, and this track is clearly a highlight. Enjoy!

Friday, June 12, 2009

Friday Blog Reel

Woods: "Get Clean" [mp3]
Animal Collective: "Summertime Clothes"
John Vanderslice: "Too Much Time" [mp3]



Today our featured video comes from the fantastic new-comers Woods, who we've written about numerous times. Sometimes, a video is able to give you a new perspective on a song. While, videos have largely become obsolete as a form of discovering new music, they still exist as a great way to give fans and listeners a new way to envision your music. For a band like Woods, their music can sometime seem a little dark. Yet, this video for their song "To Clean" shows a brighter side to the tune, even though there are lots of knives and fake blood. Fun times with Woods. Good song too. The rest are after the jump.


Animal COllective: Summertime Clothes


John Vanderslice "Too Much Time" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.


Friday, May 8, 2009

On The Blog Reel: Vega, Animal Collective, Jason Lytle

Vega: "No Reasons"
Animal Collective: "Summertime Clothes"
Jason Lytle: "I Am Lost (and the moment cannot last)"

VIA

Because we hate original or exclusive content, we're going to leave you today with three videos that have been bouncing around the internet this week, but are all super great. We have: Animal Collective and a sweet dance group on Letterman playing "Summertime Clothes", a tight vintage 80s skate movie compilation for Vega's hot jam "No Reasons" that we posted earlier this week, and the new video from the much anticipated Jason Lytle record Yours Truly, The Commuter that comes out next week. So without further ado, three videos we like, that you may have already seen. Come on, we gave you Jim Ford and Franco this week too - I know Stereogum ain't writing about them. Dig it after the jump.





I Am Lost (And the Moment Cannot Last) from jason lytle on Vimeo.



Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Black Dice: Video, Tour Dates, MP3, Yes.


[MP3]
Black Dice - "Glazin"

Brooklyn has an electro-surf-rock group? The answer: Yes. We give you Black Dice. "Glazin" off the band's newest April 7 release, REPO (Paw Tracks), synthesises afro-cuban back-beats and lyrical cues, with hang-ten 'dude' rock. The end result, an interestingly catchy track that makes you feel good about you. After listening, it is no surprise that Black Dice will be touring with the likes of Dan Deacon, Animal Collective and more. Get up with the get down.

Check out tour dates, album art and track list after the jump.

BLACK DICE

Wed 05/20/09 Empty Bottle Chicago, IL #
Thu 05/21/09 Triple Rock Minneapolis, MN #
Sat 05/23/09 Palace Missoula, MT #
Sun 05/24/09 Holy Mountain Seattle, WA #
Mon 05/25/09 Biltmore Vancouver, BC #
Tue 05/26/09 Backspace Portland, OR #
Fri 05/29/09 OCD Warehouse San Francisco, CA #%
Sat 05/30/09 F Yeah Fest presents at Gilbert's Los Angeles, CA #~
Sun 05/31/09 Rialto Theater Tucson AZ *
Mon 06/01/09 Sunshine Theater Albuquerque NM *
Tue 06/02/09 Boulder Theatre Boulder CO *
Wed 06/03/09 Opolis Norman, OK
Thu 06/04/09 House Of Blues Dallas TX *
Fri 06/05/09 Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater Austin TX *
Sat 06/06/09 The Library Oxford MS *
Sun 06/07/09 Bottletree Birmingham, AL
Mon 06/08/09 State Theatre St. Petersburg FL *
Tue 06/09/09 Culture Room Fort Lauderdale FL *
Wed 06/10/09 Club Firestone Orlando FL *
Thu 06/11/09 The Earl Atlanta, GA $
Fri 06/12/09 Local 506 Chapel Hill, NC $
Sat 06/13/09 Sonar Baltimore, MD $@+
Sun 06/14/09 Bowery Ballroom New York, NY $!
Mon 06/15/09 Outside The Lines Boston, MA $
Tue 06/16/09 Il Motore Montreal, QC $
Thu 06/18/09 MOFA Detroit, MI $#
Fri 06/19/09 Garfield Art Works Pittsburgh, PA $
Sat 06/20/09 Kung Fu Necktie Philadelphia, PA $

# = w/ Wolf Eyes
* = w/ Animal Collective
$ = w/ Awesome Color
! = w/ Soft Circle
@ = w/ Dan Deacon
% = w/ Sic Alps
~ = w/ Richard Bishop
+ = w/ Dat Politics
Cover Art:



Track List:
1. Nite Creme
2. Glazin
3. Earnings Plus Interest
4. Whirligig
5. La Cucaracha
6. Idiots Pasture
7. Lazy TV
8. Buddy
9. Ten Inches
10. Chicken Shit
11. Vegetable
12. Urban Super Mist
13. Ultra Vomit Craze
14. Gag Shack

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

We Proudly Present....


We are thrilled and honored to announce our first sponsored show, happening May 2nd at Union Pool in Brooklyn with three of the blogosphere's biggest bands: Animal Collective, Fleet Foxes and Wavves. The staff has worked tirelessly to plan the show for close to a year -- and we'll all be in debt for approximately the next five -- but believe us, it's going to be worth it. This is just the beginning! For more information, and how to get tickets, click on the flier above. You're welcome!

Monday, March 2, 2009

Lots of Music Coverage in Today's NYT

Photo by Kyle Dean Reinford for BV

This weekend held a full plate of music in NYC, and today the New York Times offers up its views on the boomer rock, indie rock, and post-boomer/indie rock that took place in the city. Also included is a non-committal, but good review of the new Neko Case record.

A great, if not cryptic review of Grizzly Bear and Final Fantasy with Nico Muhley and the Brooklyn Philharmonic at BAM by Nate Chinen. NYT Review HERE. Additional coverage at Brooklyn Vegan.

A surprisingly bad review of David Byrne at Radio City by Jon Pareles. By all first-hand accounts we heard, it was amazing. Hmm. NYT review HERE.

A not surprisingly bad review of Van Morrison's Astral Weeks revival at MSG Theater by John Caramanica. NYT Review HERE.

Neko Case & Bela Fleck album reviews by Jon Pareles and Nate Chinen HERE.

BONUS: A strange graph of the "Top Three Albums of 2009" (sans Animal Collective.) HERE.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Phish Fans Are Stoked, Rest Of The World Is Like, "Whatever"


Well, it's been the worst kept secret in the music world for several months, but America's favorite reunited hippies (read: Phish) are headlining two nights of the eighth annual Bonnaroo festival. (Which, you know, is completely neccessary.) The Boss is joining them, hoping to emulate his crotch-tastic Superbowl performance from Sunday, as are the Beasties, David Byrne, Wilco, Nine Inch Nails, Al Green, SNOOP DOGG, Elvis Costello, Animal Collective, MGMT, Bon Iver and a billion others. You have to give the organizers credit: minus the whole Phish thing, the lineup looks pretty okay. 

We'll be trying our hardest to make it down to Manchester this year, after last year's soiree left us awed and hung over. Tickets go on sale exclusively through the festival's official Web site on Saturday (2/7) at noon. Check out a video of the announcement featuring something called "stratostencil animation" (whatever that is) after the jump. Not as good as Lewis Black, unfortunately.  

Friday, January 30, 2009

Officially Calling Bullshit


So, not everyone at Stark always agrees on things. That's the beauty of this little site. Andrew hates Animal Collective, but others here including me, really love them. Our newest reviewer Deanna McLafferty recently wrote a mixed, but fairly glowing review of the new Bon Iver EP Blood Bank. Well folks, I'm officially calling bullshit on this EP. Here's why. The other day I saw it priced in Virgin Meagastore for $13.99. WTF. I mean, really?? It's FOUR songs. $3.96 on iTunes. Ok, this is probably more of a label thing than a Mr. Vernon thing. But the music. You have "Blood Bank" which is a fairly good tune. A B+ in my book. It could be on For Emma, but it would be mediocre at best there. The rest of the EP consists of 3 forgettable, toss-away tracks, including one devastating trip through hell courtesy of the bain of '08, the Auto-Tune machine. There is no reason except for money, that this EP should have come out. It pales in comparison to the worst tracks on For Emma. I could go on here, but I'm not. Justin Vernon is a talented fellow, and I know he is certainly better than this EP. At least I hope so.

Love,
Matt

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Tour Alert: Animal Collective

I can't sneeze these days without it conjuring up images of undulating, connecting vines. Merriweather is everywhere...iTunes shuffle loves it, as does Pitchfork and most other blogs known in existence. Yeah, the album is pretty tasty, we get it. We know how many licks it takes to get to the center of the new record. And, with this post, I guess we are still licking. Sorry. They are touring domestically, so get ready for more.

Tour dates after the jump.


ANIMAL COLLECTIVE TOUR DATES
May 11, 09 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
May 12, 09 Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
May 13, 09 New York, NY - Terminal 5
May 14, 09 Boston, MA - House of Blues
May 15, 09 Montreal, PQ - Metropolis
May 16, 09 Toronto, ON - Sound Academy
May 18, 09 Royal Oak, MI - Royal Oak Music Hall
May 19, 09 Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall Ballroom
May 20, 09 Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
May 24, 09 Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom
May 25, 09 Portland, OR - Roseland Theater
May 26, 09 Oakland, CA - Fox Theatre
May 27, 09 Big Sur, CA - Henry Miller Memorial Library
May 29, 09 Los Angeles, CA - Wiltern
May 30, 09 Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues
May 31, 09 Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theater
Jun 01, 09 Albuquerque, MN - Sunshine Theater
Jun 02, 09 Boulder, CO - Boulder Theatre
Jun 04, 09 Dallas, TX - House Of Blues
Jun 05, 09 Austin, TX - Stubbs
Jun 06, 09 Oxford, MS - The Library
Jun 08, 09 St. Petersburg, FL - State Theatre
Jun 09, 09 Fort Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room
Jun 10, 09 Orlando, FL - Club Firestone

Friday, January 16, 2009

Matt's Artists to Watch 2009

Photo - Pavla Kopecna

So we're already a few weeks into January and the first major release dates are quickly approaching. There is already building buzz for a packed release schedule featuring albums from some of the biggest names in indie rock, and also some stellar records from some of music's lesser known names. In the first half of the year, records are due from Grizzly Bear, Lily Allen, Animal Collective, The Decemberists, Andrew Bird and M.Ward. Yet, there are formidable challenges to these larger releases in the form of gems from Bosque Brown, The Soft Pack, Girls, Alela Diane, Here We Go Magic, Wavves, Fan Death, Little Boots, Ida Maria, and my current favorite Harlem. While the great records we've heard (and not heard yet) are almost too much to absorb - here are three artists with upcoming records that should not be missed. Andrew and Vince's picks are coming next week. Mine are after the jump.


Scroll down for mp3s

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - s/t (Slumberland February, 3)
Not matter what the buzz, how great a band looks, where they come from, what label they are on, or who their friends are, it all comes down to great songs. In the most simple terms, that is where the Pains of Being Pure at Heart excel. POBPAH are able to craft perfect 3 minute pop songs drenched in gauzy distortion yet rooted in melody and played with the excitement and passion of a garage full of high school kids. This New York band mines their sound from 80s and 90s rock, successfully melding catchy acoustic guitar progressions with overdrive-laden electric guitar power chords. POBPAH have released a collection of highly acclaimed singles for labels such as Fortuna Pop!, Atomic Beat and Cloudberry. Slumberland will release The Pains of Being Pure at Heart on February 3. While it's easy to make comparisons to bands like My Bloody Valentine, POBPAH have produced a unique record compete with the quality and staying power that assures them a place as one of the best new bands of 2009.

the bird and the bee - Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future (Blue Note, January 27)
the bird and the bee are not new. They've already accumulated a decent modicum of success due to their self-titled debut released in 2007. Yet, their follow-up record Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future finds the LA duo finally stepping into their own. There was always something kitschy and sugary-sweet about tbatb. That was part of the appeal. Yet, their songs never really stayed with you. They were fleeting indulgences best consumed in small doses. Yet, all that has changed with their sophomore record. Greg Kurstin's production has never sounded better and Inara George's voice has more of an edge and purpose than ever before. After their debut and two so-so EPs, tbatb have finally delivered the full record critics and fans have been waiting for. The songs on Ray Guns, most notably the stand-out "Love Letter to Japan" (below), are driven by strong melodies and infectious instrumentation. tbatb sound more mature and self-assured in their music. This new record, coupled with the band's previous success bodes well for a very fruitful 2009.

Dent May - The Good Feeling Music of Dent May and His Magnificent Ukulele (Paw Tracks February 9)

It feels like Dent May has been around forever. His music seems so familiar, yet every time we listen, it's still as great as we remembered. There is an exuberance and joy in May's songs. He's not making any sweeping commentary in his lyrics, nor is he trying to alter the music spectrum with his instrumentation. His music is truly just good feeling music. Every one who listens is instantly a fan, that's the beauty of this record. You can play it anywhere for anyone. Dent May sings casually in a charming croon about drunks, dance parties, and girls. Imagine if Beirut took some Prozac and played at a spring BBQ and you can get a sense of Dent May's sound. May has the look and the attitude of someone who is bound to be a staple on the indie-rock scene of 2009. Discovered by Animal Collective in his home state of Mississippi, Dent May has signed to their Paw Tracks label. Clearly Dent May has the pedigree for success, but what's so refreshing is that his sound and record all justify the praise and buzz sure to come to him in 2009. He is hitting the road with New Pornographer AC Newman this winter.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - "Everything with You" - mp3
the bird and the bee - "Love Letter to Japan" - mp3
Dent May - "Meet Me in the Garden" - mp3

Monday, January 5, 2009

Animal Collective Gets Best New Music


NYC UPDATE: Other Music will be having an Animal Collective listening party tonight from 6-8 with free pizza and other fun giveaways. See you there.

It's been a wild run for Animal Collective's new record Merriweather Post Pavilion. From leaks, to web sheriffs, to Grizzly Bear, to Bradford Cox, it must be a relief for Animal Collective just to finally get this thing out there (legitimately). Almost as a reward for the record's harrowing journey, Pitchfork graced the album with a 9.6 and Best New Music status. Stark contributing writer Tara McCarthy took the trek up to Harlem months ago to take a listen to Merriweather and loved it. Yet, Andrew is not really an AC fan. Whatever your take, Animal Collective's new record will be debated and talked about all year. Merriweather comes out tomorrow digitally and on vinyl. Welcome to 2009.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Animal Collective Drops Vinyl Early + CD Release Party Dates

Ha! We saved you the trippy optical illusion. Set to release their ninth full-length, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Animal Collective will do so on vinyl, before compact (vinyl release date, Jan. 6 on Domino.) The record will come equipped with a digital download card as well. In a society that is becoming all the more cyclical in nature exemplified through the current financial crisis, war-laden developing countries, or just high pants, suspenders and nice fedoras, Vinyl is next to reemerge. Plus, it sounds better right? The jury is still out. Anyway, less tangential rambling and more listening/release party dates for Merriweather after the jump...

Release Party Dates
Anchorage, AK - KRUA Presents*
Atlanta, GA - Criminal Records - Jan. 1st @ 4PM
Austin, TX - End Of And Ear Records & KVRX - Jan. 3 @ 6PM
Boston, MA - WZBC presents*
Chicago, IL - WHPK presents*
Dallas, TX - Gorilla Vs. Bear Presents*
Eugene, OR - KWVA Presents*
Lawrence, KS - Love Garden Sounds & KJHK - Jan. 6th
Los Angeles, CA - Fingerprints Records & KXLU - Jan. 6th
Miami, FL - WRGP Presents*
Minneapolis, MN - KUOM Presents*
New York, NY - Other Music Presents - Jan. 5th
Philadelphia, PA - WXPN Presents*
Portland, OR - Music Millennium - Jan. 3 @ 6PM
Raleigh, NC - WKNC Presents*
San Francisco, CA - Terrorbird Presents @ The Knockout - Jan. 6th, 7-10pm**
Santa Cruz, CA - KZSC Presents*
Seattle, WA - KUPS Presents*
St. Louis, MO - Vintage Vinyl & KDHX - Jan. 6th
Vancouver, BC - CFUV presents*

*Location & Date TBA
** w/ Maus Haus, French Miami

Monday, November 17, 2008

dent may
What: The Good Feeling Music of Dent May and his Magnificent Ukulele
When: February 2, 2009
Label: Paw Tracks

Rating: 82%

Track one: Dent May welcomes you to his record. There are peaceful background harmonies, and Dent May seems happy. He sings a little tune. He is amazing.






The Good Feeling Music of Dent May and his Magnificent Ukulele will ‘meet you in the garden,’ greet you at a dance party, wake you up in the morning, caress and cleanse you in the shower. It works everywhere. It’s tropical. It’s loungey. There are many many hooks. Girls and boys can both like it.

They say the band Animal Collective discovered Dent May in Mississippi. He wrote a song about one-man band named Howard from that state. His song is the best on the album. Dent May knows college kids who have hung around in townie bars. You know, those college kids who never leave. Or do anything. Ever. Dent May plays the Ukulele. Sometimes, all the time, it sounds lovely.

On this record, the band plays tambourines, drums and trombones. They sing shoo-be dooby, shoo-be dooby. Dent May sings like he’s not sure if he’s serious. But most of the time it doesn’t matter. He thinks he’s an alcoholic. That doesn’t matter either. Dent May is invincible. The band knows best and stays out of his way.

Dent May can probably score chicks, but he sounds lonely and blue. All he wants is to start dance parties with girls. He refuses to believe people don’t want get down. We want to go to his parties. You can’t force a dance party. Dent May sings about this universal fact. Dent May is also over being sober.

The Good Feeling Music of Dent May and his Magnificent Ukulele isn’t available to most people until February 2009. We are lucky to have it. One day, you will be lucky too. Dent May won’t change the course of music history. Dent May will make you happy. He wants you to hang out with your friends. You will. Make sure you share Dent May’s music with them. You will then grab them and start dancing. You won’t have to force it. We promise. Dent May, will love you for all time.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Tour Alert: Animal Collective


Animal Collective
is gearing up to tour behind their to-be-released album, Merriweather Post Pavilion, dropping Jan. 20 on Domino. Only three U.S. dates have been announced so far. Hopefully the band can echo the successes of 2007's Strawberry Jam. We'll see. International and U.S. tour dates below.

ANIMAL COLLECTIVE TOUR DATES

11-06 Santiago, Chile - Industria Cultural
11-08 São Paulo, Brazil - Planeta Terra Festival
11-09 Buenos Aires, Argentina - La Trastienda
11-13 Lima, Peru - Centro Fundación Telefónica
01-12 London, England - Koko
01-13 Glasgow, Scotland - Glasgow School of Arts
01-14 Manchester, England - Club Academy
01-15 Brighton, England - Concorde 2
01-16 Paris, France - Bataclan
01-17 Leuven, Belgium - Stuk
01-18 Berlin, Germany - Postbanhof
01-20 New York, NY - Grand Ballroom
01-22 Chicago, IL - Metro
01-23 Los Angeles, CA – Henry Fonda

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion

animal collective
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE: Merriweather Post Pavillion
RELEASED JANUARY 20th, 2009 via DOMINO RECORDS

Tuesday night I trekked up to the nosebleeds (145th and Riverside) to attend my first-ever “listening party”, hosted by Motormouth Media and Domino Records, in honor of Animal Collective’s much-anticipated new album, Merriweather Post Pavilion. It was worth the trek.

Despite the odd location (The Riverside Lounge? I’m pretty sure nobody ever goes there), and the positively heinous sound quality, I had myself a grand old time. While most records, and Animal Collective’s in particular, require several listens to fully digest, I feel confident in saying that the new album is thoroughly banging. Over the course of its 11 tracks, the album is ethereal, dancey, melodic, aquatic, and interestingly enough, more accessible than any AC album to date. Gone is the fabulously, crazy-vocal exhibition from Avey Tare that we heard on Strawberry Jam. But, in its place are so many thumping beats, whispers, and fluid harmonies that I hardly missed it. If you weren’t already excited for the new album, get excited. Merriweather Post Pavilion is out Jan. 20, 2009 in the U.S. and Jan. 12 in the U.K.

Tara McCarthy - Stark Contributing Writer