Rating: 7.3/10
For anyone familiar with Animal Collective, the release of Merriweather Post Pavillion was nothing of note. Like syrup in a glass bottle, the foursome always provide a fresh taste on whatever plate they come out on. What must be noted though would be that MPP provided the music community with a touch of normalcy and perhaps some of the visceral emotions that epitomize Animal Collective.
The dance around the table begins with wave upon wave hitting the shore in "In the Flowers". This delightfully progressive opening track clicks and chirps a natural aura before gradually blending into the beat-box jungle that follows in the next 10 tracks.
Attuned for remixers and electro-maniacs alike, "My Girls" delves right into the symmetry Animal Collective has spread so often in their past - repititious refrains and keyboard looping. When the loops swing around two or three times, the lyrics have stuck, so the next time "I just want four walls and adobe slats for my girls" sings, it has become a household song. The track "Bluish" chimes to this pattern of catchy refrains with personal tidbits while "Summertime Clothes", the album's lyrical juggernaut, goes into a tirade that wows at every turn.
Merriweather Post Pavillion continually drifts back towards its organic origins. "Also Frightened" and "Lion in a Coma" play the part of ensuring the album throws in its fair share of natural sounds, whether that be through owls hooting, insects crawling or the didgeridoo.
When the bells and whistles aren't ricocheting out of the speakers, the people behind the music (Panda Bear, Deakin, Avey Tare, Geologist) really shine. Sentimental lyrics such as "I really want to show to my girl that I want her" from "Guys Eyes" and "Friends I once had turn their thoughts away from me" from "No More Runnin" break away to a heartfelt side that can be missed on a casual listen.
Despite a low overall rating, the diversity in sounds and studio enhancements on this album made it worth listening to. Although they have alluded my ears for a live show, countless fans have heralded the group for what they bring to the road. Below we have clips from their show at the Bowery Ballroom in New York, courtesy of http://animalcollective.org/.
MP3: Animal Collective - My Girls (live at Bowery Ballroom)
MP3: Animal Collective - Guys Eyes (live at Bowery Ballroom)
MP3: Animal Collective - Brother Sport (live at Bowery Ballroom)
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