Animal Collective- MPP

Merriweather Post Pavilion – Album Review

Critics are calling Animal Collective’s eighth studio album Merriweather Post Pavilion their most “poppy” record to date. Given their track record of hard-to-follow melodies and sometimes altogether jarring songs (“Hey Light” off of Here Comes the Indian comes to mind) this statement proves to be true. However, it’s important to note that while Merriweather might be a pop record for Animal Collective, it certainly strays far from the mainstream definition of pop and in no way violates the sound they have masterfully created for themselves.

Although both David Portner (aka Avey Tare) and Noah Lennox (Panda Bear) have successfully worked without each other and the other members of Animal Collective (Brian “Geologist” Weitz and Josh “Deakin” Dibb), they prove to be best when working together. Portner has a more straightforward take on singing, following a standard approach to songwriting. Lennox on the other hand has a talent for creating haunting and beautiful melodies, reminiscent of Brian Wilson. One of the best things about Merriweather is the joining of their voices. On more songs than not, you’ll hear them both together, working off of each other effortlessly. “Taste” and “Guys Eyes” stand out as the most compatible for them, each creating an exceptionally catchy melody and a perfect combination of both of their individual sounds.

The album as a whole has wonderful flow. Each song has its individual arc, and even the songs that lag like “Daily Routine” and “No More Runnin” still have a sound that is very typical of Animal Collective that will please old-time listeners. In short, whether it’s your first time listening to Animal Collective or your hundredth, you will not be disappointed.

9.7/10

Animal Collective- "In the Flowers" [via Song, by Toad]