Animal Collective--Merriweather Post Pavilion. My Review. As if You Cared.

I first heard Animal Collective in 2007. Their record that year, Strawberry Jam, had received quite a bit of hype and so I decided to check them out. I was a bit of a late comer, considering they formed around 2000. Better late than never, right?

My reaction to the Strawberry Jam album can be summed up in two words: "Me likey."

So, naturally, I was excited to hear their new album, Merriweather Post Pavilion ("MPP"). The album leaked on Christmas, but I never got around to downloading it. I usually don't like to listen to leaked copies...I like to wait until the official release. That day finally came. Yesterday I went to the local record store and bought myself a copy. Woot!

It is good. So good. Pitchfork already named it album of the year (in the first week of January!). People are comparing the harmonies to the Beach Boys (which I think is warranted). People are hailing it as an accessible record (somewhat uncommon for Animal Collective) that still has an experimental vibe (something very commong for Animal Collective). Others say it is influenced by both the Grateful Dead and House/Techno/Dance music. I totally see that.

It's been awhile since I've been obsessed with a record. The last one was Radiohead's In Rainbows more than a year ago. 2008 was a bit of a weak year...nothing that really captivated me. Luckily, MPP has captivated me.

Highlights (according to me):

1. In the Flowers. The song really comes alive at 2:30. This song isn't as "catchy" of some of the others, but it is powerful and a very good opener.

2. My Girls. My favorite of the album. The whole song is amazing, both musically and lyrically.

3. Also Frightened. On the first listen, this song didn't really stand out to me...I was kind of bored by it. But it is growing on me. Favorite moment: 2:46 ("Are you also frightened?")

4. Summertime Clothes. Great song. Think raves and lazer shows. Cool Lyric: "I want to walk around with you."

5. Daily Routine. This song floors me. It starts out with very cool, very random glitchy-organ samples peppered in between the singing. Then, at about 2:15 it slows down and gets very repetitive and makes you feel like the song is missing something. You are on the edge of your seat wondering what will come next. And then, at 3:22, there it is. Bam. The perfect chord. It gave me chills. And then there is more of that.

6. Bluish. Doesn't sound anything like previous Animal Collective, but I'm not complaining, because it is a great song. Has somewhat of a cheesy 80s vibe (I think Tiffany would like it).

7. Guys Eyes. Reminds me of the Beach Boys with extra reverb (and maybe even some Queen), but with space sounds thrown in there. Very good song.

8. Taste. When I first heard this, it sounded vaguely familiar. It took me awhile, but I remember that I had heard it here. This version is much different, but still very good indeed. Sublime harmonies; I like it, a lot.

9. Lion in a Coma. This is another one that didn't really grab me the first time around. But again, it's growing on me. Makes very generous use of the didgeridoo.

10. No More Running. Delicate. Beautiful. And then the harmonies receive the Geologist's treatement and make an effect I've never heard before. Sounds something like a slide wistle. Very cool indeed.

11. Brother Sport. Good song. Animal Collective have said that they tried to make this record faithful to their live shows; this song serves as a perfect "encore." Reminds me a bit of older Animal Collective. My favorite moment: 3:01 and on (it's 8-bit heaven).

Christmas Break, 2008-09

I recently returned from visiting Tiffiny (haha) in Arizona. I spent two weeks there (Dec. 24 to Jan. 7). We had a good time. We took pictures, a few here and there and then a ton on the last day. Tiffany begged me to post some pictures, so I am complying.

We went to the Mesa Temple to see the lights on Christmas Evening.


Then, we showed off our tongues. Here's a picture of us showing off our tongues:

I don't know why...but I really like this one.

We also rode the new light rail. It was a fun-filled event (a very long fun-filled event), involving sitting backwards, a crime scene, Jerry Seinfeld, a really good cookie, a smoothie with hair in it, and Val Kilmer.


Then, we went to the Mesa Art Center to take pictures. This is becoming something of a tradition. About a year ago we did the same thing. There are a ton of cool picture spots. In fact, last year we took this legendary picture of Tiffany:

One of my all time faves (if not my all time fave).

Tiffany is kind enough to pose for my excessive picture-taking. She says she doesn't like it; but secretly, I think she does. I mean, look at her pose:


Here are some more:







And here are some of the both of us:



And, of course, here are some embarrassing ones:

You're so "hot"

Whatcha doin' there, Tiff?

Nice Butt

Here's one more:

Peek-aboo

Ok, I'm almost done. So, while I was in Arizona, Tiffany got ahold of my camera and took some pictures of herself. So, I think it's only fair to post them for the whole world to see. ;) (Or, considering Tiffany is probably the only person who reads my blog, for the whole Tiffany to see).

Kissy Lips

The classic myspace pose.

She's constantly rolling her eyes at me.

Smile a little wider, Tiff!

Done.