Albums of 2009 Part Five
1. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
Predictable some might say, but there is a reason why this appears at the top of so many albums of the year lists, because it is the album of the year. To think it was released over a year ago and listening to it today it still sounds as fresh to me as it did then. Having said they could not top ‘Strawberry Jam’ previously Animal Collective came up with one of the best albums of the decade, let alone the year.
From the word go ‘In The Flowers’ is exactly what Animal Collective are all about, beautiful melodies, wonderful vocals and just fantastic sounds. At times it can appear over the top and chaotic but when you get beneath that you appreciate the wonderful words and vocals from these Baltimore boys.
‘Brother Sport’ finishes the album with a bang and it leaves you with the sense of satisfaction and you know what a special piece of music you have just listened to. ‘My Girls’ is the single of the album, the song that everybody knows and it is a track that is simply majestic. ‘Bluish’ is a whirlwind of sounds that completely work with Noah Lennox sublime vocals.
Controversially one of my favourite songs from the album is ‘Lion In A Coma’ which seems to be one a lot hardcore fans are not fond of, yet I think it just about sums up exactly why I love Animal Collective. I often find myself running around Richmond Park wondering what music to put on, and if I’m ever stuck for what to play, I always come back to ‘Merriweather Post Pavilion’, it is just simply one of the most uplifting records I’ve ever listened to. And there is nothing more uplifting than hearing ‘Summertime Clothes’ as you run through Richmond Park as the sun begins to set and everything at the moment seems perfect.
I feel privileged that I witnessed most of this album live in September in what was probably the single greatest live performance in my lifetime, so far. ‘Merriweather Post Pavilion’ will be regarded as a modern masterpiece of music, I’m sure of it.
Animal Collective - Brother Sport (Download via Mediafire)
