Merriweather Post Pavilion
by Animal Collective
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Jan 20, 2009
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 627 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 537 out of 627
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 627
  3. Negative: 55 out of 627

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  1. Zepdecept
    Dec 11, 2012
    10
    Best album Animal Collective has ever made! 'My Girls' is amazing! The song starts out slow but builds up to an amazing song! I will say this music isn't for everybody but if you like this kind of music, it is the best!
  2. javyously
    Sep 6, 2013
    10
    Every instrument and sound are right where they're supposed to be, nothing is out of place, and there's an extreme attention to detail. The bass-heavy pop sound is certainly unexpected, since their earlier work was looser, far more experimental, and not at all electronic, so it may not appeal to older Animal Collective fans, but that doesn't mean it's not good. If you're a true fan, youEvery instrument and sound are right where they're supposed to be, nothing is out of place, and there's an extreme attention to detail. The bass-heavy pop sound is certainly unexpected, since their earlier work was looser, far more experimental, and not at all electronic, so it may not appeal to older Animal Collective fans, but that doesn't mean it's not good. If you're a true fan, you will truly enjoy this record, even if it's not your favorite. It's a masterful and refreshing album that shows what musical artists are capable of; and if you think otherwise, you shouldn't be listening to music.… Expand
  3. Elllioot
    Jul 25, 2014
    10
    (9.8) I feel that this album is a feeling; It's the feeling you get at the end of a hot summer's day when you don't have a care in the world and you allow yourself to 'float off' into a blissful headspace. The production on this album is much less abrasive than their previous work yet still as forward thinking, diverse and experimental. It took me a few listens to really 'get' this album(9.8) I feel that this album is a feeling; It's the feeling you get at the end of a hot summer's day when you don't have a care in the world and you allow yourself to 'float off' into a blissful headspace. The production on this album is much less abrasive than their previous work yet still as forward thinking, diverse and experimental. It took me a few listens to really 'get' this album but when I finally did I was rewarded in abundance. Listening to Merriweather Post Pavillion is just a completely joyous experience that I would recommend to nearly anyone. I would also recommend the follow up EP, Fall Be Kind, which keeps the same themes as merriweather.… Expand
  4. alocia
    May 11, 2015
    10
    At first it might be hard to get into, but once you actually listen to the music and understand the meanings to the songs it becomes more accessible to listen to. This album is still underrated in my opinion. I suggest giving it a chance before you label it as trash.
  5. Melomaniac
    Jul 10, 2015
    10
    MPP is exhilaratingly fun and full of joy, and it's by far one of the best accomplishments in not only American but also worldwide music. In its messy planet, it does find perfection. 10/10
  6. sentend
    May 1, 2016
    10
    Merriweather Post Pavilion is Animal Collective's best work and in my opinion one of the top 5 best albums from the 00's. The way it opens up your imagination and senses is nothing short of amazing. Groundbreaking instrumentation and style.
  7. a_straats
    Jul 27, 2016
    10
    This is one of their best albums ever. Its the most polished and over the top to date. All the songs on this album are a joy to listen to. The song writing is solid and this is probably their most pop like record. Not dense and sounds natural. Vocals are dreamy and lush. Amazing soundscapes.
  8. HyanHythalo
    May 5, 2018
    10
    Wonderful and as good as any Animal Collective album, this album is strange, weird, and absurdly beautiful.
  9. pugowner
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    Is it too early to declare Album of the Century? Almost ten years old as of this writing and nothing has topped it. Even the most acclaimed albums, like this one, take a while to get the recognition they truly deserve. This album deserves every good word and a thousand more. Listen to it. Several times. Let it sink in over multiple listens. It took me a few tries to really "get" what allIs it too early to declare Album of the Century? Almost ten years old as of this writing and nothing has topped it. Even the most acclaimed albums, like this one, take a while to get the recognition they truly deserve. This album deserves every good word and a thousand more. Listen to it. Several times. Let it sink in over multiple listens. It took me a few tries to really "get" what all the hype was about, but once did it just kept getting better. I will treasure Merriweather Post Pavilion for as long as my ears can hear. If you don't like it, I dare say you are missing out on an absolutely incredible experience… Expand
  10. DoobRikter
    Feb 24, 2020
    10
    From start to finish, MPP creates a lush, layered soundscape of wet lagoon themed brilliance! Whether it be the jig-demanding breakdown of In The Flowers at the two and a half minute mark, or the beautiful submerged hooks that periodically echo throughout Bluish, right up to the undeniable feeling of wellness and positivity that grace the repetitive second part of the final track BrotherFrom start to finish, MPP creates a lush, layered soundscape of wet lagoon themed brilliance! Whether it be the jig-demanding breakdown of In The Flowers at the two and a half minute mark, or the beautiful submerged hooks that periodically echo throughout Bluish, right up to the undeniable feeling of wellness and positivity that grace the repetitive second part of the final track Brother Sport, it’s difficult to try and imagine anything other than a coral reef like array of colors to accompany the many layers of sound that create this opus of musical achievement! A standing testament of daring, experimental creativity to round out the first decade of the 2000s. Thank you Animal Collective for this fantastic record!… Expand
  11. Sinews
    Apr 5, 2020
    10
    Animal Collective's most popular album remains a transcendent, magical experience. It's album that invites warm memories of summers long gone, and celebrates good times to come. Moreover, it champions the idea that some of most profound moments of our life occur entirely in our minds.
  12. Baxter
    Jan 7, 2010
    9
    I went in expecting something terrible, as my previous experience with the band was not something I enjoyed. But what I found was one of the best albums of the year. Nice and enjoyable music that reminds me why pop is still a genre worth considering. Not the masterpiece that oh so many Pitchfork readers are calling it, but still an extremely solid and fun album.
  13. Jeff
    Feb 1, 2009
    9
    Some songs hit you immediately, some take a bit of savoring to warm up to, but ultimately each song on Merriweather is overflowing with music talent. Past Animal Collective was very eccentric but still good, this album really solidifies their place amongst important bands with a much wider and now grateful audience.
  14. JeremiahM
    Jan 20, 2009
    9
    Hands down, one of the most enjoyable albums of the last several years. Animal Collective have found a rare groove, one which feels totally accessible and relaxed without losing any brilliance.
  15. TobyH.
    Jan 27, 2009
    9
    Brilliant all the way through! My Girls may be the best song of the millennium!
  16. SebastianS
    Mar 23, 2009
    9
    You need to take just the same amount of mind altering substances you need to take when listening to The Beatles, Pink Floyd or Miles Davis. Nothing... Artists have been freaky for a long time, that doesn't mean you have to be on drugs to enjoy it... That is my opinion. There would be little music left for me to listen to if it was otherwise. This album is like what The Beach Boys You need to take just the same amount of mind altering substances you need to take when listening to The Beatles, Pink Floyd or Miles Davis. Nothing... Artists have been freaky for a long time, that doesn't mean you have to be on drugs to enjoy it... That is my opinion. There would be little music left for me to listen to if it was otherwise. This album is like what The Beach Boys and Pink Floyds folksong singing lovechild would sound like.… Expand
  17. ThomasW
    May 8, 2009
    9
    It took me a couple of listens to actually "take in" this album. It's... so... good. The beats and melodies are tremendous, and I love it oh so much.
  18. DavidH
    Aug 2, 2009
    9
    I am brand new to Animal Collective and this is the first album of theirs I've heard. I resisted a long time because I find the whole scenester thing pretty obnoxious and I don't typically listen to music by current groups. But I took a chance and this is GOOD. Fascinating music. The sound really strongly reminds me of the Beatles song "Tomorrow Never Knows" updated with modern I am brand new to Animal Collective and this is the first album of theirs I've heard. I resisted a long time because I find the whole scenester thing pretty obnoxious and I don't typically listen to music by current groups. But I took a chance and this is GOOD. Fascinating music. The sound really strongly reminds me of the Beatles song "Tomorrow Never Knows" updated with modern equipment and fleshed out into a whole album. I recommend this to anybody who can get past the scenester connection. They ruin EVERYTHING fun about music.… Expand
  19. DougH
    Aug 2, 2009
    9
    Great music. But when did it become the thing to invoke the Beach Boys every time a group sings harmony? This is a great album, but it doesn't sound even remotely like Pet Sounds or Smile so the comparison is just stupid. I agree with the previous reviewer that it sounds more like the Beatles "Tomorrow Never Knows"
  20. Christopher
    Jan 21, 2009
    9
    First off, I'm not a huge Animal Collective fan. I found many of their previous albums nearly unlistenable. So, as you can imagine, I approached this album with a sense of caution. Much to my surprise, this album was fantastic. It is by far their most accessible album. They've taken many of the elements from Panda Bear and infused their own style creating a truly memorable First off, I'm not a huge Animal Collective fan. I found many of their previous albums nearly unlistenable. So, as you can imagine, I approached this album with a sense of caution. Much to my surprise, this album was fantastic. It is by far their most accessible album. They've taken many of the elements from Panda Bear and infused their own style creating a truly memorable experience. I'm impressed by the singing as well. Its more nuanced and doesn't test the listener. If this is where this group is headed, I'm very excited about the future.… Expand
  21. MarcosB
    Jan 28, 2009
    9
    A record that begins and ends close to perfection, but with some obscure passages in between.
  22. Bman
    Oct 30, 2009
    9
    I'd never heard of Animal Collective before this album. I can't believe what I've been missing out on. It requires a few listens to really get into it but once you're there you won't want to turn back. Even though it's highly experimental you can't help but feel like these guys would dominate the airwaves of they so chose. The music actually creates I'd never heard of Animal Collective before this album. I can't believe what I've been missing out on. It requires a few listens to really get into it but once you're there you won't want to turn back. Even though it's highly experimental you can't help but feel like these guys would dominate the airwaves of they so chose. The music actually creates atmosphere and the lyrics actually tell stories. Summertime Clothes and My Girls are my favorites, but overall it's still an outstanding record.… Expand
  23. AdamP
    Feb 17, 2009
    9
    A fantastic (although not quite perfect) album. It's style is similar to that of Panda Bear's amazing "Person Pitch" and it definitely benefits from that proximity. While I miss the occasional yelp from Avey Tare, like on "For Reverend Green," I don't think I could have asked for a better album from Animal Collective. Here's hoping that they don't quite while A fantastic (although not quite perfect) album. It's style is similar to that of Panda Bear's amazing "Person Pitch" and it definitely benefits from that proximity. While I miss the occasional yelp from Avey Tare, like on "For Reverend Green," I don't think I could have asked for a better album from Animal Collective. Here's hoping that they don't quite while they're ahead.… Expand
  24. CMeezy
    Feb 26, 2009
    9
    Love love love this album. Can't stop listening. I can't fathom that this won't make it on my top 5 list of 2009. If they added one more stellar track on here, it would be among my alltime favorites. As it is, this record is pretty high up there.
  25. DeanB
    Mar 27, 2009
    9
    A thrilling roller-coaster ride of an indie-pop album, creating a maddening euphoric buzz in your head which stays with you - and grows.
  26. VinceH.
    Mar 30, 2009
    9
    It is an amazing batch of songs. While I don't think it is a front-to-back masterpiece 6r life changing album like Strawberry Jam, it is still the best indie rock album of the year so far. This is also the best work that Geologist has ever done on any of their albums...in the Pitchfork interview he said he tried to contribute more melodic samples than on past LP's and you can It is an amazing batch of songs. While I don't think it is a front-to-back masterpiece 6r life changing album like Strawberry Jam, it is still the best indie rock album of the year so far. This is also the best work that Geologist has ever done on any of their albums...in the Pitchfork interview he said he tried to contribute more melodic samples than on past LP's and you can tell. The sonic maninpulations going around in these songs just add so much. Each song almost sounds like as it ends it is drowning in the ocean or something...it's hard to explain.… Expand
  27. JeremyK
    Mar 5, 2009
    9
    Animal collective are masters of the art of looping and sampling. They are almost always "difficult" to listen to, but the rewards of a band like this make the initial confusion worth it. You have to let this beast swallow you whole before this album makes any sense. To a casual listener, this music comes across as jumbled mess of noise. It can be a layered and looped nightmare of a Animal collective are masters of the art of looping and sampling. They are almost always "difficult" to listen to, but the rewards of a band like this make the initial confusion worth it. You have to let this beast swallow you whole before this album makes any sense. To a casual listener, this music comes across as jumbled mess of noise. It can be a layered and looped nightmare of a record to listen to. I think you either love this band or you hate them. Some people just prefer a less abrasive sound. I'm not one of those people, and I love the mess of melodies. I hope this band continues to go absolutely crazy. There aren't enough musicians out there willing to take chances like this.… Expand
  28. siml
    Mar 5, 2009
    9
    Pretty good. For me its pretty usual that a good album needs many listening so im not going to claim that again. Last time a heard a good album like this was Foals. Have a good time !
  29. RonanS
    Apr 26, 2009
    9
    This album has so many gorgeous little details it's very hard to get bored of it. While the lyrics are often hard to make out Of those I have heard I totally love. A slow-burning and ultimately very rewarding album
  30. Chris
    May 23, 2009
    9
    I'm sure buck and ken are douches who listen to top 20, or who think the new green day album is actually good. This album is unbelievable. You don't need guitars to make art fellas.
  31. mS
    Aug 13, 2009
    9
    I hate to jump on the bandwagon here but this is a fantastic 'progressive' development in music. I quite liked previous AC albums and the Panda Bear solo album but they failed to ignite. This one however seems to have the balance perfectly. Its cutting-edge but accessible and incorporates the best of rock/ electronic and pop music of the last 50 years. I've been playing I hate to jump on the bandwagon here but this is a fantastic 'progressive' development in music. I quite liked previous AC albums and the Panda Bear solo album but they failed to ignite. This one however seems to have the balance perfectly. Its cutting-edge but accessible and incorporates the best of rock/ electronic and pop music of the last 50 years. I've been playing this since January and it still gets regular play. As a counterpoise however my wife hates it and moans every time she hears it.… Expand
  32. Daniel
    Jan 21, 2009
    9
    Utterly brilliant album, their most accessible to date and not a dull track amongst these 11 new offerings.
  33. dan
    Jan 27, 2009
    9
    Haha the lowest 3 reviews include rollingstone and blender.. go rave about kings of leon and leave people over the age of 14 alone. let us enjoy music that sonically challenges musical norms without having to hear you say you "don't get it" or there isn't a basic song structure. shove it. animal collective remain one of the most unique and original bands of the 00's. this Haha the lowest 3 reviews include rollingstone and blender.. go rave about kings of leon and leave people over the age of 14 alone. let us enjoy music that sonically challenges musical norms without having to hear you say you "don't get it" or there isn't a basic song structure. shove it. animal collective remain one of the most unique and original bands of the 00's. this record delivers fresh material, even compared to their most bizzar outputs, mpp still doesn't sound drab. this is probably their most "mature" and cohesive record to get into. recommended for anyone who is curious about AC and looking for a good place to make that first dive.… Expand
  34. NoLeaning
    Aug 18, 2010
    9
    This album is bananas! I highly disagree with Pitchfork, this album deserves great recognition.
  35. muzztmt
    Sep 11, 2010
    9
    If you were to judge this album on first impression, then you'll need this. Unless you wanna miss out a loud, atmospheric-awesomeness experience. Animal Collective's most commercial and structured album.
  36. Boosemo12
    Jul 10, 2011
    9
    An all-encompassing, perfectly layered, challenging and beautiful album.
  37. j30
    Sep 22, 2011
    9
    One of the best records of 2009. Finally their sound comes together in this Brian Wilson inspired album.
  38. TimothyTuatara
    Dec 1, 2013
    9
    MPP is not a perfect album, some of the tracks on here simply just don't compare to the ultra-highs of songs like Summertime Clothes and In the Flowers. Regardless, this album will be remembered for decades to come whether we like it or not.
  39. Matielli
    Apr 16, 2014
    9
    Animal Collective faz de Merriweather Post Pavilion um disco completamente diferente de tudo. A banda traz uma sensação diferente a cada musica, com toques de psicodelismo em várias das tracks do disco. MPP inova ao mostrar uma banda onde é quase impossivel dizer qual é seu genero de verdade, pois Animal Collective não tem como explicar, o jeito é apenas ouvir o que eles tem a oferecer eAnimal Collective faz de Merriweather Post Pavilion um disco completamente diferente de tudo. A banda traz uma sensação diferente a cada musica, com toques de psicodelismo em várias das tracks do disco. MPP inova ao mostrar uma banda onde é quase impossivel dizer qual é seu genero de verdade, pois Animal Collective não tem como explicar, o jeito é apenas ouvir o que eles tem a oferecer e pode ter certeza que vai valer a pena.… Expand
  40. All_ButTrU4
    Oct 11, 2021
    9
    About as experimental as experimental can get. An overwhelming delivery of complex pleasant "pop" tunes with a blend of influences but majority beach boys. From the trance of "my girls" to the indescribable "lion in a coma" all you can do is sit back and let them dictate how many more ways can a record surprise you. Favourites:lion in a coma,brother sport,my girls
  41. GideonA
    Aug 1, 2009
    8
    This is one of those albums that might mark a change in how music is going, or it may just be this particular band. I mean a number of songs don't have normal lyric structures, and the songs don't have chord changes so this collection differs structurally in a significant way. This is probably because of the availability of electronic instrumentation becoming somewhat mainstream This is one of those albums that might mark a change in how music is going, or it may just be this particular band. I mean a number of songs don't have normal lyric structures, and the songs don't have chord changes so this collection differs structurally in a significant way. This is probably because of the availability of electronic instrumentation becoming somewhat mainstream and affordable. I have to believe this kind of change is good thing even though it might take some getting used to...its unfortunate that you don't hear this kind of music on mainstream radio stations though.… Expand
  42. FredR.
    Nov 11, 2009
    8
    An interesting album which is grossly overrated. MPP is one of the better 21st century progrock albums. Now do a comparison test: If Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon was a 10 how would you rate this album? I would give this a 6 at best.
  43. Joe
    Nov 4, 2009
    8
    This album could have been a complete disaster. It strives on its Beach Boyish vocals and music that doesn't drive you crazy like their Feels album. Not the best album of the year, but one of the biggest surprises.
  44. AnthonyM
    Apr 12, 2009
    8
    If I could have, I would have given this album something between 7 and 8. At first, it was off-putting and it didn't feel like Animal Collective at all. Especially following Panda Bear's Person Pitch side project. It took me a few listens to discover the signature Animal Collective sound weaved in with some of the new style. Overall, it's a good album, but maybe not as good If I could have, I would have given this album something between 7 and 8. At first, it was off-putting and it didn't feel like Animal Collective at all. Especially following Panda Bear's Person Pitch side project. It took me a few listens to discover the signature Animal Collective sound weaved in with some of the new style. Overall, it's a good album, but maybe not as good as many people seem to be making it out to be. Definitely not crap as some people are saying. They probably listened to a song or 2 one time and didn't "get it" so they just gave up.… Expand
  45. JodieL
    Apr 2, 2009
    8
    As always with Metacritic I can't understand all the 10 scores, a 10 should be reserved for the greatest albums you've ever heard, not just for the best album you've heard this year. That being said this is still a really good solid album, I didn't like it at first listen, as I had been listening to Strawberry Jam in the weeks leading up to release, and it is nothing As always with Metacritic I can't understand all the 10 scores, a 10 should be reserved for the greatest albums you've ever heard, not just for the best album you've heard this year. That being said this is still a really good solid album, I didn't like it at first listen, as I had been listening to Strawberry Jam in the weeks leading up to release, and it is nothing like that (repeated listening is rewarded though). But as with all good bands they can change their sound about and still make good music/albums. It is the front runner for my album of the year at the moment, but it has been a slow year so far, it will definitely be top 10 for the year though.… Expand
  46. JustinL
    May 19, 2009
    8
    Good album, still prefer Strawberry Jam. It's just a shame that Metacritic allows ignorant people post stupidity, if you don't think it's music why did you buy the album. Best 20 bucks I spent.
  47. JohnnieT.
    Nov 12, 2009
    8
    There is some fantastic stuff here - when they nail the blissed out 22nd century Beach Boys style(particularly on Bluish, Guys Eyes, My Girls), then it plays like a dream. Infuriatingly however, at times its undermined by its own exuberant eclecticism and the need for sonic experimentation can occasionally get in the way of those melodies. If only we could hear them!
  48. Mr.Man
    Jan 23, 2009
    8
    Definitely a strong step above the pack of other artists circulating nowadays, yet when excellent track proceeded excellent track, repetition started to rear its ugly head. Very well made, almost hypnotizing, but comes to a point where listening to one song could give you the same general idea as the next.
  49. Raiford
    Mar 21, 2009
    8
    This is not a bad album, neither is it as life-changing as the critics make it out to be. Definitely AC's most poppy. The sad thing is that AC has made two superior albums prior to this that received much less attention. The quirk that permeated Strawberry Jam is missing here, for better or for worse.
  50. WillP
    Apr 12, 2009
    8
    not as good as strawberry jam. but close, awefully close. more immediate and--unfortunately--more superficial. still beautiful music nonetheless.
  51. Andy
    May 27, 2009
    8
    Great album, although I have my doubts as to how well this album would hold up live after watching them perform on Letterman.
  52. normankant
    Jun 9, 2015
    8
    A mixture of psychedelic/electronic/pop/experimental music, even if the focus is on hypnotic psych-music. This record has a unique style. Its only problem is that it's hard to listen from start to finish because of its lunatic/fluorescent/weird/oozy soundscapes, that tends to be annoying after some minutes if you're not in the right mood. Anyway the melodies are good and the composition isA mixture of psychedelic/electronic/pop/experimental music, even if the focus is on hypnotic psych-music. This record has a unique style. Its only problem is that it's hard to listen from start to finish because of its lunatic/fluorescent/weird/oozy soundscapes, that tends to be annoying after some minutes if you're not in the right mood. Anyway the melodies are good and the composition is catchy and satisfying,
    A special mention goes to the cover, a great homage (probably unintended) to optical art (ex. Victor Vasarely).    … Expand
  53. Kumo
    Feb 22, 2016
    8
    Impressive album! Love the beats, melodies, and the experimentation of sounds and vocals. It's a transcending and upbeat experience. Definitely worth a listen!

    8.2/10
  54. deadbank
    Feb 28, 2019
    8
    This is one of the best experimental records of all time. Animal Collective has created a beautiful work of art.
    Favorites: In The Flowers, My Girls, Also Frightened, Summertime Clothes, Daily Routine, Bluish, Guys Eyes, Taste, Lion in a Coma
    Least Favorites: No More Runnin
  55. Quillber
    Jan 26, 2009
    7
    Some of its great, some of it panda needs a slap for getting too self indulgent. avey is still making top tracks, but pandas good ones are great. gimme Feels anyday though, its still the most accomplished thing theyve done. i think they are sounding too 90's blind melon or something these days, a bit Shins.. weird cheap sounding production.
  56. VictorO.
    Jan 14, 2010
    7
    Unlike their transcendent, delightfully inaccessible treat Feels from 2005, this is either a commercial sell-out or an unabashed homage. The influences abound: A lot of The Beach Boys and The Mamas and the Papas, a smattering of the Flaming Lips and XTC, and a hint of Lindsey Buckingham/Fleetwood Mac. Where's my independently freakish genius band?
  57. AiT
    Mar 31, 2009
    7
    I've continued to listen to this album for the last four days, the music is deep and overwhelming, in a really good way, this album keeps the mind and emotions on point.
  58. Mattydigs
    Mar 3, 2009
    7
    This is no masterpiece only the young kids are saying that. Thats why I call it "Dance Yoshimi for the Kids". Yes I dont think this as good as yoshimi. The subtleties arent there. See Akron Familys new album "Set em' Wild, Set em' free" for the real deal. After the 1st song you'll know why. And if you wanna hear them outdo MPP then tracks 3 and 7 should more than do the job This is no masterpiece only the young kids are saying that. Thats why I call it "Dance Yoshimi for the Kids". Yes I dont think this as good as yoshimi. The subtleties arent there. See Akron Familys new album "Set em' Wild, Set em' free" for the real deal. After the 1st song you'll know why. And if you wanna hear them outdo MPP then tracks 3 and 7 should more than do the job for that. Animal Collective are just popularizing the real pysch and indie movements/trends happening in the lower echelons. They aren't pushing the envelope or adding to the movement just mimicking those that are....like akron family. Plus they couldve taken MPP to a whole new universe but they left it repetitive and formulaic. So yea.... posers. Dont listen to the naysayers , IT IS semi-traditional in its song structures. Its not really outisde the box at all. Only when compared to mainstream crap but that stuff is 2d anyway. BTW its also spotty only bout half of the record is truly great. HYPE debunked. Highlights = My Girls, Also Frightened, brothersport, Daily Routine, No more Runnin, and taste which is my favorite track. -mAtt (mattydigs).… Expand
  59. PaulJ
    Apr 16, 2009
    7
    Loved it at first, particularly the first track, but I've tired of it relatively quickly. It made me return to Feels which was a real slow burner - and which I now on balance think I prefer.
  60. EricC
    Jun 28, 2009
    7
    As an intensly devoted AC fan, this album is seriously perplexing. I list Here Comes the Indian, Sung Tongs, and Strawberry Jam to be among my all time favorite albums, but this one feels like one of their weakest efforts yet as a band. All the perfect scores from critics and users is bizarre. I in no way dislike this album, but they have way oversimplified their formula, leaving nearly As an intensly devoted AC fan, this album is seriously perplexing. I list Here Comes the Indian, Sung Tongs, and Strawberry Jam to be among my all time favorite albums, but this one feels like one of their weakest efforts yet as a band. All the perfect scores from critics and users is bizarre. I in no way dislike this album, but they have way oversimplified their formula, leaving nearly every song feeling underdeveloped and phoned-in. At times it felt like a mindless dance album, at others an even more mindless jam collection. Where once their music was sonically and lyrically complex it is now bland, straightforward, and often distressingly empty. It's not at all bad, and there are moments of exhilerating ecstasy, but as a whole... I don't know. It's really nothing to lose your shit over. This was the wrong album to champion a truly incredible band.… Expand
  61. pat
    Sep 23, 2009
    7
    A solid pop album with an original sound and great production, but the band has lost some of their experimental flare on this one. The whole album sounds pretty fluffy in comparison to all of their other albums. When I heard Strawberry Jam I figured this was as close to a pop record as they would ever get, clearly I was wrong. Enjoyable, but lacking the depth that makes albums like Sung A solid pop album with an original sound and great production, but the band has lost some of their experimental flare on this one. The whole album sounds pretty fluffy in comparison to all of their other albums. When I heard Strawberry Jam I figured this was as close to a pop record as they would ever get, clearly I was wrong. Enjoyable, but lacking the depth that makes albums like Sung Tongs, Here Comes The Indian and Campfire Songs so wonderous.… Expand
  62. JeanGarcon
    Aug 17, 2012
    7
    This album contains some of Animal Collective's highest moments on certain songs, but the rest of the album comes off as significantly less entertaining filler. Overall still totally enjoyable.
  63. TomT.
    Jan 25, 2009
    6
    Things like "streamlined" and "accessible" dont mean its better than previous albums. if anything it means its more disposable and doesnt hold up after severals listens.
  64. DK
    Feb 10, 2009
    6
    It isn't terrible, and it is certainly interesting in parts, but I can't fathom people calling this a classic. Strawberry Jam and Feels, those were very good albums - probably in the 8 out of 10 range - but this just feels like a step back, a retread homage to Pet Sounds era Beach Boys. And I have tried to love this album - listened in the morning, in the car, while exercising, It isn't terrible, and it is certainly interesting in parts, but I can't fathom people calling this a classic. Strawberry Jam and Feels, those were very good albums - probably in the 8 out of 10 range - but this just feels like a step back, a retread homage to Pet Sounds era Beach Boys. And I have tried to love this album - listened in the morning, in the car, while exercising, while meditating, lying in bed in the dark with killer headphones (which is the best way to experience it), in a bad mood, in a good mood - it just doesn't do "it" for me the way other great albums have. Having said that, the first four tracks are very strong, but it really drops off after Summertime Clothes and it doesn't really give you anything to hold on to again until the closer Brother Sport.… Expand
  65. KenM
    Mar 17, 2009
    6
    I'd like to give it points for its brazen, happy weirdness but there are a whole bunch of bands doing that right now too. Unless you are using the same mind altering substances the band uses when making these tracks, you may find listening to this as forgettable as I did. Listen to stereolab's earlier experimental work and that's better than anything we get here.
  66. ZaneS
    Mar 27, 2009
    6
    Very weird. Very weird.
  67. jimboj
    Jan 20, 2009
    6
    Boring. I don't get it. Am I listening to the same album as everyone else? It just sounds like a bunch of random noise to me. Where's the melody?? Is that not a requirement in good songwriting anymore? Just make a bunch of random noises, and sound like a 16-bit nintendo soundtrack, and you got yourself a classic album.
  68. weave
    Mar 2, 2009
    6
    Already destined to be the most overrated album of the year. Not that it's terrible, but it just pales in comparison to Sung Tongs or Panda Bear's Person Pitch. It's one of those situations where people catch up to a great act past their prime and feel compelled to say they're great. I'm a relative Animal Collective neophyte myself, but I can see they're Already destined to be the most overrated album of the year. Not that it's terrible, but it just pales in comparison to Sung Tongs or Panda Bear's Person Pitch. It's one of those situations where people catch up to a great act past their prime and feel compelled to say they're great. I'm a relative Animal Collective neophyte myself, but I can see they're heading in the wrong direction.… Expand
  69. ShazZ.
    Mar 17, 2009
    6
    Most of the people here suggest listening to this album more than once to understand it's impact. With me, unfortunately, it happened the other way round. The first listening if this album was so overwhelming for me, I was like, "Wow!", that the subsequent ones have been disappointing. Maybe, I will begin to appreciate it more later. Still "Summertime Clothes", "My Girls" are great tracks.
  70. PeteA
    Feb 21, 2009
    5
    When it comes to inventive records you feel eager to unravel the mystery. You need many listening sessions to enjoy many of those inventive masterpieces. To be inventive you need to be first, a pioneer. This record is not first of it`s kind - it`s not even the best one of same "dreamsound". It`s easy to prefer Shins and their album Wincing the night away.
  71. nash
    Dec 15, 2009
    5
    The most overrated album of the year. Was bored after a few listens and the album is now gathering dust in the back of my collection. No doubt I will one day give it yet another listen much to my annoyance.
  72. DylanW
    Jan 20, 2009
    5
    Doesn't sound like Animal Collective at all. If you're like me, who knows and loves Feels and Strawberry Jam, this may be jarring. I went into this album only knowing that it's supposed to be the BEST ALBUM EVER, and I came out 55 minutes later, thinking I have a different copy of the album. It took me to listen to this album to realize what I like about AC and why I like Doesn't sound like Animal Collective at all. If you're like me, who knows and loves Feels and Strawberry Jam, this may be jarring. I went into this album only knowing that it's supposed to be the BEST ALBUM EVER, and I came out 55 minutes later, thinking I have a different copy of the album. It took me to listen to this album to realize what I like about AC and why I like them. In Strawberry Jam and Feels, they use unconventional means of writing and playing music to create a mesh of noise that changes the way you think about what "music" is. Their use of dynamics, such as in Cuckoo Cuckoo is not something all can enjoy. But that's something I like about them: that it's not easy to like them. I'm not being pretentious here, I'm saying that anyone can listen to The Beatles and find it enjoyable. With a band such as AC, it'll take a few tries to like. But when you do, it will be more enjoyable than simple pop songs. With MPP, it sounds very electronic and artificial. It doesn't sound like they actually recorded any instruments for the majority of the album. This is supposedly their best work, and Panda Bear even stated that this is their best-recorded album, but to me, it sounds completely synthesized. With the exception of Guys Eyes, it doesn't sound anything like previous works of Animal Collective's. That is like most of their previous albums, but it's one thing to go from freak-folk to drum-and-bass. If you don't listen to this album as Animal Collective, you'll probably find it much more enjoyable. It's a pretty good album, but it is not Animal Collective's best work, nor is it album of the year by any means. I've been trying to like the album, but it doesn't hold up to any other AC album I have. I find the songs sound the same, with only a few stand-out tracks (Brother Sport, Summertime Clothes, Also Frightened, and Lion in a Coma).… Expand
  73. JohnT
    Jul 6, 2009
    5
    So many people were eager to jump on the A.C train after the Pitchfork review. "Well, they gave THIS one a nine point SIX!" Legitimately, only have these songs are worth playing more than once. While the backing noise on "In the Flowers" is nice, let's review the lyrics: "Then we could be dancing No more missing you while I'm gone There we could be dancing And you'd smile So many people were eager to jump on the A.C train after the Pitchfork review. "Well, they gave THIS one a nine point SIX!" Legitimately, only have these songs are worth playing more than once. While the backing noise on "In the Flowers" is nice, let's review the lyrics: "Then we could be dancing No more missing you while I'm gone There we could be dancing And you'd smile and say, 'I like this song'" Never... NEVER did I expect something so lame to be in an Animal Collective song. My girls suffers from equally awful lyrics. Really, the only stand out tracks are "Blueish" and "Brother Sport". This is not the best album of the year... honestly I don't know what is.. it's been a terrible year for music. Even worse, saying this is one of the best albums of the decade is despicable at best.… Expand
  74. JayP
    Aug 25, 2009
    5
    Terrible... hate it.
  75. JasonP
    Aug 25, 2009
    5
    I think "eh..." about sums up my feelings for this album. I don't quite get what the big fuss is about with the album. Decent enough songs, but hardly I don't really hear anything that justifies all the 100 point reviews given by the critic. I will say that I have nothing but respect for Animal Collective. I appreaciate what they are trying to do, and for the most part I would I think "eh..." about sums up my feelings for this album. I don't quite get what the big fuss is about with the album. Decent enough songs, but hardly I don't really hear anything that justifies all the 100 point reviews given by the critic. I will say that I have nothing but respect for Animal Collective. I appreaciate what they are trying to do, and for the most part I would say they succeed, but they are hitting a double, not a home run.… Expand
  76. Riccardinho
    Feb 3, 2010
    4
    Meh. Noisy, over-produced, boring. Music for critics, not for listening to.
  77. nicka.
    Nov 9, 2009
    4
    I have listened this album through now four or five times and I just don't get why it got such great reviews. I am a big fan of inde rock and listen to bands such as Dr Dog, Radiohead, Fleet Foxes and Modust Mouse, just to name a few. To me the whole album seems disjointed and off key. It really never seems to hit much of a stride. There are a few songs that are decent but to balance I have listened this album through now four or five times and I just don't get why it got such great reviews. I am a big fan of inde rock and listen to bands such as Dr Dog, Radiohead, Fleet Foxes and Modust Mouse, just to name a few. To me the whole album seems disjointed and off key. It really never seems to hit much of a stride. There are a few songs that are decent but to balance that there are a few songs that are outright annoying. I just don't understand why people were so high on this record. I don't see it growing on me, thats for sure.… Expand
  78. JohnS
    Jan 23, 2009
    4
    What is up with some critics today? This album is boring if you like hooks and rhythm, and don't care for uninspired Beach-Boy like singing. Seriously, it doesn't hold you attention, not unlike another very overrated group, TV On the Radio. On the plus side, AC have some fairly interesting ambient aspects which is why they earn a 4 instead of a 2 or 1.
  79. MattK
    Jan 31, 2009
    4
    I don't get whats so special about this album... it doesn't play well it feels awkward to listen to. It's also not as good as the No Age album released last year which was also on this new wave of weird music which I just don't see anything in but garbled music.
  80. Esteban
    May 25, 2011
    4
    I have tried and tried again with this album and have come to the opinion that it just isn't very good. I bought this following the copious 10/10 or 5star reviews it received in the music press, but it's... dull. It only gets 4 because of the fantastic 'My Girls'. Download that track separately and save yourself the time I wasted.
  81. TonyM
    Oct 7, 2009
    3
    When told its Kid A, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, Agaetis Byrjun, and Funeral all rolled up into one, it grabs my attention. I bought the hype. Two years down the road, this one iis destined to fill used CD bins everywhere.
  82. JimD
    Jun 30, 2009
    3
    I have been using Metacritic for a few years as a guide to buying new music (i.e. bands I was unfamiliar with or had never heard before), but I've got to say I don't understand the hype over this album. I've had the album for about 5 months now, and I've only managed to listen to it the whole way through 3 or 4 times. Every song sounds the same, and none of them are I have been using Metacritic for a few years as a guide to buying new music (i.e. bands I was unfamiliar with or had never heard before), but I've got to say I don't understand the hype over this album. I've had the album for about 5 months now, and I've only managed to listen to it the whole way through 3 or 4 times. Every song sounds the same, and none of them are what I would call enjoyable. I am very open-minded when it comes to avant-garde music (e.g. I like later Radiohead, 70's Miles Davis, Bjork) but MPP has identifiable rhythm, beat or melody. The same people that enjoy this kind of white noise must be big Damien Hirst fans.… Expand
  83. tomb
    Dec 20, 2009
    3
    Animal Collective has an aversion to melody. It's all about placement of strange sound effects and the repetition of those effects instead of instruments. I can't handle the slicker-than-grease production. All the songs move at the same mid-tempo pace and feel slightly different from one another. Not for me.
  84. SteveS
    Jul 31, 2009
    3
    Look, I'm a very open-minded person about music. I used to just listen to top-40, and I got really tired of the lack of creativity and the repetitiveness. So I started branching out. Started with bands like Radiohead and Robyn; something not in the mainstream, but not difficult listening. Loved it. Went on to TV on the Radio and Fleet Foxes, and fell in love with that as well. After Look, I'm a very open-minded person about music. I used to just listen to top-40, and I got really tired of the lack of creativity and the repetitiveness. So I started branching out. Started with bands like Radiohead and Robyn; something not in the mainstream, but not difficult listening. Loved it. Went on to TV on the Radio and Fleet Foxes, and fell in love with that as well. After reading the incredible reviews for AC's MPP, I thought the reward would be just as great for this album. So wrong. Most songs have no noticeable structure, and all employ that irritating "dream-sound"; a repetitive, unnatural, synthesized sound that goes throughout the track. I admit, I can see the musical promise in songs like "My Girls" and "Guys Eyes", but these songs sound like they have no cohesive direction to hold them together. I like original, I like different, but those two qualities don't make a song good.… Expand
  85. GoodMusicLover
    Nov 14, 2009
    3
    This is really a boring and annoying album, any other album, Mainstream or not, out there is so much better. I gave it a 3 because I still think it is better than other stuff like Radiohead or other "alternative" bands that really suck. Sorry if I offend anybody with this, it's just my opinion.
  86. zimmertosser69
    Sep 2, 2011
    3
    This band can hit a groove and go off on an incredible tangent and bring it home BUT you have to weed through so many songs to find any coheasiveness and it can become mundane and distorted to listen to sectoraly
  87. thirdman
    Mar 8, 2012
    3
    Am I the only one who thinks their songs' melodies sound all same? Aside from the trying-really-hard diverse and supposedly creative production, I find their music incredibly boring.
  88. MikeM.
    Jan 9, 2010
    2
    I don't get it. I just don't get it. I enjoy all kinds of musical and agree with Metacritic most of the time. But after one listen to this, I had to force myself to listen a second time, and have no desire to do that again. Doesn't do anything for me.
  89. MarkC.
    Jan 24, 2009
    2
    This band and its albums are extremely overrated. They make mildly annoying background music.
  90. ErnestK.
    Dec 14, 2009
    2
    I'm with Ray V and John F and I'll go a few steps further: I absolutely cannot fathom the critical fawning that this album and Grizzly Bear's Veckatemist have generated this year. Both, to me, are boring, completely unmemorable, tepid indie mediocrity. I'm a huge fan of Bitte Orca, Post-Nothing, Actor, The xx, and several other breakthrough Pitchfork darlings--just not I'm with Ray V and John F and I'll go a few steps further: I absolutely cannot fathom the critical fawning that this album and Grizzly Bear's Veckatemist have generated this year. Both, to me, are boring, completely unmemorable, tepid indie mediocrity. I'm a huge fan of Bitte Orca, Post-Nothing, Actor, The xx, and several other breakthrough Pitchfork darlings--just not these guys. I really don't get it other than to say that there's no accounting for taste. Yes, I have been reduced to spouting lazy cliches to try to account for my dissent against the consensus.… Expand
  91. TonysT
    Jan 2, 2010
    1
    Sorry Animal Collective - your record is clever, innovative, and very well produced, and I admire you for that, but its not enjoyable to listen to, isn't engaging, and doesn't connect with me at all.
  92. DavidM
    Aug 10, 2009
    1
    Animal Collective's last lp is for junkies! El último cd de Animal Collectives es para chemos!!
  93. abes
    Jan 27, 2009
    1
    I used to be 'with it', but then they changed what 'it' was. Now what I'm with isn't 'it', and what's 'it' seems weird and scary.
  94. Buck
    Apr 28, 2009
    1
    For people who prefer to think about music rather than enjoy it.
  95. RayV.
    Sep 23, 2009
    1
    Hey! This top rated album didn't get a complete zero. It's so boring, but I gave it a one due to the lovely album cover. What utter trash. I'd rather listen to some Swedish gangsta rap performed by punked out cows. DId I mention how boring it was? I really am upset that I spent my hard earned money on this boring waste of time. Honestly. People. This is not good music by Hey! This top rated album didn't get a complete zero. It's so boring, but I gave it a one due to the lovely album cover. What utter trash. I'd rather listen to some Swedish gangsta rap performed by punked out cows. DId I mention how boring it was? I really am upset that I spent my hard earned money on this boring waste of time. Honestly. People. This is not good music by any stretch. If you haven't bought it, don't.… Expand
  96. FarrajD
    Apr 1, 2009
    0
    This music is so bad, it could be used as an instrument for torture.
  97. JulianE
    Aug 11, 2009
    0
    Either a experimental or a pop band not being good at either field. Nuff' said
  98. JohnG
    Jan 9, 2010
    0
    Boring, pretentious trash. It sounds like all the tracks were designed to be in car commercials.
  99. MingV.
    Nov 2, 2009
    0
    This kind of music makes me think the Americans have done so much drugs and other derangement in their whole life 'til a young age that they lost all senses of aesthetic and decency.
  100. KenD
    May 10, 2009
    0
    What a load of CRAP! How could anyone rate this album so high? I'm so glad I only paid $5 for the mp3 version because this album makes my ears hurt. I can only assume that the physical copy of this album came with a hit of ecstasy for people to have rated it so high because one surely had to be high to rate it so high. Just saw them on 5/7/09 Letterman and they are even worse live. 3 What a load of CRAP! How could anyone rate this album so high? I'm so glad I only paid $5 for the mp3 version because this album makes my ears hurt. I can only assume that the physical copy of this album came with a hit of ecstasy for people to have rated it so high because one surely had to be high to rate it so high. Just saw them on 5/7/09 Letterman and they are even worse live. 3 guys on keys/synths with 4 dancing fools in bags and multicolored lights. What a load of crap!… Expand
Page:

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best Album of 2009
2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2009
6
#6 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Mojo
    80
    By far the most streamlined and purposeful Animal Collective record. [Jan 2008, p.98]
  2. Spin
    80
    In years past, Animal Collective have been cast as perpetual Peter Pans, forever stuck in childhood fantasias. But beneath the body-moving throbs and coruscating noises of Merriweather Post Pavilion, themes of domestic duty and devotion abound.
    Read full review
  3. Uncut
    100
    It feels like one of the landmark American albums of the century so far. [Jan 2008, p.86]
    Read full review
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