Any fans here?

It took me a while (until Strawberry Jam) to really 'get' this band, but now that I do I think they are possibly my favourite band still recording. It's hard to compare them to anyone, which is clearly how they like it, as they really try and push music forward with each release.

It's increasingly difficult to be original in music today, some would say it can't be done, but I really believe this is as original as music gets without filling a dead badger with spoons and shaking it wildly (they'll probably do that for their next album).

I got the pleasure of seeing them live at Primavera Festival in Barcelona this year, and they blew me away, despite it being around 2:30 in the morning on the last day of the festival (I was struggling to keep my eyes open before they came on). If you get a chance to see them, do it (although please leave any reviewing here to me).

So yeeeeah...go forth and listen to Animal Collective; you owe it to yourself.

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[jack s]

You got any Cd's to forward Heron? I'm interested to have a listen.

[altsounds]

Even a Myspace link would be cool.

[Heron]

Sorry guys, here you go:

MySpace.com - Animal Collective - BALTIMORE, Maryland - Concrete / Soul / Visual - www.myspace.com/animalcollectivetheband

Also, a few videos:



And this is the best clip I could find from Primavera this year. It's actually them playing a Panda Bear solo track (he is a member of Animal Colective and his album is also fantastic, the guy is just too talented):

[catshoe]

You know, I bought TWO of their CDs, including that one that is supposed to be wonderful, Merriweather whotsit. Nothing. I even spent money and went to see them in Liverpool. All I remember is that the guy stood next to me in the audience smelled REALLY bad. Oh, the music? It almost diverted me for a moment, then back to nothing.....nada.....zilch.... ..
I gave the CDs away

[Heron]

Did you bring a coat?

[catshoe]

- OK, I'll go and get it. Not really sure why I posted that, it was just that I really really wanted to like this band and it simply wouldn't happen for me, despite my very best efforts

[Heron]

Just kidding mate, they are not to everyone's taste that's for sure.

If it's any consolation I hated them when I first heard them. A few years later I discover them a second time and become intrigued. I then proceed to fall in love and become as fascinated by a band as I have ever done since I discovered Pixies (who I thought were as hit and miss as you could get at first).

The best bands are the ones who are so fucking good you just can't ignore them. Try as you might to dislike them, they just slowly wear you down and win you over. Resistance is futile.

A slow burn makes the heart yearn.

[catshoe]

Polly Harvey had me like that. Bought Rid Of Me because I HAD to, way back when, then took it back to the shop because I couldn't listen to it. FFWD a few years to seeing her 5 times on one tour, then queuing outside gigs at 5pm to be at the front. It's a journey.
And BTW, PJ did NOT get an injunction, despite the rumours at the time...

[jack s]

Originally Posted by Heron

Did you bring a coat?

Haha you are a right meanie at times.

Same for me with these, took a good few listens to get into them (only by strong recommendations by heron). Still haven't checked out all the other albums though.

And Mike i agree, i hate it when you go to a gig and you get stuck next to a right smelly barsted. Or a smelly woman with long claggy, sweaty hair.