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I know, I know, it is 2010, however, I do have a few leftover albums from last year I didn’t review.  Case in point we have Animal Collective. This album was released in January of last year, and I picked it up two weeks ago.  I’ve been on the fence about Animal Collective for over a year, and this album seemed like the best way to dive in.  I’m glad I brought my swim trunks.

Four guys from Delaware that probably listened to the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds and Smiley Smile three times a day, Animal Collective can be seen as a folk, psychedelic, experimental band.  They have plenty of effects in tow and use a lot of unconventional melody structure to create their songs.

I would start with “My Girls”, “Summertime Clothes” and “Daily Routine” off this album to get a taste for what they have to offer.  There isn’t much else out there that sounds like this album and be thankful for that.  This album is a breathe of fresh air to an otherwise stale medium.  True, other bands do experiment with sound, but the way Animal Collective has laid this all down is very inviting and trippy at the same time.  You have to listen to this album in one sitting to get a feel for what is playing out.

In 1969 the Beatles released Sgt. Peppers’ Lonely Hearts Club Band and blew many doors open.  In 2009 Animal Collective put out an album that could have the same effect, if the right people listen to it and try to follow what has been done.  I wish I had picked this up months earlier, I’m just glad that I got around to picking it up at all.   Go out and get a true gem.