Some singles

Animal Collective is probably the most ground-breaking group since The Beatles changed rock. Say what you will about their ridiculous structure, unorthodox arrangements, and incomprehensible lyrics, it is irrefutable that these guys have an incredible talent, recognizing useful sounds and incorporating them into empty spaces to create the most bizarre and awesome melodies and rhythms. What's wonderful about this former 4-piece, then former trio, and now again a 4-piece is each one of the four has a distinct style and they are clearly distinguishable when solo. Not only that, when listening to AC, it's easy to recognize who wrote the basis for any one of the songs.

One of its members, Avey Tare, is a silly man. His stage presence is marked by floppy gestures and random yelping at times. In his latest release, Down There, Tare coveys sentiments that are relatable on the most basic of human levels. You feel for Tare on this album; he has clearly gone through something that shook the core of his soul. As a result, the album is dark and introspective. Another interesting aspect of Down There is Tare's overly-experimental nature. He does some weird things: mumbled samples, abrupt and loud interruptions, spaced-out beats, and garbled rhythm tracks. I've been listening to this album since late October. There is a lot of which I do not approve, which is unheard of for anything associated with AC. But two tracks have really popped out at me.

Laughing Hieroglyphic begins with a mumbled and petrifying sample, a quick and fleeting loud scream, and then a nebulous backdrop with the continuing sample that sounds like someone talking over a loudspeaker a couple hundred miles away in the Amazon rainforest at night. There is a strong aura of mystery. It segues into what sounds like a tightly wound string that becomes increasingly tightened until it reaches its tipping point. The percussion, all digitized, sounds like he took a garbage can from out back, slapped it a few times, and cut out the reverb and sustain. So freaking weird, but I love it. As I said, these guys have a knack for exploiting and manipulating all sounds. You can listen to the track here. Verdict: 4.5/5.

The second track I have revisited is Cemeteries. It begins with what sounds like a rainmaker but clearly isn't. It's too tinny to be a rainstick. The only other consistent part besides his vocals is something I cannot identify. It plays like a keyboard with a muffled-timpani drum effect, but I don't even want to take a stab at where or how he discovered the sample. Cemeteries exerts a languid feel; you could fall asleep to it but it would probably give you nightmares; it has an eerie undertone. The vocals, however, suggest reflection and nostalgia with a hint of fear: "Looking back on old days / Sleep foreign / Ice cold / Look away, not looking forward / Cemeteries, I saw." This is truly a beautiful song. Have a listen here. Verdict: 4.7/5.

One of the other members, Panda Bear, has a solo album due in April. Keep a look out.

Best, Jonathan