Late but Relevant review of Animal Collective's 'Strawberry Jam'

I wrote this as a sample review just after Strawberry Jam came out when I was trying to get a job writing for Prefix magazine. This kind of review is a surefire way not to get a job, but maybe its tone and meaning will resonate with some folks here. Maybe y'all will jus' think I'm a pretentious little fool, but what are Animal Collective if not pretentiously bizarre?

Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam

One could argue that music is the best when it expresses something boldly sincere, whether it be a declaration of dedication to the highest of virtues or an open confession to a life of sin, an attempt to convey that which is most precious or to simply recognize the more immediate pleasures and pains of this life. Yet sometimes these bold expressions can be difficult to appreciate, especially for younger listeners, because they are often so steeped in the realities of this human existence, thus becoming potentially troubling reminders of the more vulnerable aspects of ourselves or running the risk of sounding merely cheesy. Younger listeners, who innately wish to defer the absorption of these realities, often prefer music that resonates with their sense of pure exuberance. Such music can still be boldly sincere and wonderful, especially when it involves musicians joining together to reveal their beating hearts through their passionate playing. Indeed, the incredible variety with which youthful exuberance has been manifested in popular music is one of its most compelling aspects. Yet, sometimes this spirit of exuberance drifts away from the beating heart from which it sprang and becomes more of a musical tool to provide a sensory experience of energy and freedom which tends not have any recognizable footing in real life. Psychedelia, often some of the most fun and exciting of pop music, has a natural tendency to travel in this direction. There is nothing inherently wrong about this music, and much great art provides a welcome fantastical escape for us. Yet when a band consistently creates exuberant music that not only avoids but fully defies a significant connection with the heart, they can become quite tiring and move you wonder whether their efforts could not be directed towards something more life affirming, which brings me to Animal Collective's new album, Strawberry Jam. Always enthusiastic, always exuberant, always wildly inventive, Animal Collective records provide an interesting and fun listen. And perhaps it's ridiculous to judge them by the standards set up in this lengthy introduction, but sometimes it's necessary to throw up one's hands and say, "This is too much. Try to make some real music". If you're familiar with their previous records, this is nothing new: zany, energetic, psychedelic songs with bizarre and complex arrangements and meaningless lyrics. Granted, it is sincere in its inventive spirit. But why be so far from anything recognizably human?