_Strawberry Jam_ - Animal Collective
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Well, I'm back from a bit of a hiatus. This summer kept me extremely busy, but the release of the new Animal Collective album has prompted me to get back on my Mog.Anyway, for the uninitiated Animal Collective is a strange beast. The number of members varies and the stage names of these members contains monikers such as Panda Bear and Geologist. Their music is weird beyond anything you've ever heard. I should mention now that I am a bit of a fanboy when it comes to them, as they sound like nothing else out their in the music world. They're strange, odd, and all sorts of other adjectives I don't feel like looking up now. All the while though, they create something that's beautiful and catchy, while still evoking a few moments of "What the fuck?" interspersed throughout their songs. Now, on to their newest album..._Strawberry Jam_ is the follow up to the groups critically acclaimed album _Feels_. While being a strong follow up, _Strawberry Jam_ is by no means the brilliantly catchy soundscape that _Feels_ was. This isn't to say it's bad, it's just that they're last album is one of my favorites and this one didn't quite live up to it. This album is very strong in the beginning but near the end, the quality does tend to dip a bit._Strawberry Jam_ starts with the song "Peacebone" which is a catchy song that mixes in some noises which I believe sound mostly like dinosaur roars. It's also got some great vocals, but that's nothing new for Animal Collective as I've always seen they're vocals to be off kilter but perfectly in tune with the songs. Next up is "Unsolved Mysteries" which shows this bands great strength in taking a simple beat and transforming it with voice and sound effects to really create an engaging listening experience.Then up is "Chores" which is a quick little song packed with energy. The most intriguing thing about it has to be the bird calls playing in the background the entire time that the song is going on. The surrealism and atmosphere is definitely kicked up in this track."For Reverend Green" is more dramatic than most Animal Collective songs, but none the less it adds to the dimension of this quirky group. It also adds some acid vocals that I tend to like, but which could become irritating to some people."Fireworks" sounds like a B side from _Feels_ with it's tribal style drums and carefree vocals. This is the Animal Collective I first fell in love with though, so this will be very comfortable territory with any current fans. Up next is "#1" which is acid trip of a song with some extremely distorted vocals and an otherworldly beat. "Winter Wonder Land" is an Animal Collective hard rock anthem. It's got a strong guitar beat and an almost sing along chorus."Cuckoo Cuckoo" is a haunting song with a screaming abrasive chorus. This dichotomy really creates and emotional response that most songs cannot match. It may not be catchy or melodic, but it makes you feel, which is what counts. The final track is "Derek" and like many of the bands songs, it sounds like a bastardized nursery rhyme and serves as a great closer for the album.It's tough to recommend Animal Collective to someone whose never heard them before, because they are so strange and take a bit of getting used to, but if you give them a chance, there is alot to appreciate. They pour more emotion into one song than many of those manufactured bands put into their entire discography. I would say that if your a fan of The Boredoms, Lightning Bolt, Battles or any other experimental indie band, than give Animal Collective a chance. There's a reason that they have a bit of a cult following. If your already a fan, then you know what your getting if you pick up _Strawberry Jam_ and your going to be very happy with it, though don't expect the "Wow, this is amazing" factor that came with _Feels_.Overall rating: 4.0/5.As good as it is Strange.
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