Crazy or Genius: Animal Collective
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Animal Collective. What are they? They've been called everything from experimental, to noise-rock, to psych-folk, to indie-rock. And with names like Panda Bear, Geologist, Avey Tare, and Deakin, one has to wonder if they're genius or crazy.
I've tried to like them...I really have. And believe me, I've tried to hum their melodies to myself in the car. As much as I like the song "Peacebone," I just don't think it was meant to be. Alhough I can't find any enjoyment in listening to them, I guess I can try to see the artistic aspect in it. I remember platying Sonic Youth for a friend a couple years back. Their reaction was like a line taken straight out of the movie Juno: "It's just noise..." Noise? This is some of the greatest shit on earth! I tried to remember that story when I saw Animal Collective live earlier this year. In between the 13 minutes sonical jam sessions of sampling, distortion, and looping, however, I threw in the towel.
Though a majority of my friends would nave to put them in the "genius" catergory, I'm rather curious to hear what you all at MOG think.
Comments (10)
To quote the Buzzcocks..."Noise Annoys". Pink, your initial reaction is spot on.
I haven't hear a lot, but I've liked what their doing. I would say what their doing is interesting, but they are overhyped, since most people don't have a capacity for this type of experimentation. Of course for me the more tripped out, absstract, or just plain strange is better, but I know I'm in the minority.
I threw the towel in the same hamper last year. I did not hear anything that made me want to repeat, but maybe I'll dig it back out for a refresh...
Now, there you go. That is exactly how strange I must be... While wiill admit that upon my first-few-listens-plateau I wasn't sure what the fuss was about, after another listen and then more I loved them. I still do. Initially I stuck them on the same shelf where I keep Broken Social Scene, but I have since given AC their own shelf. With colored lights! How I explained it the other day to a friend: Animal Collective isn't about the brain; you can't understand what they're doing rationally. It is insane. And FUN! To which my friend shrugged and changed the station. Oh well. But one of my favorite bands is Califone... Peacebone out.
I find them tough to navigate, but I get the feeling that there's something there. What? Still not sure, and am continuing to explore.
I have tried to like this band but to no avail.......so I will have to go with answer c
Kind of like life... It depends on what you're looking for and how well you see.
Cool post,
keane
keane.festizio.net
I reviewed their Strawberry Jam album a while back, and I have to say that it really rubbed me the wrong way. I think that experimenting and going for really insane sounds can be great, but it can also be really boring and obnoxious. I think these guys somehow enjoy mocking the notion that they should ever be trying to please anyone's musical sensibilities on any level. They're just indulgent and that's that.
I bought 'Person Pitch' by Panda Bear during one of my pick-n-mix buying sprees on Boomkat at the beginning of this year, and I still don't know whether I like it or not. It's not like anything else you'll listen, but that's more of a warning than an endorsement.
Interesting thoughts... I first heard the song "Grass" in a skateboard video (it's the song that ends up in screams... rather disturbing, really). But it intrigued me so much I had to figure out who these guys were. They were so bizarre, but "Leaf House", the 2nd song I heard by them, proved that they weren't just wackos delighting in the macabre, and they could actually harmonize... I bought tickets to their show but really didn't want to go, and was almost gonna skip it all together but I dragged myself there, thinking I could walk out if I was bored.
It was the live show that converted me. I was astounded at their reggaed-up version of Leaf House, and they had everyone dancing during "Brother Sport"... to me those 13-minute jam sessions and bizarre interludes actually worked. I've seen countless bands who attempt similar things-- those are just guitar solos that outstay their welcome. The Animal Collective simply left me stunned, and to this day they are one of my top bands I've EVER seen live.
I don't know if I'd stick 'em in the genius category, but whatever they do works for me. :) Some of the wacky bands do it for me, some of them don't, it's just luck of the draw.