I feel like I've hit a wall with Animal Collective. I've over-played both Feels and Sung Tongs, not to the point of annoyance but rather an eagerness to hear more, to hear new music. I have all of their releases in various forms....and I'll be honest it's hard to sit through some of their earlier noise albums. I have Panda Bear's stuff, but still I'm stuck with only really appreciating the I'm Not/Comfort In Nautica EP.
The other day I downloaded a bunch of random live songs I hadn't heard of from various live shows and radio station sets, and there was one in particular that stood out for me (also stood out when I saw them play it live last year): "Allman Vibe," a song that could have made it onto Feels (which makes me doubt they'll use it for their new album). It's huge, at exactly 10 minutes long, but entirely open to ears and minds looking for a place to wander and get lost. The copy I have is actually a pretty great recording quality, from their show at The Bowery Ballroom in NYC on 3/26/2006. Check it out:
[MP3] Animal Collective - Allman Vibe (Live)
I can't comment on this song being some step forward for Animal Collective, because it isn't really (and was probably written during the Feels sessions)... but still, when you've got a hit-or-miss sound like these guys do, I'll take songs like this any day of the week. The vocals are particularly interesting here, not too many layers as typical with AC songs, but the echo and reverb on Avey's lead send the sound all over the place. It's really a song to get lost in, just choose your mind-altering method of choice and clear a ten minute spot on your schedule. Then float away.
Here's their amazing rendition of "Grass" from the same show, complete with an impossibly cool extended intro. If there's one thing about Animal Collective, it's how they seem to break into each song out of nowhere, assembling all the pieces together one by one. See them live if you haven't, seriously.
[Bonus MP3] Animal Collective - Grass (Live)
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8 comments:
This song is no longer called "Allman Vibe". It goes by the title of "Reverend Green" now. And yes, it is brilliant. For a more current recording check out this live boot:
http://www.archive.org/details/acollective2006-07-03.aud.mc012.flac16
"Fireworks" and "Peace Bone" are also brilliant. So are "Cuckoo" and "Street Flash" for that matter. Their next record is going to be incredible.
Panda's new stuff is also amazing. Connor, have you heard Panda Bear's "Bro's"? It's amazing, really Beach Boys-ish. Check it out.
I love this band too much.
Sorry, I meant that "Allman Vibe" is now called "Fireworks". "Reverend Green" is probably their best new song, though. But they're all good really.
thanks for the tracks, i'm going to see them live for the first time next week, so i'm looking forward to the experience, hope they are more hit than miss
I don't know if it's just me, but none of your mp3's have been working lately. I check the site pretty regularly and have never had a problem. i went back and checked older songs that's i've downloaded before and now they dont' work at all. thought you should know.
Thank you! Some great tracks to go along with a great post. A perfect Friday treat.
Thanks for the live "Grass" cut. I love that song.
hard to sit through their noise albums!?
their best stuff. Feels is great and Song Tongs is wonderful but Here Comes the Indian and such are the best.
If you're into the pop side of Animal Collective listen to their first album "Sprit They've Gone Spirit They've Vanished". I'm sure you'll enjoy April and the Phantom.
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