Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

A few years ago I had a conversation with my mom once about The Red Hot Chili Peppers. I asked her why she liked her newer stuff more than the classics. She replied: "Because over the years I've seen them have kids, get married and mature. And I can really feel that overall emotion in their newer stuff."

I've always enjoyed this album, but I think to some degree people look at it the wrong way. It's not an avant garde beast like their first two albums. With that said I do think the best thing in this album is probably the most overlooked. The lyrics. I think because "psychedelia" is involved I think most people jump to the conclusion that it's ALL about drugs. Don't get me wrong, I do think this album has those moments, but I don't think it's the primary focus lyrically. After some reading it turns out a lot of this album is actually about the member's wives and kids (most notably Panda Bear on 'My Girls')

Imagine Panda Bear being your dad?

I ended up listening to an entirely different record recently. Feels will probably by my favorite Animal Collective album from a technical standpoint, but I love every second of this album! Almost as if I was I was missing a piece of this album. The lyrics are just so bubbly, bouncy and silly like the album itself. Perfect synergy if you ask me! Maybe I read too much into lyrics. But that's what I get out of this record. I can't wipe this big smile off my face. I don't think I can name another record that can make me feel warm one moment and get goosebumps the next.