 | Tracklist:
1. Did You See the Words
2. Grass
3. Flesh Canoe
4. The Purple Bottle
5. Bees
6. Banshee Beat
7. Daffy Duck
8. Loch Raven
9. Turn into Something
| Ranking: #64 for 2005 | |
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On 64 Lists
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Animal Collective return in 2005 with their brand of wacky, tripped out psychedelic folk. Creating a more accessible (but still wacky) sound, Feels is one of the catchiest and all around fun records of the year.
Animal Collective
Avey Tare
Panda Bear
Geologist
Deakin
Animal Collective certainly have been busy. Releasing their last album, Sung Tongs in early 2004, Animal Collective have since released another EP as well as their latest album, Feels. Although Sung Tongs often felt like it could have used a bit more work, Feels is probably the best record that Animal Collective have made yet. Including plenty of the freaky folk jamming that dominated Sung Tongs, Feels also includes some very catchy indie rock tunes like 'Grass' and 'Did You See The Words'. 'Grass' is the first single from the record and probably one of the funnest and happiest songs of the year. It seems that in this very short time, Animal Collective have matured, developed and changed their sound to the point of creating a band who are more accessible and easier to enjoy. However, the listeners who put the effort into longer tracks such as 'Banshee Beat' will be generously rewarded.
Feels can essentially be divided into two parts. The first half consists of upbeat indie pop tunes, such as the aforementioned 'Grass'. The second half of the record features more of the tripped out and ambient jams that were very much present on Sung Tongs. The catchy pop songs still feature the wierdness that Animal Collective have become known for, but are augmented by pounding drums and freak out blasts of noise. The albums last track is an extremely well executed mix of both styles. Feels features the piano talents of Kristin Valtýsdóttir (of the Icelandic band Múm) and her influence is certainly felt, particularly on beautiful tracks later in the album, such as 'Loch Raven'. Feels, in general, is a mix of loud indie-pop, wierd and soft acoustic folk jams and drawn out, beautiful ambient passages. The delayed guitars in particular add a trippy quality to the music, while the vocals are equal parts crazy, silly and mesmerising. Listeners will find themselves hypnotised by the vocals on tracks in the second half of the album. The album's production is thick and listeners will find that new sounds keep popping up with subsequent listens. Most songs have a definite 'running water' quality to them. With Feels, Animal Collective have not only made what is arguably their best record, they have made what could arguably the best record of the year.
Pros
Fun, catchy, silly and unique
Arguably the best sound Animal Collective have produced
Complex; new sounds keep on popping up
Cons
Some listeners may not enjoy the new direction
Some fans of the poppier tracks may not enjoy the longer songs
Reccomended Tracks
Did You See The Words
Grass
Banshee Beat
FINAL RATING: 4/5
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| Recent reviews by this author | | | |
Album Rating: 3.5
The only problem I have with this review is that you made too many comparisons to Sung Tongs in the first paragraph. Other than that great review.
I'd give Feels a strong 4.5. 'Grass' and 'Banshee Beat' are my favorites although there are no weak tracks. This is possibly my favorite album of 2005 and the bands best yet.
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Tasty. 
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The only problem I have with this review is that you made too many comparisons to Sung Tongs in the first paragraph. Other than that great review.
Thanks, I always appreciate your comments like this. I'll keep it in mind for future reference.
Thanks Kripes and Jom too. Next up is the new Deerhoof album. That should be a fun one to do. I'll probably do the new Feist album after that.
| | | Album Rating: 4
Great album, and review, as always.
I would add The Purple Bottle to the recommended tracks, but whatevz.
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That was the hardest part. All the songs on here are awesome though. Daffy Duck is probably the worst, but it has the best name.
EDIT: I should also say, this album has one of those Sgt Peppers type covers. It's awesome.This Message Edited On 12.22.05
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Purple Bottle is actually the cutest song ever.
Great review.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
I listened to this cd, and was soooo surprised that one of the guys from Propogandhi was actually in this band. I also love how they totally ripped off the same style of artwork from Becks Guero album, besides that I liked it.
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The songs that I've listened to on theri MySpace are great.
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This band is wack. I wish they wouldn't sacrifice songwriting for making cool tones and textures much like The Books but whatever. You can't win em all.
Digging: Orphans of Cush - White Noize
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
I love this album, Grass is one of my favorite pop songs ever. It's just so fucking beatyful.
| | | Album Rating: 5
I haven't gotten into this band for some reason..
I'll spin it a few more times.
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ugh drool thwap
| | | Album Rating: 5
mmm.
| | | Album Rating: 5 | Sound Off
His voice makes me want to pee my pants.
| | | Album Rating: 4
This is a great album. Banshee Beat, Grass, and my favorite, Did You See the Words.
I like the band's playfulness with their music. They don't take themselves too seriously.
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Loch Raven is my favourite. That's an amazing song.
| | | Album Rating: 5 | Sound Off
Oh man, the rating just keeps on going up.
The best damn record of 2005.
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
Not the best, but it's great.
Digging: Electric Wizard - Dopethrone | | |
Seriously? This is fantastic.
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
Yeah believe it or not.
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