Campfire Songs [Reissue]
by Animal Collective
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Drowned In Sound
    60
    The 2003 Campfire Songs EP - re-released here in both CD and digital format - is at once an intriguing, beguiling and ultimately frustrating record. For a band certainly not averse to a little sonic experimentation, Campfire Songs remains Animal Collective’s most ambitious statement to date.
  2. Rolling Stone
    60
    The five tracks on this 42-minute LP were conceived not as bonfire singalongs but as music that might mystically emanate from the crackling blaze itself. It works.
  3. Uncut
    60
    Long stretches of listless strumming may test your patience, but the reward is the gorgeous psychedelic folk reverie of 11-minute closer "Do Soto De Son," as hypnotically lovely as anything that they've laid down since. [Feb 2010, p.79]
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  5. Mojo
    60
    The strung-out meanderings of Doggy or De Soto De Son veer equally toward indulgent and the cosmic. [Feb 2010, p.112]
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  6. Q Magazine
    60
    Slight by comparison with 2009's "Merriweather Post Pavilion," but not without it's own charm. [Feb 2010, p.116]
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  7. Prefix Magazine
    40
    This isn’t some lost early album that is as good as the new stuff; Campfire Songs might be the weakest entry in Animal Collective’s catalog. The album is the aural document of a young band blowing 45 minutes on a porch and hoping in vain for some kind of transcendent musical revelation.
  8. Under The Radar
    40
    It was recorded live on a porch in Maryland, and which only serves to remind listeners how frustrating the band can be. Of course, the flip side of this is how far they've come. [Holiday 2009, p.80]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 34
  3. Negative: 5 out of 34
  1. Jovian
    Oct 6, 2010
    9
    No, it's not as dense and layered as some of their later work. No, there aren't as many pop hooks. But more than any other Animal CollectiveNo, it's not as dense and layered as some of their later work. No, there aren't as many pop hooks. But more than any other Animal Collective album, this shows off their brilliant songwriting and original use of the human voice as an instrument. They've never done so much with so little, and for me it's their most rewarding album by far.… Full Review »
  2. deadbank
    Mar 4, 2019
    9
    Like much of AC's 2004-2009 works, this album makes me feel something beautiful. It gives off the same wonderful, nostalgic energy as windLike much of AC's 2004-2009 works, this album makes me feel something beautiful. It gives off the same wonderful, nostalgic energy as wind chimes in the rain.… Full Review »
  3. a_straats
    Jul 27, 2016
    8
    This is their best live album to date. Some songs on this album are tiring at times, but most are enjoyable. You can see the emotion andThis is their best live album to date. Some songs on this album are tiring at times, but most are enjoyable. You can see the emotion and texture in these songs. It is amazing seeing that it was recorded on a porch. The song Doggy touches you and reminds you of your dog, and the song Two corvette is peaceful and enjoyable. The guitar on this album is amazing and the vocals.… Full Review »
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