Campfire Songs [Reissue]
by Animal Collective
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

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  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 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.
  2. 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 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.
  3. 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 wind chimes in the rain.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
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  2. musicOMH.com
    80
    This release was unusual for the band in that it was accompanied with the lyrics in the liner notes, however, so the words that are sung, muttered, chanted and whispered are available if needed, on this most beguiling, dream-like and ultimately just-out-of-reach release.
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  3. Pitchfork
    72
    Beyond its canonical interest, Campfire Songs has its own charms. Though rigorously composed, it feels deceptively spontaneous. The atmosphere is both inviting and severe, and startlingly vivid.
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