• Record Label: Fat Cat
  • Release Date: Oct 18, 2005
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 151 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 8 out of 151

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  1. MirrorMoon
    Jun 21, 2006
    10
    This album really makes me feel feelings I have never felt before. No, it has not been done by mercury rev and the flaming lips before, this is more avant garde instrumentation and the lyrics differ extremely much. A modern day masterpiece.
  2. AndyJ
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    album of the year!
  3. ChrisJ.
    Sep 20, 2007
    10
    Simply amazing.
  4. Henry
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    Every album this band makes is amazing. Saying that is almost unecessary. What makes this one so great is that once again they are going in a new direction, while still keeping aspects of their sound that make them truly unique. The chanting and pounding rythym of Here Comes the Indian is still here, as is the drifting almost ambient middle section of Sung Tongs. Feels puts all of this Every album this band makes is amazing. Saying that is almost unecessary. What makes this one so great is that once again they are going in a new direction, while still keeping aspects of their sound that make them truly unique. The chanting and pounding rythym of Here Comes the Indian is still here, as is the drifting almost ambient middle section of Sung Tongs. Feels puts all of this together wonderfully and adds upbeat and impressively written rock music to the mix. A perfect album. Expand
  5. Charles
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    This is the best cd to come out this year ahead of CYHSY and Sufjan. This is probably their most accessible cd (not saying much) and they sound more like Spirit Theyve Vanished than Sung Tongs but with tighter songs. The Purple Bottle is the best song all year and Banshee Beat is up there as well. Great Cd.
  6. erict
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    Amazing album
  7. biggendoggen
    Oct 19, 2005
    10
    The best record this year , without a doubt!
  8. ugabooga
    Dec 27, 2005
    10
    almost as good as sung tongs, but enjoyable for those who found that one too noisy.
  9. BenG
    Oct 26, 2005
    10
    Great album that will burrow its hooks into your head for weeks.
  10. FletcherB
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    This, along with the EP, is the best collection of songs releasd all year. Hands down, the most innovative and awe inspiring artists of recent memory
  11. JMcC
    Nov 14, 2007
    10
    Amazing album!! One of the best of the decade, at first the catchy pop tunes of the first half stand-out and its hard to believe there could ever be anything to top it. But, with further listening the beauty of the second half of the album slowly seeps into your mind and you'll find yourself listening to Banshee Beat over and over again. Once fully understood, Feels plays out Amazing album!! One of the best of the decade, at first the catchy pop tunes of the first half stand-out and its hard to believe there could ever be anything to top it. But, with further listening the beauty of the second half of the album slowly seeps into your mind and you'll find yourself listening to Banshee Beat over and over again. Once fully understood, Feels plays out beautifully with every track contributing to the overall experience. Expand
  12. [Anonymous]
    Mar 4, 2007
    10
    Yes, there are three total standouts: Grass, Purple bottle, and Did You See The Words, but the whole album is great. Always interesting, and always completely engaging. I never thought I'd like Animal Collective, but this album sold me. Buy it, you won't regret it.
  13. PatriceT
    Oct 15, 2008
    10
    This album is amazing. I'm amazed at how many emotions and feelings this album taps into. They have so much talent and while their music may take some getting used to, it's worth the reward.
  14. KierF
    Nov 26, 2005
    10
    This group has tapped into the collective unconsciousness of this American Society and bears the truth! God bless them, and I'm not even a Godhist!
  15. Nick
    Oct 17, 2005
    10
    Their best to date.
  16. MattP
    Oct 17, 2005
    10
    This is a perfect album. If you didn't like sung tongs you won't get it, but it's there, and perfect. All the songs, ranging from beautiful slow stoner-ish songs to super happy pop upbeat pop songs to cathartic, building rock songs are breathtaking. Every time I listen to it I find something new I like. It is concise, yet full of material of all kinds. The arrangement of This is a perfect album. If you didn't like sung tongs you won't get it, but it's there, and perfect. All the songs, ranging from beautiful slow stoner-ish songs to super happy pop upbeat pop songs to cathartic, building rock songs are breathtaking. Every time I listen to it I find something new I like. It is concise, yet full of material of all kinds. The arrangement of the songs, the order, is perfect, just like everything else about the album. Expand
  17. JosephM
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    This is simply a stunning album. Some people will compare it to the Flaming Lips or Mercury Rev, but Animal Collective simply are more exciting at this point in there career then either of those bands are now. These songs are addictive and highly rewarding when given the chance. Animal Collective are full of creativity and I can't wait to hear what will be next. Highly Recommended.
  18. Aaron
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    What an amazing album. For Animal Collective, this is a pretty accessible disc. Although if you never liked this band before, I'm certain this won't make a convert of you. Having said that, those who found their adventurous music off putting may like this one. The songs here are just that, full fledged songs rather than soundscapes. But why bother describing this album, What an amazing album. For Animal Collective, this is a pretty accessible disc. Although if you never liked this band before, I'm certain this won't make a convert of you. Having said that, those who found their adventurous music off putting may like this one. The songs here are just that, full fledged songs rather than soundscapes. But why bother describing this album, it's fruitless. If you're a bit daring in your music tastes, I highly recommend this electrifying album. Expand
  19. jj
    Dec 4, 2005
    10
    the best album of the year.
  20. taphead
    Jan 12, 2006
    10
    hey have you guys heard of this band animal collective? they're pretty good.
  21. disco13
    Feb 26, 2006
    10
    i can't believe how many reviews make such a big deal about this album (or band) being so bizarre. it's not really that bizarre at all. I mean, i could see why someone weened on nothing but britney spears-ish pop would think that was overwhelmingly bizarre, but, otherwise, what do you expect from music that doesn't suck? i mean, okay, it's not safe and typical like i can't believe how many reviews make such a big deal about this album (or band) being so bizarre. it's not really that bizarre at all. I mean, i could see why someone weened on nothing but britney spears-ish pop would think that was overwhelmingly bizarre, but, otherwise, what do you expect from music that doesn't suck? i mean, okay, it's not safe and typical like decemberists and arcade fire, but whatever. i mean, shoot, you can sing-a-long to it--what more do you want? anyway, i can't properly describe how much of an affect this album and animal collective's music in general has had on me. this is seriously some of the best music i have ever heard. during the first couple months of listening to this album, i kept finding myself saying aloud while listening to it, almost involuntarily, "Goddamnit this is so @#$-ing good." jaw-droppingly beautiful harmonies, profoundly joyful and innocent, a radically new way of looking at the role of "melody" in pop, at times brimming with enthusiasm, at times deeply tender. there's so much here. and i'm not even sure this is their best album. i'm not sure it isn't either. Expand
  22. TonyF
    Jul 13, 2006
    10
    great album, i like sung tongs more but this one's fantastic, every track has its own feel to it, and i love how the album was named feels and is all about romance.
  23. tonyR
    Dec 16, 2007
    10
    Wow.......Banshee beats is such a good little tune my question is how can you give it a one. "scared for where music is heading" HA go listen to Nickelback more thanks and I will say it you have very poor taste my friend, think before you speak.
  24. EricC.
    Sep 14, 2007
    10
    Though Avey Tare and Panda Bear are the most prominent members, you can really notice the presence of Geographer and Deakin, the more "electronic" members. They were absent from Sung Tongs, and I can't help but love having them back. They add even more layers to the already thick sounds of Animal Collective. It's funny, though, how the album starts off. Did You See the Words Though Avey Tare and Panda Bear are the most prominent members, you can really notice the presence of Geographer and Deakin, the more "electronic" members. They were absent from Sung Tongs, and I can't help but love having them back. They add even more layers to the already thick sounds of Animal Collective. It's funny, though, how the album starts off. Did You See the Words sounds like a by-the-books indie song (though a spectacular one). Luckily, though, the album soon goes back to what gained AC such a devoted following. An easier listen than anything they ever made, though still obviously experimental, this cd gives proof as to why they are widely considered an elite indie band, up there with The Shins, Arcade Fire, and Spoon. Expand
  25. BrandonS.
    Dec 14, 2005
    10
    Loch Raven is worth the price. Equally as great as Sung Tongs.
  26. Nov 2, 2010
    10
    All of their albums have their own unique sound, it takes a trained ear to notice these but once you do it's amazing how they can create this sound that is so particular to the album. I love this album and I use it to study a lot because I don't know why but the music makes me feel good.
  27. Mar 29, 2012
    10
    Another perfect album from one of the greatest bands in the game right now. Without a doubt one of my favorite albums by then and among my favorite of all time. If you like any of the music these guys have made before, and certain after this album, you will enjoy this. Lyrical content is unparalleled, especially if you are in the proper frame of mind. Amazing vocal arrangements, upliftingAnother perfect album from one of the greatest bands in the game right now. Without a doubt one of my favorite albums by then and among my favorite of all time. If you like any of the music these guys have made before, and certain after this album, you will enjoy this. Lyrical content is unparalleled, especially if you are in the proper frame of mind. Amazing vocal arrangements, uplifting lyrical content, unique and fresh songwriting approach. Highest recommendation. Expand
  28. Mar 14, 2018
    10
    Easily one of the toughest listens from one of the toughest bands, but for those who choose to give it repeated listens, you'll slowly grow to like specific moments, which brings you to want to listen to more until you've fallen in love with the full album, even after 13 years (jeeeeze!)
    There isn't another album with a mood like this. It sounds like they slept in forest while writing and
    Easily one of the toughest listens from one of the toughest bands, but for those who choose to give it repeated listens, you'll slowly grow to like specific moments, which brings you to want to listen to more until you've fallen in love with the full album, even after 13 years (jeeeeze!)
    There isn't another album with a mood like this. It sounds like they slept in forest while writing and recording this, making some songs during the day and some around a campfire at night. That probably doesn't make sense, but neither does the sound and style of this album, really.
    The unfolding of Banshee Beat, the last 2 minutes of Purple Bottle, the chaotic pop-infused Grass...it's all stuff you'll never find from another band, or even in another Animal Collective album.
    Expand
  29. Nov 24, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Possibly the greatest album by Animal Collective. There is a lot to admire here, whether it be how well the innovative soundscape full of pounding toms meshes with the lyrics or simply the powerful emotion that is presented in each of the tracks in the album. Avey Tare’s vocal delivery is genuine, and it is easy to hear in tracks such as “Turn Into Something” or “The Purple Bottle.” The album contains some of Animal Collective’s best melodies, perfected in such a way that makes parts of the album near perfect. It is a great album, I would recommend it to anyone interested in indie pop or indie music of any sort. Expand
  30. Ben
    Oct 9, 2006
    9
    Fantastic album
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 35
  2. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. The group sounds freer than ever before, almost as though they've never bothered with rock in their lives, and have only happened upon a bare few LPs before beginning their recording career.
  2. So refined at times it borders on the insipid.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    Breathlessly giddy and shamelessly trippy. [21 Oct 2005, p.75]