Merriweather Post Pavilion
by Animal Collective
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Jan 20, 2009
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 627 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 537 out of 627
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 627
  3. Negative: 55 out of 627

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  1. Christopher
    Jan 21, 2009
    9
    First off, I'm not a huge Animal Collective fan. I found many of their previous albums nearly unlistenable. So, as you can imagine, I approached this album with a sense of caution. Much to my surprise, this album was fantastic. It is by far their most accessible album. They've taken many of the elements from Panda Bear and infused their own style creating a truly memorable First off, I'm not a huge Animal Collective fan. I found many of their previous albums nearly unlistenable. So, as you can imagine, I approached this album with a sense of caution. Much to my surprise, this album was fantastic. It is by far their most accessible album. They've taken many of the elements from Panda Bear and infused their own style creating a truly memorable experience. I'm impressed by the singing as well. Its more nuanced and doesn't test the listener. If this is where this group is headed, I'm very excited about the future.… Expand
  2. WayneB.
    Jan 21, 2009
    10
    Love most their stuff. But I can listen this one with my wife around!
  3. BenK.
    Jan 21, 2009
    10
    "Am I really all the things that are outside of me?" Groovy buddhist-beachboys-techno with didgeridoos. They are being compared a lot to the Flaming Lips. I like that band but AC are cooler by a mile.
  4. HarryS.
    Jan 21, 2009
    10
    Perfection. This is it. When one talks about "being there" one talks about this.
  5. ElliottM
    Jan 20, 2009
    10
    A modern classic. Thank you, AC.
  6. OliverC
    Jan 20, 2009
    10
    Animal Collective's best album and the best album of the decade.
  7. LeeM.
    Jan 21, 2009
    10
    Their best album. Fuses what's so good about so many other more inconsistent bands into a euphorically brilliant whole.
  8. NickR
    Jan 20, 2009
    10
    A giant sonic ball of pure beauty that fills you with all of God's love.
  9. AdamR.
    Jan 21, 2009
    10
    This album, from the first track, makes you realize that Animal Collective could be the band that takes weird, experimental indie music and turns it into a movement of new pop. My only complaint is that after listening to this album 3 or 4 times, I am so infatuated with the sounds and melodies and addicted to the journey of the album that I want another album. Now.
  10. AaronS.
    Jan 21, 2009
    10
    I doubt that I will hear a better album in 2009. A pivotal work for the Collective-it serves as a summation of their fascinating career to date as well as points to a new direction for the future. An important record that also happens to be catchy as hell.
  11. jimboj
    Jan 20, 2009
    6
    Boring. I don't get it. Am I listening to the same album as everyone else? It just sounds like a bunch of random noise to me. Where's the melody?? Is that not a requirement in good songwriting anymore? Just make a bunch of random noises, and sound like a 16-bit nintendo soundtrack, and you got yourself a classic album.
  12. PatrickR.
    Jan 22, 2009
    10
    An album whose rich melodies and harmonies show themselves over time, Merriweather Post Pavilion is an album that will certainly be talked about for a long time. Everything fits in its place, and nothing is there that shouldn't. Brilliant, beautiful and perfect.
  13. KyleNelson
    Jan 20, 2009
    10
    This is truly great. yeah, that seems about right.
  14. KasperH.
    Jan 22, 2009
    10
    It's a timeless, catchy and weird as hell. Great stuff.
  15. LeahT.
    Jan 24, 2009
    10
    Brilliant, considering that I'm not a fan of the older work. If any of their albums will convert you, this one shall. The other eight fade in comparison. GENIUS. Buy it. Hear it. Love it.
  16. BillW.
    Jan 24, 2009
    10
    Somewhere between the best of Strawberry Jam and Person Pitch.
  17. AntonM
    Jan 25, 2009
    10
    The best album since Kid A.
  18. S.H.
    Jan 25, 2009
    10
    This 10 is actually more of a 9.8. the only thing I miss is when Avey Tare just unleashes his voice and sounds like he might die. beyond that, this album is basically perfect. amazing low end, mind blowing melodies, complexities that sit just under the super polished surface that you only notice on the 20th listen, the numberless textures and colors all throughout this record. This 10 is actually more of a 9.8. the only thing I miss is when Avey Tare just unleashes his voice and sounds like he might die. beyond that, this album is basically perfect. amazing low end, mind blowing melodies, complexities that sit just under the super polished surface that you only notice on the 20th listen, the numberless textures and colors all throughout this record. un-fucking-believable.… Expand
  19. MarcosB
    Jan 28, 2009
    9
    A record that begins and ends close to perfection, but with some obscure passages in between.
  20. RonaldM
    Jan 28, 2009
    10
    I hope those initially disappointed don't give up so easy... it takes a few listens to unravel this one. Layer upon layers are revealed with repeat listening. Each song feels like a gift. I haven't loved an album this much in at least 10 years.
  21. stefanob
    Jan 28, 2009
    10
    Simply perfect. A real masterpiece.
  22. DolceAddict
    Jan 28, 2009
    10
    This is what psych-pop perfection sounds like.
  23. ChuckNorris
    Jan 28, 2009
    10
    For me it's AC's best album next to Feels, probably even better. Take some catchy tunes and lyrics, set them to electronic music, add a few avant-garde elements, and you have redefined the term "(neo) psychedelic". ten thumbs up!
  24. Bman
    Oct 30, 2009
    9
    I'd never heard of Animal Collective before this album. I can't believe what I've been missing out on. It requires a few listens to really get into it but once you're there you won't want to turn back. Even though it's highly experimental you can't help but feel like these guys would dominate the airwaves of they so chose. The music actually creates I'd never heard of Animal Collective before this album. I can't believe what I've been missing out on. It requires a few listens to really get into it but once you're there you won't want to turn back. Even though it's highly experimental you can't help but feel like these guys would dominate the airwaves of they so chose. The music actually creates atmosphere and the lyrics actually tell stories. Summertime Clothes and My Girls are my favorites, but overall it's still an outstanding record.… Expand
  25. PedroC
    Feb 11, 2009
    10
    Its VERY CLEAR that they are the leaders of a new age. I didn't get their sound until it clicked and when it did i got infected. I mean... its been 5 days since i can't stop listening to this album, in loop. From hakward to Inspiring, like all the REAL NEW stuff. When something like this unravels hidden parts of your mind like this does, its just an Amazing feeling... I feel Its VERY CLEAR that they are the leaders of a new age. I didn't get their sound until it clicked and when it did i got infected. I mean... its been 5 days since i can't stop listening to this album, in loop. From hakward to Inspiring, like all the REAL NEW stuff. When something like this unravels hidden parts of your mind like this does, its just an Amazing feeling... I feel excited. Amazing.… Expand
  26. PatN
    Feb 11, 2009
    10
    Already chosen my top album of 2009.
  27. AdamP
    Feb 17, 2009
    9
    A fantastic (although not quite perfect) album. It's style is similar to that of Panda Bear's amazing "Person Pitch" and it definitely benefits from that proximity. While I miss the occasional yelp from Avey Tare, like on "For Reverend Green," I don't think I could have asked for a better album from Animal Collective. Here's hoping that they don't quite while A fantastic (although not quite perfect) album. It's style is similar to that of Panda Bear's amazing "Person Pitch" and it definitely benefits from that proximity. While I miss the occasional yelp from Avey Tare, like on "For Reverend Green," I don't think I could have asked for a better album from Animal Collective. Here's hoping that they don't quite while they're ahead.… Expand
  28. CMeezy
    Feb 26, 2009
    9
    Love love love this album. Can't stop listening. I can't fathom that this won't make it on my top 5 list of 2009. If they added one more stellar track on here, it would be among my alltime favorites. As it is, this record is pretty high up there.
  29. David
    Feb 3, 2009
    10
    Amazing; a masterpiece of psychedelic pop, and Animal Collective's best offering thus far. In a way, this is the Sgt. Pepper of our generation.
  30. LewisG
    Feb 3, 2009
    10
    This album is awesome all around, but it takes a few times around to get it and love it. Don't just listen to it once and give up.
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best Album of 2009
2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2009
6
#6 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Mojo
    80
    By far the most streamlined and purposeful Animal Collective record. [Jan 2008, p.98]
  2. Spin
    80
    In years past, Animal Collective have been cast as perpetual Peter Pans, forever stuck in childhood fantasias. But beneath the body-moving throbs and coruscating noises of Merriweather Post Pavilion, themes of domestic duty and devotion abound.
    Read full review
  3. Uncut
    100
    It feels like one of the landmark American albums of the century so far. [Jan 2008, p.86]
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »