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. All_ButTrU4
    Oct 11, 2021
    9
    About as experimental as experimental can get. An overwhelming delivery of complex pleasant "pop" tunes with a blend of influences but majority beach boys. From the trance of "my girls" to the indescribable "lion in a coma" all you can do is sit back and let them dictate how many more ways can a record surprise you. Favourites:lion in a coma,brother sport,my girls
  2. Sinews
    Apr 5, 2020
    10
    Animal Collective's most popular album remains a transcendent, magical experience. It's album that invites warm memories of summers long gone, and celebrates good times to come. Moreover, it champions the idea that some of most profound moments of our life occur entirely in our minds.
  3. DoobRikter
    Feb 24, 2020
    10
    From start to finish, MPP creates a lush, layered soundscape of wet lagoon themed brilliance! Whether it be the jig-demanding breakdown of In The Flowers at the two and a half minute mark, or the beautiful submerged hooks that periodically echo throughout Bluish, right up to the undeniable feeling of wellness and positivity that grace the repetitive second part of the final track BrotherFrom start to finish, MPP creates a lush, layered soundscape of wet lagoon themed brilliance! Whether it be the jig-demanding breakdown of In The Flowers at the two and a half minute mark, or the beautiful submerged hooks that periodically echo throughout Bluish, right up to the undeniable feeling of wellness and positivity that grace the repetitive second part of the final track Brother Sport, it’s difficult to try and imagine anything other than a coral reef like array of colors to accompany the many layers of sound that create this opus of musical achievement! A standing testament of daring, experimental creativity to round out the first decade of the 2000s. Thank you Animal Collective for this fantastic record!… Expand
  4. deadbank
    Feb 28, 2019
    8
    This is one of the best experimental records of all time. Animal Collective has created a beautiful work of art.
    Favorites: In The Flowers, My Girls, Also Frightened, Summertime Clothes, Daily Routine, Bluish, Guys Eyes, Taste, Lion in a Coma
    Least Favorites: No More Runnin
  5. HyanHythalo
    May 5, 2018
    10
    Wonderful and as good as any Animal Collective album, this album is strange, weird, and absurdly beautiful.
  6. pugowner
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    Is it too early to declare Album of the Century? Almost ten years old as of this writing and nothing has topped it. Even the most acclaimed albums, like this one, take a while to get the recognition they truly deserve. This album deserves every good word and a thousand more. Listen to it. Several times. Let it sink in over multiple listens. It took me a few tries to really "get" what allIs it too early to declare Album of the Century? Almost ten years old as of this writing and nothing has topped it. Even the most acclaimed albums, like this one, take a while to get the recognition they truly deserve. This album deserves every good word and a thousand more. Listen to it. Several times. Let it sink in over multiple listens. It took me a few tries to really "get" what all the hype was about, but once did it just kept getting better. I will treasure Merriweather Post Pavilion for as long as my ears can hear. If you don't like it, I dare say you are missing out on an absolutely incredible experience… Expand
  7. a_straats
    Jul 27, 2016
    10
    This is one of their best albums ever. Its the most polished and over the top to date. All the songs on this album are a joy to listen to. The song writing is solid and this is probably their most pop like record. Not dense and sounds natural. Vocals are dreamy and lush. Amazing soundscapes.
  8. sentend
    May 1, 2016
    10
    Merriweather Post Pavilion is Animal Collective's best work and in my opinion one of the top 5 best albums from the 00's. The way it opens up your imagination and senses is nothing short of amazing. Groundbreaking instrumentation and style.
  9. Kumo
    Feb 22, 2016
    8
    Impressive album! Love the beats, melodies, and the experimentation of sounds and vocals. It's a transcending and upbeat experience. Definitely worth a listen!

    8.2/10
  10. Melomaniac
    Jul 10, 2015
    10
    MPP is exhilaratingly fun and full of joy, and it's by far one of the best accomplishments in not only American but also worldwide music. In its messy planet, it does find perfection. 10/10
  11. normankant
    Jun 9, 2015
    8
    A mixture of psychedelic/electronic/pop/experimental music, even if the focus is on hypnotic psych-music. This record has a unique style. Its only problem is that it's hard to listen from start to finish because of its lunatic/fluorescent/weird/oozy soundscapes, that tends to be annoying after some minutes if you're not in the right mood. Anyway the melodies are good and the composition isA mixture of psychedelic/electronic/pop/experimental music, even if the focus is on hypnotic psych-music. This record has a unique style. Its only problem is that it's hard to listen from start to finish because of its lunatic/fluorescent/weird/oozy soundscapes, that tends to be annoying after some minutes if you're not in the right mood. Anyway the melodies are good and the composition is catchy and satisfying,
    A special mention goes to the cover, a great homage (probably unintended) to optical art (ex. Victor Vasarely).    … Expand
  12. alocia
    May 11, 2015
    10
    At first it might be hard to get into, but once you actually listen to the music and understand the meanings to the songs it becomes more accessible to listen to. This album is still underrated in my opinion. I suggest giving it a chance before you label it as trash.
  13. Elllioot
    Jul 25, 2014
    10
    (9.8) I feel that this album is a feeling; It's the feeling you get at the end of a hot summer's day when you don't have a care in the world and you allow yourself to 'float off' into a blissful headspace. The production on this album is much less abrasive than their previous work yet still as forward thinking, diverse and experimental. It took me a few listens to really 'get' this album(9.8) I feel that this album is a feeling; It's the feeling you get at the end of a hot summer's day when you don't have a care in the world and you allow yourself to 'float off' into a blissful headspace. The production on this album is much less abrasive than their previous work yet still as forward thinking, diverse and experimental. It took me a few listens to really 'get' this album but when I finally did I was rewarded in abundance. Listening to Merriweather Post Pavillion is just a completely joyous experience that I would recommend to nearly anyone. I would also recommend the follow up EP, Fall Be Kind, which keeps the same themes as merriweather.… Expand
  14. Matielli
    Apr 16, 2014
    9
    Animal Collective faz de Merriweather Post Pavilion um disco completamente diferente de tudo. A banda traz uma sensação diferente a cada musica, com toques de psicodelismo em várias das tracks do disco. MPP inova ao mostrar uma banda onde é quase impossivel dizer qual é seu genero de verdade, pois Animal Collective não tem como explicar, o jeito é apenas ouvir o que eles tem a oferecer eAnimal Collective faz de Merriweather Post Pavilion um disco completamente diferente de tudo. A banda traz uma sensação diferente a cada musica, com toques de psicodelismo em várias das tracks do disco. MPP inova ao mostrar uma banda onde é quase impossivel dizer qual é seu genero de verdade, pois Animal Collective não tem como explicar, o jeito é apenas ouvir o que eles tem a oferecer e pode ter certeza que vai valer a pena.… Expand
  15. TimothyTuatara
    Dec 1, 2013
    9
    MPP is not a perfect album, some of the tracks on here simply just don't compare to the ultra-highs of songs like Summertime Clothes and In the Flowers. Regardless, this album will be remembered for decades to come whether we like it or not.
  16. crazy_goose
    Sep 19, 2013
    10
    I love this album now. I don't know why I didn't love it when I first heard it in 2010, and when I started appreciating it last year. But I played it while sitting on the couch at home, and simply listened to the melodies. I mean really listened. These songs are not only lush and exciting, they're also straight up jaw-droppingly gorgeous and reach serious highs at the most perfect andI love this album now. I don't know why I didn't love it when I first heard it in 2010, and when I started appreciating it last year. But I played it while sitting on the couch at home, and simply listened to the melodies. I mean really listened. These songs are not only lush and exciting, they're also straight up jaw-droppingly gorgeous and reach serious highs at the most perfect and unexpected times.

    If you feel the music is too meandering or out there for your taste, look up the lyrics. These guys are super relatable. Brother sport and Bluish in particular have some of my favorite lyrics of all time.    … Collapse
  17. javyously
    Sep 6, 2013
    10
    Every instrument and sound are right where they're supposed to be, nothing is out of place, and there's an extreme attention to detail. The bass-heavy pop sound is certainly unexpected, since their earlier work was looser, far more experimental, and not at all electronic, so it may not appeal to older Animal Collective fans, but that doesn't mean it's not good. If you're a true fan, youEvery instrument and sound are right where they're supposed to be, nothing is out of place, and there's an extreme attention to detail. The bass-heavy pop sound is certainly unexpected, since their earlier work was looser, far more experimental, and not at all electronic, so it may not appeal to older Animal Collective fans, but that doesn't mean it's not good. If you're a true fan, you will truly enjoy this record, even if it's not your favorite. It's a masterful and refreshing album that shows what musical artists are capable of; and if you think otherwise, you shouldn't be listening to music.… Expand
  18. yrcrazy
    Apr 11, 2013
    10
    Cant believe the morons who think it is too much to take in I was listening to this album when I was 13 its not hard. I still absolutely love the album one of the best of this century If you think this is difficult have a listen to aphex twin you morons.
  19. BENNEB
    Mar 20, 2013
    10
    Animal Collective...a bunch of animals...playing good music. I'd say, this would be one of the best records of Neo-Psychedelia music. Yes, they did it. A big jump from Strawberry Jam. I love 'My Girls', so hip...Now get the out of here and buy this album if you haven't...NOW!
  20. Zepdecept
    Dec 11, 2012
    10
    Best album Animal Collective has ever made! 'My Girls' is amazing! The song starts out slow but builds up to an amazing song! I will say this music isn't for everybody but if you like this kind of music, it is the best!
  21. JeanGarcon
    Aug 17, 2012
    7
    This album contains some of Animal Collective's highest moments on certain songs, but the rest of the album comes off as significantly less entertaining filler. Overall still totally enjoyable.
  22. Apart
    Jul 6, 2012
    10
    There's not much to say about this record. It's a masterpiece, beautifully made and to those who never listened to it, you're missing A LOT and I feel sorry for you.
  23. BeauFuller
    Jun 8, 2012
    10
    I have to say that this album continues to amaze me with the ability to be so close to being a Poppy album and yet be so far from being a pop album. I don't know if that makes sense, but I know that this album will blow your mind the more you listen to it.
  24. keep_yr_bias
    Apr 24, 2012
    10
    Let me start off by saying that Rolling Stone magazine is the Fox News of music. That entire magazine needs to be burned to the ground for their blatant bias, and my lead argument for this would be their review of this album. 3 out of 5. Of course, without even having to look I know that probably every U2 or Bruce Springsteen record will get a flawless score, as they always do. NowLet me start off by saying that Rolling Stone magazine is the Fox News of music. That entire magazine needs to be burned to the ground for their blatant bias, and my lead argument for this would be their review of this album. 3 out of 5. Of course, without even having to look I know that probably every U2 or Bruce Springsteen record will get a flawless score, as they always do. Now that I got that off my chest... this is hands down one of the 10 best albums of the past decade. Animal Collective isn't for everyone, but there is no denying their vision and creativity. Their music sounds like something from the future, as if they're ahead of the curve by 5-10 years. Merriweather Post Pavilion is their best album in my opinion. That's a bold statement too considering the excellence of their past albums. MPP is an album's album. It should be played from front to back, but it doesn't have to be. Most of the tracks on here are amazing on their own, but taking in this album from beginning to end is an experience. The opening track "Into the Flowers" is excellent, and by the time it comes to a close you'll be hooked. It blends effortlessly into one of AC's best songs ever made in "My Girls". I can't fully express how great this song is to somebody who hasn't heard it. It's one of the more powerful, uplifting, and pleasing songs I've ever heard. The song builds perfectly, adding more layers as the song goes on. On first listen it's damn near overwhelming, but it's so damn catchy that you don't need to catch every sound or instrument at once. When the song finally reaches it's chorus is when the song becomes so memorable. The lyrics on the chorus are beautiful. "I don't need... seems like I care about material things/like a social status/I just want 4 walls and adobe slabs for my girls". It's infinitely more powerful in the context of the song, and it's impact cuts deep. Personally, this song struck me because that's EXACTLY the way I feel. The 1-2 punch of "Into the Flowers" and "My Girls" is perfect. Amazingly the rest of the album lives up to it. "Summertime Clothes" is another loud, pulsating song that AC does so well. You can almost feel the steam coming off this song, like heat off the pavement. "Bluish" is flat out hypnotic. I'm not lying when I say I felt the hair raise on my neck the first time I heard it. Despite their songs being so obscure at times, there are certainly melodies buried underneath that are catchy enough that you'll feel like you've heard the song before. "Bluish" is one of those songs. 3 of the final 4 tracks are all excellent as well. "Taste" sounds like nothing on the rest of the album. "Lion in a Coma" is a fast paced ride that features very obsucre singing and lyrics that make the song all the more mesmerizing. The album closer "Brother Sport" is also another terrific track, and a great way to close off this album. It's almost obnoxiously loud for a 1-2 minute stretch early on thanks to the sound of a siren as part of the song. However, when the siren and other instruments stop the song becomes so aesthetically pleasing I can't really put it into words. There isn't one bad song on this album... period. Tracks like "Also Frightened" or "No More Runnin" aren't groundbreaking, but they're still very good songs. They just don't stand up to the top tier tracks on this album. MPP is STILL ahead of it's time more than 3 years after it's release, and just goes to show why AC is arguably the most exciting band/group on the planet.… Expand
  25. seekmagic
    Mar 23, 2012
    10
    One of the greatest albums of the 2000s. Great songs about simple living, love, and a dissection of cool. Some of the best songs I've ever heard. Highlights include In the Flowers, Taste, Bluish.
  26. j30
    Sep 22, 2011
    9
    One of the best records of 2009. Finally their sound comes together in this Brian Wilson inspired album.
  27. Octavian
    Jul 13, 2011
    10
    After initially having dismissed the album I've now gotten my head wrapped around it. I finally understand the hype and the highly positive reviews it got back in 2009. It's weird and it thrives on being weird and somewhat incomprehensible! It is bursting with youthful energy and pulls the listener through a whole mess of neo-psychedelic noise and odd sounds, but with a careful andAfter initially having dismissed the album I've now gotten my head wrapped around it. I finally understand the hype and the highly positive reviews it got back in 2009. It's weird and it thrives on being weird and somewhat incomprehensible! It is bursting with youthful energy and pulls the listener through a whole mess of neo-psychedelic noise and odd sounds, but with a careful and calculated structure that binds it all together. A perfect summer album in spite of being released in the dead of winter.… Expand
  28. Boosemo12
    Jul 10, 2011
    9
    An all-encompassing, perfectly layered, challenging and beautiful album.
  29. Ivan_T
    May 17, 2011
    10
    If Merriweather Post Pavilion is not a 5-Star album I don't know what is!
  30. KyleC
    Apr 12, 2011
    10
    I have to be honest, for the first few listens, I could only sit through "My Girls." Eventually, I made it through "Bluish." Then I started liking "Summertime Clothes." I just couldn't wrap my head around why this music was considered "great" by one of my best friends. Was it because of the high review scores? No, he never cared about looking cool. My first breakthrough came monthsI have to be honest, for the first few listens, I could only sit through "My Girls." Eventually, I made it through "Bluish." Then I started liking "Summertime Clothes." I just couldn't wrap my head around why this music was considered "great" by one of my best friends. Was it because of the high review scores? No, he never cared about looking cool. My first breakthrough came months later, when I decided to try this album while it the gym. I was on an elliptical (I have bad knees, darnit!), "In the Flowers" came on, I closed my eyes, and I ran.

    This music is intense, personal, and extremely beautiful. From the first song to the last, AC shows incredible depth in their choices, both musically and lyrically. The lyrics are very adult in theme and execution. It's hard to hear them on bad speakers, but on great headphones, they come through crystal-clear.

    I could see how people don't enjoy the qualities of this music. You can't dance to this. You can't rock out to it. You can't sing along. You can barely even study to it. You have to live in it. You have to detach from everything else and let it surround you. You have to open up emotionally to it.

    If you can't do that, fine. It just isn't your thing. But this is music as art.    … Expand
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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 »