• Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Jan 20, 2009
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 627 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 55 out of 627

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  1. PatN
    Feb 11, 2009
    10
    Already chosen my top album of 2009.
  2. 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
  3. BolisG
    Feb 9, 2009
    10
    Some great hooks got me started (Summertime Clothes, In the Flowers, Bluish), then each listen built on that foundation and before I knew i'm in love! This album is absolutely effen awesome!
  4. GeoffG
    Feb 6, 2009
    10
    Listening to this through the first time, I thought: "What on Earth is this?" Despite my initial negative views, I felt that I missing something from the album, like I was having trouble grasping the album as a whole. Listening to it again, I realized that I just wasn't used to this kind of music. I've been so skewed to Popular Music's standards, I've forgotten what Listening to this through the first time, I thought: "What on Earth is this?" Despite my initial negative views, I felt that I missing something from the album, like I was having trouble grasping the album as a whole. Listening to it again, I realized that I just wasn't used to this kind of music. I've been so skewed to Popular Music's standards, I've forgotten what it's like to go "out of bounds" which is exactly what this album does. And it's effin amazing at it for that matter. I instantly fell in love with My Girls, Summertime Clothes, and Bluish, and it wasn't long before a couple others hit as well. The sound itself combines all sorts of elements, from pop to tribal, and ambient to folk, to make a surreal, dream-like avant-garde experience. Overall, it's one of the best albums I've heard in a long time. Expand
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Jeff
    Feb 1, 2009
    9
    Some songs hit you immediately, some take a bit of savoring to warm up to, but ultimately each song on Merriweather is overflowing with music talent. Past Animal Collective was very eccentric but still good, this album really solidifies their place amongst important bands with a much wider and now grateful audience.
  8. MattW
    Jan 31, 2009
    10
    As close to perfect as any artist has come in a long, long time. Ignore the hype. I hate seeing people come out against this album simply because they perceive as the "it" thing. This album transcends the current bullshit "scenes" bands are unfairly lumped into these days. What we have here is an album that's beyond all that. Something so well-made, so unique, so enjoyable - it As close to perfect as any artist has come in a long, long time. Ignore the hype. I hate seeing people come out against this album simply because they perceive as the "it" thing. This album transcends the current bullshit "scenes" bands are unfairly lumped into these days. What we have here is an album that's beyond all that. Something so well-made, so unique, so enjoyable - it simply demands to be listened to. Write this album off if you want (the minority of you who are it would seem), it's your loss. This a magical, wonderful album - truly one of the best I've ever heard. Expand
  9. 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.
  10. MarcosB
    Jan 28, 2009
    9
    A record that begins and ends close to perfection, but with some obscure passages in between.
  11. 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!
  12. DolceAddict
    Jan 28, 2009
    10
    This is what psych-pop perfection sounds like.
  13. stefanob
    Jan 28, 2009
    10
    Simply perfect. A real masterpiece.
  14. RobertP.
    Jan 27, 2009
    10
    Probably the best album of the last umpteen years. It doesn't really matter though, it's just good and fun to listen to. When does that ever happen?
  15. dan
    Jan 27, 2009
    9
    Haha the lowest 3 reviews include rollingstone and blender.. go rave about kings of leon and leave people over the age of 14 alone. let us enjoy music that sonically challenges musical norms without having to hear you say you "don't get it" or there isn't a basic song structure. shove it. animal collective remain one of the most unique and original bands of the 00's. this Haha the lowest 3 reviews include rollingstone and blender.. go rave about kings of leon and leave people over the age of 14 alone. let us enjoy music that sonically challenges musical norms without having to hear you say you "don't get it" or there isn't a basic song structure. shove it. animal collective remain one of the most unique and original bands of the 00's. this record delivers fresh material, even compared to their most bizzar outputs, mpp still doesn't sound drab. this is probably their most "mature" and cohesive record to get into. recommended for anyone who is curious about AC and looking for a good place to make that first dive. Expand
  16. TobyH.
    Jan 27, 2009
    9
    Brilliant all the way through! My Girls may be the best song of the millennium!
  17. JohnD.
    Jan 26, 2009
    10
    I fell in love with this album when I first listened to it and fell deeper in love with it after seeing it performed live 5 feet away from me.
  18. Quillber
    Jan 26, 2009
    7
    Some of its great, some of it panda needs a slap for getting too self indulgent. avey is still making top tracks, but pandas good ones are great. gimme Feels anyday though, its still the most accomplished thing theyve done. i think they are sounding too 90's blind melon or something these days, a bit Shins.. weird cheap sounding production.
  19. 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
  20. MikeC
    Jan 25, 2009
    10
    This album has set the precedent of psycadelia.
  21. DrewH.
    Jan 25, 2009
    10
    Amazing, best album I have heard in ages, a completely new and orignal sound. I love it!
  22. AntonM
    Jan 25, 2009
    10
    The best album since Kid A.
  23. 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.
  24. bradfordc.
    Jan 24, 2009
    10
    I get a hold of myself every night listening to this album. I love this band and special feelings they engender in me.
  25. BillW.
    Jan 24, 2009
    10
    Somewhere between the best of Strawberry Jam and Person Pitch.
  26. TrevorL.
    Jan 24, 2009
    10
    Merriweather consolidates nearly all of AC's developed strengths and sheds nearly all of their past weaknesses, yielding a virtually perfect work that most of us will look back upon in our old age as one of the best damn albums we ever had the pleasure of meeting. A landmark.
  27. kalim.
    Jan 23, 2009
    10
    Everything I've always loved about AC with none of the meandering filler. Sublime.
  28. Mr.Man
    Jan 23, 2009
    8
    Definitely a strong step above the pack of other artists circulating nowadays, yet when excellent track proceeded excellent track, repetition started to rear its ugly head. Very well made, almost hypnotizing, but comes to a point where listening to one song could give you the same general idea as the next.
  29. 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.
  30. KasperH.
    Jan 22, 2009
    10
    It's a timeless, catchy and weird as hell. Great stuff.
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 36
  2. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Mojo
    80
    By far the most streamlined and purposeful Animal Collective record. [Jan 2008, p.98]
  2. 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.
  3. 100
    It feels like one of the landmark American albums of the century so far. [Jan 2008, p.86]