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. 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
  2. HarryG
    Feb 17, 2009
    10
    I hate voting 10s but when it is deserved, then it must be. Nothing else like it and more to the point not much near as good. This is one way to the future of music
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  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. 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
  7. WayneS
    Mar 1, 2009
    10
    Record of the decade!
  8. X
    Mar 19, 2009
    10
    All the average reviews are complete nonsense, believe the hype.
  9. DeanB
    Mar 27, 2009
    9
    A thrilling roller-coaster ride of an indie-pop album, creating a maddening euphoric buzz in your head which stays with you - and grows.
  10. KurtC
    Mar 27, 2009
    10
    Exceptionally solid album from beginning to end. More melody and harmonies than past albums. They're venturing out into more uncharted electronic territory (while still carrying their guitars and floor tom along). Great listen.
  11. AiT
    Mar 31, 2009
    7
    I've continued to listen to this album for the last four days, the music is deep and overwhelming, in a really good way, this album keeps the mind and emotions on point.
  12. Mattydigs
    Mar 3, 2009
    7
    This is no masterpiece only the young kids are saying that. Thats why I call it "Dance Yoshimi for the Kids". Yes I dont think this as good as yoshimi. The subtleties arent there. See Akron Familys new album "Set em' Wild, Set em' free" for the real deal. After the 1st song you'll know why. And if you wanna hear them outdo MPP then tracks 3 and 7 should more than do the job This is no masterpiece only the young kids are saying that. Thats why I call it "Dance Yoshimi for the Kids". Yes I dont think this as good as yoshimi. The subtleties arent there. See Akron Familys new album "Set em' Wild, Set em' free" for the real deal. After the 1st song you'll know why. And if you wanna hear them outdo MPP then tracks 3 and 7 should more than do the job for that. Animal Collective are just popularizing the real pysch and indie movements/trends happening in the lower echelons. They aren't pushing the envelope or adding to the movement just mimicking those that are....like akron family. Plus they couldve taken MPP to a whole new universe but they left it repetitive and formulaic. So yea.... posers. Dont listen to the naysayers , IT IS semi-traditional in its song structures. Its not really outisde the box at all. Only when compared to mainstream crap but that stuff is 2d anyway. BTW its also spotty only bout half of the record is truly great. HYPE debunked. Highlights = My Girls, Also Frightened, brothersport, Daily Routine, No more Runnin, and taste which is my favorite track. -mAtt (mattydigs).… Expand
  13. VinceH.
    Mar 30, 2009
    9
    It is an amazing batch of songs. While I don't think it is a front-to-back masterpiece 6r life changing album like Strawberry Jam, it is still the best indie rock album of the year so far. This is also the best work that Geologist has ever done on any of their albums...in the Pitchfork interview he said he tried to contribute more melodic samples than on past LP's and you can It is an amazing batch of songs. While I don't think it is a front-to-back masterpiece 6r life changing album like Strawberry Jam, it is still the best indie rock album of the year so far. This is also the best work that Geologist has ever done on any of their albums...in the Pitchfork interview he said he tried to contribute more melodic samples than on past LP's and you can tell. The sonic maninpulations going around in these songs just add so much. Each song almost sounds like as it ends it is drowning in the ocean or something...it's hard to explain.… Expand
  14. JeremyK
    Mar 5, 2009
    9
    Animal collective are masters of the art of looping and sampling. They are almost always "difficult" to listen to, but the rewards of a band like this make the initial confusion worth it. You have to let this beast swallow you whole before this album makes any sense. To a casual listener, this music comes across as jumbled mess of noise. It can be a layered and looped nightmare of a Animal collective are masters of the art of looping and sampling. They are almost always "difficult" to listen to, but the rewards of a band like this make the initial confusion worth it. You have to let this beast swallow you whole before this album makes any sense. To a casual listener, this music comes across as jumbled mess of noise. It can be a layered and looped nightmare of a record to listen to. I think you either love this band or you hate them. Some people just prefer a less abrasive sound. I'm not one of those people, and I love the mess of melodies. I hope this band continues to go absolutely crazy. There aren't enough musicians out there willing to take chances like this.… Expand
  15. siml
    Mar 5, 2009
    9
    Pretty good. For me its pretty usual that a good album needs many listening so im not going to claim that again. Last time a heard a good album like this was Foals. Have a good time !
  16. AnthonyM
    Apr 12, 2009
    8
    If I could have, I would have given this album something between 7 and 8. At first, it was off-putting and it didn't feel like Animal Collective at all. Especially following Panda Bear's Person Pitch side project. It took me a few listens to discover the signature Animal Collective sound weaved in with some of the new style. Overall, it's a good album, but maybe not as good If I could have, I would have given this album something between 7 and 8. At first, it was off-putting and it didn't feel like Animal Collective at all. Especially following Panda Bear's Person Pitch side project. It took me a few listens to discover the signature Animal Collective sound weaved in with some of the new style. Overall, it's a good album, but maybe not as good as many people seem to be making it out to be. Definitely not crap as some people are saying. They probably listened to a song or 2 one time and didn't "get it" so they just gave up.… Expand
  17. DaveL
    Apr 13, 2009
    10
    Easily album of the year so far!
  18. PaulJ
    Apr 16, 2009
    7
    Loved it at first, particularly the first track, but I've tired of it relatively quickly. It made me return to Feels which was a real slow burner - and which I now on balance think I prefer.
  19. JodieL
    Apr 2, 2009
    8
    As always with Metacritic I can't understand all the 10 scores, a 10 should be reserved for the greatest albums you've ever heard, not just for the best album you've heard this year. That being said this is still a really good solid album, I didn't like it at first listen, as I had been listening to Strawberry Jam in the weeks leading up to release, and it is nothing As always with Metacritic I can't understand all the 10 scores, a 10 should be reserved for the greatest albums you've ever heard, not just for the best album you've heard this year. That being said this is still a really good solid album, I didn't like it at first listen, as I had been listening to Strawberry Jam in the weeks leading up to release, and it is nothing like that (repeated listening is rewarded though). But as with all good bands they can change their sound about and still make good music/albums. It is the front runner for my album of the year at the moment, but it has been a slow year so far, it will definitely be top 10 for the year though.… Expand
  20. RonanS
    Apr 26, 2009
    9
    This album has so many gorgeous little details it's very hard to get bored of it. While the lyrics are often hard to make out Of those I have heard I totally love. A slow-burning and ultimately very rewarding album
  21. JustinL
    May 19, 2009
    8
    Good album, still prefer Strawberry Jam. It's just a shame that Metacritic allows ignorant people post stupidity, if you don't think it's music why did you buy the album. Best 20 bucks I spent.
  22. Chris
    May 23, 2009
    9
    I'm sure buck and ken are douches who listen to top 20, or who think the new green day album is actually good. This album is unbelievable. You don't need guitars to make art fellas.
  23. JayS
    Jun 14, 2009
    10
    When starting this album, I cant help but think about Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon's opening songs 'Speak to Me' and 'Breathe'. When these songs start, I feel like I am about to start a journey into something unseen and unheard. That is the best way to summarize 'Merriweather Post Pavilion'. Its swirling songcraft was completly When starting this album, I cant help but think about Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon's opening songs 'Speak to Me' and 'Breathe'. When these songs start, I feel like I am about to start a journey into something unseen and unheard. That is the best way to summarize 'Merriweather Post Pavilion'. Its swirling songcraft was completly different, but completly wonderful. Its a trip that I plan on taking for years to come.… Expand
  24. GraemeT
    Jun 2, 2009
    10
    Album of the year so far! Hands down! It's a wonderful album, joyous and interesting. I've been listening to it since it came out and ahh it's so pretty.
  25. EricC
    Jun 28, 2009
    7
    As an intensly devoted AC fan, this album is seriously perplexing. I list Here Comes the Indian, Sung Tongs, and Strawberry Jam to be among my all time favorite albums, but this one feels like one of their weakest efforts yet as a band. All the perfect scores from critics and users is bizarre. I in no way dislike this album, but they have way oversimplified their formula, leaving nearly As an intensly devoted AC fan, this album is seriously perplexing. I list Here Comes the Indian, Sung Tongs, and Strawberry Jam to be among my all time favorite albums, but this one feels like one of their weakest efforts yet as a band. All the perfect scores from critics and users is bizarre. I in no way dislike this album, but they have way oversimplified their formula, leaving nearly every song feeling underdeveloped and phoned-in. At times it felt like a mindless dance album, at others an even more mindless jam collection. Where once their music was sonically and lyrically complex it is now bland, straightforward, and often distressingly empty. It's not at all bad, and there are moments of exhilerating ecstasy, but as a whole... I don't know. It's really nothing to lose your shit over. This was the wrong album to champion a truly incredible band.… Expand
  26. AndrewB.
    Jul 20, 2009
    10
    Every song is amazing and all are VERY replayable. Best album of this year (I don't see anything topping it), and one of the best of the decade.
  27. mS
    Aug 13, 2009
    9
    I hate to jump on the bandwagon here but this is a fantastic 'progressive' development in music. I quite liked previous AC albums and the Panda Bear solo album but they failed to ignite. This one however seems to have the balance perfectly. Its cutting-edge but accessible and incorporates the best of rock/ electronic and pop music of the last 50 years. I've been playing I hate to jump on the bandwagon here but this is a fantastic 'progressive' development in music. I quite liked previous AC albums and the Panda Bear solo album but they failed to ignite. This one however seems to have the balance perfectly. Its cutting-edge but accessible and incorporates the best of rock/ electronic and pop music of the last 50 years. I've been playing this since January and it still gets regular play. As a counterpoise however my wife hates it and moans every time she hears it.… Expand
  28. Vee
    Oct 11, 2009
    10
    This music does not fit you if you love the mindless beat of the Jonas Brothers or Miley Cyrus or Nickleback. If you want to fill your mind with "baby babybabybaby" over thousands of time in a single album then you should go back to mainstream. To the people who bought this album because of the reviews: people who review musics have something that you don't: mind, brain, thoughts.
  29. JohnnieT.
    Nov 12, 2009
    8
    There is some fantastic stuff here - when they nail the blissed out 22nd century Beach Boys style(particularly on Bluish, Guys Eyes, My Girls), then it plays like a dream. Infuriatingly however, at times its undermined by its own exuberant eclecticism and the need for sonic experimentation can occasionally get in the way of those melodies. If only we could hear them!
  30. CurtisB.
    Nov 24, 2009
    10
    Amazing. Beautiful. Incomparable. Fresh. Fun. Ahead of our time.
  31. timmyd
    Nov 29, 2009
    10
    f*ck pitchfork. i couldnt care less about what they have to say and started loving this album way before i even heard their review. this is easily one of the greatest albums of the decade; but it is totally not accessible by everyone. i hate to see this band's main fanbase being the hipsters i dislike so much, but then again what other group would pick this stuff up? anyways guys f*ck pitchfork. i couldnt care less about what they have to say and started loving this album way before i even heard their review. this is easily one of the greatest albums of the decade; but it is totally not accessible by everyone. i hate to see this band's main fanbase being the hipsters i dislike so much, but then again what other group would pick this stuff up? anyways guys eyes is an amazing song, and i have listened to this album a sh*tload since it has been released. Believe the hype.… Expand
  32. SDK
    Jan 21, 2009
    10
    It's near perfect a record as any for this day and age. Like an accumulation of all things natural, MPP is the essence of universal likeness of being.
  33. JY.
    Jan 21, 2009
    10
    They have evolved as musicians and made their most accessible album to date. Definitely their most "pop" sounding yet, and I don't think it's a bad thing with the way they structure melodies and especially harmonies behind Panda Bear and Avey Tare. Exceptional record.
  34. KarstenS.
    Jan 21, 2009
    10
    For the love of all things beautiful in this world, don't just listen to this album. Put on your headphones and let it take you over. This album makes other music not sound like music at all. If you are not smiling throughout the entire album, it is possible that you have no soul.
  35. KevinS.
    Jan 21, 2009
    10
    A career-heightening album from an amazing band. This will mark the explosion of this already popular group of musicians
  36. [Anonymous]
    Jan 21, 2009
    10
    Simply astonishing. Woozy, hazy, ecstatic, melodic, filled with eccentricity and wonderfully produced. 11 incredible tracks in a row, each one of which works as a standalone piece and add up to a masterpiece when taken as a whole. One of the best albums I've ever heard, and possibly the best of the '00s.
  37. ChrisA
    Jan 21, 2009
    10
    Animal Collective have done it. They have won music.
  38. ZachA.
    Jan 21, 2009
    10
    FANTASTIC ALBUM. This isn't the kind of pop music you'll currently hear on top 40 radio stations, with cliche lyrics over guitars and drums. You know, the same songs you've heard over and over again regurgitated. These are pop songs breaking the seams of music like pop music USED TO. Music with LIFE flowing through it. Every song is good, but greatness comes most out of FANTASTIC ALBUM. This isn't the kind of pop music you'll currently hear on top 40 radio stations, with cliche lyrics over guitars and drums. You know, the same songs you've heard over and over again regurgitated. These are pop songs breaking the seams of music like pop music USED TO. Music with LIFE flowing through it. Every song is good, but greatness comes most out of Taste and My Girls.… Expand
  39. Daniel
    Jan 21, 2009
    9
    Utterly brilliant album, their most accessible to date and not a dull track amongst these 11 new offerings.
  40. TimmyD.
    Dec 15, 2009
    10
    while this is my favorite album of all-time by far, it is true that this music is incredibly awkward to listen to with others. Its kind of a bedroom album I guess. I remember one time I was listening to brothersport, my favorite song ever, in a car with my friend and i was just like..wow. this song feels really gay right now for some reason. the truth is, this isn't pop. It should while this is my favorite album of all-time by far, it is true that this music is incredibly awkward to listen to with others. Its kind of a bedroom album I guess. I remember one time I was listening to brothersport, my favorite song ever, in a car with my friend and i was just like..wow. this song feels really gay right now for some reason. the truth is, this isn't pop. It should never, ever be compared to pop because it is entirely different from anything else ever written and doesn't even approach the overproduced feel of the entire pop spectrum. Yet, while being so unique and original, it is also, like I said, one of the worst albums to try and introduce friends to.… Expand
  41. HagenM.
    Dec 16, 2009
    10
    This music is ahead of its time by decades. Perfection has been achieved.
  42. MaxW
    Dec 19, 2009
    10
    Best album of the year, top 3 this decade along with Is This it by the Strokes and Funeral by Arcade Fire. The way Animal Collective blends so many different sounds to create something exceptional continues to amaze me. Anyone who rates this below about a 7 has no idea what they're talking about
  43. 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.
  44. kalim.
    Jan 23, 2009
    10
    Everything I've always loved about AC with none of the meandering filler. Sublime.
  45. MikeC
    Jan 25, 2009
    10
    This album has set the precedent of psycadelia.
  46. 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.
  47. 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
  48. 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?
  49. Tom
    Feb 13, 2009
    10
    I always thought Animal Collective were pretty overrated but this album has proved me wrong. Took a few listens to get into it, but know reckon its one of the best albums I've heard in years. Favourite tracks are Taste & Bluish.
  50. Raiford
    Mar 21, 2009
    8
    This is not a bad album, neither is it as life-changing as the critics make it out to be. Definitely AC's most poppy. The sad thing is that AC has made two superior albums prior to this that received much less attention. The quirk that permeated Strawberry Jam is missing here, for better or for worse.
  51. WillP
    Apr 12, 2009
    8
    not as good as strawberry jam. but close, awefully close. more immediate and--unfortunately--more superficial. still beautiful music nonetheless.
  52. Andy
    May 27, 2009
    8
    Great album, although I have my doubts as to how well this album would hold up live after watching them perform on Letterman.
  53. pat
    Sep 23, 2009
    7
    A solid pop album with an original sound and great production, but the band has lost some of their experimental flare on this one. The whole album sounds pretty fluffy in comparison to all of their other albums. When I heard Strawberry Jam I figured this was as close to a pop record as they would ever get, clearly I was wrong. Enjoyable, but lacking the depth that makes albums like Sung A solid pop album with an original sound and great production, but the band has lost some of their experimental flare on this one. The whole album sounds pretty fluffy in comparison to all of their other albums. When I heard Strawberry Jam I figured this was as close to a pop record as they would ever get, clearly I was wrong. Enjoyable, but lacking the depth that makes albums like Sung Tongs, Here Comes The Indian and Campfire Songs so wonderous.… Expand
  54. Snippy
    Aug 14, 2010
    10
    Let's do this.

    In The Flowers - 10

    My Girls - 10

    Also Frightened - 10

    Summertime Clothes - 10

    Daily Routine - 7

    Bluish - 9

    Guys Eyes - 9

    Taste - 10

    Lion in a Coma - 9

    No More Runnin - 8

    Brother Sport - 9

    Personally one of my favorite albums.
  55. SF7
    Dec 23, 2010
    10
    This is not an accessible album to anyone. The strange, off the wall interwoven melodies and harmonies that at first appear as a hodgepodge of color and sound, eventually unravel into a masterfully crafted work of art. AC's 2009 effort will be seen as a landmark in music, and will pave the way for more musicians (as it already has for Ariel Pink) in the avant-indie world. In this world,This is not an accessible album to anyone. The strange, off the wall interwoven melodies and harmonies that at first appear as a hodgepodge of color and sound, eventually unravel into a masterfully crafted work of art. AC's 2009 effort will be seen as a landmark in music, and will pave the way for more musicians (as it already has for Ariel Pink) in the avant-indie world. In this world, it is often hard for people to discern honest emotion from radio tailored singles. The most striking feature about this work is that it IS catchy, and it IS innovative. If you're not into exploring and accepting new genres of music, broadening your perspective on displays of genuine human intent, or flat out trying something different, then go ahead and stick to your conventional go-to nickelback **** Enjoy your aimless, tasteless sing-a-longs and don't write your opinion, because it does not matter.… Expand
  56. 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
  57. 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
  58. 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.
  59. 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
  60. 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
  61. 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.
  62. 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
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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.
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  3. Uncut
    100
    It feels like one of the landmark American albums of the century so far. [Jan 2008, p.86]
    Read full review
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