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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
    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
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