here we come Mr. airplane

#9 Sung Tongs

Animal Collective (FatCat, 2004)

I was waiting on this one like a cat for... . After Spirit (#18), a live show that hurt, Campfire Songs, and Here Comes the Indian all within 5 months time, what was one more? I couldn't get enough. Deacon told me at that show to be ready for a seamless brand of folk/pop unlike any other. I had no idea! Here we have just Avey and Panda again and by now they can do no wrong. Warning: this is the copycat album of the decade (in other words, will be attempted to be remade over and over and over)...'we can do this 'freakfolk' thing too', 'and/or make a weird, scary (says Efrim), or organic cover that will make people believe... .'

A late spring release that was indeed the freshest breeze to grace these ears maybe ever. Soon after it came out we went to San Diego for 3 weeks and it went with us up and down the coast. A few weeks later we were in the mountains of Pennsylvania staying with family, and it road up, down, and around the mountain for 3 more weeks as the june bugs glistened. Not that it's only a summer album, but it for sure boasts of romps of the natural sort. Avey and Panda's harmonies are rough and angelic at the same time while their tireless strumming reminds me of our family bonfires where nothing can go wrong. What makes this album huge though is that while the freedom and creativity blossom between the two in their respective parts, the mixing desk and found sounds are utilized as instruments themselves and add a depth and playfulness that surprises me at every listen.

If we ranked top 1st tracks of our favorite albums, "Leaf House" would be in the running. Full on bellowing with 'meows' at the end. Two longer repetitive strumming numbers ("The Softest Voice", "Visiting Friends") evoke memories of Campfire Songs and are evidence that these guys aren't out to just please those seeking immediate gratification. But built around those are sometimes very short/fun songs that again run the gamut with the vocal cords. "Winter's Love" starts as a mono Beach Boys outtake and then goes aggressively off into a strumming pattern that I can't help but imitate every time I pick up the acoustic. "Kids on Holiday" is my favorite song on the album and is a story about kids hanging out in the airport waiting to board while noticing/making fun of all kinds of people. Oh, and there is a message contained in "College" that some of us may or may not want to here. This album plays...