Baubles.
I remember I used to think Animal Collective were far too confusing and out-there for me to listen to. In fact, I just didn't really know what to think of their music at all. Most of the time, it just frusterated me 'cause I didn't "understand" it. Eventually, I managed getting Feels and somewhere between the chorus of "Did You See The Words?" and the simple, beautiful melody shift in "Banshee Beat", I began to see what it was all about.
Then of course there's Sung Tongs with songs such as "Leaf House". The track has been given many titles in the short time I have come to love it -- some include "The Kitty Song", "The Monkey Song" and "The Most Obnoxious Song In The World" (that last one is my Mom's, though even she, after some persistence, is starting to see what it's all 'about'). Animal Collective definitely project a crazy abstract world that's a little frightening at first but in truth, it's filled with colour and all kinds of fluffy animals. Here, an old folk veteran, Vashti Bunyan, joins the band from a pretty little EP that deserves to be heard. Her voice adds an even brighter colour over top of the melodies. I dunno, it's been a very funny kinda week -- a good kind -- and this seemed best to post in lack of anything else. I hope you find yourself humming along.
(Oh, and I played "A Sweet Song For Spring" on banjo last night among a few other tunes on guitar and it was crazy awesome. I want a fucking banjo.)
MP3: Animal Collective & Vashti Bunyan - Prospect Hummer
MP3: Animal Collective & Vashti Bunyan - I Remember Learning How To Drive