10 Best Animal Collective Songs of All Time
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Animal Collective is an experimental indie rock band that has been pushing the boundaries of the genre since their inception in 2003. With their unique blend of psychedelic soundscapes, intricate harmonies, and unconventional song structures, they have established themselves as one of the most innovative and influential acts of the 21st century. Over the years, the band has released several critically acclaimed albums and has developed a dedicated fan base that spans the globe. When it comes to choosing the best Animal Collective songs of all time, itâs difficult to narrow down their extensive discography. However, there are certain tracks that stand out for their musical brilliance, emotional depth, and overall impact on the bandâs legacy. From the euphoric energy of âBrother Sportâ to the haunting beauty of âProspect Hummer,â each song showcases the bandâs range and ability to create something truly unique. Other standout tracks include the hypnotic rhythms and soaring harmonies of âPeacebone,â the dreamlike textures of âLeaf House,â and the pulsating energy of âWhat Would I Want? Sky.â Each song is a testament to the bandâs creativity and willingness to take risks, resulting in a sound that is both daring and deeply satisfying. For fans of Animal Collective, these songs represent the very best of what the band has to offer and continue to inspire and delight listeners today.
1. âBrother Sportâ
âBrother Sportâ is a song by Animal Collective, an experimental pop band from Baltimore, Maryland. It was released on their eighth studio album, âMerriweather Post Pavilion,â in 2009. The song is a high-energy, upbeat track that features layers of vocals, drums, and electronic sounds. The lyrics explore themes of brotherhood, spirituality, and the connection between humans and nature. The song starts with a simple drum beat and gradually builds up with layer upon layer of percussion, vocal harmonies, and electronic sounds. The chorus is a sing-along anthem, with the repeated phrase âopen up your, open up your, open up your throatâ encouraging listeners to let loose and embrace their emotions.
2. âFor Reverend Greenâ
âFor Reverend Greenâ is a song by Animal Collective, released on their 2007 album âStrawberry Jam.â The track features a driving rhythm and a mix of acoustic and electronic instrumentation, including an electric guitar riff that dominates the song. The lyrics are cryptic and abstract, exploring themes of violence, nature, and spirituality. The song starts with a series of percussive hits before launching into a propulsive beat that drives the rest of the track. The lyrics are delivered in a rhythmic, almost rapped style, with the repeated refrain âWhat would I want? Skyâ serving as a sort of mantra.
3. âGrassâ
âGrassâ standout tracks from Animal Collective, a band known for their experimental and unique sound. âGrassâ was released in 2005 on their album âFeelsâ and is a perfect example of the bandâs signature style. The song is a sonic adventure, with layer upon layer of sound building and interweaving to create a complex and mesmerizing soundscape. The lyrics are poetic and enigmatic, with lines like âOh I saw you in the sun / I saw you in the grass / Itâs true, love, itâs trueâ that hint at deeper meanings. The vocals are also a highlight, with the band members taking turns singing and harmonizing in a way that is both playful and haunting.
4. âPeaceboneâ
âPeaceboneâ is another standout track, released in 2007 on the album âStrawberry Jamâ. The song is a frenetic burst of energy, with pounding drums, distorted guitars, and an infectious vocal melody. The lyrics are surreal and abstract, with references to âmonkeys throwing knivesâ and âdripping faucetsâ. Despite the bizarre imagery, the song is undeniably catchy and will get stuck in your head for days. The production on âPeaceboneâ is also noteworthy, with the band using a variety of unconventional recording techniques to create a sound that is both organic and otherworldly.
5. âWhat Would I Want? Skyâ
âWhat Would I Want? Skyâ was released in 2009 and features a sample from the Grateful Deadâs âUnbroken Chain,â making it the first song to have a licensed sample of a Grateful Dead track. The song starts with a tribal drumbeat that is soon accompanied by intricate electronic sounds and layered vocals. The lyrics are abstract and dreamlike, with lines such as âHold my hand, sing a song, steal a kiss, where did we go wrong?â The song builds to a frenzied climax with a repeating chant of âWill you be my bloody Valentine?â
6. âSummertime Clothesâ
âSummertime Clothes,â released in 2009, has a more upbeat and pop-oriented sound than âWhat Would I Want? Sky.â The songâs catchy chorus features lead singer Avey Tareâs distinctive falsetto vocals over a thumping bassline and shimmering synths. The lyrics describe a summertime romance, with lines like âI want to walk around with youâ and âI want to take you to the real thing.â The music video for the song features the band members in animal costumes dancing in a colorful, psychedelic landscape.
7. âLeaf Houseâ
âLeaf Houseâ is a track from Animal Collectiveâs album âFeels,â released in 2005. The song features an upbeat melody with a folk-like quality, incorporating acoustic guitars, chimes, and handclaps. The lyrics are whimsical and abstract, revolving around a house made of leaves and a desire to live in a more natural, idyllic world. The song gradually builds in intensity, with layers of vocal harmonies and instrumentation adding to the overall texture.
8. âProspect Hummerâ
âProspect Hummerâ is a collaboration between Animal Collective and singer-songwriter Vashti Bunyan, released in 2005. The track features Bunyanâs delicate, airy vocals over a sparse, acoustic guitar-based instrumental. The lyrics are impressionistic and poetic, evoking images of nature and the passage of time. The songâs production is minimalistic, with subtle touches of percussion and strings adding to the dreamy, ethereal atmosphere. The track has been praised for its haunting beauty and the complementary nature of Bunyanâs and Animal Collectiveâs unique styles.
9. âApplesauceâ
âApplesauceâ is a track from Animal Collectiveâs 2012 album âCentipede Hz.â The song features a unique blend of tribal percussion, playful synths, and psychedelic vocals. The track opens with a tribal drum pattern, and as it progresses, various layers of sound are added, creating a dense and mesmerizing soundscape. Lyrically, âApplesauceâ is open to interpretation, but it seems to explore themes of nature, growth, and change. The songâs refrain, âOur love is like the border between Greece and Albania,â may be a metaphor for the ways in which relationships can be both beautiful and fraught with conflict and tension.
10. âMy Girlsâ
âMy Girlsâ is a hit single by American experimental pop band Animal Collective, released in 2009. The song is an upbeat, vibrant anthem that captures the bandâs signature sound, blending elements of folk, psychedelia, and electronic music. âMy Girlsâ features prominent use of synths, drum machines, and layered vocals, creating a dreamy and hypnotic atmosphere that is both nostalgic and futuristic. The lyrics focus on themes of family, home, and finding a sense of belonging in a chaotic world, with the catchy refrain âI just want four walls and adobe slabs for my girls.â