Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion (2009)
I really enjoyed Animal Collective's EP, Water Curses, so when my roommate told me he had heard a review of a new AC album on NPR (of all places), I knew I had to check it out.

First listening notes:
It has that unique feel that most of their music possesses. The odd emphasis on certain words, the weird animal noises, seemingly inconsistent drum beats that still make sense... there is a distinct Animal Collective feel. And yet, it still sounds fresh.

The building volume of repeated phrases somehow sucks you back in.
Daily Routine has a type of shrill organ that surfaces in little bursts throughout the track, definitely a unique sound when paired with the echoing vocals... and a didgeridoo? The song goes into a vocal feel of In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins.

Surprisingly, there is nothing from the Water Curses EP on this album.
First listens are tough, there are very few albums I've enjoyed the first time through, even from artists I like. In time I can see myself listening to Merriweather Post Pavilion plenty.