Merriweather Post Pavilion (Animal Collective) – Every Song Ranked

I’d heard of Animal Collective and liked a few songs, but it was only once reviewing 2009’s year in music that I finally listened to “Merriweather Post Pavilion” in full for the first time.

It’s such a fantastic album, and some of its songs are quickly becoming new favourites … but how would I rank every track?

Before we begin, you can check out some of my related blog posts below:

OK

11 – Daily Routine

The first half of the album is banger after banger … apart from “Daily Routine”.

It doesn’t pop like the others, and there’s a certain high-pitched synth sound that plays throughout that gets under my skin.

Good

10 – Guys Eyes

A bit slower than the other songs. Still, the vocal harmonies and production are lovely.

9 – No More Runnin

“No More Runnin” is the only laid-back song on the album. That might be off-putting for some, but I really liked the subdued tone.

It’s slow yet groovy, and I can’t help but drift away when I listen to it.

8 – Taste

There are lots of weird songs on the album, but “Taste” has to be one of the weirdest.

It’s lazed and entrancing, with a thumping bass to keep you engaged.

7 – Lion In A Coma

That didgeridoo (or whatever it is) turns “Lion In A Coma” from a standard song into a romp.

The wordplay, vocals and production are all bizarre. No other band could pull this off so effectively.

Great

6 – Also Frightened

“Also Frightened” isn’t as strong as the two songs that come before it, but it’s one of the most hypnotic songs on the album.

That deep bass is what makes it.

5 – Brother Sport

When I first heard “Brother Sport” I thought it was a bit of an underwhelming end to the album. On repeat listens, I find it to be one of the catchiest.

It’s uplifting and whimsical to the point where it’s humorous.

Amazing

4 – Summertime Clothes

The next three songs in the “Amazing” tier could be in any order, really. The ranking will change depending on my mood on the day. As of right now, I’d say that “Summertime Clothes” is my least favourite of my favourites … does that make sense?

Never before has such a dreamy song been so nightmarish. “Summertime Clothes” evokes a simple desire for intimacy, but with a juvenile sheen that you can’t help but smile at.

3 – In The Flowers

As opening songs go, I haven’t heard many that are as impactful and set the tone as well as “In The Flowers”.

The production is incredible from the get go. The lyrics of a dancer in a field are extremely vivid and engrossing. The drop is immaculate. “To hold you in time” … that section, paired with the deep bass growls, still haunts me.

2 – Bluish

“Bluish” had no right to hit me as hard as it did.

It’s a soppy love song at its core … and yet no romantic song in recent memory has sucked me in as much as this. It’s like having a childhood crush all over again. That’s the power of great music.

All-Time Great

1 – My Girls

The best song on the album, the best Animal Collective song, and one of my favourite songs of all time.

It builds across three increasingly catchy sections, which then repeat, and every second is an absolute joy. Pair that with the heartwarming lyrics and you get an uplifting song for the ages.

Aaaand that’s my list! You can check out some of my latest blog posts below: