The buzz around Animal Collective has grown immensely since their latest album, Merriweather Post Pavilion. If you have not yet heard MPP, then you are missing out on what will probably be one of the best albums of 2009. For most people, their new album is more accessible, moving toward tribal rhythms and adding more song structure to the psychedelic folk sound that has defined them since the beginning. Since their critically acclaimed album Feels, Avery Tare, Panda Bear, and Geologist have only gathered more fans while their live shows are continually raved about all over the world. It is not easy to jump right into this band and love every album. It takes time and repeated listens. But eventually the odd rhythms, beautiful chants, and "freak folk" sounds blend perfectly. It is comparable to finding perfect understanding in a Coltrane solo or the logic of Monk's piano riffs. For those of you who have recently discovered AC, I urge you to get acquainted with this album as it remains, in my opinion, the best piece of work released by the band.I first heard this album when I was immersing myself in the free jazz movement that started in the late 60's. Sung Tongs is an album that sounds like chaos but if you have heard Eric Dolphy or late Sun Ra then you will be fully prepared to make order of this chaos. It is a treat to those who enjoy the folk artists who ignore standard song structure like Vashti Bunyan, Joanna Newsom, or Devendra Banhart. In my opinion, AC has not exceeded the musical creativity from this album but have succeeded in making albums that challenge the listener to think beyond traditional song keys and rhythms. If you are new to this band, throw on the headphones and enjoi.Animal Collective - Sung Tongs
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