Animal Collective – Strawberry Jam

Animal Collective isn’t a prototypical “band” by any stretch of the imagination. Based in NYC with members from Baltimore, MD their lineup changes depending on who’s making the music. They don’t have one type of sound, they don’t always work together, and they don’t go by they’re real names (Avey Tare, Panda Bear, Deakin, and Geologist). Mostly, they are classified as psych-folk or noise rock but have been known to dabble and experiment with many other styles. They are nothing if not prolific in their music making. Their latest effort Strawberry Jam is their 8th record since their formation in 2000. They were put on my musical map with 2004 release Sung Tongs and again in 2005 with Feels. The newest record (again, coming out on Sept. 11) consists of songs that were played extensively during their 2005-2006 touring schedule. That practice and familiarity is clearly reflected in both the confidence in which they’re played and their lengths (only 2 of 9 tracks under 4.5 minutes). While these longer songs may hint at a lack of focus, this doesn’t seem to be the case on Strawberry Jam. Their style takes some getting used to, and has to be appreciated for what it is. This is not the stuff of Top 40 radio. This stuff is: College Radio being broadcast from the basement of the student union listened to by 200 people if you’re lucky. The two tracks below are a bit on the longer side, but both are well worth a listen. “Fireworks” will be the second single released on November 5, and “Safer” is a track that was played a lot live and recorded in the studio, but didn’t make the final cut on the album due to its length, thus released as a B-side to the lead single “Peacebone.”

The Go! Team – Proof of Youth

What’s not to love about The Go! Team? I first learned of them while studying in Ireland in 2005 shortly after their debut album came out. Two friends and I chipped in to purchase the cd because it was €25. Originally conceived by Brighton, England based Ian Parton in his parents’ kitchen, he eventually needed a band that could duplicate much of the sampled mash that made Thunder, Lighting, Strike so successful. In doing so, the vision was transformed and live performances sounded much different than their “studio” counterparts. The biggest addition being the Ninja’s freestyled raps instead of the sampled chants on the album. The Go! Team’s sound is a unique mix of guitar riffs, a horn section, hip-hop, and funk. What is so infectious about their sound is how exuberant and light-hearted it is. Their sophomore effort Proof of Youth follows closely on the coattails of their debut. It sounds like there are less samples and therefore more room for Ninja to work her magic. Proof of Youth continues their stunning blend of influences and genres that make them truly unique. While the album remains true to form, there is a part of me that wishes they challenged their own artistic boundaries more than they did. They clearly have the talent and creativity to take it to the next level. Maybe that will come with more touring and experience. With that said, this is one of many highly anticipated releases coming out on Sept. 11 and shows no signs of a sophomore slump.

The Go! Team – Proof of Youth

What’s not to love about The Go! Team? I first learned of them while studying in Ireland in 2005 shortly after their debut album came out. Two friends and I chipped in to purchase the cd because it was €25. Originally conceived by Brighton, England based Ian Parton in his parents’ kitchen, he eventually needed a band that could duplicate much of the sampled mash that made Thunder, Lighting, Strike so successful. In doing so, the vision was transformed and live performances sounded much different than their “studio” counterparts. The biggest addition being the Ninja’s freestyled raps instead of the sampled chants on the album. The Go! Team’s sound is a unique mix of guitar riffs, a horn section, hip-hop, and funk. What is so infectious about their sound is how exuberant and light-hearted it is. Their sophomore effort Proof of Youth follows closely on the coattails of their debut. It sounds like there are less samples and therefore more room for Ninja to work her magic. Proof of Youth continues their stunning blend of influences and genres that make them truly unique. While the album remains true to form, there is a part of me that wishes they challenged their own artistic boundaries more than they did. They clearly have the talent and creativity to take it to the next level. Maybe that will come with more touring and experience. With that said, this is one of many highly anticipated releases coming out on Sept. 11 and shows no signs of a sophomore slump.