Question:
I have been steadily still catching up on 2005--and almost done--and had a question for about two bands and albums I am considering on getting:

I have recently been searching both the archives in here and the year-end lists by critics and I feel intrigued by Animal Collective's Feels and The National's Alligator. Now I know that they are very different when compared but I do like both styles of music. I have heard comparisons between Broken Social Scene and Animal Collective and between Interpol/Tom Waits and The National. Now I love Interpol and like Broken Social Scene. I dont really want to spend time or money on both of them since 2006 is keeping me busy along with many other purchases so can someone suggest which of the two I should look into? Or if you really feel it, should I look into both of them? Your opinions and/or comments are greatly appreciated.

Choices:
Feels
Alligator
Both

 

I am offended by The National—Tom Waits comparisons. What the hell are those people smoking?

If you like National Skyline (former members of Hum and Castor, try This = Everything), you'd like The National. Phoenix's new record is also vaguely similar.

I don't know what to compare Feels to. I like a couple tracks, but it's pretty boring and pretentious overall—novelty freak folk, in my opinion.

I thought Alligator was 100 times better, but I'm not really a big Animal Collective fan. If you were a fan of AC's previous release, Sung Tongs, I'd guess you'll like Feels, but I'm not sure the Broken Social Scene comparison is accurate. I don't really see the Interpol/Tom Waits comparison to The National either, except that I like all three artists. Alligator is by no means a perfect album, but the standout tracks are pretty awesome.

I guess it comes down to whether you prefer weird, trippy freak-rock (Animal COllective) or more straightforward indie pop (The National).

I voted both, but if you REALLY only want one, I would take Animal Collective by a hair. You at least need to hear "Purple Bottle" and "Banshee Beat."

Definitely the National. I really don't get the appeal of Animal Collective. I agree with Leland--novelty freak-folk.

I forget where I heard of the Tom Waits/Interpol comparison to The National but it was in some publication. It seems like alot of people are divided on these two albums: another thing I noticed is that they finished No. 19 and 20 in our Metacritic.com consensus that we made for 2005. I have heard the first song off of Alligator and the first two off ofFeels (I like The National song a little bit more) but I still cant decide which one to get. Does anyone think I should get neither?

quote:

Originally posted by FragileKidA:
Does anyone think I should get neither?

No. I think you should hear both.

I would highly recommend Feels..very magical and somehow natural album...
I haven't heard Alligator

I can't believe how many AC haters there are. I think that album is amazing all the way through. Loch Raven is one of my favourite songs all year. Both are going to be good. Animal Collective is incredible.

I totally agree with Scinarf. Feels is a brilliant album and Loch Raven is beautiful. I find that many people classify AC as being "difficult", but I really don't think so. Different, yes, but not difficult. I could almost consider Feels and Sung Tongs to be relatively easy listening.

As far as Alligator, I don't mind that album but I don't feel that there is anything original or groundbreaking on that album. I find they are definitely stereotypical 'indie-rock'. Not bad though.

Buy Feels, give it some time. The guys in AC are amazing vocalists and their songs are crystal clear. Amazing production.

i'm new here, but if i had to choose between the two i'd have to go with alligator, ive really tried with animal collective but i just cant get into them for a full album.

I chose both but truthfully I find Alligator to be the album I would listen to the most. I mean don't get me wrong Feels is incredible, Grass and Purple Bottle are probably my favorite pop songs in a while, Loch Raven, Bees, Turn into Something, Have You Seen the Words, I mean its all great stuff, not for everyone definately but a lot of ethereal and spindly guitar and conveys a real sense of child-like wonder. But still Alligator is the more personal album I feel, plus its a grower so it rewards repeated listens. So while Alligator may not be the better album it is definately the one that I think is the more relatable one and I mean believe me you'll walk around thinking about lines in Alligator for weeks after you've listened to it. The more I think about it the greater Alligator becomes, so I mean I would say if you want an album you'll most likely like go for Alligator if you want one that's challenging sometimes go for AC. Both are great.

Get both if you like them. The National is a pretty good band, and Animal Collective is the most important band of this decade so far, although Feels might be one of their weaker releases.

a) I like Feels much better. Alligator, in my opinion has an amazing first track, and gets boring soon after. The voice of the singer certainly doesn't help since it is fairly monotonous.

But anyway, we are all just describing their personal interests, when he is asking which album "He" should get.
FragileKidA: Since you liked the first two songs off of Feels, that suggests that Animal Collective isn't too difficult for you, as it seems to be for other users. In that case, I suggest Feels, because the others songs are just as good.
And you also liked the first track off "Alligator". But as I stated earlier, I think it is the best song on that album.

Thanks to everyone. To recap and put some closure to this I have finally decided to buy the Animal Collective album. The National was actually much more difficult to listen and to get into than Feels was, which was strikingly gripping throughout. I tried to like Alligator but it was just too hard. Now I have to check and see if the previous Animal Collective releases are worth purchasing. Anyone have any comments on that?

quote:

Originally posted by FragileKidA:
Now I have to check and see if the previous Animal Collective releases are worth purchasing. Anyone have any comments on that?

"Sung Tongs" by A/C is okay. I only keep about half the songs on my iPod, and I rarely go back to them. I've tried, but I have a hard time warming to the group.

Why did you like "Feels" so much?

quote:

Originally posted by Daniel, Esq.:
Why did you like "Feels" so much?

Maybe it was the overall lively feel of the album. It's energetic, uplifting and most of the time, enthralling. I read somewhere that "Animal Collective is cuddly weird" and as strange as that may sound, it is true. However, you only realize it until you listen to their music. It took me a while to warm up to it but I do like Feels.

Ouch. The Alligator is actually one of my favorite albums ever. I am seriously nearly on the brink of obsession in regards to it. But atleast you gave it a try. I like Feels as well. Avey Tare is a genius. A few months down the road pop in that Alligator and give it another shot.