Heavy duty 180g vinyl version. Good lookin' out, Domino Records, and double good looks on Animal Collective, whose much drooled-over LP does not disappoint. In the brief liner notes, the band talks about the Frank Gehry-designed Merriweather Post Pavilion, an outdoor music venue in Columbia, Maryland, of which the Collective share fond memories. "We've tried to make music that would be deserving of an amazing outdoor listening experience," they say. "As both a name and a place, Merriweather Post Pavilion represents this for us." As with much of the group's past output, I could easily visualize a number of the album's tracks being played in a vast field at sundown - the gently cascading "Daily Routine," Madosini-sampling "Lion In A Coma," sunny "My Girls" and "Also Frightened" all fit the bill. Also worth checking: album closer "Brothersport" and "Guys Eyes." 11 tracks; 54 minutes, all housed in stunning gatefold sleeve. Recommended.

• 180g black double vinyl pressing
• housed in gatefold jacket w/ printed inner sleeves
• includes digital download
• music label: Domino 2009

reviewed by Van Hammersly 05/2009