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November 19, 2009

New Animal Collective - "Graze" & "What Would I Want? Sky"

thubmnail icon: New Animal Collective - "Graze" & "What Would I Want? Sky"

Those 30 second samples of Animal Collective's forthcoming Fall Be Kind EP weren't all that satisfying. Even if you were already somewhat familiar with "What Would I Want Sky," "Bleed," and "On A Highway," the mystery of opener "Graze" and seemingly epic closer "I Think I Can" still remained. We don't want you to (ever) fall behind (see) in your AC completism, so here's the smooth, sorta classy, piano sprinkled "Graze." I was thinking of Morton Feldman, oddly, until the fairy dancers started their hoedown at the 3:13 mark. (Thanks for the tip, Mike.)

The Fall Be Kind EP is out digitally 11/23 and on CD and 12" 12/15 via Domino. You can drink some mushroom tea and watch "In The Flowers" on repeat wile you wait.

UPDATE: And here's "What Would I Want? Sky" in its official Dead-sampling glory.

Posted at 10:23 AM by brandon
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64 Comments

its crazy that this album leaked already.

Posted by: Anonymous Collective at 11/19/09 10:50 AM  | Reply
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I'm sure Mike is a nice guy and all, but he forgot to let you in on the fact that there are four more of these out there.

Posted by: ethan at 11/19/09 10:56 AM  | Reply
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"Graze" actually used to be called "Grace" (or people thought it was called that), and they have been playing it for a while, including one of the Prospect Park shows this summer. You can download a bunch of versions here: http://www.mediafire.com/?mmxkiftbrez

"I Think I Can" is amazing, tho!

Posted by: Nate Scott! profile link at 11/19/09 10:57 AM  | Reply
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Yeah, if I remember correctly Graze was the first of these 5 tracks that I was familiar with. Probably sometime mid 2007

Posted by: Hootfest  in reply to Nate Scott!'s comment at 11/19/09 5:06 PM  | Reply
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way different than the live version. this one is less powerful but still fantastic (the new percussion makes it really great).

loving the EP so far, bleed is the only one which i was disappointed in (never really liked it live though).

Posted by: redwall at 11/19/09 10:59 AM  | Reply
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I've had Graze (or "Grace") for a couple of months now. And that GoldenFocker account is mine.

Posted by: revolver kid profile link at 11/19/09 11:24 AM  | Reply
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'fairy dancers started their hoedown' LOL i'm going to picture fairy dancers every damn time i hear this song, which i'm sure will be quite often

Posted by: doodoodoo at 11/19/09 11:24 AM  | Reply
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Most...overrated...band...on...Earth.

Posted by: T.O.Snob profile link at 11/19/09 12:38 PM  | Reply
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THANK YOU!

That song is awful! The fucks up with that flute solo at 3:13? Sounds a carnival ride on drugs.

Posted by: Mark  in reply to T.O.Snob's comment at 11/19/09 12:52 PM  | Reply
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Wasn't this also called Pan Flute Jam in it's earliest stages - i.e. Southstreet Seaport 2007

Posted by: Dawson at 11/19/09 12:47 PM  | Reply
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yep. pan flute jam--grace--graze

Posted by: redwall  in reply to Dawson's comment at 11/19/09 12:51 PM  | Reply
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Hmmm...it's the toughest song structure to pull off maybe...will have to light the fireplace and spend some time with it...I think I've at least found the doorway and it's Brian's profoundly odd "Fairy Tale Music" suite...

Posted by: badgedaisyglaze at 11/19/09 12:52 PM  | Reply
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I don't know what it is about this band. I always listen to 'em, but I never really seem fully satisfied listening to their music. hmm.

Posted by: IMABBALLPLAYER profile link at 11/19/09 1:05 PM  | Reply
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I can totally see them doing music for a Disney film. Here hoping on an upcoming Pixar movie. I'm thinking Newt.

Posted by: Jim at 11/19/09 1:28 PM  | Reply
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i was already familiar with some of these songs, but they sound wayy better recorded. i think the story here are avey's vocals.. does he not sound like a wayy more confident vocalist? he really takes a leap with his phrasings on these songs, really exciting stuff. i almost never listen to merriweather - i'm not sure how i feel about that one and i don't think i'll know for a couple of years - but i get giddy when they release new jams. this is still a very exciting band to follow!

Posted by: sean at 11/19/09 1:39 PM  | Reply
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I agree with your comment about Avey's vocals, sounds way more confident. I've only heard this posted track, and the harmony with Panda in the second half is solid! I like the variation between live and recorded versions of AC songs, plays to the strengths of each setting.

Posted by: Rachel  in reply to sean's comment at 11/19/09 2:45 PM  | Reply
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ZOMG THIS TIES WITH BEST ALBUM OF ALL YEAR MPP. You see what I did there?

Posted by: Mr_Blue_Angel_Dood profile link at 11/19/09 2:04 PM  | Reply
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im not one of those animal collective fanboys, but damn, i just enjoyed my first two listens of "fall be kind." really relaxing stuff. i think its going to be received much the same as MPP. a lot more accessible and chill than some of their early abrasive stuff. "the purple bottle" this is not.

Posted by: tommy at 11/19/09 2:32 PM  | Reply
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God I love "The Purple Bottle".

Posted by: Nate Scott! profile link  in reply to tommy's comment at 11/19/09 4:54 PM  | Reply
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God I love it too (my favorite AC song).

Posted by: glazzy  in reply to Nate Scott!'s comment at 11/20/09 1:22 AM  | Reply
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I love it too. Maybe Merriweather is overrated compared to Feels. 'Did You See the Words' is amazing as well.

Posted by: Neil the Sheffield copywriter  in reply to Nate Scott!'s comment at 11/24/09 9:55 AM  | Reply
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haha, funny, because i actually think Feels is sorta overrated (but i do love purple bottle tough)

Posted by: qwerty  in reply to Neil the Sheffield copywriter's comment at 11/27/09 1:53 PM  | Reply
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dope dope dope

Posted by: la la landon profile link at 11/19/09 4:07 PM  | Reply
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AC certainly knows how to keep the tunes coming. Are any of these songs on this EP new or are they MPP leftovers ?

Posted by: SubSickAlien profile link at 11/19/09 6:57 PM  | Reply
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this song really is leftovers, and we're not talking thanksgiving leftovers.

Posted by: d@ve at 11/19/09 7:30 PM  | Reply
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ok i dont usually comment on blogs, but i can't tolerate groundless badmouthing of AC on a reputable site such Stereogum. so let's dissect, shall we:

the only negative comments on here are written by two dudes who have committed the meditated crime of giving themselves the monikers 'IMABBALLPLAYER' and 'T.O.Snob,' which, by default, disqualifies anything they have to say. additionally, however, Mr. BBall, has made comments on this blog recently commending the works of both Rush and Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Mr. Snob, on the other hand, runs a blog in which about 1 out of every 4 (lengthy) posts draws a mere comment or two (which is usually opposed to his harebrained opinion). in a recent edition, he reviewed a new Motley Crue greatest hits album.[i'll pause here in order here to let that sink in.] he also makes a habit of "Introducing" a roster of shitty no-name Canadian indie bands because, well, he's a f***ing CANADIAN.

honestly, i feel bad for you two Rush-loving Canucks, that your little minds resort to making snooty generalities (because there's no way you've actually given a thorough listen to AC's amazing new EP in question) about a band whose music you obviously have no grasp of. but please, try to reserve yourselves and let the adults here have an open-minded discussion about this wild inventive music (to say the least) being dealt to us. and a full month ahead of schedule, to boot. wooooh!

now... i agree with you redwall, i'm loving everything, but bleed. but like you said, i never really liked it to begin with in the live setting so it's whatev... i think it's really amazing though how the vibes of grace and what would i want sky, and of the final two tracks, respectively, mesh so well together. i never thought of the first two tracks in the same context but they go wonderfully together. i think it's a testament to the euphoric Dead-inspired performances they've been developing in recent years, of which i am 100% in favor of.

Posted by: Cameron at 11/19/09 7:37 PM  | Reply
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These guys don't deserve this much attention. Just ignore them and they'll go away.

Posted by: SubSickAlien profile link  in reply to Cameron's comment at 11/19/09 8:06 PM  | Reply
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I think Cameron needs a larger size skinny jean. Apparently the tight fit is cutting off circulation to his shriveled testicles.

Posted by: Colin profile link  in reply to Cameron's comment at 11/20/09 8:03 AM  | Reply
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"about a band whose music you obviously have no grasp of"
dude, you just outed yourself as a douche, sorry to say.

Posted by: genevieve  in reply to Cameron's comment at 11/20/09 11:23 PM  | Reply
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"OMG! He insulted AC, so I'm going to write an essay about how dumb Canadians are!"

Posted by: AJ Thunderfuck  in reply to Cameron's comment at 11/22/09 10:36 PM  | Reply
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ok what the fuck is wrong with stevie ray vaughan? man was wicked

Posted by: gus  in reply to Cameron's comment at 11/23/09 1:00 PM  | Reply
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This coming from the same kind of hipster dude who's been creaming his pants all over our Anvil!

Posted by: T.O.Snob profile link  in reply to Cameron's comment at 11/25/09 7:21 PM  | Reply
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the "fall be kind" album cover is reminiscent of Pink Floyd's "meddle". this pleases.

Posted by: top uh da mornin profile link at 11/19/09 8:27 PM  | Reply
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good Point out man, i thought that the album cover looked like something i've seen before. Now that you mention, animal collective have alot in common with pink floyd, not with their sound musically but through cult like followings of fans and some breaktrhoughs in the music during that time

Posted by: K Accident  in reply to top uh da mornin's comment at 11/20/09 11:54 AM  | Reply
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I'm kind of wasted now...
Being Thurday and all.
And it sounds sweet.

Sounds sweet.

Like most AC when you are glossed.


Good Night.

Farmer Ted

Posted by: Farmer Ted at 11/19/09 10:02 PM  | Reply
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enjoying the new stuff, discover new things on each listen...finally got to see them live this year and was blown away.

Posted by: mpowell77 profile link at 11/19/09 10:31 PM  | Reply
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Ever since I saw these guys live I can't get the bad taste out of my mouth when I hear any of their post Feels stuff. I am a huge fan to be honest...I just can't help but think of their overblown, overly spaced out, trance inducing live show.

I just didn't enjoy it. I don't smoke pot anymore b/c I developed severe anxiety issues and honestly I felt like I had to have been incredibly stoned to enjoy the thing.

I miss AC with Deakon I guess.

Not a terrible song. Just can't stand to think of that damn show I saw...

Posted by: roobie at 11/20/09 3:03 PM  | Reply
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i don't see why animal collective deem it necessary to proceed every tuneful two-minute section in each of their 5+ minute jams with a drawn-out intro i can only describe as "pretentious bullshit." i have to fast forward through half of graze (and half of what would i want sky too) before either become vaguely listenable.
AM I RIGHT

Posted by: genevieve at 11/20/09 11:16 PM  | Reply
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I heard this song first, no I did, not before I heard it under a different name....you guys are lame. And this song is awful.

Posted by: ben at 11/21/09 2:00 AM  | Reply
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i feel like animal collective is attempting to move into the adult contemporary genre...graze would totally fit in with any of those pure mood cd's...i mean its enjoyable stuff and a bands gotta evolve to stay alive, but i miss the more chaotic jams of yesteryear

Posted by: adudeonthenet at 11/21/09 3:16 AM  | Reply
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it hate all these assumptions people make about them
they're just making the music that they want to make
and it happens to be really great

Posted by: greg at 11/21/09 11:26 AM  | Reply
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I heard the entire EP, over all I think it's pretty weak. If you want a good EP from this year purchase Tesla Boy, Beirut, Julianna Barwick, The Drums, Delorean, Bon Iver, John Tejada and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. There is a lot better out there.

Posted by: TrkyLym profile link at 11/21/09 12:26 PM  | Reply
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The Drums is a good EP like eating glass is good for your health.

Posted by: the dumbs  in reply to TrkyLym's comment at 11/23/09 11:04 AM  | Reply
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I just started listening to the Drums, Julianna Barwick, and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. All really good. I'm gonna have to check out the other artists listed.

Posted by: Mark  in reply to TrkyLym's comment at 11/23/09 1:32 PM  | Reply
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why are they so bad these days.
cant listen the whole song without feeling alienated

Posted by: where are the old times at 11/22/09 7:23 AM  | Reply
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I don't understand the strong negative reactions this band generates from some supposed fans. If these people haven't realized by now that AC is making music to express themselves first and foremost, then you're continually setting yourself up for disappointment. Listen and maybe you'll learn something about yourself. Aint that the point?

That being said, I was fortunate to see them perform Graze live a year or two ago, it was a highlight of the night. That pan flute melody and the subsequent booming bass was stuck in my head for the longest time. It took me a while to warm up to the studio version, but I absolutely adore it now. Love the lyrics, love the build up. What Would I Want Sky really shines too. The whole EP is great, but I've been skipping On A Highway. Maybe that'll change...

Posted by: Slim at 11/22/09 6:16 PM  | Reply
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The new EP is fantastic. I don't think Avey or Panda have ever been this confident as singers and it really shows.

Posted by: Ryan at 11/22/09 6:30 PM  | Reply
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I've given Animal Collective so many chances, and this is what I get for my efforts.

Posted by: I Like Pretty Good Music at 11/23/09 11:47 AM  | Reply
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killer snare sound, shit whapped my head when it kicked in. overall sort of average track though

Posted by: jtrain at 11/23/09 5:05 PM  | Reply
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I think the whole EP is really good.
i like that they are as versatile as they are
and they constantly reinvent themselves
well done

Posted by: Jack Downs at 11/23/09 10:25 PM  | Reply
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I think the whole EP is really good.
i like that they are as versatile as they are
and they constantly reinvent themselves
well done

Posted by: Jack Downs at 11/23/09 10:25 PM  | Reply
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morton feldman? seriously?

Posted by: ian at 11/24/09 4:48 AM  | Reply
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I will bet that when and if the video comes out for these songs there will be lots of nudity

Posted by: matt at 11/24/09 5:13 AM  | Reply
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Leaves me with a Crosby drone in orange...What a grea idea the EP was...

Posted by: Veloria at 11/24/09 10:20 AM  | Reply
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Anyone know what kind of dog that is in the photo?

Posted by: Larry Bird at 11/24/09 3:01 PM  | Reply
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You Either get Animal collective or you don't. They are a very love to hate band.

You can't argue though that they are a big impression on musical styles now days, so everyone should get used to it, whether you like it or not

I grew into animal colletive very slowly but glad I did. Graze is good but Why Would I want Sky is one of the best songs i've ever seen live.

Posted by: K Accident at 11/24/09 5:20 PM  | Reply
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Why isn't anyone appreciating this?

THIS IS SO GOOD!

Posted by: alison at 11/24/09 7:43 PM  | Reply
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People are appreciating this, they're just too busy listening to it or commenting on some AC forum to care to comment.

Posted by: Mustafa profile link  in reply to alison's comment at 11/25/09 1:35 PM  | Reply
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agreed.

Graze, whatever
but
What what I want? sky...
GUYS I THINK I FOUND ATLANTIS

Posted by: townes_van_savant at 11/24/09 7:44 PM  | Reply
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I think AC is ok.

I just wish everyone would pull that AC dick outta their mouths.

Posted by: Mark at 11/25/09 2:12 PM  | Reply
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i feel like i fall into an AC fan cliché but....

this is just crap compared to their old stuff.

you can't get any better than who could win a rabbit, winter's love, purple bottle, banshee beat, grass, leaf house, etc....

just pull up an old video of them performing those songs live and tell me its not a million times more passionate than the navalgazing bullshit they do now.

Posted by: roobie at 11/25/09 3:57 PM  | Reply
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Calm down... their just like any other band. Just because they have a fervent fan base doesn't make them gods and doesn't make their fanbase cocksuckers. Jesus, even Shakira has an enthusiastic fanbase who will go crazy over Shewolf (her new "Fall Be Kind", if you will), so stop hating, and by god just let a band release music without attacking their fans for actuallly liking it. You make it sound like the most hateful thing on earth, to like a band's new release.

And it's way too easy for y'all to express just love or hate for such a polarizing band. If you want to post anything worthy of reading, stand up for your opinion without the use of the words "pretentious", "dickrider", "overrated", etc. Those words don't really describe anything on their own and only reveal your general disgust/love for the band. You are all lonely over-invested assholes who can't just enjoy or dislike a CD without rubbing your taint all over internet. I hate the fact that the ceiling is spinning and I can still make a more reasonable and productive comment to this post than any monkey tard semenstain who visits this site. Listen to the music you like, stay away from the music you hate (party in the usa bitches) and don't waste your time complaining about music a band releases (unless its Weezer). They don't give a shit about what you want to hear, so you can be disappointed, but they're not listening to moan you bitch

Posted by: Dan but who cares at 11/26/09 2:43 AM  | Reply
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lolzzz

Posted by: boo at 11/28/09 12:15 PM  | Reply
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i took a picture with noah and he was wearing that exact wolf sweater.

Posted by: t. at 12/01/09 1:23 AM  | Reply
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