Animal Collective/Grouper @ The Wiltern, Los Angeles 5/29/09
Andrew Youssef
Blog readers had so many options on Friday night in L.A. -- Passion Pit, Lykke Li, SVIIB and Black Moth Super Rainbown all in town -- and still the ticketless masses chose the Wiltern sidewalk for even a shot at getting into Animal Collective's sold-out show. Hey, they are popular band. It looks like whoever made it inside really enjoyed "Brothersport." And Animal Collective's made no secret about how much inspiration Stereofave Grouper was to the making of Merriweather, so there's a nice symmetry to her opening the show. (Before the comment party begins, let the record reflect that Avey has an electric guitar up there; you may now argue about whether the rest constitutes conventional instrumentation or playing, or whether or not you like Geologist's shirt, or maybe even not argue at all! It's summertime.) Enjoy the pics by photographer Andrew Youssef.
Posted at 10:04 AM by amrit in Concert, Photo
Tags: Animal Collective | Grouper
Just to much responsibility being the first comment. Do I go Negative? Positive?
eh. I'm to old for this shit.
Score = -10
"eh. I'm to old for this shit."
Maybe so, but it's never too late to learn the difference between to and too.
Score = 33
You're too old to misspell "too." Twice. And to be so damned indecisive.
Score = -3
nah, you just went poor spelling.
Score = 1
I was at this show. It was ridiculously packed for the first 20 minutes. I chose to try to relocate myself somewhat further back. As I was doing so, I witnessed a steady stream of people walking out of the show. Literally, probably about 200-300 people leaving after 2 and a half songs. Some just hung out in the hall and ran back in for the songs off Merriweather though.
They are just not ready.
I wasn't ready either, for how loud that show was. Ended up being much happier in the back
Score = 0
their show in boston was absurdly violent. i went in expecting happy stoners and got really pushy and rude ones instead.
Score = 2
Grizzly Collective < The Beatles < your grandma's apple pie < dinosaurs
The debate is now closed.
Score = 12
first stereogum post i agree with completely and without reservation
Score = 4
Looks like Panda Bear's a wolf or two short of a 3 wolf hipster trifecta garment.
Also, "Live Nation Presents" the most depressing 3-word phrase ever.
Score = 4
Is it just me, or does the idea of an animal collective show seem mind-numbingly boring??
I mean, I love them... but I just picture a bunch of kids standing around. Maybe a few tripping kids, and some brave 'half-dancers'. All staring at the stage, ultimately waiting for 'My Girls' to finish so they can leave, and say it was 'omgz the best show of their lyfe!'.
No??
Score = -1
nothing like that, actually. you should try one sometime.
Score = 1
Agreed.
Score = -5
I was at the show the night before in Vegas. The crowd was great - mostly people who live in Vegas (which is far better than either a tourist crowd or a bullshit LA/NY blase hipster gathering) - and AC was even greater. There were a lot people dancing, or "half dancing," and most were listening intently. AC's music demanded it. An hour an a half of sonic bliss. Animal Collective is clearly one of the most innovative bands out there right now, and has been for at least the last five or six years. If you don't understand them, spend some time listening to Miles Davis' On the Corner and the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, together, at the same time.
Score = 2
I am too lucky to say I met Noah Lennox after the best show I've ever been to. He was the coolest person ever. .
Score = 1
I like Geologist's shirt.
Score = 3
Does anyone know where we can buy that shirt?...it's awesome
Score = 0
Grouper's set started out really really stronge, but seemed to go on maybe two or three songs to long. She also bummed out a lot of the alt-bros.
I would say half of the crowd was there just to hear "My Girls".
A lot of the tweens in the audience seemed to be bored by the best parts of the show, the extended freak-out's. Whenever Panda Bear wasn't on the mic all the little kids were texting, or taking pictures to post of their Facebooks.
The kid standing in front of me took about 20 pictures during every fucking song! Does anyone know how to just enjoy the moment anymore? Fuck blogs.
And since when did Panda Bear become the main focus of the group?
It was agood show, but Animal Collective was much better, in a smaller setting, when I saw them touring behind Sung Tongs.
Score = 11
What is it about AC that's so polarizing? Is it their fervent fan base?
Why do people HATE!! them?
Would love an answer from an actual Anti-Animal Collective person. Give me a thesis on your hate. Please avoid greater than signs, it's trite and primitive, and it's getting old.
Score = -2
I saw them in Portland and LOVED it, but David was having serious ear problem so we didn't get an encore, and therefore no Brothersport. weak.
Score = 1
avey tare > panda bear
Score = 0
i was at the michigan show a couple of weeks back... i went into the show not expecting much for a live setting, i knew the visuals and graphics would be there but was unsure how their sound would translate live... that being said i would have to say that regardless of the fact that they are "just pressing buttons" for a majority of their songs i really loved the show and thought it was one of the best acts ive seen in a while... the MPP stuff was great and all their more "electronic" reworkings of songs like leaf house slippi and who could win a rabbit were amazing
it should also be noted how amazing it is watching panda on the standing drums... he kills it
Score = 4
I saw these guys last night. First things first, the crowd did absolutely suck. I'm only 19 and I felt damn old there with all those teeny-boppers who I thought would still be hung up on Jonas Brothers or something.
The performance was decent, but I would agree that is was waaay to much Avey Tare. Personally, I do like Panda Bear more, but regardless of my bias, it would have been better to see some more Panda Bear (it seemed like they just played 2 or 3 of his songs).
Also, they definitely should have played more of off Post Paviliion and Strawberry Jam. Not to diss their earlier albums, but I think that those two albums just totally eclipse the previous albums (and I think most agree with me). Plus, there was way to much ditty improv shit.
Score = -11
what you got against the jonas brothers
Score = 1
Finally. An AnCo post. I stopped checking Stereogum because I hadn't seen one in like 10 days. Feel like Stereogum just cares about the Wavverunners and the Pearl James. Kinda happy/relieved that Stereogum stopped their non-AnCo-post streak.
Score = 0
That only works at hro, dude. But nice try.
Score = 4
I tried my best though! I'm earnest!
Score = 2
Damnit.
Still no "For Reverend Green".
CURSE YOU ANIMAL COLLECTIVE. YOU WILL PLAY "FOR REVEREND GREEN" WHEN I SEE YOU IN ORLANDO!
Score = 2
Consider yourself fortunate you're seeing them in Orlando. Sold out before I knew tickets were available.
Score = -1
Ahaha, I do feel fortunate. I got three tickets actually. Back in March. Easter Sunday to be exact? So yeah.
Score = 0
Once again, they have not played "For Reverend Green" on the tours without Deakin.
Score = 0
Can't a man dream?
Score = 0
I filmed the video thats link in the review. Yes those 13 year old kids with braces truly freaked out when that song started, and I have no idea how they did not expect it to to be played. Every song that wasnt from Merriweather they just stood there kind of bobbing their heads, but freaked out at the rest.
Score = 2
I saw them at the Troubadour a couple of months ago and hadn't heard any of their songs except for Peacebone and the Panda Bear cd. That show was electric. Small venue and great crowd. This show wasn't as great for me. I really hate the Wiltern for some reason and don't really ever love shows there. I was disappointed the crowd wasn't more into it but I find Friday nights are the hardest night of the week for any kind of show. The audiences tend to be tired from a week of work.
I think the biggest problem was the order of songs. It started out strong but sort of lagged into slower material in the middle which deflated the energy. I don't understand why they don't play Peacebone either. I though that was one of their more popular songs. Still a great group and lots of fun. Passion Pit was better on Thursday though, maybe it the Troubadour
Score = 2
Is it ok if I like geologist...
Score = 0
I like geologist...
Score = 1
the audience sucked at their Toronto gig. The people talked all through the grouper set. There was pushing and moshing during fireworks.... that's a peaceful song! what the fuck. How was the reaction to Grouper at this/other gigs?
Score = 0
This was my first live AC experience and it was fabulous.
Leaf House was brilliant! :D
Score = 0
panda bear makes great melodies and sings great on the albums but sounds not so good live. Avey Tare on the other hand is a better writer and a great live singer.
Score = 0
Grouper!!
Huzzah!
Score = 1
"the audience sucked at their Toronto gig. The people talked all through the grouper set. There was pushing and moshing during fireworks.... that's a peaceful song! what the fuck. How was the reaction to Grouper at this/other gigs?"
Yeah, ppl were talking throughout the Grouper set, but... the sound was too low, and she's absolutely exactly the opposite of what you, er I, wanna see while anticipating an energy filled show.
The crowd in Toronto indeed sucked. The venue was even worse. Trust the online complaints about the Docks/Sound Academy - Horrible, horrible venue.
I've seen the AC three times now and I absolutely love seeing them. This last time might have been the best set yet, but the crowds are getting worse and worse. And that venue. Definitely wouldn't go to the Docks/Sound Academy again. Buyer beware, stay clear of that horrible venue.
Score = 0
anyone know who the DJ was played the intermission for AC at the Wiltern? Just incredibly deep tempo folk rock jam. Brilliant!
Score = 0