The Smiley Smile Message Board

Sorry if there's a thread already - couldn't see one.

The new Panda Bear album out. IMO the work this guy does solo and with The Animal Collective is the best example of modern music building on the legacy of The a beach Boys' more experimental work. I think this new album is his best yet although its charms are subtle - a 'grower'.

I appreciate it's not to everyone's taste but worth a listen.

http://open.spotify.com/album/6bHsJXJoEdQTw3tUpHV8iB (http://open.spotify.com/album/6bHsJXJoEdQTw3tUpHV8iB)

Thanks for the heads up, buddhahat. Its charms are indeed subtle. I've just been listening to "Mr. Noah" and "Tropic Of Cancer". Pretty damn good. I must listen to more some time.

For those without Spotify, you can hear it here:

http://grooveshark.com/#!/album/Panda+Bear+Meets+The+Grim+Reaper/9966802 (http://grooveshark.com/#!/album/Panda+Bear+Meets+The+Grim+Reaper/9966802)

Edit: An hour or so later, I've now heard the whole thing. Sound-wise I can't help comparing it with The Cure's Seventeen Seconds . Both are sonically rich but very sparing musically. I see Sonic Boom (Peter Kember) of Spacemen 3 produced the album. I like what I hear so far but I need to hear it again soon----as you say, it's a 'grower'.

Huge AC fan. Finally the new Panda Bear is here. Played it twice so far, didn't swipe me off my feet like "Person Pitch" or "Tomboy" did. Nevertheless it sounds gorgeous and indeed, once again, there's definite traces of Brian Wilson's world in there. I hope Noah Lennox keeps creating, since AC peaked a long time ago and continue to mildly disappoint. Which is a shame. The blessing that is their earlier works will always be there, though. Back to the new Panda Bear: for my 3rd date with the "Grim Reaper" I will try to create a better listening environment than the first two times: being (1) tired+drunk and (2) cleaning the kitchen. Vivo el Panda!

(http://oi59.tinypic.com/e9ul5l.jpg)

Thanks for the replies. I was pretty non-plussed by the album on first listen but thought I'd give it another listen. Mr Noah and The Selfish Gene hooked me in and then on subsequent listens I found each track had something to offer. I never got on with Tomboy (although am now tempted to give it another try). I love Person Pitch but imo this is more rewarding overall. Of all the albums put out by the band, to me it seems the most in line with Merriweather Post Pavillion.

I agree! Several of the "Reaper" tracks sonically look like the Dhani Harrisons to "Merriweather"'s George.

Going to see him tonight. Finally. So psyched.. :3d

This album was pretty good but still can't compare to Person Pitch.