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After about 3 hours of standing in the sun and listening to a way-too-long DJ set by Beta & Hatch, and a way-too-loud set by Black Dice, Animal Collective finally took the stage. Animal Collective hadn’t played a show in New York City since 2009, so it made sense that the crowd roared at the top of their lungs as the first song started. However, what the crowd didn’t know was that the majority of the set that Animal Collective was about to play was completely new material. This was definitely a disappointment. Some people didn’t seem to care about the new songs, though. These “others” swayed, jumped, and danced to completely new songs as if they were listening to one of Animal Collective’s biggest hits.
It was hard for people to keep their focus on the music during the concert, especially when they had no idea what they were listening to. Even the biggest fans, who arrived at Prospect Park hours before the concert started, chatted away as Animal Collective performed their new songs, and rightly so. There’s no reason why hundreds of Animal Collective fans should have given their undivided attention to the music if they had no idea what they’re listening to.
If you’re ever considering going to an Animal Collective concert, make sure that you’re prepared to have no idea what you’re listening to. Understand that the beauty and perfection of their recorded songs are left behind at their shows, and replaced with energetic songs that are rough sounding. Despite the long wait in the sun, the disappointing opening bands, and the new songs, I did have a good time. The next time Animal Collective plays live, I’ll make sure that I’m prepared, and that I know what I’m getting myself into.
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