I really don't understand how all of you get so fussy about the "hipster" culture and whatever the fuck you each thinks it is. Hipsters exist. They are one of many subcultures in the world. They might be a tad more annoying right now and that's because they're "in" right now. Other than being a bunch of rich, trendy, materialistic morons stomping around in cheap sunglasses and tight blue jeans, I think the whole thing is rather innocuous--like most subcultures (unless it's actually socially "destructive" I guess). From a purely conversational perspective, I don't know what the fuck you guys are bitching about. Just focus on the music! Take Pitchfork with a grain of salt. It's pretentious and laughable, but often has great music. Care about the music, fuck the culture.
Regarding the album: it's awesome so far. I love everything they've done. Their trajectory from unknown and very experimental to almost-mainstream and less experimental isn't that surprising. I think the music has mostly stayed consistent. Their albums usually have a couple of unlistenable tracks, and several amazing ones. There seems to be a good amount of you uninterested in Strawberry Jam, which I find weird--thought that was one of their better ones ("Fireworks" and "For Reverend Green" are mind-altering).
The recent Water Curses EP is a nice transition from Strawberry Jam to Merriweather, I think. They've really gotten into this "electronic" direction, away from the folky stuff on Sung Tongs, etc.
I think I saw this somewhere in the thread, but Merriweather does sound a good bit like Panda Bear's Person Pitch, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it means the whole band is now trying to use the Beach Boys formula along with a bunch of fancy electronic, ambient samples and effects. I'm into all genres, and as both an ambient and metal fan, I've always liked their combination screaming insanity and soft droning. I feel like there's a lack of the former on this album.
All in all, this is a great post-Christmas present!!!!
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