Grass (Animal Collective song)
Grass is a song by the experimental pop band Animal Collective, released as the lead single from their 2005 album Feels. It is one of the band's most well-known and critically acclaimed songs.
Composition and Style:
The song is characterized by its densely layered instrumentation, including a driving, repetitive drum beat, a soaring, almost childlike vocal melody, and a prominent, distorted keyboard riff that serves as the song's main hook. Lyrically, "Grass" is somewhat abstract, dealing with themes of childhood, nostalgia, and the cyclical nature of life and death. Its energetic and chaotic sound has been described as both euphoric and unsettling.
Release and Reception:
"Grass" was released as a single prior to the release of Feels and received significant attention from music critics. It was praised for its originality, energy, and innovative sound. It helped to solidify Animal Collective's reputation as one of the most exciting and experimental bands of the mid-2000s. The single contributed significantly to the success of the album Feels.
Music Video:
A music video for "Grass," directed by Brian DeGraw, was released. It features surreal and psychedelic imagery, often depicting distorted and fragmented scenes of nature and childhood. The video complements the song's themes and adds to its overall sense of disorientation and wonder.
Legacy:
"Grass" remains a popular and influential song, often cited as one of Animal Collective's signature tracks. It has been covered by other artists and continues to be a staple of the band's live performances. Its innovative sound and unconventional structure have inspired many musicians in the indie and experimental music scenes.