Watch: Animal Collective puts “Summertime Clothes” on Letterman
When it comes to Animal Collective performing on late night television, you never really can know what to expect. Having only performed once before, on Conan back in 2007, there’s not much of a precedent. But there is one, and it happened to be the boys (then a foursome) choosing to perform the most inaccessible song, “#1″, from their otherwise stunningly catchy Strawberry Jam. So as I flipped my TV to CBS at 12:30 last night, I looked on with an eager sense of doubt.
After Letterman poked fun at Merriweather Post Pavilion’s wallpaper-like cover art, the boys immediately jumped into a dazzling performance of a standout among standouts, “Summertime Clothes”. Already this was a better song selection than “#1″ (the song is a grower, but it’s not exactly immediate). They harmonized, they sampled, they manipulated. The song sounded phenomenal. But what the hell was with those dancing sheet-men behind them? Don’t get me wrong, Animal Collective is an exceptional act (Merriweather Post Pavilion, album of the year, anyone?). But, something about the injection of interpretive dance in an AC performance just bugged me. I hope that these dancers don’t come on the tour to make a mockery of such beautiful music. Otherwise, the guys stole the show. But, judge for yourself:
So, yeah. Just nicks those dancers next time. K?
I like a band that actually puts effort into their performance, any band can just stand up on stage and play their songs. Animal Collective at least makes an effort to visually entertain people.
Of Montreal are amazing live BTW
I personally cant wait to see this band at bonnaroo. I was hoping for a night time set as opposed to a afternoon set under the blazing Manchester summer sun. They have such unconventional song making and I cant figure out what I love about their music so much, but one thing I am sure of is that Animal collective is not for everyone. It is a sound that many are not used to and it can be kind of offsetting especially when first heard. I am really curious to see the crowd reaction at bonnaroo. I am hoping for a great show…. without the sheet dancers hopefully
Of Montreal performances are really horrible and gimmicky too.
Has anyone seen an “Of Montreal performance”. There’s tons of interpretive dance. And no one ever questions them.
Because its really over the top and unintentionally hilarious.
Music and dance are the best two combinations…whats wrong with Wierd sheet dancers? its not like Animal Collective music is normal
great performance. im excited.
I’ve seen them several times and they are definitely not boring.
wow these guys look so boring live. will be avoiding at bonnaroo.
i couldnt stop laughing when i watched this. sooooo bad.