About this album
Where they were
Released in early 2000, 'Spirit They’re Gone, Spirit They’ve Vanished' was Animal Collective's debut album, marking their entry into the music scene. At this point, the band was still exploring their unique sound, which would later evolve significantly over their career. This album laid the groundwork for their signature blend of art rock and experimental pop.
Why it matters
This album is significant for its role in shaping the experimental music landscape of the early 2000s. It received critical acclaim, helping to establish Animal Collective as innovators within the indie and avant-garde scenes, and it has influenced numerous artists seeking to push genre boundaries.
Essential tracks
- "Spirit They’ve Vanished" — The title track encapsulates the album's haunting essence with its layered vocals and intricate sound design, setting a tone that permeates throughout.
- "April and the Phantom" — This track showcases the band's ability to merge whimsical lyrics with rich instrumentation, illustrating their distinctive storytelling approach.
- "Chocolate Girl" — Featuring a playful yet melancholic vibe, 'Chocolate Girl' highlights the emotional depth present in the album while showcasing their innovative use of sound.
- "Everyone Whistling" — At just one minute long, this interlude serves as a whimsical departure that emphasizes the album's experimental nature while providing a moment of levity.
- "Alvin Row" — 'Alvin Row' closes the album with an expansive soundscape that blends various musical elements, epitomizing the adventurous spirit found throughout.
Release Date
January 1, 2000
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Spirit They’ve Vanished 5:35
- 2 April and the Phantom 5:53
- 3 [untitled] 2:58
- 4 Penny Dreadfuls 7:58
- 5 Chocolate Girl 8:28
- 6 Everyone Whistling 1:00
- 7 La Rapet 7:52
- 8 Bat You’ll Fly 5:03
- 9 Someday I’ll Grow to Be as Tall as the Giant 3:10
- 10 Alvin Row 12:41