Album Review: Avey Tare: Down There

Avey Tare - Down There (2010, Paw Tracks)

Avey Tare has been my favorite member of Animal Collective since he took the lead on Strawberry Jam, my favorite album of theirs. He definitely has more of a pop sensibility to his sound, where Panda Bear is more electronic. He also has a more experimental side to him as well. This is probably why his solo work has always been so hard to listen to. In specific was his last solo album co-created with his former wife, Kria Brekken, Pullhair Rubeye. For some reason he decided to reverse the recording once he released it, making it nearly impossible to listen to the whole way through. Down There is at least a more straight forward effort, and hopefully that means it will be a better showing.

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Track 1: Laughing Hieroglyphic (hell yeah I spelled that right on the first try)
This song pretty much explains what I feel like Avey Tare sounds like without the influence of any other Animal Collective members. Strange downbeat with a mixture of actual lyrics and distorted vocals. The lyrics in this song are actually not horrible when you can make them out. Overall, not a bad start.
Verdict 7/10



Track 2: Umbrellas
More upbeat, but still strange musically. This album feels strongly personal already through some of the more cryptic lyrics, and with good reason. It was supposedly written following the end of his marriage. The music makes is somewhat hard to make that emotional connection, though. This song really doesn't bring all that much to the table.
Verdict 4/10


Track 3: Oliver Twist
Is that a break beat I hear? This might be as varied as Avey is going to get on this album. I honestly couldn't tell you one actual instrument that I have picked out so far. And he has really muddied down the lyrics with distortion and re-verb. It's starting to become a problem. This song at least gets fun towards the end.
Verdict: 6/10


Track 4: Glass Bottom Boat
Was that even a song?
Verdict: 1/10


Track 5: Ghost of Books
Ugh. I don't think me and this album get along very well.
Verdict 4/10


Track 6: Cemataries (sp?)
Sooo slow. This song drags on for a virtually useless four minutes. I put my faith in you Avey Tare, and this is how you repay me?
Verdict: 1/10


Track 7: Heads Hammock
Well at least there are sounds in this song. That actually combine to make some sort of structure. That has to count for something, right?
Verdict: 3/10


Track 8: Heather In The Hospital
A pretty emotionally sounding song. Actually not bad considering what has come before it. I'll take it.
Verdict 5/10


Track 9: Lucky 1
"Lucky 1" is pretty great. Very carefree and upbeat. At least this album ends as strong as it starts.
Verdict 8/10


Cohesviness Score: 9/10
Even if it's bad, it is well put together album. Good start and end.

Final Score: 48/100 4.8/10


Final Thoughts:
I don't know if this album is supposed to be ambient, or experimental, or what. For the most part it was just a mess.

Sorry Avey.