I just got the latest album from Animal Collective (Merriweather Post Pavilion) last night and listened to it on the way to and from my math test this morning. I wasn't too sure that I liked it. I only got through about 3/4 of it though and I always give music a second or third chance because I tend to like at least one thing about an album if I've liked another album by the same artist. However, there is something about how a band progresses that has always intrigued me.
I've noticed that some artists change their vibe consciously or subconsciously after they become a parent. For example: after Liz Phair released an album post-natally it was glossy pop still obtaining her lyrical creativity but lacking in the creative vibe department. I was disappointed. The same goes for Pj Harvey. This phenomenon carries over to other arts too. I've noticed that when some actors come back to their work after having a child they start taking roles that I couldn't see them agreeing to; i.e., some awful kids comedy starring The Rock or Ice Cube.

.......I'm gonna continue this diatribe later because Soren (almost 2yrs old!!!) is in need of attention...