Animal Collective’s music probably deserves to be titled with the overused term “acquired taste.” They are a band that has made some of the most creative but unique music seen this decade. They have never been the most accessible band but once you can understand what they are doing, you will begin to get the rewards of their music.

Their music is easier listened to than described, but the easiest way to describe the band is to say that they use their voices in unique ways to create melodies over looping beats.

Although Avey Tare, Panda Bear and Geologist’s music didn’t make sense to me at first, their unique sound drew me back to them, and after repeated listens they have become one of my favorite bands.

With the release of their new album, “Merriweather Post Pavilion,” Animal Collective finally connected all the dots and release their most accessible album without losing any of their originality. The band finds a good balance between their experimental music and Beach Boys-like melodies to create a coherent album.

For critics and listeners alike the two favorites off the album seem to be “My Girls” and “Brothersport.” Both songs feel complete with catchy beats and big beautiful melodies, and are instantly gratifying. These are songs that right away caught my attention, and are already on my iTunes top 25 list after only a few months of plays. Years ago if you said that Animal Collective wrote an easy accessible pop song, no one would believe you. However, with “My Girls” that statement is no longer far fetched.

I was fortunate enough to catch them live at New York City’s Grand Ballroom on the album’s release date. The new songs truly shined in a live environment where the sounds could bounce of the walls and float in the air long enough to allow the crowd to soak in every layer of noise.

The beauty with Animal Collective and this album is how dense each song is. With each listen you unwrap a new layer full of sounds and even lyrics that you didn’t notice until your tenth listen. This is the type of stuff that draws you back to a record time and time again. With “Merriweather Post Pavilion,” you’ll notice a crisp hand clap or a yelp that goes along with the sonic anthem so well that it could very well blow your mind.

This album is a true masterpiece in my eyes. They have created a unique album that is far ahead of their time, yet is very relevant. Every song has the potential to be someone else’s favorite song — that is the sign of a great album.

Animal Collective may have released the best album of 2009, and it’s only January. If anything else can beat this, 2009 will be a great year in music.