If the accelerating success of Animal Collective in 2009 was weird enough, the level of anticipation surrounding their projects for 2010 must be astronomical, following the placing of “Merriweather Post Pavilion” at Number One in so many end-of-year polls.

Guitarist Ed O'Brien admits band came close to splitting on 2007 album

Release coincides with 'Under Great White Northern Lights' DVD

Band agree to waive royalties for the release

Not so much a preview, this one, since I believe “The Glorious Gongs Of Hainuwele” may have come out the best part of a year ago. Forgive the tardiness, anyhow: this pretty amazing album has only just showed up on my radar, shamefully.

Andy Serkis' portrayal of Ian Dury earns him a Leading Actor nomination

The Clash's Mick Jones and Paul Simonon reunite on the album

He hints at recording and playing more dates with Flea and Nigel Godrich-featuring band

Mercer says he started new band Broken Bells because The Shins was 'heavy'

Anna McGarrigle also writes about her sister's passing