“congratulations”- mgmt (ryan version)

A Philosophical Intro (if you skip this, I won’t cry too much)

Before I start vomiting opinions and music terminology, I actually want to tell you what MGMT’s motive behind this album was. In an interview, Ben Goldwasser (part of the MGMT duo) said, “There definitely isn’t a ‘Time to Pretend’ or a ‘Kids’ on the album. We’ve been talking about ways to make sure people hear the album as an album in order and not just figure out what are the best three tracks, download those and not listen to the rest of it.” This leads me to an interesting realization in music today.

I can’t really say if this is good or bad issue but nowadays, people want the best songs from an artist and usually ONLY those particular songs. So now we have tons of hit songs but hardly any full albums. I know I’m guilty of searching the internet for those top hits and dumping the rest like unused napkins from an In-N-Out bag. So are we now just too lazy to actually listen to an entire album or have artists today lost the ability to make a great, full album? You be the judge of that.

A Childish Attempt at Psychedelic Rock?

One thing is for sure – nobody was expecting this from MGMT. After those tremendous hit songs from their first album, I was totally ready for another top of the charts smash hit, complete with pulsing synths and catchy lyrics about the wonders of childhood (thats a reference to “Kids”, ha). NO. Don’t you dare expect that.

Well say goodbye to the Urban Outfitters soundtrack and get ready for MGMT’s homemade psychedelic mushrooms. This album is definitely a strange mix of styles and influences.

“Siberian Breaks” – the 12 minutes long song (holy crap) kicks off sounding exactly like any song from Kings of Convenience.

“Congratulations” – this slow and sad ballad sounds incredibly Beatles-esque. Maybe too much?

“Flash Delirium” – the so called “taster” for the rest of the album makes me shake my head in disbelief because it sounds so much like Arcade Fire in many parts.

“I Found a Whistle” – perhaps I am the only one to think this but I am strangely reminded of Animal Collective. A very pop and much less repetitive Animal Collective but still.

Verdict – 2 and a half shrooms

The album is interesting. No smash hits. If you want some strange tunes with that good old psychedelic feel (well, almost) then I would recommend MGMT’s “Congratulations.”

-Ryan Davis

“congratulations”- mgmt (erik version)

This Damn Album

As I write this I would like to let you know that I’m not listening to “Congratulations”. I’m actually listening to Circa Survive, who always catches my emotions and is able to translate into the form of song. Anywhoooo, yeah MGMT’s new album is well….it’s….don’t expect…. Dude f**k it, I can’t listen to this damn album. I love MGMT or at least “Oracular Spectacular” THAT album is dope – it has a little bit for everyone.

More like “MGM-Zzzz”

This is my problem with this new body of work. IT’S UNINTERESTING. I can’t even get through the album. I lose interest after the first minute or so and nothing draws me in. I’ve probably spun it like 5 times and each time get about half way through, boredom sets in and I switch on some Rhianna (f**k your face that rude boy song is dope, beats bonkers and she’s DAMN).

I dunno if maybe I just haven’t given “Congratulations” it’s fair shot, or if I’m just not on their “level” but this album is boring. Maybe in a few months I’ll finally hear what it is they wanted me to hear but till then fudge it.

Verdict – 1 shot

In conclusion I give it 1 shot with chance of rebuttal. Maybe it will come back and I’ll get “it” but for now my drunk ass is pressing the next button (turns up Circa and cheers you all goodnight).

-Erik Miramontes