The Deal: … And now for something completely different. MGMT abandons electronic and pop side of its debut, Oracular Spectacular, for something steeped in ’50s rock.
The Good: Let me clarify something right off the bat – unlike most people, I didn’t enjoy MGMT’s debut disc. I thought it was too electronic, pop and ’80s-infused to be interesting. It sounded like something I had heard in my youth – and I wouldn’t have enjoyed it then either. So, I go into Congratulations with an open mind and must say I’m pleasantly surprised. The band’s music leans more toward something The Flaming Lips would create than anything electronic or pop in the radio-sense. There’s more of an alt/indie side showing through here. The first album was all about sing-alongs where this album leaves the hooks behind.
The Bad: If you loved Oracular Spectacular, chances are you won’t like this one in terms of it being a follow-up. Still a little too much falsetto for my taste. Only nine tracks, though one of them clocks in at 12 minutes long.
The Verdict: It’s an enjoyable album that shows the band’s diversity in songwriting and ability to change who it is. The music is, at times, simplistic, but it’s an interesting balance to the somewhat over-produced debut. I only wonder how the songs from each album will combine during a live set. There’s no doubt that this album will divide previous fans and win over new ones – you just wonder if they can all get along.
This article appears in May 18-24, 2010.
