MGMT “Congratulations” Review
Imagine yourself in the place of MGMT‘s Ben Goldwasser. Following the amazing success of your band’s Oracular Spectacular, which has now sold over one million copies worldwide, you finalize production on your new album, and in preparation for its release you (the royal “you”) make a song available to fans as a free download. But rather than it being lavished in praise, as many were likely expecting, “Flash Delirium” is almost universally snubbed. Do you: a) Go on about your business, b) Take the feedback into consideration, ultimately dismissing it as it goes against your “artistic vision,” or c) Apologize? Regardless of what you might do, Goldwasser went with the latter, explaining the band’s new direction in a recent interview, and concluding with an apology. But is an apology really necessary? There’s no disputing the generation-defining grandiose of “Time To Pretend,” the unforgettable simplicity of “Kids,” or the stylish fluidity of “Electric Feel,” but that’s not exactly what MGMT are “going for” with Congratulations. Sure, the new release is a huge stylistic departure, but an “I’m Sorry”? Really?
As Goldwasser would go on to explain to Spinner, Congratulations is something of a reactionary statement dismissing the rapid rise to fame that the band has experienced. “We’re trying to come to grips with that world. It’s not our world. We don’t feel comfortable in it. But we didn’t want to make that typical second album either, about fame. So we’re definitely observing it, as opposed to revelling in it.” And in discussing the release with NME, Goldwasser explained how the band views the release in contrast to their past successes, “There definitely isn’t a ‘Time To Pretend’ or a ‘Kids’ on the album.” He continued, “We’d rather people hear the whole album as an album and see what tracks jump out rather than the ones that get played on the radio—if anything gets played on the radio!” So rather than coasting off of what now seems destined to be MGMT’s most commercially successful record the band is following a different direction and making music that feels true to the moment. Again, can it really be so bad that an apology is in order?
“It’s Working” leads off Congratulations as a fairly lighthearted track with a understated post-punk bass line. “Song For Dan Treacy” follows as a mod-rock throwback infused with an electric organ and a series of effects. “Someone’s Missing” quietly introduces itself through Andrew Van Wyngarden’s echo-heavy vocals, but just as soon as it begins to pick up speed a gentle funk fades the track out. The ire-raising “Flash Delirium” and “I Found A Whistle” round out the first half of Congratulations, though each honestly fails at revealing much more than par-for-the-course psych-rock.
If any song were to polarize listeners it’s likely to be “Siberian Breaks,” a multi-part ballad that sweeps up pseudo-flower power, a curious spoken word transition, and spacey keys into a convenient 12 minute package. Its kaleidoscope effect does little to offer a contrast to the rest of the record but it could very well be the straw that breaks the MGMT fan’s back; the 12 minute, oddly erratic straw. Rounding out the record is the garage rock-revival sounding “Brian Eno,” “Lady Dada’s Nightmare”—which could have more suitably accompanied the terribly uncomfortable “Kids” video—and the slow freak-folk of Congratulations‘ title track.
While I strongly doubt that the “sorry” was as much of an “I’m sorry” as it was an “I’m sorry it doesn’t work for you”, there is little to dispute in terms of the vast differences between the band’s past material and Congratulations. Still, the record is hardly as unlistenable ahttp://www.culturebully.com/mgmt-flash-delirium-music-videos some have made it out to seem; the album retains a continuous flow and offers a variety of different sounds within the larger umbrella of modern psychedelic rock. Tracks such as “Congratulations,” the epic “Siberian Breaks,” and even “Flash Delirium” enforce a feeling of freshness throughout the record that keeps it from feeling stagnant.
Walt Disney once suggested that it’s best to “Always leave them wanting more,” and with Oracular Spectacular MGMT did just that. And while it’s still a good album, Congratulations isn’t nearly as enjoyable as its predecessor. Then again, it’s an album that has seemingly been created for the right reasons. To quote one of the tracks that fans are likely to immediately compare the new album to, “Time To Pretend,” “This is our decision, to live fast and die young. We’ve got the vision, now let’s have some fun.” And at the end of the day, who’s to argue with that?
I really want to like this record, I’ve run through it a few times, and my ears are asking….what’s really happening here. I’ll keep listening for the answer.
cheersyo
Take it out of any context of what might be expected from these guys and it fits in with a lot of what’s going around in whatever-the-hell you want to call “rock music” these days. It’s pretty much an okay album from an okay band.
““Someone’s Missing” quietly introduces itself through Goldwasser’s echo-heavy vocals” ….Andrew Van Wyngarden is the singer.
haha – guess I had Goldwasser on the brain after reading all those quotes
– thanks for catching that!
I really wanted to like this album, and I do! I like every song. So different from every band today. This album could easily be placed in the 60s or 70s sections of anyone’s catalogue and it wouldn’t sound out of place. It’s a psychedelic trip back to years when music was more important than money in the industry. And for that, I salute MGMT!
Well said. I agree completely
mmmmm……just think there are so many better bands out there like black angel, cult of dom keller, wooden shjips, mondo drag that make MGMT look totally UN- psychedelic!
MGMT demonstrated on Oracular Spectacular that they have a talent for writing quirky/psychedelic pop hits. Congratulations shows none of this talent and makes me wonder if they care at all about their careers. While they say they’re uncomfortable with fame, maybe that same fame had deluded them to the point where they think they can actually sell this new record. If they don’t care about selling records then maybe they’ll feel more comfortable working a day job and continuing to make unnecessary music that few people want to hear.
u do understand that oracular spectacular was mostly comprised of songs that they considered to be a mocking of pop music and if u listened to the entire record you’d c that this record isnt that far off from what they really are as a band. if this is the album they wanna make then the more power to them just because there isnt a number 1 single on here doesnt mean it isnt musically good. ke$ha gets played on the radio all the time doesnt mean she’s the a great musician, maybe instead of criticizing them for not making the album you want to hear like so many other acts out there we should be praising them for making music they actually feel like making
i love it. totally tripped out by it w/o any drugs. i think this is much more complex. beautiful chords and arrangements in Lady Dada’s Nightmare. And so far, I love Brian Eno too. Well, I do love him, but I also love the song!
I’m also a major U2 fan. Not that this has anything to do with MGMT other than BRIAN/God, lol, himself. But like MGMT’s Congratulations, the last U2 album was unfairly dissed only to reveal itself as a great album over time.
I like this alot already! Don’t repeat yourself -EVER! I respect MGMT even more now. I would love to see them either at there own concert, or if U2 asked them to open and we were lucky enough to be there! Very excited for this album.
I dug a couple tracks from the first record (especially the perfectly written “The Youth”) and kind of let my opinion of MGMT rest. I hadn’t heard about them for a while until they were nominated for a grammy.
I must say, that with this second album the direction they have taken has brought them much more into the realm of music I adore. A huge Syd Barrett era Pink Floyd/Bowie vibe coming across. This record has honestly blown me away. This isn’t just some genre exercise- MGMT is actually contributing to and expanding on the theme of Psychedelic Rock. This is not pastiche, this stuff is inspired.
I thought the first album was okay and was anxious to hear what they would do next. Even if I hadn’t heard that album, Congratulations would have caught my ear right away. This is intelligent pop music; this is well written, thought out, composed music.
“song for treacy” haha
Agreed! Who are we to argue? Killer last line there!
I think that if the best tracks on this album appeared on Oracular Spectacular, they would seem average on that album. It’s a good album overall but it doesn’t move me like their first album. I guess I’m a little disapointed even though a few songs (congratulations, someone’s missing) are really good. One thing I admire is that they didn’t go the electro-psyc-pop route which is huge in indie now and they seemed like they had that trajectory going, but instead they focused more on songwriting by keeping it simple in some respects. It seems that a few tracks (Pieces of What, Handshake, Future Reflections) from Oracular Spectacular hinted at the overall theme of this album but they are still better than the best on this album. I am not hating at all b/c I like this album but the precedence they set with their first LP was going to be hard beat. On the upside, it looks like MGMT has learned to play their instruments live, which was not the case when I saw em.
I thought it was – is – brilliant. What would have been a massive mistake was a ‘Oracular Spectacular’ part II. Sure, it’s hard to get your head around at first. But this album, like its predecessor, is a true circuit breaker. It’s not what you expected? That’s a good thing. Just enjoy it and go with it for what it is. If noting else, you can tell they had heaps of fun creating it. Total respect for MGMT.
I have listen to it maybe five times and I think it is a classic. It sounds a lot like the band Love. It has a very good flow which makes the album in a whole much better than the seperate songs themsaleves. Give it a try everybody and listen to it as a whole some times and it will grow a lot. You will here new things every listen.
I am very happy whit this album
hey…i think this is a valiant effort. I think i like this new album, but I’m not sure? I honestly don’t know what to think. It’s either somewhat brilliant, or it meanders. too early to tell. I like the chord progressions but I’m wondering if it’s all a maze that leads to a dead end. I like the production and I don’t have a problem with an album that doesn’t have ‘singles’. I am a fan of the ‘album’ as an important work of art. But, my initial reaction is that I would have liked a little more of the Electro elements that were on their 1st album. But, that’s where I’m at. It doesn’t make an album good or bad, or right/wrong. Matter of fact, I think an artist should only do what they feel like and believe in…because art should have integrity at its core, even if/when it’s a bit cheeky. So, I applaud MGMT for that much. Oracular Part II would have been easy for them to make, but I’m not a fan of sequels.
First off, punctuation always goes inside of the quotes. I’m sorry that’s just a pet peeve of mine. Alright, so I first heard this album and was immediately disappointed because of this preconceived idea I had in my head of what it was going to be. It played a lot to me when I first heard it, like Vampire Weekends newest album; complete garbage and an utter disappointment. Now, I was really prepared to fly off half cocked, when suddenly I decided to go on a jog and give it one more go. After all, I have a lot of respect for MGMT and what they did with their first album. That’s when it caught me and I was in awe once again. I could hear what I wasn’t allowing myself to before. They dropped something so different and yet so beautiful. I mean for God sake, they’ve been hanging out with one of the greatest bands of all times, The Flaming Lips. I can totally see their inspiration playing into this album. Take it for what it is, this is a fantastic piece of art and it definitely will not be their last. I can’t wait to catch these guys live someday… Living in Austin that shouldn’t be too hard.
@Aztros – guess my attempts at adopting to the country’s rules since moving up to Canada aren’t going over so well. All fixed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_and_British_English_differences#Punctuation
Hahaha, thanks man! I know I didn’t mention it before, but you really did write this thing very well. Keep doing what you do good sir.
Thanks for checking things out – the conversation is greatly appreciated!
d00d, this album is fuckin’ fantastic! fans of oracular spectacular and hate this new one were listening to them for the wrong reasons, like ” i want to be cool i’m gonna check out mgmt.”
i think it’s a nice homage to the 70s era of feel good, psychedelic folk/rock in a nice and apparent but subtle way. also, track 1 and 2 have that nice hint of beach boys/surf music, though there’s not too much harmony but it’s there if you listen closely.
to sum it up, this album is brilliant on its own and should not be compared to oracular spectacular. if you want to though, possibly the last half of oracular, it can be compared to.
“This album could easily be placed in the 60s or 70s sections of anyone’s catalogue and it wouldn’t sound out of place.” -suethespiders
that notion came to my mind as well while i was in the middle of the album!
ah…i now think i love this album. i am drunk again though. hehe! it also sounds good late at night.
Am I the only one who actually thinks this album is pretty catchy?
This album is so fucking great! i simply love it. The sound, the vibe going on, the songs, the arrangements.
Im a huge fan of O.S too, but this one blows my mind.
Siberian breaks!
I’ve been hearing all these nasty reviews and I finally got the album and.. I think it’s great. I wonder if it’s because I was expecting it to be really bad. No, it’s not like the old album and no, it’s not radio friendly in the least. And I don’t think either of those are valid points on which to rate the album poorly as it stands by itself. I’m really enjoying it.
It surprises me how people can say that this doesn’t compare to Oracular Spectacular when half of the first album is in the same style as most of Congratulations…
I personally am loving this album so far! Go MGMT
Btw, the first thought in my head was that Siberian Breaks sounds like if Simon and Garfunkel had an intense acid trip and make a rock song, lol.
Chris, I’m glad your early review is getting traction on google search, but have you actually listened to the album or are you just repurposing other interviews and statements? It’s an honest question. I’ve shared the album with several other fans, haters and indifferents and all seem to agree that this band, this music, is quite good, or at the very least, something special. There is nothing surprising about this album’s style in the context of the band’s evolution.
Once a electro-pop-funk duo when they were in college, they produced very 80s sounding ‘pop songs with an edge’ like “kids” and “time to pretend”. Those are older songs, written alongside “everything is happening so fast” and “boogie down” well before Oracular Spectacular was widely released. The songs first heard with the release of Oracular are weekend wars, of moons and monsters, the handshake, etc. Floyd , Stones, Moody Blues — Classic and Psych-Rock. This album is a natural transition from that. And with Matt, James and Will joining the mix, they have a very talented and capable five piece rock band putting out a style of music that is indeed something different.
The bottom line, if you like the psych-rock part of Oracular Spectacular, you’ll love this album. There are some classic MGMT pop moments interlaced, but this is really a psychedelic trip from a band that openly pokes fun at their influences and musical experimentation as much as their own success in Congratulations.
@Ryan – I totally agree with the Simon and Garfunkel comparison, especially at about 2:10 into Siberian Breaks. That was the first comparison that occurred to me.
A lot of people are going to strongly disagree with me, but at this moment, as of listening to this album about 5 times, I like it better than Oracular Spectacular. And that’s saying a lot, because I LOVED Oracular Spectacular.
However, my least favorite songs from OS were the more poppy songs, such as “Kids,” “Electric Feel,” and “Time to Pretend.” Although I still loved those tracks, I much preferred some of the more complex trippy songs such as “Of Moons, Birds and Monsters,” “The Handshake,” and “Weekend Wars.”
While Oracular Spectacular was an epic, beautiful album, it lacked focus. Congratulations shows a lot of maturation for the band, and seems more carefully thought out and consistent. It is a very moving listen. “Siberian Breaks” almost had me on my knees. So beautiful.
My favorite track is “Siberian Breaks,” and I have trouble deciding on a second favorite. I really enjoy “Flash Delirium,” “It’s Working,” “I Found a Whistle,” “Congratulations,” and all the rest.
And I can’t imagine why Goldwasser apologized for “Flash Delirium.” I loved it the second I heard it.
@ Tyler
I wholeheartedly agree, this is definitely a step in the right direction for MGMT. Kids is a good song, but MGMT really shines on the tracks you mentioned, especially Of Moons.
Siberian Breaks is a strong contender for their best song yet, in my opinion. It’s very similar to Metanoia, but what that song lacked was cohesion and connection. Siberian Breaks just flows seamlessly. Plus, the synth-led outro literally blew my mind.
Also, Lady Dada’s Nightmare nearly made me shit my pants. Try listening to it in the dark by yourself. It’s terrifying.
This album BLOWS… If any of you praising heard it randomly without knowing it was MGMT you would have a completely different reaction (Or should I say lack there of)
The “Sorry” this review commonly mentions should refer to sorry we couldn’t manage to write something worth listening to
Every track except one and three is SOLID. I would give this outstanding and catchily weird new album a 9.0/10.
its unfortunate that this album will undoubtedly be dismissed as a letdown after oracular spectacular, when it is anything but. this album is every bit as creative musically and lyrically as the last, except it lacks the catchy mainstream songs. if you swapped out the first three tracks of this album for kids, time to pretend, and electric feel, this would be considered the better album by far, despite that they arent mgmts best songs, theyre just the most universally appealing to those with a closed mind toward music. this album is weird and trippy, just as the last half of oracular was, and thats why it will get bad reviews. because reviews generally aren’t written based on the quality of the music, but the suspected popularity the music will achieve. so maybe this album, at least at first listen, will seem worse that oracular to most people. that doesn’t mean it is worse, however
I think what they did with congratulations is brilliant. I think anyone who smokes grass or takes music seriously will love this album. Every song inspires a series of visions, and states of mind. I’m listening to it right now, and feel like the music is tickling my brain. A remarkable achievement and an album that will be appreciated forever.
I definitely disliked oracular yet I was taken aback by this. It’s really good but for a band like them it could be career suicide. I then laughed when I realized that it would alienate a lot of stupid people. Way to go Mgmt! Never expected them to release a great pyschedelic album like this. Hopefully it will turn people on to other less-popular psych stuff. Maybe that’s why the mainstream critics hate on something like this? Guess it’s too out of the box for them… and what a small box it has become. Again.. I applaud you mgmt! Congratulations!
You know what really bugs me? Phrases like ‘unnecessary music’ and ‘worth listening to’, especially when used to describe albums like this. I too will admit to feeling a little let down when I first gave the album a full listen. It seemed so different from Oracular Spectacular… almost silly, really (the album artwork didn’t help that impression either)…
…then I gave it another listen. I literally felt this album grow on me. For one thing, the lyricism is certainly different. MGMT are more directly showcasing their songwriting intelligence here than on Oracular. The melodies and chord progressions are complex, innovative, and, emotionally compelling in a way I can best compare to Mozart or Bach. That isn’t really surprising though; they had Classical arpeggio’d flair woven throughout Oracular.
Oracular Spectacular was terrific; it’s one of the best albums I’ve heard, but Congratulations is made of the kind of stuff that touches the artist’s soul.
very accurate review. they weren’t trying to produce high selling hits. they stay true to their unique sound which allows one to listen to the album as a whole, rather than picking out a main-stream hit…definitely not a let down if you’re a true fan.
I was soooooooo excited to purchase this album. Although, I heard there was a new direction the band was taking musically I thought, surely, they will still have catchy lyrics and haunting melodies….I have never been so disappointed….
This album is quite forgettable, I was rooting for this band to take popular music in a new direction and it has failed miserably. I would not recommend this to any except an insomniac cause it will ultimately put you to sleep.
Nothing about this album stays with me and will be remembered in the near future, and that really saddens me because if they follow up this with another flop the label may drop them.
im loving the album so far.. i cant wait for it to grow on me properly. secretly i really wanted mgmt to produce another oracular spectacular. so i was kinda gutted initially-but ive realized this is spectacular in a different way. and im glad they went in a different direction with their music. i wasnt really digging how every homo called themselves an mgmt fan and hadnt even listened to incredible songs like ‘of birds moons and monsters’. and for the idiots who think this will ruin their career- sure this album will definatly change alot of people’s perspective’s on mgmt, but they will always have a huge following.especially with songs like ‘siberian breaks’ & ‘congradulations’. look at radiohead- ‘in rainbows’, (the last album they made) has been one of their most successful. this was released after records like amnesiac and hail to the theif- which were completely different to anything they had ever done..not comaring mgmt to radiohead but its just an example how a different kind of album will not destroy their fan base; let alone destroy their careers!! mad restecpa for mgmt for breaking away from the sound they are widely known for and making yet another incredible album! i think these guys are the most important musicians alive and im looking foward to seeing where they go next. stoked.
“Congratulations” is a much more creative effort than “Oracular Spectacular,” and I’d even argue that it has more hooks. Aside from the singles, the debut wasn’t all that catchy. This record has a lot of memorable hooks, even though they’re not necessarily traditional verse-chorus-verse hooks. It took a lot of balls to release “Congratulations” as the follow-up to such a successful debut, and these guys have much more of my respect for doing so.
@Ben – I felt the same way! and I absolutely agree.
Even if this album wasn’t what was expected, it’s still great. This album will definitely determine between the real MGMT fan, and the one who only goes for their most popular songs and don’t listen to the rest.
Great job MGMT!
I Really didn’t like this album at all, Oracular Spectacular was really good. But this was just terrible none of the songs are catchy or good to listen to. I was quite excited knowing that the album was coming out and now I hear it im very dissapointed
nah, it’s bad! If you want to get smashed and listen to deep music then go find a serious retro sound to trip out to… there’s hundreds better from the 60′s, 70′s, 80′s, 90′s, 10′s and on… this is a very good pop duo trying too hard to be cool for cool sake but forgot that what made them ice were the tunes they made us all humm 2 years ago. It’s not their area. 2/10 chaps.
I actually like flash delirium..the rest i was just sitting there in shock listening to..i was soooo excited for this and i guess this isnt really my music..oh well
Too many people give albums a single listen and then build their lasting opinion. It is unfortunate as I cannot even begin to count the number of amazing albums that I initially thought weren’t that good. This album is no different. I didn’t really think to much of it, outside of Flash Delerium and Lady Da Da’s nightmare as those hit me immediately, but now after 3 or 4 complete listens and I’m really liking it. I can’t encourage people enough to stick with it, let it unfolds slowly as it wants to. It definitely isn’t Oracular Spectacular, and I probably won’t like it as much as that album was absolutely mind-blowing for me, it is Congratulations; another step towards cementing MGMT as one of my favourite bands.
Review:
First listen 7.5/10
Latest listen 8.5/10
All those who don’t like the new album, what you are looking for is something that continues from Oracular Spectacular. MGMT have matured. No, there are no catchy tunes on the new album. What this album does lack however, is flesh. Songs like “Kids” and “Time to Pretend”, which gave their first album something for the listener to grab hold to and understand. All the album is asking for, is patience. Give it the chance to grow on you. Overall, i’d give it a 8.5/10. Good overall, but just lacking something clear for the listener.
I had huge expectations for this album but – and there is no nice way of saying this: it’s awful. Lifeless, prosaic, bland, and everything that a 2nd album shouldn’t be. A real shame, given MGMT’s marvellous debut.
This album is unlistenable to me. What’s the point? Cool, you can put together a bunch of amature prog songs, and artsy odes to your favorite artists, and tell us about your whistle. Maybe they’ve moved on, but this album doesn’t move me, and I like prog rock and artistic music. This album is just annoying and a huge waste of potential. It’s like they purposely made it uncatchy. If you don’t want people to like your band (they don’t like fame?), than don’t let people listen to your music. Huge disapointment.
Congratulations reminds me of the first time I heard Van Dyke Parks/Song Cycles…gorgeous,irritating,inspired genius.Congratulations may well be a sales flop for Sony just like Song Cycles was for Warners 42 years ago.
I like it an MGMT album that won’t become horribly overplayed on the radio by all means a congratulations is deserved.
Well All I can say Is Amazing!!! I’d like to start off by saying I am extremely fortunate for not listening to Oracular or even hearing of this band until Congratulations. I hate most radio music but after hearing Congrats and loving every second of each song on the first listen although it takes many listens to fully grasp everything on this record it purely astonishes…. that being said I had to check out their previous records and thanks to the diversity of Congrats I found the beauty in all of their music! Hands down I love it all but Congratulations purely pwns Oracular for me. It’s Unfortunate that there are so many close-minded people out there and this record proves this. I am now a lifelong fan thanks to Congratulations and can’t wait to hear what they come up with next. The album cover is awesome and is what drew me in to check out the new record. I’m on my 10th listen to of the entire album and believe me I’m not stopping there! After researching the band I also found out I’m from Andrews home town!!! Thanks so much MGMT for creating a timeless masterpiece that will be in every music device I own until I die!
I am truly confused yet. It must be about the fact I still have got to keep listening to the album, but it has kinda surprised me. It is not what I expected, but I cannot be desapointed. And, how can we be desappointed about this genius, risky idea MGMT had? Truth be told, it would have really be desappointing to find out that Andrew and Ben are not but a tiny part of the whole bunch, but they trhew the dices and are really giving us what to think.
Yes, I must confess I was looking after “Oracular Superspectacular” or something of their before-congratulations-material, taken to the next level. It would have been really good to see they reloaded electro, and did like Time To Pretend, Kids, Electric Feel or The Handshake, but still, my respects, MGMT. And hey!! Are we forgetting about their really first material??
I am very happy with this album. It puts me to sleep every night. I prefer it to Oracular Spectacular. Please – don’t kill me.
Simply terrible. Congratulations is the biggest musical disappointment so far this year.
I despair at the closed minds of so-called “fans” of the band. An artist breaks through with a great first album and is then expected by many fans to continue to produce more of the same, “cookie-cutter” style until they keel over aged 80. God forbid that anyone should grow, mature or branch out into newer or more favoured areas. This happens time and again (just see Bloc Party and their sophmore album AWITC).
No catchy tunes? Flash Delerium is a raucous explosion. And anyone who cannot imagine themselves in a field this summer bopping around to Siberian Breaks needs to just give up right now.
9/10 in my book.
After listening to MGMT’s sophomore album I’ve realized how dynamic this group is. An overwhelming majority of people will disagree with me when I say MGMT is the Beetles of my generation. Also, this didn’t seem like much of a musical review. For those of you who decided this review was TLDR, I can sum it up as follows: Its different than Oracular Spectacular but they meant it to be. It listens okay.
this is an album u wont like from first listen but after few it might become
one of ur favorite album ever..
Errrrrrr, ummmmmmmmm….
The album is fuggin awesome.
That my friend is not an opinion, thats a stone cold fact.
This albums is definitely interesting. I don’t know that I can really digest what they are doing, hahaha. It’s a blend of like 10 different styles, none of which I am too familiar with in the first place. Congratulations to MGMT for confusing me!
This could wind up being a monumental album… but it is too confusing for people like me, so it might take a while for us to understand it.
You know what, I listened again and came to a decision. When it comes down to it, I would much rather listen to the good bits from their first album. I’m not going to pretend to like this new album just because of their mentality in writing or because of the reviews I read or anything. Like I said, it is interesting to listen to, but I like the old stuff better, and in another couple of months, if I feel like listening to MGMT I will be going for OS.
The singles from the first album were just so amazing and essential to the pop scene from 2-3 years ago. Those songs are going to stick with our generation for a while.
I think this album is incredible. The lyrics are much more complex than Oracular spectacular, and a lot more authentic. How can you not like “it’s not working” and “flash delirium”? So catchy! People just need to give it a chance. It gets better with every listen.
21 yr old from los angeles, i dont use any psycadelics but i have 420 tattooed on my lungs now I heard MGMT’s ocular Spectacular album a week before hearing Congratulations…Now imagine me listening to OS a week before, hmmm great right??
Wrong! MGMT comes out with Congratulations and shoots me to a planet ive never been before, Ive been able to listen to the entire album without feeling bad that there isnt a “kids” or “time to pretend”, as most people do, simply because this album isn’t about that or should i say ‘this band’ isn’t about that. They totally understand music and how they can evolve as musicians. Try to see it as an evolution and not as an copy to OS because it will be less enjoyable if your expecting to hear “Electric Feel”….again. Listen to track 3 Someone’s Missing and where that takes you. Overall great album from a great band. i hope i was of some help
I thought the first album was cool, but too cool and hip. A bit too poppy for my taste. I think this album puts this group in a new realm. i think its great!! These guys are keeping real and doing what they want. More bands should follow their hearts like these guys. I actually play this album over and over. the first album i would Dj some of the pop songs but that was it,
it’s a great album, not Oracular Spectacular, just as good in a different way, I like this alter style
first song i heard from mgmt two years ago was “”THE HANDSHAKE”" i listened to it for 5days straight before i even bothered to check anything else,what came was a world i knew nothing of,a world OF MOONS ,BIRDS AND MONSTERS,where i remembered what it felt like seeing the FUTURE REFLECTIONS and the PIECES OF WHAT mattered to THE YOUTH,in the 4TH DIMENSIONAL TRANSITION i was shocked with the ELECTRIC FEEL,i tied my bandana and realised it was TIME TO PRETEND (i hate kids!!!!)…i say that to say this, i hate when anyone who likes congratulations says oh! they’v moved on from electric feel or u wont find kids here, personally those singles were great but the other songs are pure Gems,i like congratulations but it is NO WHERE close to ORACULAR SPECTACULAR..i feel like i’m forcing myself to give repeated listens but it just comes off as annoying, and i tell u,i was obsessed with MGMT for a long time!!!!i mean OBSESSED, they feel so deflated now, andrew isnt a showman anymore,its all weak
wtf above me…god help us.
it’s a grower. it’s really worth listening to it – the lyrics are beaut and some songs left chills down my spine. it’s very different to oracular spectacular, but i’m glad they’ve done stuff they wanted to and been creative, rather than just make ‘party hits’ (quote mgmt). 9/10
For me this record was a huge improvement from Oracular Spectacular. i haven’t grooved to it stoned yet but I will soon. It was much happier i thought than their previous album. It really brought my spirits up and spoke to me. I think in time this will be classified with Dark side of the moon, sgt.peppers and The madcap laughs.
I still listen to Oracular Spectacular on my iPod all the time. Bought Congratulations, listened to it once. Now it’s collecting dust on the CD shelf.
Sorry, but it’s such a yawner. First time I listened to OS I could immediately recall most of the songs in my mind afterwards. I can’t even remember a single one from Congrats.
Ok so not everything has to be a catchy hit tune. But seriously, this album has none. Not a single danceable track. Not a single tune that makes me want to move or sing along or do much of anything.
But I’m sure it’s all the rage if your a stoner.
*** <- 3 stars. For effort mostly.
oracular spectacular was great. Such a breath of fresh air in the frightening mindless mess that is mainstream music right now. but I am so confused as to how people are not seeing that Congratulations is fucking amazing. its absolutely brilliant. the classic and psychedelic rock influences are very apparent but MGMT makes it completely their own, and they bring something new and imaginative and creative and original… and i find it way more “enjoyable” than Oracular spectacular. Oh yeah. and they have SOMETHING TO SAY. imagine that. they arent just crapping out catchy shit like time to pretend. SORRY. deal with it. I agree that if ppl dont get their heads out of their asses now, then this album will at least receive the credit it deserves in the future. and that would probably be fine with them because clearly they are about communicating with their audience and not rising to fame, hence there is no kids on this album. so maybe the writer of this article should review a justin bieber album because he is just going to be dissapointed if he continues to try and review real musicians. btw- how my punctuation?
This record is so underrated. The first few time I listen to it I hated it. But after a few go arounds I have grown to love this album and think its one of the best of the new decade.
they were on alot of 2ce
If you have to preface your comment with it grows on you, then it’s really not a good album. If you hear elevator musak enough it’ll grow on you.
This is another example of a band that trys to be more then what it is which is a indie sing-along dance band. Leave the visionairy music making to someone else. I wasn’t a fan of MGMT because of there ground breaking music but for the pure fun in their music just like that whistle song “young folks”, the kind of music blasting in a bar where you’re chilling with your friends enjoying some brews.
Well maybe the third album… But I’ll definitely hear before I buy it out right without sampling it first.
I bought this album with great expectations and truly tried my hardest to be like its but the bad mixing, horrible (sometimes seemingly spontaneous) chord progressions, and overly echoed tracks (with hints of actual vocals) made this album UNBEARABLE to listen to. I wish I could’ve gotten my money back.
“congratulation” is my favorite track, but then again that’s like picking your favorite looking piece sh*t from a horse stable.
I love this album and now I KNOW that MGMT are here to stay ! It came like a surprise to me because some people I know had told me about their disappointmen. I don’t know, but maybe I love it because I wasn’t really expecting Oracular Spectacular II (THAT would have been the REAL disappointment) and maybe because I strongly believe that the only honest way to make music is to be always on the move. “Becoming” is more important for a musician than “being”. This album demands to be judged in its own terms… because it’s unique.
The album is beautiful, with its breathtaking melodies, sounds and textures. Umbearable, I read? What? Demanding? Maybe… But that’s ok with me.
This guys gotta get his facts straight, MGMT never apologized for this record. They love this record along with everyone else in this world who loves good music. this record is a masterpiece, absolute genius.
Peel the onion
Listen to it, then listen to it again 6 months later.
You’ll like it, and it will strike you that it’s a good album after all.
Not as good as the previous one, not as “direct”, but very rich, and good anyway.
(cf. Flash Delirium)
that song time to pretend waas totally RAD i dont care what anyone elys thinks
One thing to say..
To all those people who have commented saying that this album is bad, and non comparable to oracular, you dont fucking know anything about good music man, you should be hitting next on a Justin Bieber cd skippin to all of his radio hit songs, cause you dont belong here.
I lol at all who didn’t get this cd. This is a great band who is going continue to make great music. I see a pattern. Remember the beatles came out with pop music then decided to do what they really wanted? Not to say that their first cd wasnt a hit in their minds too.
MGMT is just a great band in general, all of their albums are good and will continue to be good. So why pick and choose albums? IMO, Congratulations is better than Oracular Spectacular, but they are still both phenomenal albums. Can’t wait to hear their next album.
anyone who claims to enjoy congratulations more than oracular spectacular is simply trying to be different. congratulations is the work of a band afraid of their own shadow. they were deathly afraid of the expectations their first release created…and instead of trying to rise to the challenge of writing even more powerful songs…they “went in a different direction”. that is simply band speak for “we know it sucks and we are too fragile to talk about it with one another”.
hey benja…..3 singles does not make a band The Beatles. in interviews they flat out say they don’t want to be famous. how do you avoid being a famous musician?? by writing music that blows.
Upon first listen I didn’t really dig this record. In fact, put it down and didn’t touch it for almost 3 months. I then saw them on the waterfront in Burlington last August and had a near religious experience at the show listening to the new stuff. I since feel that this album as one of the finest of the decade. There is not a single song I skip over. Songs for Dan Treacy and Brian Eno are my two favorites.
Oracular spectacular was a fantastic album that attracted a lot of attention but congratulations separated those with a genuine ear for artistic marit from the trying to hard hipsters, who think they have everyone fooled with how cool they think they are. Congratulations is not just fantastic, it’s true greatness. I myself was disappointed the first time I heard Flash Delerium but this great album puts it into musical context and I now adore it.
Everybody has opinions, But I personally think this album was much better thsn the previous. The album is mean’t to be listined to in chronological order, unlike the singles “kids” and “electric feel” There are smooth transitions between each song. The album also plays through a variation of fast slow and awsome to say the least. Great for a long car ride or traveling, in my opinion the album is great and shows the true direction of The Management. I feel like everyone wants an exact copy of the previous album, but you can’t keep recycling somthing because it sold a million copys. The artists truely showed their talent and I give the one billion thumbs up for their grand effort.