VEGANGELICA

I'm listening to their new album right now after reading here that MGMT made it available online on their website. I agree with both of you that the new songs are rather bland and boring, lacking bite, compared to "Time to Pretend," "Kids," and "Electric Feel."

However, if you like a psychedelic retro kind of mellow sound, then MGMT's new album might appeal to you. I'm using it as background music while grading tests...and the songs work well for that! Sorry MGMT!

I'll have to listen to the lyrics later more carefully, because like Crowe said earlier I enjoyed the meaning of lyrics on Oracular Spectacular. I have no idea what these new songs are about and I've listened to 7 out of 9 now! The meaning doesn't leap out at you like the meaning of "Time to Pretend."

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TheCunningStunt

Congratulations > Oracular.

Hands down.

VEGANGELICA

What are some reasons you prefer Congratulations? Is it mostly that the songs sound less pop and more experimental than the hits on Oracular Spectacular? Or are there other reasons?

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TheCunningStunt

Pretty much hit the nail on the head.

I'm someone who doesn't like psychedelic rock and thinks prog rock is the devil (tracks above 7 minutes usually really piss me off) yet this album is very psychedelic and although it's not prog rock, it has a 12 minute track.. and I actually like it.

A lot of people jumped on the singles bandwagon, and I like how this album will repel people who are just looking for a hit single.

I really respect them for doing what they've done.

VEGANGELICA

I haven't found much prog rock that I like, yet, myself...and I agree MGMT's new album sounds much more psychedelic than their first. Which is their 12 minute track that you like? I listened to all their songs from the Congratulations album, but can't remember now which was so long!

I also respect MGMT for doing what they've done because, based on an interview I watched of them, they really are just making music *they* like regardless how others feel about it. I thought it was funny when Andrew said his favorite song on their first album was the one everyone hated.

I'm listening to "Siberian Breaks" again, appreciating the tempo changes and rambling sound...it sounds like 4 or 5 songs spliced together (thus "Breaks"). The song seems very conversational and a little sad, somehow. I still have no idea what they're talking about, though! Say, this song could very well be 12 minutes long. Is *this* the song you liked?

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TheCunningStunt

Yeah Siberian Breaks is the 12 minute one, I didn't like just that song though. I felt it flowed really well as an album, I much prefer it to Oracular.

Which was Andrew's favourite on their last album? I'm quite shocked they've actually done this, I thought they'd just try and put another couple of good singles on and keep their success/popularity going.

It's almost as if their first album.. they wanted fame and all things fame brought (time to pretend) and now they have seen the realities and want to make music, but have a more devoted fan base.

What did you think about the album as a whole?

VEGANGELICA

Yes, I do feel the songs flow better or mesh better together on the Congratulations album, since they seem to be in a more similar genre than the songs in their first album.

I'm looking again at the video where I thought Andrew mentions this (below)...but I don't think he did. It is a funny interview, though, so I included it anyway! Those two crack me up...they sound so normal and weird like normal people are...mixing seriousness and humor.



I don't know if they were wanting fame or not...I don't think they were originally...they just like being goofy and funny!

And it is hard for me to decide what I feel about their new album. I don't dislike it. I think it will grow on me as I listen to it more. Plus, I like Andrew and Ben's philosophy and down-to-earth personalities, so that biases me in favor of their music. I do like their hits on the first album as well as some of the other songs on it (and not on it)...and so that is part of why I felt disappointed listening to the new album since I expected something similar.

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TheCunningStunt

I think they wanted the fame, the lifestyle. And hey, who wouldn't? But I think they set out to do it in a fun way. Oracular is a fun album.

I think this one has more depth to it, how many times have you listened to it? I've listened to it about 10 times and I like it more with each listen. The first time I listened I was like yeah it has it's moments, I don't dislike it.. but yeah, it's alright, it'll probably grow on you.

VEGANGELICA

Well, they said they *do* like models, and they *do* want to live in castles in Spain or Mexico...so I don't think they are adverse to fame!

Wow! 10 times! You must have very good powers of concentration and attention. Do you often listen to new albums so thoroughly, giving them time to sink in so you can form your opinion of them? I've only listened to the album 1 1/2 times so far. I'll probably listen to it some more while at work (on the computer).

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TheCunningStunt

I think a part of them wanted the whole lifestyle, but they wanted to set out and do it on their own terms and have fun whilst doing so. Can't blame them for liking models or castles in Spain

Hmm, yeah. I often get albums leaked from the internet, listen to them so much I go out to buy the album on release date and I'm already getting a bit tired of it. So I have to put it down for a month or so.

I either listen to an album so much because I want to really get it and understand where it's coming from, or I simply just can't stop myself although 10 times in as many days isn't THAT bad for me.