Reviews (page 14 of 15)
Legendarisk album, topp 5 på 00-tallet! Bang, bang, banger! Herlig start på uka, en mørk og kaldt mandags morgen i november. dette er lyden av min ungdomstid og jeg er stolt over den tida
Meh
I forgot this album had so many bops.
At first, before listening, it would be just like how some people described it: stereotypical electronic music. Now I don't know about that now, but still. But, I WAS EXTREMELY WRONG. First off, the synths are amazing, giving the sound of the album, and each and every song a hypnotic feel. It's a beam of intentionally making something sounds generic, into something emotional to some people. It's synths, the usage of the synths. It's a really solid album. Very soothing. Strong debut, and deserves to be in the list. TL;DR Synths, synths, synths.
Brilliant
Great fun album.
While this album is definitely held up by its three greatest tracks, the other songs are also worth listening to for their psy-trance infused pop.
Quintessential mid-2000s listening.
I think anyone my age or a little older will remember this album was *everywhere*. Hell, I still hear the main three songs ("Kids", "Electric Feel", "Time to Pretend") pretty consistently. Do I like it? ...Eh. It tries stuff. A few of the songs attempt having multiple parts instead of the standard verse-chorus arrangement. But sometimes they succeed ("Of Moons, Birds, and Monsters") and sometimes they don't ("The Handshake"). It's fun, synth-driven psychedelia. That being said, I could easily go the rest of my days without hearing "Time to Pretend" again. Favorite tracks: "Electric Feel", "Of Moons, Birds, and Monsters"
This was okay. I didn’t care for it the first listen through, but went back and gave each song another preview, and liked it a little more.
Time to Pretend, Kids, Pieces of What, un 5 en toda regla.
This record was all the music nerds talked about in 07 or 08. I remember being annoyed by the hype. But I like the record none the less. This was a fun listen. I hadn't thought about it in years.
This was a really good album, I’d heard Kids and I think Time to Pretend before but the rest were good too. Interesting to see this group on the list but glad they are here.
Man, oh man. Truly a classic album, which is funny to say about something from 2007. But a classic in the indie/alternative type scene, undoubtedly. It's danceable and poppy, but sounds as if made with instruments discovered on some other planet. I've heard other albums from MGMT and nothing really touches this one for me. Of special importance here is the fact that the first five songs in a row, the whole side A, are all bangers to me, I love every track. Weekend Wars less so than the others, but still really cool. Aside from that, you've got "Kids" and "Time to Pretend," holy grails of indie. Then "Electric Feel," which is immortal on its own but was further immortalized by Frank Ocean on Nostalgia, Ultra. And "The Youth" is another heater, I'm pretty sure I first heard it in that movie Kings of Summer and fell in love immediately. This one's dangerously close to a 5 star from me, but most of the songs on the back half don't hit for me. Regardless, very essential inclusion on this list, and of course I have it on vinyl. Favorite tracks: Electric Feel, Kids, Time to Pretend, The Youth, Weekend Wars, Of Moons Birds & Monsters. Album art: Classic, gotta be iconic by now. Two boys from the past, or the future? Impossible to know. But the soft purple and blue hues of dusk really sell this one too. Just awesome. 4.5/5
Really outside of the big singles (Kids, Electric Feel) this isn't a super memorable album. Sure the production is great, I just don't really see anything else about it that makes it top 1001 list, not even the bands best album, I guess cultural significance? Three great songs, that's better than some albums on this generator list I've listened to.
Genuinely surprised it was a good album
This is tight dance pop psych record. You can’t tell me otherwise. It was tomgue in cheek and fun. The band goes on to be weirdos who dont care what their record label wants. It made indie explode in a lot of ways back in 06 or 07. Yeah, they made a lot of momey on corporate tie ins and shit, but the record fits. It feels good and right. It was goofy and sarcastic. Listen to it loseeerrssss.
loved the majority of it
My Goodness My Trousers! Some big indie tunes on this but the album tracks weren't so memorable
I've heard most of these songs before, but all together I really liked the album. 4/5
These guys, and this album in particular blew up when I was not appreciative of indie stuff, and I was not having it. Trying it again now… and I still don’t really get it. Not my kind of electro pop at all, really. D+, but I’ll give it 3 stars out of fairness, since it’s not really bad at all
dette hadde jeg glemt fantes, hørte så mye på det på vgs nostalgi
A great album that was very of its time in the ironic way they intended. "Time to Pretend", "Electric Feel", and "Kids" have become cultural icons in music. The Youtube channel Middle 8 did a wonderful video essay on the band that I recommend to anybody that enjoys this album. "Weekend Wars" was a highlight track that I never noticed in my first few listens of this album, great bass and interesting melodies on that song.
great synths, cool lyrics, same feeling throughout the album, remembered my 2016
Indie kid vibes
Betcha can't guess the two songs I know from this one! The dark lyrics of Time to Pretend belie the light music, makes me wonder about the rest. Cool contrast. I think it's safe to say that this music isn't particularly my jam, but I appreciate it. Maybe I just don't like the song The Youth. I like Electric Feel quite a bit, though! So it kind of seems like their hits are hits for a reason, and the others are... just okay. Maybe a little less than okay at times. The Handshake has some cool audio effects that sounded interesting in stereo with high quality earphones. Overall, I can see why people really like this album, but for me, I probably won't listen to it again.
So nice, I played it twice! The whiny synth and pleasing dronelike aura reminded me plenty of Mercury Rev, which makes total sense having discovered that they share a producer in Mr Friedman. It all seems catchy and harmless enough.
I had heard more songs from this album than I realized (without even really knowing they were all by the same band) - so that was a nice surprise. But then, I also really dug all the songs that I hadn't heard before. This is a solid, fun album.
So today I had Oracular Spectacular, the album with "Electric Feel" and "Kids" on it. And lemme tell you, "the album with 'Electric Feel' and 'Kids' on it" is a REALLY appropriate description. That said, those two songs are so damn good and the rest of the album is certainly fine, so this is the best album I've listened to on here in a couple weeks at least. Having just checked my history, the last thing I listened to that was really better than this was Van Halen 1.
I really liked this album and was splendidly surprised by the creativity and genre? It reminded me a bit of Tears for Fears. I like the production and every song really caught my attention. It felt like they were taking parts of the 70s 80s and 90s and melding them all together, without sounding like they were copying anything specifically from any other artist. I would listen to it again when I have time to actually sit down with some headphones or earbuds and view the lyrics along with the music
Goofy cover. I didn't think I had heard of the artist but the first song was familiar, as was Kids. This is easy music to like. Although on second listening, I'm finding it good but not great. I do think this album is interesting enough to belong on this list.
I've heard of MGMT before, but never really paid attention to their music much, it was just background noise while Hits 1 was on the radio. Having now listened to an album of theirs, I have a bit more of an appreciation for their musical talents. I must start by saying that newer indie pop rock is not really in my wheelhouse, but I didn't hate this album like I thought I would. The first half of the album is leaps and bounds better than the second half. In the song Weekend Wars I can hear a bit of David Bowie influence in the vocal delivery. Favourite songs: Kids, Electric Feel, Weekend Wars, Time to Pretend Least favourite songs: 4th Dimensional Transition, "Of Moons, Birds & Monsters", Future Reflections, The Handshake 3/5
Prior to this popping up, I was familiar with the three singles off of this album. "Time to Pretend" and "Kids" are decent, and I genuinely love "Electric Feel." I was hoping to find more to enjoy on this album, but upon giving it a listen it became clear why there weren't more than three singles—the rest of the tracks aren't particularly interesting. At best, they're mediocre; at worst, they feel like a couple of guys trying too hard to be profound. If "Electric Feel" is any indication, they'd be better served dropping the pretense and concentrating on making slightly weird, deliciously funky jams.
One of my favorite bands & albums of the time. Modern psychedelic with touches of synth & funk.
This album is very enjoyable. The lyrics are powerful in their own right, and the high-pitched singing works extremely well with the upbeat instrumentals. 9/10
Another one of these “oh they’re THAT song” albums. Overall I found this just all right, the music a fairly flat serving of blippy synthesizer rock and the baby rockstar mentality of the lyrics a little irritating.
generic 2010s electronic dance not my sorta album time to pretend was enjoyable
Pop-rock progresivo. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
Time to Pretend, Kids, Pieces of What, un 5 en toda regla.
I like the three hits on this, the others I could take em or leave em.
Time to Pretend and Kids were two songs I was very familiar with, electronic pop Is not really my thing but I felt like overall the album would be great for a fan of the genre.
I was OBSESSED with the song Kids, even went to see them live and have CD. I think the singles are the hits though. They look annoying on the cover.
Poppy
Surprisingly fun. Had no idea of their background or music.
Pretty good. Not my normal cup of tea.
JA!
hørte masse på detta i sommer
I like it, a few miss, but great songs on the first half. Kids is a definitely a classic even though back then it was so overplayed.
Not the best MGMT album put pretty cool Prefs: Time To Pretend, Weekend Wars, The Youth, Kids, 4th Dimensional Transition, Pieces of What, Future Reflections Moins pref: The Handshake
Pretty cool album, not sure I'd listened to it the whole way before. I think congratsulations is a better album, but I can see how this one was also ground breaking. 4 stars
Not rush
pref: 4th dimensionnal transition
Some real banger tracks, but overall, I feel it's mediocre in the end. Could also be the fact that although Kids, Electric Feel, and Time to Pretend are really, really good, I heard these songs so many times. Rest of the tracks are meh at best as well
not super into indie but some good stuff in there
great album - solid songs and sound continuity
Good lyrics, interesting tunes. A staple album filled with psychedelic notes of self exploration.
Probably requires a second listen, There's the hits, but also a number of songs that for me just happened.
Kids er líklega besta lag áratugarins!
A good late 00’s album I remember how big MGMT became when this came out. The 3 singles were huge great songs, rest of the album is ok.
not bad. a few good tunes
Suprisingly okay.
Fun album. The singles are all absolute bangers. The rest borders on fill status. Still a worthy listen. 4/5
couldn't stand these guys when i saw them live, but dang there are 3 of the greatest songs of the last 25 years on this album
I recognised way more of this than I was expecting to!
A big vibe. The three singles are great in particular but it's just generally very good
Undoubtedly inspirational and paved the way for new wave psychedelic rock. Every song is a listen.
I already had Electric Feel as one of my liked songs on spotify, so that was really good start. I ended up liking the song "Kids" and thought "Time to Pretend" was pretty good as well. Didn't love the rest but it was listenable
4.0
Really cool album. Goes from dance-y, to chill, to punk very nicely and sometimes wishing the same song. Kids, Electric Feel, Time to Pretend, and 4th Dimensional Transition were standouts to me.
"Oracular Spectacular" is the debut album and first album of content from MGMT. MGMT formed in 2002 in Middletown, CT and consists of main members and multi-instrumentalists Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwater. Additional band members have been added for albums and tours. Their music has been classified as neo-pyschedelic, indie pop and pyschedelic pop. That's apt; their songs are pop with weirder elements incorporated. This album is particularly front-loaded with their hits at the beginning. But, those hits are pretty great with "Time to Pretend" and "Kids" as two of my favorite indie/alternative songs of the 2000's. The album begins with a song they wrote as seniors in college "Time to Pretend" and is just a fantastic song. Pyschedelic start. Great keyboard intro and melody. Inspired by watching preying mantises in and on one of their model pirate ships. Woah! Maybe inspired or enhanced by other things too. What's it about? Growing up and becoming serious? Living the rock star life? Both? The second song "Weekend Wars" sounds like the White Stripes with an acoustic guitar. Nice vocal chorus ending. Living for the weekend are we? Their second single "Electric Feel" has another great keyboard melody and a heavy bass. Probably their most pop-oriented song. Another song with a drug focus. Their third and final single "Kids" kicks in with a great keyboard hook and beat. Multi-layered vocals. The lyrics going serious about the environment. Another fantastic song. The second half of the album slows down and things get a little more pyschedelic. These songs reminded me of The Flaming Lips. Two songs that got my attention were "Of Moons, Birds & Monsters" for is its pyschedlelic guitar solo and "The Handshake" for its general overall "Yoshimi & The Pink Robots" vibe. I recommend this album alone for their singles. The second half doesn't have quite the hooks but doesn't totally deter from an overall pretty good album.
Listened before: No Enjoyed: Yes Listens: 2 Some good tunes here and some that are pretty skipable but definitely one worth coming back to
Lovely. Never paid much attention to MGMT at the time this came out as they were far to mainstream for me to imagine that listening to them would make me seem cool and different. A real shame because this is very endearing, psych-synth-pop. Like early 2010s Animal Collective with all the excesses trimmed, whipped into shape in a nice clean package. Fav Tracks: Time To Pretend, The Youth, Electric Feel - 4/5
Not my vibe
I was very impressed with the first half of this album - the vibe, the flow - and was prepared to give it 4 stars but unfortunately the 2nd half fell flat and brought it down to 3 stars. "Electric Feel" was definitely a standout for me!
I was really only familiar with MGMT’s radio hits which I liked, but the album itself is a cool vibe.
2007? This album was made 15 years ago? I feel so old... This album feels dated. I'm not sure if that's from over-play on the radio or if this type of 2000's pop is over-done.
This one is unremarkable. I understand why it's here, a few of these songs are absolutely synonymous with the first decade of the 2000s. For me, even those hits are a bit of a snooze. 2/5
I’ve always liked the 3 big singles (Time, Electric, Kids), with their funky indie disco style, but am not attracted to the psychedelic rest. Prefer to listen to Flaming Lips or Super Furry Animals.
Already know and love this album, highlights are Time to Pretend, The Handshake and Future Reflections. Whilst I don't think this is the best MGMT album, I still holds a place in my heart for nostalgia alone.
Bof
Nope - not my thing.
Their few popular songs are fine, but the rest are horrible
not my style but good
Beside the ones that got airplay - which are all good - I like 4th Dimensional Transition, which channels old, psychedelic Pink Floyd. The Handshake, Future Reflections also keepers.
Psychy-synthy-poppy goodness. This might get up to a 5 on repeated listens; it's teetering on the edge of that last star for sure, but a few of the songs might need to grow on me a bit more.
Heavy Frontload on this one right here, but the frontload is so strong. I mean, for a solid 5 years at least this was the indie rock sound.
I may be partial, but this album rocks.
Ovaj album mi je SPEKTAKULARAN od kak je izaso
Ja ovaj album znam stvarno dosta dugo, ali mislim da nikad nisam slušao cijeli. Now, it's time! Neću lagat, al mislim da te pjesme koje znam su same zahvalne za ovaj rejting.
Voici ce que j'en ai déjà dit: "Ce premier album contient deux hits majeurs et essentiels des années 2000 avec Time to Pretend et Kids. Ces deux chansons sont construites dans une approche pop. Elles sont accrocheuses mais super inventives côté instrumentation. L'utilisation des synthétiseurs est bien faites et c'est un son que j'aime beaucoup. Ce n'est pas un groupe facile à suivre, mais j'ai toujours trouvé des éléments vraiment intéressants dans leur musique. Cet album est leur meilleur et un essentiel à connaître."
6/10
Oldie but goodie :) wasn’t able to finish but electric feel gives me that electric feel!
mistura de pop, punk, com rock, com prog e eletrônica. Bacana. Electric Eel famosinha.. Kids é super famosa Pieces of what - péssimo vocal Of moon birds and monsters é bem legal. Psychedelic Rock
good elbum
One of those albums that is fun and fresh even after years of listening to it
I was only familiar with the opening track, Time To Pretend. If you were alive in 2008, you could not have escaped it. Extra catchy tune. As for the rest of the album, I liked Weekend Wars & Pieces Of What & the drums in 4th Dimensional Transition, but found the rest of it lacklustre.
Pretty good singles (Time to Pretend, Electric Feel and Kids) that still sound quite fresh. Side 2, however, drags into aimless spaced-out rock. The Dave Fridmann production sound is all over this (cf Tame Impala and the Flaming Lips). I find it wears by the end of the album (especially that processing on the vocals, that is, ultimately a bit alienating). But those singles are pretty damn good.
Pretty cool actually, listen again
Pop-rock progresivo. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
Love MGMT! Great album!
This album was the soundtrack to one of the most pivotal years of my life. As I remembered it, the first five songs are bangers, and the rest are kind of filler. Listening again, the entire thing is wall-to-wall brilliant. A somehow underrated (lost in the popularity of the one mega-hit) masterpiece.
Perfeito!
Very unique sound, good for unfocused listening, and at the same time, wish I was focused on the lyrics
Pop goodness.
The album reminded me of Jefferson airplane and psychedelic music with a modern twist.
A really fantastic surprise. I had no idea what to expect from this album. I loved how varied it was. From jazzy, Bill Wurtz-esque tracks to more traditional hip hop this album has it all and does it all impeccably.
Electric Feel brings me back to 2010 when I first heard the song. The rest of the album is new to me. Pretty good.
Very good
Solid
I like this album quite a bit. It has a sound that I have appreciated in pop music of its decade but have not explored extensively. "Kids" has been a favorite, played frequently on my Pandora station, and "Time to Pretend" is a great synth anthem. I also really like the neo-disco "Electric Feel." I'm happy to spend more time with them!
I listened to this album quite a few times today. Not that I really loved it, but there was something appealing. I appreciated the youthfulness, I suppose. On some level it also felt a bit too hipster (maybe that isn't really to word that I am looking for)...just something that had me keep a bit at arm's length.
This is fine. Not much I want to revisit.
I’m so glad MGMT is here! I bought this album when it came out and felt like I was listening to the future. It still has that feel to me today. It was the brilliant song "Kids" that brought me to this album initially. But it was "Time To Pretend" made me realize this was something very special. The glitter-grunge feel was so unique, the lyrics so interesting. This remarkable debut album continues with a strongly cohesive sound but each song has its own style and special touches. If I needed an example of "groovy" from the 21st century, Oracular Spectacular would be a perfect choice.
Okay. This is more my jam. I already know some of these songs because this is during college. I'm going to rank this high, but I doubt that I'll call this a high favorite. I'll need to listen to more MGMT.
So many bangers on this one. The in-between songs are decent too.
good.
Meh
Three out of the first five songs are good, but zero out of the next five are good, and in its entirety, a number of the ten songs on the album unlistenable. Two stars.
Kinda groovy. Popy as hell though
Pretty nice overall. Fuzztoned/emo/pop feel. Reminds me of Daft Punk Random Access Memories a little bit. Also Eels, Cage the Elephant, that sort of thing.
Some tracks are interesting. Remind me somehow of Vampire Weekend.
I've listened to this album extensively and love it beginning to end. Obviously electric feel and kids are standouts.
Very surprised about how much I got into this but also felt a few songs either dragged on or went down the wrong path. This album came out when I first started teenage park drinking and navigating the other gender. Time to pretend took me back to Brendan's garage watching him dance with Sarah while I'm trying to figure out who I could kiss. Weekend wars has such an incredible first half but then loses itself/goes away from what I really enjoyed about it. The grungey feel that really isn't typical of MGMT. Electric feel is a song I'd typically skip but in the context of the album it is perfect. There's no wonder this song was everywhere when I was 15. The album is a nostalgic piece of fun for me. With enough content to make it memorable but not enough for me to want to go back. Great first album but looking for much better to come
MGMT was the first time that I noticed hipsters and chads morphing into each other. I can't tell where it stops talking about its feelings and starts fingering girls in the park. Part of it wants to tell you about its favourite hole-in-the-wall coffee shop in Tel Aviv; the other part wants to on rugby trips and piss in its mates' mouths while they sleep on the bus. Either way, if this album was a bloke it would DEFINITELY sleaze onto your missus if you went out of town for the weekend. 3/5.
highlights - time to pretend - the youth (that's addictive) - electric feel - kids - the handshake least favs: - 4th Dimensional Transition - pieces of what liked: yea
So many hits on this album. Really fun.
Nice to hear that the rest of this debut is up to the standard of their singles even though it doesn’t grab me personally. Very singable throughout
It was an alright album. Not very rememberable after one listen. With that said from what I recall I would go back and check some of their other work out.
The singles are catchy and enjoyable, but the remainder of the album fades into the background.
Not in my edition of the book! 2007. 3.5 stars. Fabulous synthesis of indie pop and 60's psychedelia, irritating catchy riffs and vague Beatle-ish overtones. Time To Pretend and Kids are standouts, but a lot of the album is filler. This would get a 4 on a good day.
Loved this album - really groovy and plenty of great hits. "Time to Pretend", "Electric Feel", "Kids" are all great. 8/10.
Great album. One of my favorites
Over produced and over worked, but with a few gems in there as well. Takes me straight back to the time it was released, when the singles were everywhere for a while.
One of those albums with songs I know but didn’t know from where. Cool.
This album was a huge success for MGMT, and I can see why. There's lots of influence from some of the greats in here, but I'm afraid what brings it down is the vocals and the meat. There's not enough in each songs to make me listen again with excitement, they all have their hooks and strengths, but not enough.
Really interesting and some brilliant songs.
2 great tracks and a load of filler.
Duh duh duh duh duh duh duh duh duuuuuuuuuh duuuuuuuuh. They look like Clem Fandango and the other fella on the cover
Pas trop mon style mais quelque. Hanosn se demarquait 3.25
I don't know why I keep thinking of this as a "new" album, it's been out for 15 years! Also thought, for some reason, they were British. Maybe I'm thinking of Metronomy, or Alt-J who came out around the same time. One of the big sounds of the end of the 00's, like an updated talking heads. Great album, but overall not quite as good as Alt-J or Metronomy.
Some nice sounds, overall I'm just not too fond of the sound and tone.
4.5
Toda una sorpresa de grupo y de disco, con canciones muy alegres, algún tema muy reconocido y con gran vitalidad y armonía. Estilo alegre y desenfadado, mezcla de pop y algo de techno
Started well with the hit single, but then just variations of that track.
dull
The hits are absolutely incredible, with some decent extras, but a lot of misses as filler. The highs are very high, but the lows are as equally low.
Not really doing it for me. Pleasant enough, but nothing that memorable. Comes across in parts as a lighter version of Black Keys, but not as good.
Poppy squishy emo goodness. A unique and cool sound. Loved Time to Pretend when it first came out, and it still sounds gorgeous.
Quite enjoyed this, and loved the singles (Kids / Pretend) at the time. Catchy but with a twist, and quite like the lyrics too. However, there’s something a bit too knowing / deliberately quirky in how they write and present their songs. And most of the other songs don’t seem to compare for quality to the singles. They did seem to be trying something new, though, and I did like it for that. 3.5 stars.
A band that I have wanted to try and get into. This was the ideal opportunity. They didn't disappoint, but they didn't quite get me over the line. I enjoyed the slightly distorted production. It added a real DIY element to the album. But it was the falsetto vocals and lurches towards disco that put me off buying a cheapo copy on CD.
Not my cup of tea. His voice goes right through me.
Nostalgic, some great songs with some filler.
Smash popular hits scattered through this one. They were never my thing, but they get you feeling good!
The hits were the hits for a reason.
This is an album that happened around me in my lifetime that I largely ignored. It’s pretty good ya dummy
Oh look it's the sound of my time in college. Didn't realize how many of these songs that were perpetually on in the background were 1) by MGMT and 2) on this album. I like it!
Fun stuff.
Started off as a bit typical whiny 2000’s art rock, but I really liked “Of Moons, Birds and Monsters” - almost enough to bump this to a four. Nah…
better and more here than I remember when it came out. The album that popularized this type of indie rock for late 00's and early 10's
J’aime beaucoup cet album. La fiin des années 2000 est importante selon moi. Elle marque un certain bouillonnement et un rajeunissement du rock. Cet album en est un bon exemple. Il a influencé bon nombre d’autres artistes comme Galaxie par exemple.
Ce premier album contient deux hits majeurs et essentiels des années 2000 avec Time to Pretend et Kids. Ces deux chansons sont construites dans une approche pop. Elles sont accrocheuses mais super inventives côté instrumentation. L'utilisation des synthétiseurs est bien faites et c'est un son que j'aime beaucoup. Ce n'est pas un groupe facile à suivre, mais j'ai toujours trouvé des éléments vraiment intéressants dans leur musique. Cet album est leur meilleur et un essentiel à connaître.
The idea of this being a collection of 3 fantastic songs surrounded by a bunch if mediocre ones is ridiculous, but that's because it's actually 2 fantastic songs and electric feel. I'm a sucker for a synth bass I guess. The fleetwood mac moment was nice also
Great album, their hits do get a little annoying as they still get played a lot. I'm more of a fan of their later works (Little Dark Age) though.
Thought it would drag in the second half, but that's where the interesting stuff is.
- another oh it’s that song on the first track. I like the melody, not a huge fan of the song. Kind of like arcade fire from my recollection. - Good beat and melodies - Some very interesting lyrics - Notable Tracks: Kids (though the end is a bit much), The Youth
I enjoyed it overall. I was surprised at how many of these songs I was already familiar with. 3 stars.
A lot better than I'd expected. A pleasant surprise.
I don't think for MGMT was for when it dropped, and I don't think it is now. It's an alright album, but I don't think it's the toppest of tiers. But it probably has place on this list anyway.
I have spent sooo much time with this album
Yeah, rocking eletronic power pop. Great album, faves Time to Pretend, The Youth, Kids.
Listenable, not bad.
Gute Indie-Pop Album. Etwas zwischen 3 und 4.
phenomenal. great listen when you want to feel relaxed and cool.
this album has such a cool sound! a good vibe. their singles are catchy, but the whole album is such steady quality. not to mention, i just love their electronic psychedelic pop sound! i enjoyed this one more than i thought, and i'm intrigued with the rest of MGMT's catalogue as well.
The 2000s were a great time for indie rock/pop type music, and MGMT was leading the way during this time with a fairly unique sound in a psychedelic indie pop mashup. Not only did they pave their sound in a sea of indie pop bands, many of which sounded the same, but they hit the nail on the head on their first try with this debut album. Electric Feel, Time to Pretend, and Kids felt revolutionary at the time, and honestly, that still holds true today. The lyrics are catchy, the rhythms are catchy, the distorted composition are catchy. And though there have been attempts, there is nothing else quite like these tracks. The chorus from Kids, while so simple, has also always stuck with me: "control yourself / take only what you need from it / a family of trees wanting / to be haunted". It's a message about the planet literally giving itself over to be used by its human inhabitants, and that as a result, we have an obligation to treat it better, and teach our future generations to do the same. That all said, if you're looking for more on this album like the above mentioned well-known trio of outstanding songs, the remainder of the album could possibly be a letdown. No other tracks on the album hit quite like these. Still, this album has an experimental composition at its heart, and there are unique and interesting treats for the ears all throughout. I continue to find this album a fun experience, all these years later.
ive heard of them. idk if it matters tho. eh. 2 or 3, leaning toward 2. Its not offensive but its so boring.
I quite enjoyed this modern rock album
A couple of songs were recognizable. It is best to describe this as indie music with synthesizers. The album was tolerable and relatively short which helps. Be than a two but not really a 3. I will round down to a 2.
Very fun and nostalgic album. A few classics on this album which will be quintessential feel good songs. Some of the other album is a bit trippy pop and is okay. The second half of the album is not nearly as strong but overall it’s an impressive and joyful album for the youth. 7.3/10
I like this, and will definitely listen again
Great modern indie pop. Tunes galore with bubbling synths and more hooks than a bait shop. Best Tracks: Time To Pretend; Electric Feel; Kids
Pretty good pop-rock w/ electronic sounds. Sometimes Beatles, sometimes disco, sometimes bluesy. Was surprised to recognize several songs (or at least the hooks): Time to Pretend, Electric Feel, Kids. Top tracks: Electric Feel
I haven’t listened to this whole album before but have heard about it. It did not disappoint. Great album for such a weird and out there sound.
On paper, I shouldn't like MGMT. It's electronic indie-pop. But MGMT manage to avoid all of the pitfalls of their peers by creating compelling rhythms and melodies accompanied by fun and surprisingly coherent lyrics. This whole album was just a jam. Each successive track built a mood that I found compelling. By the end, I was involuntarily tapping my feet and bobbing my head. It's a great album.
3.5
There were some good tunes here that I was not familiar with.
It’s ok. A couple of memorable songs, good live band though
CD
At the time I thought this was more of a singles band: the singles are all 5-star and instantly recognizable. In fact, the whole first half of the album is 5-star and then it drops a bit: a score of 8/10 seems about right to me.
Still a great album. Time to Pretend and Electric Feel are my favourite tracks.
2.5
Skemmtileg plata!
A great album I have heard many times before
I don't like a lot of synth music but this is a solid album.
i know this album well. i like it. kind of got played a bit to much during my party days tho.
This album is perfect. Absolutely one of the best albums of the 00s.
Mama mia
Kinda 21 piloter core… början va bäst….
Effective mix of synths, indie and danceability + bangerz
Tråk! Gillar int sången och vill ha lite sämre produktion....
Eerste helft is iets vrolijker en gevarieerder. De 2e helft wat meer dromerig. Goed album, maar mist wat 'geheel'
Favorite Track - Time to Pretend Where I was - Everywhere How I listened - Amazon music on speakers Listen Again? - YES!
i was familiar with kids and electric feel but i’d never heard any other songs and i really enjoyed them. i thought they had a new sort of sound to them that were kind of unique but not too much in a way that was reaching. my only thing is that some of the songs got to be unnecessarily lengthy and repetitive, but other than that i really enjoyed.
Didn't know anything about this group - the cover gives nothing away. Are they EDM? folk? hip-hop? emo? I'm not sure I expected the immediate lush melodies though - right off the bat it's hard to not be captivated by this. This melodic and catchy trippy electronic pop/rock carries on throughout the entire album - if i have any criticisms, it's almost an assault on the ears. Not that it's overly loud or abrasive, just that it's too *dense* to a fault in many of the songs. There's a lot of suffering from modern/digital production - jamming all the levels of every instrument to their peaks and after a while I didn't realize it but my ears get a little tired. I'd definitely listen to any/all of this again but even with the short runtime it's just a bit much to take in all in one gulp. Still, worthy of a strong 3 stars. 7/10 3 stars
-Cool keyboards going in the left ear in "Weekend Wars" -Cool vibes in "4th Dimensional Transition" and "Moons, Birds & Monsters" -Love the end of "The Handshake" -some very respectable musical thingies happening here
meinlaust, ekki ég
This is, to put it simply, peak background music. There's a reason most people will know at least two tracks from this album. It enchances basically everything you do, it's not intrusive, it's interesting enough to warrant moments of attention but not aggresively enough as to be distracting. The instrumentation is varied, the tracks are distinct yet flow together well, really if only it had any song that's stand-out catchy or deep enough to really bite into and think about it'd be perfect. Alas, it does not have them, so it remains a pinacle of 4/5. Greatly pleasurable listening experience.
You know that cheap beer, which is perfect for cracking a cold one with the boys and can bring some of the best memories, but you won't have much pleasure from drinking it alone? Yeah, that's Oracular Spectacular. A pleasant set with some of the best known songs from MGMT, but at the same time rubbing me up the wrong way for some reason. Listening the whole album for the first time (first sip?) was dreary sometimes, but I got used to it. The second sip was much better - I finally noticed the wide spectrum of instruments and non-obvious harmonies. All in all, it's some non-controversial music to play at a house party to accompany a cheap beer. And the best memories. Highlight: The Youth
Time to Pretend, Electric Feel i Kids przesuper, generalnie bardzo spoko album, chyba jedyny utwor ktory srednio mi sie podobal to of moons, birds & monsters.
Coś bardziej współczesnego, co idealnie wpisuje się w gatunki, jakich ostatnio słuchałem. Świetnie wkomponowane, z perspektywy czasu ikoniczne dla MGMT syntezatory, w połączeniu z klasycznymi instrumentami dają naprawdę ciekawą i intrygującą warstwę muzyczną, do tego przyjemny i poprawny wokal. To wszystko złożyło się na kilka tak chwytliwych i przyjemnych utworów z tego albumu, które na przestrzeni kolejnych lat został wielokrotnie samplowane i wykorzystywane chociażby w reklamach czy flagowych grach dużych wydawnictw (FIFA, patrzę na Ciebie). Momentami w wydźwięku lekko psychodeliczny, album ma swoje lepsze i gorsze momenty - na przykład Pieces of What czy The Handshake brakuje jasnej struktury czy charakterystycznych elementów. Niemniej album zasługuje na solidne 4.
3 absolutne bangery, które niestety prościej usłyszeć w telewizji niż w radiu. Reszta albumu średnio bym powiedział. 3.5/5
Time to Pretened i The Youth gigakoks, reszta również przyjemna do słuchania. Na tyle zróżnicowane, że nie nudziło mi się w żadnym miejscu. Kilka bardzo ciekawych syntezatorowych fragmentów, które bardzo poprawiały mój ogólny enjoyment ze słuchania tego albumu.
Bardzo mi się przyjemnie tego słuchało. Wydaje się, że jestem w gronie nielicznych, którzy nie słyszeli tych gości nigdy (poza jakimś featem jednym) wcześniej. Bardzo wesoły vibe, te synthowe wstawki mi się mega podobają, kilka przyjemnych hiciorków. Nie jest to album przełomowy, ale czy musi być? Większość na razie nie była Solidną 4 wystawiam, chętnie wrócę.
Not a fan
A real gem. Upset it took me this long to listen to it.
It was fine, smacked a little of sepia filters on instagram
overrated
Qué buenos recuerdos!!! Time to pretend y Kids impagables.
You've got to be kidding me. NO. This is my first album and it might be my last.
Indie pop. Interesante.
The bloom is off the rose with this knowing that nothing after really stands up but the highs are SO high here
I remembered more of these songs that I thought I would. I had been thinking of them as one hit wonders with Electric Feel but that is really not the case. They really have a great sound.
On the first side of this they are pretty much on fire. Loses some steam on side 2 but still very enjoyable. Psychedelic pop gets a modern makeover. Genuine fun.
This was the hotness when I was in college. Definitely fun to listen back to it now knowing a bit more about synthesizers and sound-creation. MGMT had that great mix of vocal-pop hooks and delicious synthy vibes. I think there are a ton of bands that wouldn't exist if MGMT didn't have the success they did. I've enjoyed listening to some of the lesser known songs on here, I've heard them but it's been a while. Weekend Wars sort of has a proto-punk vocal delivery, also sort of Freddie Mercury vibe. Thematically at the time it felt like it captured the millennial energy of both being worn down but still happy enough to wanna party. Only problem is songs like Electric Feel and Kids have been so overplayed that they don't mean much to me anymore.
Great, first half is amazing
I love this so much!
I remember listening to this CD a lot during University. Electric Feel / Kids is a very solid 1-2 punch. Time to pretend is okay. The rest of the CD is meh, even through the nostalgia glasses. I expected more here, and didn't get it.
Pretty dope album. Outside of the really nostalgic classics on this thing, the other tracks are equally as creative and interesting. I’ll def be coming back to it 8/10
What a fun album.
already have it!
I really dig it
Got those earworms.
Better than expected. Felt like the first of their genre (electronic indie) & appreciated it as such, but much of it felt uninspired - probably because they helped invent it.
This album has some of my favourite singles of all time and the album tracks are way better than they're usually given credit for.
Of Moons, Birds & Monsters and Time to Pretend are the best songs of all time. The production is intricate and I'm so proud of the accomplishments being that this album was made 2006-2008.
Weird. Messy. And most importantly, mind-blowing. These experiences are why I signed up for this project. This is a unique, unusual, and beautiful discovery for me. It's not easy to describe its sound, but I think the cover art tells a lot about it. Two seemingly hipster men on a beach, which is painted in a vibrant scheme of blue and purple. That perfectly sums up the album. It's hipster-ish, as some less enthusiastic people put it, yet it's oddly moving. It was like walking along a surreal beach built by those synth (?) riffs. It was like musical psychedelic trip, with a nice uplifting build-up. What happened to this type of music when artists like LANY and The Chainsmokers brought it to the mainstream in early 2010's? Whatever, I'm still glad that I discovered this gem. It might not be one of the best pop albums of the recent times, but it sure is the most mood elevating album that I have ever heard so far.
pelo menos uns 10 anos que nao ouvia esse album, continua bom
very pleasant album, I already knew some of the songs, great melodies and vibe
The singing is hit and miss, but I do like the music throughout. Several of the songs are instantly recognizable because of their distinctive tone and catchy licks.
I think I heard this once or twice when it came out but didn't have much memory of it. As soon as the first track kicked off it all came back, though - very distinctive poppy sound! I can dig it. Fave track - "Time to Pretend" and "Kids" - both pretty iconic!
Oracular Spectacular?....Craptacular more like it.
Really enjoyed this at the time...and quite enjoyed it now, though I wonder about their other albums
hipster supermarket music
Enjoyed
“Time to Pretend” still has just the right amount of melancholy feeling.
College nostalgia dictates that I give this 5 stars. But really there are some great songs on here. Electric Feel has been in my brain for 15 years
This takes me back a bit. I had a phase of being very into this brand of indie-pop during the early to mid 2010s. I don't care much for the style anymore, but this is still a pretty good album. The difference between the best and the worst tracks is a bit too big. But the worst tracks are also still very listenable.
I feel like the only 22 year old who hasn't heard any of these songs before... maybe "Electric Feel" sounds a bit familiar, but here's a fresh opinion for you. I'm actually impressed by this modern pop album. The entire first half is really impressive. You have a ton of really creative synths attributed to modern production to create two entirely different moods: disco-like dance hits and mellower psychedelic trips. The track "Of Moons Birds & Monsters" is the perfect blend of both styles. Being a baroque pop fan, I'm actually partial to the less popular tracks like the chamber repetition of "The Youth" or the dark retrowave of "The Handshake." Ironically, a candidate for my least favorite track is the most popular, "Kids," which is mostly boring repetitive techno and annoying raised vocals. The synth rock solos tend to be my favorite parts of these songs. They're all very different from each other, evoking a variety of emotions. "4th Dimensional Transition" does this a lot throughout the song. It's also the little things like the trippy orchestral instruments coming in and out all at once at varying speeds, or their voices suddenly changing volume, that give these songs character, making it impossible for me to dislike almost any of them.
7.5/10
Never listened to this whole thing, find it very engaging
Clássico
Альбом показался довольно интересным, но он не в моем вкусе. Местами звучит однообразно, хотя текст цепляющий. Из треков могу выделить Electric Feel и Kids. Переслушивать не стану, поэтому - твердая тройка.
Love it but I’m biased because I know it well a three great songs in here and a set of other good ones and flows well
The rest of the album didn’t quite live up to the singles, but overall an enjoyable pop album nonetheless. 7/10
7/10. A lot of stuff I've heard on the radio growing up, but not really my style after the nostalgia wears off.
The singles are three of the best pop songs from the 2000s. The rest is pretty alright. 8/10
Elite level singles. Pure hype beyond that. Even worse than I remembered, no nostalgia bump at all here. The lyrics are shockingly poor. Aimed for left field indie-psych, ended up with advert music.
Ironic dance music I'll happily iron to even if it doesn't always make me want to dance.
Yes and also yes
Great debut album for psychedelic pop band.
nope. not for me. mgmt has never been for me.
Awesome album! Much more depth than I was expecting.
Groovy
Great album! Love me some MGMT!
Critical listening for my late high school years. Still a great album to boot.
OVRRTD.
Awesome album. They have such a cool sound, unique music!
A classic indie album. Psychedelic pop? Indie rock? Who cares, just enjoy it. Favorite Track: Time to Pretend Relisten: Yes
A familiar start that took me back to being a teenager, still a fantastic album after all these years.
Com si d’un disc de vinil es tractés (l’obra es va publicar abans de l’arribada de la segona época dorada del vinil), el cd es composa de dos parts molt diferenciades. Les primeres cinc cançons són composicions pop perfectes, banda sonora ideal de la segona meitat dels 00’s, fresca i original, que ens transporta a tots els que la vam viure als millors moments d’aquells anys. La segona part és més densa, fosca i complexa, pista de per on anirien les coses en els següents dos discos del duet, abans que recuperessin la inspiració pop a ‘Little Dark Age’. No desmereix, però, i tot i estar lluny de l’efectisme meritori de la primera meitat, és la que aporta gran part de la vigència a llarg termini del disc
I am super impressed. I remember the hits from high school, but the album as a whole is great work in this genre. Great melodies, catchy synth parts, varying rhythms. Great work! An example for Indie!
Easy enjoyable indie pop/rock with synth elements
Somehow this passed me by, tho I knew a couple of the hits. Enjoyable
I feel like this album was sneakily groundbreaking. It's lyrics are poignant and the music is attention grabbing.
Their best, but it's just few songs which are OK
Liked it a lot! Already knew 4 songs from high school times but the rest was brand new. Kids is a classic for my generation. Enjoyed the rock/electronica sound and the thom-yorke-esque singing. Good stuff
Nostalgic stuff right here
LOVE this album!! Spacey tunes, beginning of the album is banger after banger and the less popular second half of the album is still really enjoyable in a different way. Brings back great memories of seeing them live and really enjoying myself. Listening makes me so happy and puts me in a great mood!
A classic. I was surprised that there were songs on there I didn't know, I guess I have never listened to the whole thing, enjoyed those ones but the old bangers are by far the best
It holds up! And what ever happened to MGMT. Some absolute bangers in here, but why didn't we hear of them after this? Did their other albums suck? Giving this a 4 star cos I wasn't super in love with every song and you've got to save the 5 stars for the really special stuff
This is a fantastic album. When I saw it I wondered whether my love of it was just nostalgia for the time but it is genuinely a great album. I remember when it came out it felt so cool and different to a lot of other stuff and the whole aesthetic of it felt so fresh.
22nd November 2021 Funnily enough listened to the vinyl of this on Saturday as we had sav and Sally round and he bought it for my birthday. But Listened today while I painted the spare room. Takes me right back to being a teenager, love it. I'm in the prime of my life...memories of calais, dakota, there's some arcade fire vibes in there which emphasises all of this.
This was everywhere a few years back. Quite fun in a psych synth rave kind of a way, but apart from the singles nothing very memorable.
I might have heard Youth somewhere at some point before. The start of Eletric Feel has some oriental air there. Sort of in favour of Pieces of What.
Time to Pretend is an earnest repudiation of fame and fortune from someone who feels trapped inescapably. I am really digging this blown out eletro pop sound. Of Moons Birds and Monsters provides a lot of needed breathing on the album as a whole, though the back half, with the exception of Kids, is kess impressive than the first half.
Great record
Eh
Hit songs are great, but not much to recommend for the filler.
I drank too much this Weekend to remember enough of this album to write a propper review. My overconsumption of alcohol wasn't a deliberate attempt to forget, but maybe there is a subconcious causal relationship between the two.
Solid album. The Handshake is going to stay with me for a long time. However, beyond that and the singles, not much else from the album resonates with me.
When your 3 biggest songs come off of your first LP, you're gonna have a bad time (living up to that hype). Seriously, this album helped shape some of my more formative years and continues to have songs in my regular rotation.
College alt-pop for a later generation than mine
Typisch soort popmuziek. Best wel leuk
Well it's Orac Spectac, an album that influenced a generation of indie artists. Been a while since I listened to it, but front to back it's a genuinely great album with great track variety. Pieces of What is def my favorite, I'm upset I skipped over it for all these years. The Handshake also slaps.
Not really my thing but it was good for a single listen
One of my favorite albums of all time, every track is a hit. Still holds up. First time listening in probably 10 years.
Really couldn't be bothered to listen to all of this, it's very poor. I got as far as Kids, which is a good song, but not this version: but there's an amateur couple on Youtube who do an acoustic version 10 x better than this. Rubbish.
A cracker and not one i know that well
Super fun psychedelic pop.
Do-do do-do doo do-do doo doo