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MGMT - Oracular Spectacular (Columbia)
Released: October 2nd, 2007
October 2nd, 2017 marked the 10th anniversary of MGMT's debut album, Oracular Spectacular.
MGMT is the stage name for past Wesleyan University students, Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser. Formed during college, MGMT exploded on to the indie-rock scene with this debut album.
Known for its eccentric synth play, highly effected strings and creative melodies, Oracular Spectacular is arguably one of the best alternative albums of the past 20 years.
Tracklist:
1. Time to Pretend
2. Weekend Wars
3. The Youth
4. Electric Feel
5. Kids
6. 4th Dimensional Transition
7. Pieces of What
8. Of Moons, Birds & Monsters
9. The Handshake
10. Future Reflections
Listen to the Full Album HERE!
This album contained a range of gorgeous songs, from pop-hits to obscure alternative tunes, Oracular Spectacular had it all.
The three most memorable tracks from this album were "Time to Pretend", "Electric Feel" and "Kids".
The leadoff song "Time to Pretend" contains a synth melody that is hard to forget. Ringing throughout the track, the synthesizers bring the song to life. From the catchy chorus melody to the verses, the song is constantly pumping. The drums are crisp and dense. The bass lines are driving while ethereal synth-work covers the song in a psychedelic blanket. Listeners will be head-bobbing until the final second.
"Electric Feel" was my favorite song on this album when I bought the CD 10 years ago, and it still is one of my favorite alt-pop tunes today. The intro is groovy and poppy while the chorus contains a smooth vocal melody. The flute-sounding synth melody from the intro appears again later in the track, eventually leading the song to the exciting and energetic outro...
"DO WHAT YOU FEEL NOW! ELECTRIC FEEL NOW!"
"Kids" is another one to remember. The pulsating and buzzing synths combine with the hard hitting kick snare pattern to create a festival anthem.
I love the back-to-back punch of "Weekend Wars" and "The Youth".
The acoustic guitar pattern and dry drums on "Weekend Wars" sound so nice and clean underneath VanWyngarden's vocals. Right around the 1:18 mark the song shifts into another gear, becoming even more attractive. From the elegant and short synth solo all the way until seconds, this song is constantly building upon itself, developing into a solid indie-rock tune.
I love the drums on "The Youth". Each part of the kit is slightly distorted, sounding rough, edgy and fuzzy, but nothing crazy. The sweet and simple chorus leads the song to the 2:30 mark, where the song becomes clear and transparent. Each instrument, including vocals, sounds brighter and more luminous. It is one of the prettiest sections on the whole album.
The deep cut "Of Moons, Birds and Monsters" is a track that can transport the listener to another planet. Beginning as a rockin' alternative tune, the song develops into a psychedelic trip. The guitar solo is an awesome touch to the song while the general synthesizer work is next level. The sonics of the latter-half of the song will make you forget what the beginning even sounded like.
This album has it all. From the pop hit "Time to Pretend" all the way to the slow jam "The Handshake", Oracular Spectacular is a highly enjoyable psych experience. The synthesizers on the album are glowing and glistening while the drums and auxiliary percussion are punchy and crisp. This is all happening while VanWyngarden's unique vocal croon's throughout the record.
This album was my favorite as a kid and is still one of my favorites today.
1. Time to Pretend
2. Weekend Wars
3. The Youth
4. Electric Feel
5. Kids
6. 4th Dimensional Transition
7. Pieces of What
8. Of Moons, Birds & Monsters
9. The Handshake
10. Future Reflections
Listen to the Full Album HERE!
This album contained a range of gorgeous songs, from pop-hits to obscure alternative tunes, Oracular Spectacular had it all.
The three most memorable tracks from this album were "Time to Pretend", "Electric Feel" and "Kids".
The leadoff song "Time to Pretend" contains a synth melody that is hard to forget. Ringing throughout the track, the synthesizers bring the song to life. From the catchy chorus melody to the verses, the song is constantly pumping. The drums are crisp and dense. The bass lines are driving while ethereal synth-work covers the song in a psychedelic blanket. Listeners will be head-bobbing until the final second.
"Electric Feel" was my favorite song on this album when I bought the CD 10 years ago, and it still is one of my favorite alt-pop tunes today. The intro is groovy and poppy while the chorus contains a smooth vocal melody. The flute-sounding synth melody from the intro appears again later in the track, eventually leading the song to the exciting and energetic outro...
"DO WHAT YOU FEEL NOW! ELECTRIC FEEL NOW!"
"Kids" is another one to remember. The pulsating and buzzing synths combine with the hard hitting kick snare pattern to create a festival anthem.
I love the back-to-back punch of "Weekend Wars" and "The Youth".
The acoustic guitar pattern and dry drums on "Weekend Wars" sound so nice and clean underneath VanWyngarden's vocals. Right around the 1:18 mark the song shifts into another gear, becoming even more attractive. From the elegant and short synth solo all the way until seconds, this song is constantly building upon itself, developing into a solid indie-rock tune.
I love the drums on "The Youth". Each part of the kit is slightly distorted, sounding rough, edgy and fuzzy, but nothing crazy. The sweet and simple chorus leads the song to the 2:30 mark, where the song becomes clear and transparent. Each instrument, including vocals, sounds brighter and more luminous. It is one of the prettiest sections on the whole album.
The deep cut "Of Moons, Birds and Monsters" is a track that can transport the listener to another planet. Beginning as a rockin' alternative tune, the song develops into a psychedelic trip. The guitar solo is an awesome touch to the song while the general synthesizer work is next level. The sonics of the latter-half of the song will make you forget what the beginning even sounded like.
This album has it all. From the pop hit "Time to Pretend" all the way to the slow jam "The Handshake", Oracular Spectacular is a highly enjoyable psych experience. The synthesizers on the album are glowing and glistening while the drums and auxiliary percussion are punchy and crisp. This is all happening while VanWyngarden's unique vocal croon's throughout the record.
This album was my favorite as a kid and is still one of my favorites today.
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