Oracular Spectacular

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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0886971951226 Format: Enhanced Label: SonyBMG Manufacturer: SonyBMG Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: SonyBMG Release Date: 2008-03-10 Studio: SonyBMG
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Editorial Reviews: The term Oracular Spectacular might not mean much, if anything, at all--it's essentially nonsensical--but that doesn't stop it feeling exactly right. Here is a band that treats dizzy cross-eyed awe and a vast bounding sense of sonic weightlessness as their yardstick, jostling to surpass themselves on a track-by-track basis and aiming for the musical equivalent of performing somersaults in tye-dye t-shirts off the rings of Jupiter. MGMT seemingly submit this debut album as an application to acquire and even supersede The Flaming Lips' previously uncontested mantle as spiritual leaders of over-sized Technicolor psychedelic-indie with a soul, weird but not so weird that swelling crowds and even flirtations with the charts aren't a foregone conclusion. "Time to Pretend" opens and sets a tone for the record, producer David Fridmann (Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev) providing a familiar expanse for them to riff across with bull's-eye synths, massive drums and their twist on the template--retro 80s electro and abstract shapes, see Suicide and the Talking Heads for reference. "The Youth" is centred around a hypnotically looping refrain that recalls Pink Floyd and David Bowie, as interpreted by a mellow Secret Machines and the brilliant "Pieces of What" is Ryan Adams spinning through cosmos with classic Neil Young on his headphones. "Future Reflections" meanwhile stand on its hands on a line somewhere in-between XTC and Ween. Thrillingly eclectic, endlessly colourful and never predictable. It's all a bit ridiculous, but indeed spectacularly so. --James Berry
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: Indie Rokkers! Comment: Time To Pretend is the defining and opening track for this album, which has received real critical acclaim and appears in many Top 50 albums of 2008 lists. The whole album is an electic mix of retro, indie, acoustic, disco, folk and psychedelia rolled into one surprisingly polished and cool mix which really works. It reminds me of a pared down Scissor Sisters; they sound similar, but these songs are slightly less commercial, although still popular, if that makes sense. Favourite tracks are Time To Pretend and Electric Feel, and Love Always Remains is currently my least favourite. Customer Rating: Summary: The Management have spoken Comment: MGMT mix of psychedelia, electronica and playful indie pop shouldn't be a mainstream hit. But something about it just works. It is an highly ambitious album, experimental and highly intelligent. Mixing styles of Secret Machines, Goldrush, The Flaming Lips, Sparks with the psychedelia of Pink Floyd and 13th Floor Elevators should give you enough influences to get a taste of this album. Starting with the rousing "Time To Pretend" the album begins on a high. The opener was released on a previous, same titled EP, and is one of the more accessible tracks on the album. I like the fact it is a challenge, forcing the listener to push through their normal limits and open up to a new sounds and styles. "Weekend Wars" morphs two or three times in the single track, becoming a Bowie soundtrack half way through before breaking into a catchy chorus before it fades away again. "The Youth" is a slower complex layered example and shows their softer chilled underbelly. "Electric Feel" and "Kids" are my standout tracks in a very heavily stacked top end of the album. Both commercial successes, both highly catchy indie pop records that are highlights of the music this year. What I love most about it apart from the fusion of styles and the complex set of influences which are credited with such aplomb, is the uncertainty of where it going to take you next. So unpredictable and magical that it truly deserves it's accolades it has received this year. A prime example of this is the almost tribal "4th Dimensional Transition" with its jungle drums and synth sounds followed by the acoustically led "Pieces Of What" that sounds like Mick Jagger attempting to cry his heart out. Beautiful sounds arranged and mixed with cracking lyrics - on an almost magical level the album finishes as it begins, on a high. * Like: Secret Machines, Goldrush, The Flaming Lips, Sparks with the psychedelia of Pink Floyd and 13th Floor Elevators * Customer Rating: Summary: Record of the year Comment: With so many dull, bland albums around, this is worth stopping, sitting and dedicating some quality time to. It's fresh, exciting and hasn't been off my stereo since I bought it. Without a doubt, my favourite record of 2008. Wholeheartedly recommended. Customer Rating: Summary: Flippin' right good! Comment: Sorry for this short and lazy review - which is no reflection of my feelings for this album. Oracular Spectacular is superb, MGMT is superb. And going for a bargain price at the time of writing too! Customer Rating: Summary: Let's Go To Frinton Comment: See how they prance on the beach. Look at the hippy's long pink shorts. Aren't they cheeky? Good little pop number this - will never set the world alight, but a fun-filled head-nodder. Pop should be fun I think! This is as much fun as when Michael Jackson cut down a tree with his hand, or when Madonna wore coffee filters on her boobies. More Reviews