#494: MGMT - Oracular Spectacular (2008)

Aaah, something "modern." Contrasting this with the guitar- and saxophone-heavy older albums, it's  very clear the electronic turn our music has taken. However, with Bozz Scaggs back there, you can see how this is progression of psychedelic rock, except instead of laying on the organ, we have some heavy-handed synth effects.

I suppose if I took issue with the whiny aspect of Jack White's voice I should have a problem with Andrew VanWyngarden's voice, but, hey, I'm biased towards MGMT, having already liked their MGMT album. Ah, that's how it goes.

I did get a little tired of the "singing in a cavernous hall sound" like on song such as "Pieces of What." I don't know if this was a purposeful decision or one more to cover up some voice issues.

Rating: 7/10

Would listen to: If I wanted to hear specific songs or wanted some "hip" background music.

Favorite Songs: "Time To Pretend" (already a favorite), "Electric Feel," "Kids"

Notes:

• We're all in agreement that the video for "Kids" is kind of creepy, right? That kid is not acting, that's for sure!
• This was one of the newer albums Rolling Stone added to their revised top 500 list.
• Despite all the familiar hits on this album, I like their second one better. It's like they eased off their electric dependence and really started making music.