MGMT’s Oracular Spectacular is an indie rock / electronic influenced album that tenderly deals with the painful transition into adulthood, exploring the eternal Peter Pan syndrome that plagues our yet-to-be-named generation (Y doesn’t seem to do us justice). The single on everyone’s lips, Time to Pretend, deals with the disappointment of growing up by accepting the stifling defeat that comes with maturity. It’s surprisingly comforting and fitting, though, convivial with life’s inevitable destructiveness. The gem of the album isn’t the track that’s been getting the most hype, though, it’s “Kids” – a song (to me, at least) that serves as 2008’s “Young Folks.” With children’s excited screams in the background, it’s catchy, optimistic, danceable, and just plain well-written. It’s definitely the the second single.

The MGMT duo met in 2002 on campus at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut and began making music soon after. The album’s not as cohesive as possible (it’s composed from a bunch of one off experimental performances), but it’s an amazing effort from a young band named one of Rolling Stone’s artists to watch in 2008. Take a listen! If you live in either Toronto or Montreal, check them out with Yeasayer in the next couple days.

Toronto – February 9th – El Macambo
Montreal – February 10th – La Sala Rossa

You’re welcome,

SS