Dancing Days are Back

Disco is back, but without the bad hair and mustaches. The Brooklyn band MGMT is a throwback to the days of bell bottoms and disco balls but at the same time has a contemporary appeal, taking influences in their structure from bands like Flaming Lips. Interestingly enough, Dave Fridmann produced Oracular Spectacular who had previously produced all but one Flaming Lips album and is members Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser’s first album under their new name, previously calling the band The Management. The result is a hipster favorite, full of great dance tracks and funky bass lines.

MGMT’s music on Oracular Spectacular is always playful with a rare hint of seriousness.  Every song on the album has a great punch-n-thump to it, and it’s hard to keep your body still even when it’s one of their slower songs such as ‘The Youth.’  VanWyngarden and Goldwasser’s vocal work is also enticing, as they both exploit layers to create a choral effect on bigger songs.  The lead single off the album ‘Electric Feel’ is a song that you can’t help but shake your groove-thang to, even if you’re not the dancing type. It’s a culmination of everything MGMT does best.  From the funky bass line to the staccato guitar chords, it’s a disco dance hit for the new era. VanWyngarden and Goldwasser’s voices interplay nicely on the track and mesh together despite their tone differences.  It’s the epitome of throwback synth pop, sexy but classy at the same time.  ‘Kids,’ although it doesn’t have the same sensual beat ‘Electric Feel’ has, is another dance hit with directive lyrics like “Control yourself, take only what you need from it,” making you want to lose control.

The only drawback to the album is that it’s really nothing special.  Oracular Spectacular is a great spin for your swanky digs, but it’s not something you’ll be listening to all the time.  MGMT mass appeal is in direct proportion to the mood of the listener.  If you’re down to boogie or in an especially happy mood, MGMT is perfect.  However if you’re having a ghastly day, MGMT is probably going to be exasperating rather than jovial. Save Oracular Spectacular for your dancing days, otherwise keep it on the shelf.

Amy Dittmeier