While the album feels daring all the way through, early tracks like "Alien Days" feel relatively straightforward, mining the ornate pop sound of their previous effort.
If the rest of the album were as strong as those three songs ["A Good Sadness," "Astro-Mancy," and "I Love You Too, Death], this would be a masterpiece and a powerful growth for the band. As it stands, they can at best serve as a taste of what's to come.
MGMT’s self-titled third album delivers a brand-new sound that celebrates liberated consciousness as they ditch any remnants of stylisticMGMT’s self-titled third album delivers a brand-new sound that celebrates liberated consciousness as they ditch any remnants of stylistic pigeon holes or creative boundaries. The music awakens feelings of uncertainty but also of determination that many of us are feeling these days in this world. I recently read that in their years at Wesleyan University, Ben Goldwasser and Andrew Van Wyngarden soon focused on experimental music. It was not something that just happened to them overnight, waking up one morning and deciding to do it. They even played a few experimental operas of Anthony Braxton. Experimental music has been an important influence for Ben Goldwasser and Andrew Van Wyngarden totally ignored by the press in the U.S.…Expand
A very good album that's tragically underrated. "I Love You Too, Death" is probably my favorite track, it's gorgeous. If you don't like thisA very good album that's tragically underrated. "I Love You Too, Death" is probably my favorite track, it's gorgeous. If you don't like this album, give it a few more listens. It'll grow on you.…Expand
Grower of an album. I am sooooo happy they went with their art and not the desire of the masses that seem to want the same songs over andGrower of an album. I am sooooo happy they went with their art and not the desire of the masses that seem to want the same songs over and over. Don't these pollyanna fans ever get bored with the same sound? I commend MGMT for moving into a deeper and darker sound. They are one of the most adventurous rock/pop groups around and I love them for it!! Very few bands today have their vision. This album is for the music lovers that like challenging sounds and want to be taken on a journey. In the age of Itunes they are still trying to make a cohesive artistic statement. Bravo!!!!…Collapse
This is no "Oracular Spectacular," but it's almost as good. Oracular Spectacular was fast, Congratulations slowed down the pace a little bit,This is no "Oracular Spectacular," but it's almost as good. Oracular Spectacular was fast, Congratulations slowed down the pace a little bit, but this album mixes the two perfectly. It has some unnoticeable tracks, but not that many. The songs are beautiful that tie the album into one. The songs trigger a certain relaxed or psychedelic feeling while listening to them with subtle tunes and lyrics. MGMT has done well with this album, but will hopefully create another "Oracular Spectacular" with their next fantastic album.…Expand
MGMT ("The Optimizer" Deluxe) is a great experience, don't get me wrong. There's a weird, surreal aspect of the music and it overflows withMGMT ("The Optimizer" Deluxe) is a great experience, don't get me wrong. There's a weird, surreal aspect of the music and it overflows with psychedelic flair, passionate instrumentation and fuzzy production. If anyone wants to know what psychedelic music is, show them this, it'd be perfect. The problem here is the nomadic state of the band. The album provides a great trip and experience however it isn't memorable or on point. Let's hope MGMT return to their roots and rise in the psychedelic genre, for now these are alien days and they're holding themselves back…Expand
Following the musical path of MGMT is an interesting one to say the least. They refuse to sell out are unafraid of laying their musicalFollowing the musical path of MGMT is an interesting one to say the least. They refuse to sell out are unafraid of laying their musical discourse on the table, without pretense and refuse to pander to expectations. This their 3rd album provides a number of recognisable MGMT classics but on the most part is overly melancholic and at times a little drab. Still worth a butchers though.…Expand
This is some I liked MGMT for their more melodic songs such as kids and electric feel. the weird on the first and second albums were slappedThis is some I liked MGMT for their more melodic songs such as kids and electric feel. the weird on the first and second albums were slapped together noise. If they are trying to be groundbreaking and fresh or whatever then they are not doing it well. hopefully they will honor the fans that loved the songs mentioned and create something more accessible. the great thing about ocular spectacular was the diversity. there was some acoustic folky stuff, incredible electronic, some nice groove and then the weird noise stuff. if this is where they're going then i guess i'm only gonna be a fan of their first album and the track congratulations. i only gave this a 1 because there is no zero. this album is void of anything remotely good or listenable. it sucks.…Expand
