We knew we were in for a special set with MGMT before they even arrived in our studios. They are famously strange (and stoned) and today was no different.
Many music critics accused the band of purposefully putting out a “challenging” album as the follow up to the highly successful electro-pop of their debut “Oracular Spectacular” but seeing them up close, live and in person – its extraordinarily clear they are playing the music they love. Eyes closed and totally engaged, they rocked an epic set of music. They rode a wave of psychedelic sound, particularly through their second set, and threw in a couple of extra songs. I wasn’t sure if they were ever going to stop! They were in a zone and ended with my fave, the title track “Congratulations.” (only our web audience got to hear it live!)
They also shared some great tidbits in the interview. They hinted that an MGMT- Of Montreal super group might be in the works and shared some funny stories about doing shows with Dan Treacy, from the UK band Television Personalities. They consider him a genius and are such big fans they dedicated a song on their album to him.
It’s Working
The Youth
Song for Dan Treacy
> interview
Siberian Breaks
Handshake
Congratulations
p.s. I like MGMT even more after checking out some of the songs they play while soundchecking: the Rolling Stones’ “Dead Flowers” and Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.”
p.p.s. It’s worth noting that when MGMT made their Morning Becomes Eclectic debut in 2008, they did it without a soundcheck because their equipment was initially delivered to the wrong studio! This time was much smoother AND they gave MBE producer Ariana Morgenstern a signed guitar for her birthday! It was so cool.
