Album Review: Oracular Spectacular by MGMT

When MGMT were asked by their record label for a list of their dream producers, with low expectations they sarcastically replied: Prince, Nigel Godrich, Barack Obama, and "not Sheryl Crow." Columbia returned with Dave Fridmann, the producer extraordinaire best known for his work with Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev. In typical Fridmann fashion, Oracular Spectacular is a glamorous mega-production through and through. Drums are massively distorted and shimmering keyboards are articulately layered as he takes the reins, leading the duo through his daisy chain of onboard compressors, delay units, and whatever other mysterious studio gizmos and gadgets he uses to get his trademark sound.

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In the arts, youth and accidental excellence go hand in hand. There's something liberating about not knowing the rules of the game, and that, coupled with the hubris of young adulthood, often results in premature works of brilliance. That's probably why buzz bands are thriving these days but sustained artistic growth remains elusive for most of them.

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