Oracular Spectacular

Brooklyn duo MGMT exploded onto the music scene with "Oracular Spectacular," one of the best albums of 2008, and by far the most attention grabbing. Psychedelic electronic pop rock, "Oracular Spectacular" stands out not only for it's originality and musical abilities, but it's ironic humorous take on life.

Andrew Vanwyngarden and Ben Goldwasser started the band, originally titled "Management" as a joke, to annoy fellow students at Connecticut's Wesleyan University of 2002. Rather inexplicably, their eclectic sound captured the attention of U2 producer Steve Lillywhite and they rapidly banked a record deal with Capitol Records, rapidly skyrocketing into fame.

Their title track of the album, "Time to Pretend" is a synth rock acid trip, ironically glorifying fame by swooning about heroin and marrying super models, living by the motto "life fast and die young." Disco laced "Electric Feel" highlights Vanwyngarden's Prince-like abilities to moan sensually to an epic beat that's impossible not to dance to. Their theme of life in the fast lane is reiterated on the nostalgic "Kids," with the line "no time to think of consequences."

It is evident that despite their fame MGMT are still pranksters at hard, and seem to just be enjoying their success with a nonchalant, understated attitude that allows their persona and music to continue to be hip in light of their success. It will be interesting to see how their next album turns out, if it can hold onto the charisma of "Oracular Spectacular." Will the kids sell out, or continue their prank on the world?