Oracular Spectacular

Even if there is nothing else to say about MGMT, one can still say that they are original. Of course, there is much more to say about them. Part electro-pop, part freak-folk, this band's first album, "Oracular Spectacular," produced by the legendary David Fridmann, a producer for the Flaming Lips, sounds like a mountain range looks, and is rife with dizzying highs and abysmal lows. Three songs on the album have hit potential. "Time to Pretend" and "Kids" are two extremely danceable and catchy electro-pop songs on the album. The members, Ben Goldwasser and Andre VanWyngarden, apparently have an ear for infectious refrains, electronically altered vocals and sung harmonies. The other big hit on the album, "Electric Feel," is nothing less than a disco song. Unfortunately, not all of the songs are as good as this. Many of the songs sink into a vague psychedelic sound. For example, where "Time to Pretend" bounces along at an invigorating clip, "Pieces of What" goes nowhere. In pursuing the psychedelic sound, they succeed only in the song, "Weekend Wars," which is saved by an interesting guitar line. All in all, "Oracular Spectacular" is a passable first album. If the band can focus on a sound, preferably and electronic one, maybe they will put out a better second effort.