Clarion » Song Sample

Congratulations Review

reyesr — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:48:40 +0000

Congratulations is the sophomore album from the Brooklyn based band MGMT. This album is the follow up to 2007’s Oracular Spectacular, an album that established MGMT as an artist and had both commercial and critical success.

Oracular Spectacular was praised by critics and adored by fans. The album won
MGMT a Grammy nomination for best new artist and is certified platinum. This album was filled with dance-friendly tracks like Electric Feel and Kids and was a launching pad for MGMT’s career.

Instead of following the formula that was proven successful by the fist album MGMT has decided to take a completely different route. Since the band has already reached success, the group is more willing to take risks and experiment with their sound.

Congratulations accomplishes just that. The album is a long way from
the band’s first album; the pop-synth tracks are replaced by psychedelic songs.

The band has stated that this album is not for everyone and that is true. If you are a casual MGMT fan who likes the band for its radio-friendly songs then you will probably be disappointed by this album.

If you are a fan of MGMT and listened to the 13-minute epic song Metanoia that the band released last year, the band’s stylistic change will not surprise you.

True MGMT followers will most likely like it, although this album does not have the immediate effect of Oracular Spectacular. This album might go over your head at first, but if you’re patient, you’re in for a treat.

Although Congratulations does not offer any catchy singles like Electric Feel and Kids some of the tracks that make this album great are the 11 minute epic Siberian Breaks, Flash Delirium, and the title track Congratulations.

“Put Me Back Together” Weezer

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:36:14 +0000

Following one of the biggest songs on the album is tough. But to me, “Put Me Back Together” not only one ups “Can’t Stop Partying”, but it’s also the best track on the album. It features a vulnerable Rivers singing about getting dumped. He’s clearly not over it, and says when he falls down she puts him back together. I really enjoy this song because it follows Weezer’s usual heartfelt lyrics and has a catchy hook which is the highlight of the song. It’s probably not my favorite Weezer song of all time, but it is definitely my favorite song on the album.

“I Don’t Want to Let you Go” Weezer

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:17:25 +0000

The closer of the album is another song that originally appeared on River’s second solo album. It’s the softest song on the albumand follows the two loudest songs on the album. It’s very simple and to the point and kind of relates back to “Put me Back Together” because it’s about not wanting to let the girl go after they broke up. Vocals are the main focus of the song, as there’s not much going on in the background. I think it’s a perfect way to close the album, because it’s very relaxing and kind of soothes into the end.