MGMT

MGMT Burlington 2005-09-12

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MGMT (Management) is an American psychedelic rock band formed in 2002 in Middletown, Connecticut. The band was founded by Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden who are the only constant members. MGMT's early music was characterized by a unique blend of electronic, rock, and pop influences. They gained prominence with their first album, Oracular Spectacular (2007), which produced the hit singles "Time to Pretend", "Electric Feel", and "Kids". The album's success led to their nomination for the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2010 and has since been included in various lists of the best albums of the 2000s.

History

Formation and Early Years

MGMT was formed by Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden while they were students at Wesleyan University. Initially, the band was called "The Management" but was later changed to MGMT due to a naming conflict with another band. Their early shows and EPs, including the notable We (Don't) Care EP, showcased a mix of electronic and indie sounds that caught the attention of music labels.

Oracular Spectacular and Mainstream Success

In 2006, MGMT signed with Columbia Records and released Oracular Spectacular in 2007. The album was produced by Dave Fridmann, known for his work with The Flaming Lips. It was a critical and commercial success, blending genres such as psychedelia, rock, and electro-pop. The album's standout tracks, "Time to Pretend", "Electric Feel", and "Kids", received widespread airplay and have been used in numerous television shows, commercials, and film soundtracks.

Later Albums and Current Work

Following their debut, MGMT released several more albums, including Congratulations (2010), MGMT (2013), and Little Dark Age (2018). Each album showcased the band's evolving sound, experimenting with different musical styles and themes. Congratulations was a departure from the pop-oriented sound of their debut, featuring a more experimental and psychedelic sound. MGMT and Little Dark Age continued this trend, with the latter album receiving critical acclaim for its return to more accessible pop sounds mixed with dark and introspective lyrics.

Musical Style and Influences

MGMT's music is known for its blend of various genres, including psychedelic rock, electronic music, and indie rock. Their sound has evolved over the years from the heavily electronic and pop-influenced tracks of Oracular Spectacular to the more experimental and psychedelic sounds of their later albums. The band cites influences from a wide range of artists, including The Flaming Lips, David Bowie, and Brian Eno, among others.

Impact and Legacy

MGMT has been credited with helping to bring psychedelic and electronic music to a wider audience in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Their debut album, Oracular Spectacular, in particular, has been noted for its influence on both indie and mainstream music, inspiring a wave of bands and artists to incorporate electronic and psychedelic elements into their sound. The band's unique blend of genres and their willingness to experiment with their music have earned them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

Discography

• Oracular Spectacular (2007)
• Congratulations (2010)
• MGMT (2013)
• Little Dark Age (2018)

Awards and Nominations

MGMT has received numerous awards and nominations throughout their career, including nominations for the Grammy Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards. Their innovative music videos, particularly for "Kids" and "Electric Feel", have also received critical acclaim and awards.