 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Oracular Spectacular
- By MGMT
- Genre: Alternative Rock
Common Sense Media says
Glam rock, disco pop with a few mature themes.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this album is full of metaphorical lyrics and loopy verses, but nothing inappropriate for teens. Several of the songs cover somewhat mature subject matter (references to guns, the pitfalls of extravagant lifestyles, depression), and the album will resonant best with teens probably dealing with coming-of-age issues.
What's the story?
MGMT's debut album is an audio patchwork of various musical genres from the last three decades, all mashed together to create a unique collection of songs. The 10-track album covers a lot of new territory, with the cynical electronic "Time to Pretend" and the eerily melodic "The Handshake." But there's also a lot nostalgia on the album, including the disco-inspired single "Electric Feel" and the psychedelic "4th Dimensional Transition."
Is it any good?
With lyrics like "We've got the vision, now let's have some fun/Yeah it's overwhelming, but what else can we do?/Get jobs in offices and wake up for the morning commute?" MGMT seems to have a lot to say about coming-of-age. The band even touches on the tried-and-true theme of teenage rebellion on the song "The Youth" ("Lock the parents out, cut a rug, twist and shout/The youth is starting to change/Are you starting to change?"). You might not get the meaning of some of the songs in just one listen, but the musical stylings will take you back decades to the glam rock era. The real appeal of the album has to rest in the infectious beats and unexpected instrumentation combining with the eclectic lyrics that set this band apart from cliched rock groups, especially on tracks such as "Kids" and "Electric Feel." Although some of the lyrics are confusing and the electronic effects sometimes weight down tracks (particularly "Future Reflections"), the band presents a solid debut that pays homage to the futuristic past.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how special effects are used on this album. Does the use of synthesizers, unusual instrumentation and electronic effects enhance the themes of the album? Or does it detract or over-complicate the meaning of the lyrics?
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AGE
MGMT!!
Time to Pretends drops the f-bomb, reffers to heroine and cocaine. In other songs there are some sexual things brought up, MGMT is very good in the studio and live. Plus, the lead singer is pretty hawt.
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AGE
Awesome Album
Says F--k one time, that's the only bad language in the entire album. Great for 10 up
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| Artist: | MGMT |
| Release date: | January 21, 2008 |
| Label: | Sony Music |
| Genre: | Alternative Rock |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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