When you self-sabotage your own success

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 16 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,3 тис.

  • @AndyZaturno
    @AndyZaturno Рік тому +216

    Oracular Spectacular is one of the most important albums in recent years. A groundbreaking debut that remains relevant even today.

    • @sittingcow
      @sittingcow 11 місяців тому +9

      "recent"? lol you're old

    • @tremainetreerat5176
      @tremainetreerat5176 7 місяців тому +3

      ...relevant to what or whom, exactly? What you said doesn't actually mean anything :D

    • @MyNameIsNeutron
      @MyNameIsNeutron Місяць тому

      That's exactly what they didn't want

    • @jjgems5909
      @jjgems5909 Місяць тому +2

      @@MyNameIsNeutronwell they sort of lost the ability to make that decision once they signed to a record label and make radio music. It’s so annoying how artists make choices that go against their values and are surprised when the world receives and enjoys their music. They made the choice to make music, they’re reasons for making the music are irrelevant. It’s out their in the world for the world to decide how it effects them and how it makes them feel. And I’m. It saying that to sound mean and I don’t think they owe us anything. I’m just saying the reality. I’m glad they reeled themselves back in, as long as they’re happy with their choice.

    • @Hepausesshaving182GGMU
      @Hepausesshaving182GGMU Місяць тому

      Hearing that in 07 when I was 19 I was like what is this….. definitely some amazing times had to that album and bah bah bah the kids intro with my friends loud as hell every time it came on! fuck……

  • @uydagcusdgfughfgsfggsifg753
    @uydagcusdgfughfgsfggsifg753 Рік тому +21

    ‘Weekend Wars’ & ‘Of Moons, Birds & Monsters’ are so slept on from the original album

    • @MM-dw5ir
      @MM-dw5ir 9 місяців тому +2

      YES i remember almost crying listening to moons the first time😅

    • @MapsAndCaps
      @MapsAndCaps Місяць тому +1

      And the youth. Im surprised that one wasnt on the radio

  • @ariwilsun
    @ariwilsun Рік тому +1029

    Being true to yourself is an incredibly brave act, which is what these gentlemen decided to do. I think that’s awesome. Good for them.

    • @johnviera3884
      @johnviera3884 Рік тому

      It’s selfish and dumb. You always regret it when you’re older.

    • @Howl-Runner
      @Howl-Runner Рік тому +49

      ​​@@johnviera3884 speak for yourself, I no longer have to work, I stayed true to my goals, ethics, and ideology.
      I could have sold out or compromised, and had more.
      I didn't I have exactly what I want and need.

    • @johnviera3884
      @johnviera3884 Рік тому +4

      @@Howl-Runner cute

    • @johnd3124
      @johnd3124 Рік тому +15

      its all about balance, if you can mix innovation with with widespread appeal, thats genius .. like Kendrick Lamar's Damn or DJ Shadow's Endtroducing & Private Press .. pushing popular music forward

    • @johnviera3884
      @johnviera3884 Рік тому +1

      @@johnd3124 when The Unicorn visits your studio, hold on with both hands

  • @TheMickaelD
    @TheMickaelD Місяць тому +13

    They actually handled it in the best way they could! Made 3 incredible hits right off the bat, then lived on that money to keep on making more meaningful and innovative music without selling their souls. Genius move

  • @ickybobclay26
    @ickybobclay26 Рік тому +1798

    I just love how MGMT and Ratatat worked together on one song and it was such a mega hit. Then they never worked together again

    • @RicardoMayo_
      @RicardoMayo_ Рік тому +33

      lmao so true.

    • @trashyraccoon2615
      @trashyraccoon2615 Рік тому +80

      Ever heard the Justice remix of Electric Feel?

    • @vexehedrim7910
      @vexehedrim7910 Рік тому +5

      Which song is that?

    • @robertomisaelrivas5788
      @robertomisaelrivas5788 Рік тому +26

      Pursuit of happines right?

    • @blakebudos7022
      @blakebudos7022 Рік тому +63

      Hate to break it to you, MGMT recorded like 1 line for the chorus, meaning they probably only met Kid Cudi for the recording. Time is pretty precious for musicians, that stuff is one and done too often it seems. I don't think MGMT did much interacting with Ratatat in the flesh before that songs release though.

  • @acod822
    @acod822 Рік тому +957

    the MGMT story is so riveting and a very unique one which has made them even more of my favorite band of all time, congratulations and self titled are so amazing it's unreal. literally only listened to those two albums for a year and a half it was so game changing

    • @conceptualmessiah01
      @conceptualmessiah01 Рік тому

      Do drugs.

    • @cannanmusic763
      @cannanmusic763 Рік тому +3

      My two favorite albums of all time ❤

    • @hippiecheezburger5457
      @hippiecheezburger5457 10 місяців тому

      The self titled is actually a really good album, the amount of technical effort on that album is unbelievable especially on the back half of the album

    • @jdnart
      @jdnart 9 місяців тому +1

      ​@@hippiecheezburger5457 just like twenty one pilots self titled!

  • @JonSudano
    @JonSudano Рік тому +1200

    Honestly, they're such a talented group of musicians that they could do literally anything they wanted and still headlined whatever festivals they wanted. Like sure, their first LP was a pop parody, then they came out with a psych rock record, but then they could've said fuck it and did a new-wave record, then a punk record, then another pop record as a return to form, and whatever. People are quick to judge and just look at numbers when they fail to see the forest for the trees.

    • @nicktaylor8771
      @nicktaylor8771 Рік тому +1

      What is their best album?

    • @bootyshortsband
      @bootyshortsband Рік тому +10

      ​@@nicktaylor8771all of them besides the popular one lol

    • @prith7900
      @prith7900 Рік тому +13

      @@bootyshortsband they’re all equally good but I love congratulations the most 😮😊

    • @chillyobaggins
      @chillyobaggins Рік тому +1

      Small fronds cant see the wood for the trees

    • @deafphantom865
      @deafphantom865 Рік тому +9

      Somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me
      I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed
      She was looking kind of dumb with her finger and her thumb
      In the shape of an "L" on her forehead
      Well the years start coming and they don't stop coming
      Fed to the rules and I hit the ground running
      Didn't make sense not to live for fun
      Your brain gets smart but your head gets dumb
      So much to do, so much to see
      So what's wrong with taking the back streets?
      You'll never know if you don't go
      You'll never shine if you don't glow
      Hey now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play
      Hey now, you're a rock star, get the show on, get paid
      And all that glitters is gold
      Only shooting stars break the mold
      It's a cool place and they say it gets colder
      You're bundled up now, wait 'til you get older
      But the meteor men beg to differ
      Judging by the hole in the satellite picture
      The ice we skate is getting pretty thin
      The water's getting warm so you might as well swim
      My world's on fire, how about yours?
      That's the way I like it and I'll never get bored
      Hey now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play
      Hey now, you're a rock star, get the show on, get paid
      All that glitters is gold
      Only shooting stars break the mold
      Hey now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play
      Hey now, you're a rock star, get the show, on get paid
      And all that glitters is gold
      Only shooting stars
      Somebody once asked could I spare some change for gas?
      I need to get myself away from this place
      I said, "Yup" what a concept
      I could use a little fuel myself
      And we could all use a little change
      Well, the years start coming and they don't stop coming
      Fed to the rules and I hit the ground running
      Didn't make sense not to live for fun
      Your brain gets smart but your head gets dumb
      So much to do, so much to see
      So what's wrong with taking the back streets?
      You'll never know if you don't go (go!)
      You'll never shine if you don't glow
      Hey now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play
      Hey now, you're a rock star, get the show on, get paid
      And all that glitters is gold
      Only shooting stars break the mold
      And all that glitters is gold
      Only shooting stars break the mold

  • @hippiecheezburger5457
    @hippiecheezburger5457 10 місяців тому +10

    These guys when they do interviews, you can always get the sense of how humble, shy, and artistic they really are. For me it’s always about how they reinvent themselves on each album.

  • @mitchlmitten5874
    @mitchlmitten5874 Рік тому +717

    Congratulations is my all time favorite record. It's exciting, it's perfectly paced, and it beautifully captures the existential dread that comes with being a musician. Siberian Breaks sends chills down my spine to this day.

    • @trashyraccoon2615
      @trashyraccoon2615 Рік тому +12

      It’s amazing how subjective music is. Congratulations is basically unlistenable for me, a giant disappointment after Oracular Spectacular, which is one of the best albums of that decade.

    • @Cristalskulle
      @Cristalskulle Рік тому +21

      Siberian Breaks might be my favourite song ever

    • @roboterror6366
      @roboterror6366 Рік тому +2

      SAME

    • @roboterror6366
      @roboterror6366 Рік тому +10

      @@trashyraccoon2615 there is no way you like oracular and dont like congratulations, i think you are lying somewhere here, you either dont like oracular spetacular outside the synthpop tracks, or you havent listened to anything at all
      if i put of moons birds and monsters, and the handshake in congratulations, no first listener would notice it was two different albums
      same if i threw someone's listening and metanoia inside of OS, flash delirium has even a synthpop-ish kids-ish section using THE EXACT SAME BASS, and siberian breaks is obviously made by the same band who made weekend wars and the youth, i am not saying i know for certain that i know you are lying cuz i dont, the universe has crazy people for everything, but i actually think your comment is coming out of someone who did not listen to any of the two albums
      if congratulations was unlistenable to you, the latter half of OS MUST BE JUST AS, i am sure someone could even mathematically prove that, to imply these two are that different, is like denying the similarity between Kid A and Amnesiac, im not angry i swear, come to think of it, most of my comment its just a lot of little examples, i am very passionate about everything that i decide to type so dont take this as someone just lashing out at someone that they dont agree, its not a matter of agreement, at least not for me, its literally a statement of disbelief, i think you didnt even listened to these both albums fully, and i dont judge you for that, im just saying, i dont believe it.

    • @djames2356
      @djames2356 Рік тому +3

      @@roboterror6366 ​ @Trashy Raccoon2 there is every chance you like oracular and dont like congratulations, i think you are telling the truth somewhere here, you either like oracular spetacular outside and inside the synthpop tracks, outside the synthpop tracks, inside the synthpop tracks or you don't or do. sounds like you have listened to it all
      if i put on moons birds and monsters, and the handshake in congratulations, no first listener would notice it was two different albums because they haven't even heard them before, because that is how people differentiate from albums, by sheer blind guesswork.
      same if i threw someone's listening and metanoia inside of OS, flash delirium has even a synthpop-ish kids-ish (-ish means absolutely the same) section using THE EXACT SORTA SIMILAR BASS, and siberian breaks is obviously made by the same band who made weekend wars and the youth (I checked the sleeve notes to be sure) i am not saying i know for certain that i know you are lying cuz i dont but I am going to heavily imply it and use this as a get out clause if anyone says otherwise, the universe has crazy people for everything, especially me, but i actually think your comment is coming out of someone who did not listen to any of the two albums because I have to be right.
      if congratulations was unlistenable to you, the latter half of OS MUST BE JUST AS UNLESS IT FLOWED THROUGH THE WHOLE ALBUM DIFFERENTLY AND USED DIFFERENT THEMES OR YOU EXPERIENCED IT AT A DIFFERENT TIME IN YOUR LIFE OR YOU MAYBE FELT IT WAS TOO SIMILAR OR MANY MANY MANY MANY OTHER REASONS THAT I AM NOT GOING TO ASK YOU FOR , i am sure someone could even mathematically prove that, or I could look at the sheet music, but since this is music and not maths then it would be pointless to imply these two are that different, is like denying the similarity between Kid A and Amnesiac even though these were recorded together at the same time in the same sessions and OS and Congrats weren't, im angry i swear, come to think of it, most of my comment is just a lot of my own thoughts and therefore they have to be yours too, a guilty conscience always speaks and i am very passionate about everything that i decide to type so take this as someone just lashing out at someone that they dont agree, its not a matter of agreement, at least not for me, its literally a statement of disbelief, i think you didnt even listened to these both albums fully even though you said one is album of the decade but obviously an album to you is three songs, and i do judge you for that, im just saying, i dont believe someone could think differently to me

  • @Quarksi
    @Quarksi Рік тому +425

    I mean it's fine if MGMT really sticks to pursuing their own art. I prefered the 3 hits they had, but I don't think they owe fans anything. I'll always appreciate the fun I had with their music at that time.

    • @beatles42ohgg94
      @beatles42ohgg94 Рік тому +17

      idky, but i could just smell the irony of their early music without even really listening to it.
      it was very meta for music around 2007 for the artist to just openly bash its audience. with their average audience being too naive to realize they are a walking talking record buying joke too the people making that pop music.
      time to listen to graduation day XD

    • @Quarksi
      @Quarksi Рік тому +26

      @@beatles42ohgg94 Even back then people had already figured it out, I recall seeing that it was a critique on pop music back then. Thing is it's less that people didn't know and a lot that people genuinely didn't care. It was good, it was fun, and even later became a big meme.

    • @beatles42ohgg94
      @beatles42ohgg94 Рік тому +10

      @@Quarksi no, people just didnt get it. i more or less got expelled from school for "being a school shooter" while trying to explain to people that pumped up kicks was about how the unpopular kid brought a gun to school to shoot the cool kid.
      its just that nobody knew what pumped up kicks were in that generation.
      it was the "song of the summer" before people knew what it was about.
      thats why they sold well, because it was good radio music. the words didnt matter if you could bob your head to it.

    • @Quarksi
      @Quarksi Рік тому +15

      @@beatles42ohgg94 ah maybe I'm a little bit older than you, I think I was already in uni for a lot of this so it might explain the difference in our perception of public reception

    • @beatles42ohgg94
      @beatles42ohgg94 Рік тому +1

      @@Quarksi yeah, i can totally understand that. specially that one kanye song. they never played the part at the end of the song that talked about the irony of the song.
      "drug dealin just to get by, stack yo money till it gets sky highh"
      the songs about those stereotypes not being real, its calling out gangsta rap, not trying to make it pop.

  • @mikealias5494
    @mikealias5494 Рік тому +242

    Their second album was amazing. They didn’t sabotage themselves, they just didn’t sell out and grew as artists.

    • @kalvinkalvarino9536
      @kalvinkalvarino9536 Рік тому +4

      Duuuuurrrrr…let’s not sell out and just stop making good music. That second album was a dud. They have no idea that their so called sell out hits were very original and musically progressive and down right cathartic. So what if they had mass appeal? It was good. Really good. They couldn’t see that. They were victims of being very young and native. They immediately started rebelling against their own success because they had no idea how to handle it. They could have ditched the big studios if they didn’t want to sell out and could have kept making good music. Pop artists today have very little talent and you could have set a high standard with pop if you would have been ok with pumping out a few pop hits once in a while and put all your weird avant- garde shit on the b sides. Pop today is soulless, talentless and empty. And poplar music doesn’t have to suck. Their last album was their best in a while though. They may like neo alt psychedelic, but they’re not very good at it. What they are very good is ALT pop though, and they trashed it. Lol

    • @RusticRonnie
      @RusticRonnie Рік тому +7

      ⁠@@kalvinkalvarino9536the second album was what the band was it is good music it’s just not made for normies.
      Additionally they could come back if they wanted

    • @RK79KR
      @RK79KR Рік тому +7

      Congratulations is their best record

    • @heydun
      @heydun Рік тому +15

      @@kalvinkalvarino9536 saying congratulations is a dud is a WILD take. Top 50 album of the 2010's easily.

    • @jello4479
      @jello4479 11 місяців тому

      you have got to stop listening to music. it's not for you.@@kalvinkalvarino9536

  • @sofiipote7
    @sofiipote7 Рік тому +163

    I remember liking those three first singles, then not being able to get into anything else I listened by them, forgetting about them, and then years later hearing little dark age, being completely blown away by how dark and strong it felt and wondering if it was the same band that had produced those three electric pop hits. Now everything makes more sense.

  • @ian_does_things6586
    @ian_does_things6586 Рік тому +136

    Could you please do a video on OK Go and the paradox they live in of being more known for their music videos rather than their music?

    • @Middle8
      @Middle8  Рік тому +70

      I like this

    • @isildursbane6443
      @isildursbane6443 Рік тому +1

      Thats not a paradox

    • @ian_does_things6586
      @ian_does_things6586 Рік тому +9

      @@isildursbane6443 I know but I couldn’t think of the right word in the moment. It’s too late now.

    • @aiyohhhh
      @aiyohhhh Рік тому +2

      @@ian_does_things6586 trying to figure out what the word should be... Dichotomy?

    • @ian_does_things6586
      @ian_does_things6586 Рік тому +12

      @@aiyohhhh Hmmm, I don't think so. It's not that sharp of a divide. I think it's irony. It is ironic that a music band is known moreso for nearly everything other than their music.

  • @danielplainview2584
    @danielplainview2584 Рік тому +409

    I like all their albums. Little Dark Age is my favorite because of the creativity in production.

    • @myopicandlost
      @myopicandlost Рік тому +45

      Me and Michael is the fucking jam.

    • @devenbs1993
      @devenbs1993 Рік тому +11

      Yep. Each album is really good. Who gives a fuck about the critical success.

    • @jamelbunny5732
      @jamelbunny5732 Рік тому +16

      I like the gothy style it sorta has

    • @WiloPolis03
      @WiloPolis03 Рік тому +4

      I love OS, Congratulations, and LDA just about equally at this point. Can't really get into their self-titled as much as a lot of hardcore fans can, but that's fine by me, they still have so many freaking bangers

    • @SHOUTxHIxHEYxHELLO
      @SHOUTxHIxHEYxHELLO Рік тому +3

      their 3rd album is trash tho

  • @loversspit
    @loversspit Рік тому +295

    Of Moons, Birds and Monsters is easily my favourite of theirs. terribly unique and telling of how truly hard working these boys are. thank you for this vid!!!

    • @aidafuentesv
      @aidafuentesv Рік тому +6

      It’s my favorite too

    • @ThinkAboutElephantss
      @ThinkAboutElephantss Рік тому +8

      I agree, super slept on track.

    • @jordandarrow9784
      @jordandarrow9784 Рік тому +1

      Yes. That is the song that I discovered them from. My favorite as well. I think it was on Shaun white snowboarding game

    • @Max-rn3eb
      @Max-rn3eb Рік тому

      nowhere 1997.

    • @jacobjaramillo3192
      @jacobjaramillo3192 Рік тому +2

      In my top ten songs of all time for me.

  • @JoshHenderson16
    @JoshHenderson16 Рік тому +18

    Its a problem that pervades all media. As soon as you make are successful enough to have fans, you are all of a sudden beholden to them for some reason. I can't overstate how much I respect these two for never forgetting why they do what they do, and who they do it for.

    • @sunkintree
      @sunkintree Рік тому +1

      And with "fans" like these, who needs haters?

  • @luigilink7568
    @luigilink7568 Рік тому +115

    How can anybody hate or feels Congratulations like a deception? One of the best rock psychedelic album and one of my favorites of all time
    Amazing video, good job

    • @Invisibledrone-
      @Invisibledrone- Рік тому +4

      I think at the time it felt like a betrayal. Still not a very good album imo

    • @Anthony-kp7sf
      @Anthony-kp7sf Рік тому +1

      its just not a very good album, unfortunately. i dont think it's a very good psych rock album, i've heard so many better ones. it's kind of janky and quirky and has a lot of cheese in it. its alright. just like amateur use of eastern scales and stuff.

    • @word42069
      @word42069 Рік тому +12

      @@Invisibledrone-Siberian Breaks and Congratulations were and still are amazing tracks… and back in the day I had that one Siberian Breaks remix on a constant loop.

    • @mysticfellow9843
      @mysticfellow9843 Рік тому +1

      @@Anthony-kp7sf Eastern scales? Maybe you're looking too much into the theory/technicality and not the emotional impact. Either way, I thought it was a really interesting album in terms of its musical aspects, but to each their own.

    • @mysticfellow9843
      @mysticfellow9843 Рік тому +3

      @@word42069 I think the other songs should get more love too but I agree, those are both great ones.

  • @Rubberfooted
    @Rubberfooted Рік тому +370

    Congratulations is a no-skips, 10/10, absolute masterclass of a record and is my second favorite album ever.

    • @IIIllIIIIlllIIIlIl
      @IIIllIIIIlllIIIlIl Рік тому +14

      What is your first favourite album? :)

    • @clarencethomas01
      @clarencethomas01 Рік тому +10

      Agreed. Up there with Piper at the gates, Velvet underground and Nico, Origin of symmetry, polygondwanaland. For me at least, I just love concept albums where the entire album delves into a unique sound

    • @Filzzy
      @Filzzy Рік тому +2

      I agree! It’s a fantastic album

    • @GlennDavey
      @GlennDavey Рік тому +3

      It was good for background-music for dinner parties at the time I remember... can't listen to that stuff anymore

    • @Dielawn69
      @Dielawn69 Рік тому +1

      Yeah idk man. Never got into it

  • @tealwave77
    @tealwave77 Рік тому +51

    Congratulations was slept on so hard back in the day. Such a timeless record.

  • @colonelgreathed1321
    @colonelgreathed1321 Рік тому +18

    I never realized they held Siberian Breaks in such high regard. It has been my favorite song from them for so long, but nobody I talk to had ever ever heard of it. I'm glad it gets recognition in this video!

  • @mysticfellow9843
    @mysticfellow9843 Рік тому +9

    Congratulations blew me away after listening to it, especially after reading all the negative reviews about it. It's such a beautiful, fun, and exploratory album. You never know where it's going to take you and I always hear something new with each listen.

  • @reeceparrish
    @reeceparrish Рік тому +29

    They will always be my favorite band, everything is so interpretive and complex while being so simple. I can re listen to any song and find something new about it

  • @danny7906
    @danny7906 Рік тому +174

    i can safely say that oracular spectacular is my 3rd favorite album behind only MPP and velocity design comfort. it’s just perfect in every sense

    • @liamsjamsyt1047
      @liamsjamsyt1047 Рік тому +2

      amazing top 3

    • @TheBadBuffalo
      @TheBadBuffalo Рік тому +1

      Great picks

    • @SimonRistau
      @SimonRistau Рік тому

      yeah great stuff, haven't listened to any sweet milk yet but planning on because of your other picks, what are your other runner ups?

    • @jaredf6205
      @jaredf6205 Рік тому +6

      Of moons birds and monsters is one of my favorite psychedelic songs of all time.

    • @johngerygooz3251
      @johngerygooz3251 Рік тому +1

      1. Thank you for showing me velocity : design : comfort., I played a little from it, and it sounds incredible. I'll listen to it someday, for sure.
      2. What's MPP stand for?

  • @DeKevers
    @DeKevers Рік тому +137

    I adore their new album. Such a strange and psychedelic set of tracks.

    • @thatonedroid4929
      @thatonedroid4929 Рік тому +1

      There's a new album?

    • @MrMattaiusify
      @MrMattaiusify Рік тому +8

      I remember when LDA was considered "new"
      New record happening this year apparently!

    • @DeKevers
      @DeKevers Рік тому +4

      @@MrMattaiusify Apparently they released an album back in November that I hadn't heard of. Also LDA is new, it released 4 years ago while Oracular, their biggest project before released in 2007, 16 years ago

    • @vexehedrim7910
      @vexehedrim7910 Рік тому +5

      @@DeKevers 4 years old is not new

    • @DeKevers
      @DeKevers Рік тому +2

      @@vexehedrim7910 It was actually 5 years ago wow, anyway that is new, compared to 16 years ago. I dont know how old you are buy 5 years does not feel long ago

  • @soccermommyNPC
    @soccermommyNPC Рік тому +34

    MGMT was my favorite band in college, and now my son’s favorite song is Little Dark Age, which he discovered on his own because the chorus went viral. It’s impossible to say MGMT didn’t repeat their initial success, it just came at a different time and therefore a different format.

  • @AbsurdoMX
    @AbsurdoMX 10 місяців тому +8

    It’s not self sabotage, it’s called being an artist and following your artistry, having identity and not letting the industry define you. If MGMT had never changed they’re sound, they would have never made little dark age.

  • @fantykarl
    @fantykarl Рік тому +4

    congratulations is such an incredible album. thank you for continuing to make those incredible videos. always making my day!

  • @colete888
    @colete888 Рік тому +5

    Congratulations changed my life, literally, it was my gateway to more challenging and experimental music.

  • @allthecentrefolds
    @allthecentrefolds Рік тому +10

    Hi, thank you so much for making this video! I've been listening to MGMT since their first record, and their earlier stuff brings so much happy memories from my teenage years! My classmates were in a cover band, playing "Kids" in a garage... But I really fell in love with MGMT music when I discovered songs like "Destrokk" and "The Youth". Back then I didn't know anything about the psychodelic genre, and didn't even know English that well (I am from Russia). I just felt like their music was the perfect soundtrack for my naive, curious and blissful outlook on life. And then "Congratulations" was a perfect follow up that captured the feeling of disillusionment that I had as a young adult. "Siberian Breaks" is their magnum opus for sure, I loved to imagine how a music video for this song would have looked like and even had a shot-by-shot image in my head, MGMT is probably the only band that dazzles my imagination in this way. I'm 27 now, and this band to me is one of the best modern bands among only a small handful of others like Arcade Fire or KGLW. My favourite track by them is "Alien Days", it has so much personal meaning to me. I can't wait for their next album!

  • @markstowe9011
    @markstowe9011 Рік тому +40

    Little Dark Age is so underrated. Can’t wait for them to tour again.

  • @chrisjr1247
    @chrisjr1247 Рік тому +12

    Tripped so good to every record & have been stone cold sober as well to these records throughout the years. They will always hold a special place. Some took longer than others like the self titled but it ages like fine wine!

  • @tenebrousoul9368
    @tenebrousoul9368 Рік тому +5

    I manage mental illness. "Kids" and the accompanying video are one of those gems that really struck me in a way that I can't quite express. It was deep, it was moving, it cut like a knife. "One man's trash is another man's treasure", I suppose. They may hate it, but I consider it a gift.

  • @KatieHayez
    @KatieHayez Рік тому +6

    MGMT’s music was such a huge part of my high school years. I frequently listened too and loved every song on Oracular Spectacular and Congratulations. Finally got the chance to see them perform in 2018 and it was such an amazing experience. They will always be one of my favorites

  • @BWOSandman
    @BWOSandman Місяць тому +1

    “Did they self sabotage” idk man, everything described here just made me like them way more!

  • @davearquette3303
    @davearquette3303 Рік тому +48

    I'll never forget when MGMT released their second album and my friends that were equally as obsessed with the first album weren't into it like I was.

  • @KDG702
    @KDG702 9 місяців тому +1

    Siberian breaks was and still is one of my absolute favorite songs by MGMT ever. Congratulations as a whole is the most refined and polished album they’ve ever made (with, I’d argue, Loss of Life in a close second IMO at time of writing) and I listen top to bottom every time. Absolute legendary album. Siberian Breaks in particular… definitely their magnum opus. So elaborate, I always find something new to appreciate when I listen. However MGMT is so good, that’s how most of their music is. These guys stay true to themselves. I’ll forever have a monumental respect for MGMT

  • @vincenzoa2929
    @vincenzoa2929 Рік тому +13

    The hooks from their first album were fantastic. I’m all for them being artists but they wrote such great pop songs on their debut and they shouldn’t be ashamed of that.

  • @franksimpkins4471
    @franksimpkins4471 Рік тому +5

    Thanks for this. I am going to dive deeper into this band now. Respect them for trying to stay true to themselves regardless of the labels. I really liked the radio friendly songs like everyone else and picked upon that defiant pop mocking. Good for them.

  • @seanbs
    @seanbs Рік тому +557

    It's a shame that MGMT feels embarrassed about writing pop songs because they were so fucking good at it. You can be cool and like pop music, too.

    • @witchyxx
      @witchyxx Рік тому +15

      you only need to write one good one and they did lol

    • @gilly_axolotl
      @gilly_axolotl Рік тому +1

      Fr

    • @pepperpattynaise
      @pepperpattynaise Рік тому +40

      They dont agree with you, they think pop is mediocre and thats kind of it.

    • @TangibleAndroid
      @TangibleAndroid Рік тому +5

      Don't necessarily think your last sentence is true but it's all good

    • @Rooster_Ric
      @Rooster_Ric Рік тому +1

      I don't think you understand what they're getting at

  • @rafaelxxxmadeira
    @rafaelxxxmadeira Рік тому +14

    They already started the band mocking the corporate business naming theirselves MGMT, stayed true to themselves and I bet they are more happy than other artists that are told what to do constantly. And I truly respect them for that.

  • @CharacterDesignForge
    @CharacterDesignForge Рік тому +2

    I ended up listening to Congratulations back when it came out probably a bit more than Oracular. It makes a bit of sense that I've since fallen for King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard so hard

  • @isaacness2647
    @isaacness2647 Рік тому +23

    their best album to my ears, it's like a "what if" Brian Wilson and Syd Barret made an album together in the mid 60s

    • @WiloPolis03
      @WiloPolis03 Рік тому +1

      Lol Beach Boys + prog is actually really accurate

  • @catch_2022
    @catch_2022 Рік тому +7

    making music for a living is precious. staying true to your own taste and not trying to adapt to the popular demands is even more unique and precious.
    I not only respect them for that, but also prefer their more psycodelic tracks. Congratulations LP is, in my opinion, their best work.

  • @jimm1387
    @jimm1387 Рік тому +6

    Congratulations is a masterpiece and easily my favorite album of the decade. I hear so much in it every time I listen. Every song on there is interesting with multiple twists and turns that all work. I'm a fan of jazz and experimental so maybe that all factors in.

  • @Moleman_G
    @Moleman_G Рік тому +19

    Their self titled album is one of my favourites ever. “I love you too, death” I think is an incredibly beautiful song

  • @TheRealBlueSwan
    @TheRealBlueSwan Рік тому +37

    Congratulations is their masterpiece. One of my favourite albums of all time.

  • @HerbalHappiness
    @HerbalHappiness Рік тому +1

    Siberian breaks is a beautiful song, i cant understand how its not considered radio friendly

  • @iamthefirsttosecond
    @iamthefirsttosecond Рік тому +7

    I can listen to congratulations on repeat till the end of time. It’s truly a masterpiece. I fuckin loooooove it

  • @artforhomes
    @artforhomes Рік тому +2

    Creating absolute bangers still relevant decades after their release is not self-sabotage.

  • @Tigerwolf102onYoutube
    @Tigerwolf102onYoutube Рік тому +10

    Congratulations is easily in my top 5 favorite albums of all time. I’m so glad they decided to stay true to themselves.

  • @werderzen3655
    @werderzen3655 Рік тому +1

    Flash delirium in my opinion is their best song, during 2010-2011 was one of my most played songs and to a lesser extent congratulations.

  • @animalvoices2249
    @animalvoices2249 Рік тому +4

    Congratulations is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. My favourite album of all time.

  • @invisiblerules9566
    @invisiblerules9566 3 місяці тому +1

    Congratulations smashes oracular spectacular in every way it’s feels so British it’s undeniably brilliant.

  • @indiesoku
    @indiesoku Рік тому +4

    Congratulations really did change my life. It was the first time I let an album grow on me. I didn’t like it very much, like most fans who heard it coming after OS, but the more I gave it time, the more the album grew on me. To this day, Siberian Breaks is still one of my favorite songs ever made. I love all their albums greatly but nothing will ever beat Congratulations for me.

  • @jamesjackson2434
    @jamesjackson2434 Рік тому +2

    Great video. As a very casual fan of the group I had no idea that some of their hits were intended as commentary. I also remember listening to Congratulations later on and liking a few songs from there and just haven’t thought of them much since, very interesting to learn more about the “accidental fame” so to speak.

  • @acartonoj
    @acartonoj Рік тому +2

    I think it helps if the listener is open to evolving artists and sounds. I think that's when they are appreciated

  • @Janingham
    @Janingham 2 місяці тому +1

    Literally Congratulations was MGMT's Kid A and that's why I respect them as artists

  • @GazerBeam420
    @GazerBeam420 Рік тому +3

    I love every album they've made, they're getting better. Hearing their opinions on their early music, it's almost like they're too good to appreciate they're own ubiquitously good tunes. They're more at peace when they confuse us.

  • @deneesherpather9686
    @deneesherpather9686 Рік тому +2

    Congratulations has always been one of my fav albums. Nice to know more about it

  • @obviouslyurnotagolfer148
    @obviouslyurnotagolfer148 Рік тому +8

    That second album is one of my favorite album of all time. Siberian Brakes is my favorite MGMT song. An amazing band! 🙌😎🤟

  • @jellmikelinopara9812
    @jellmikelinopara9812 Рік тому +1

    I can't express in words how much this group means to me. Like i literally listen their music on repeat for the last 16 years and still cant get enough. They arz pure gold and they dont give a fuck ...

  • @carebear8316
    @carebear8316 Рік тому +6

    Dude, I had no idea but Electric Feel is one of the best songs ever! I bought it off iTunes as soon as I heard it.

  • @suprbikfixr
    @suprbikfixr 5 місяців тому +1

    The Hot Dog’s getting cold And you’ll never be as good as The Rolling Stones! Trolling the “experts” since day one! Love you guys!!

  • @Coaxox
    @Coaxox Рік тому +4

    I'm really happy to see a lot people praising "Congratulations"! It was underappreciated by fans, even nowadays.

  • @zapakguy1991
    @zapakguy1991 Рік тому +4

    Their latest stuff is simply amazing as well. In The Afternoon is perhaps the best thing they've done since Siberian Breaks (for me, at least).

  • @docmcbungas3303
    @docmcbungas3303 Рік тому +1

    The song Congratulations is one of the greatest middle fingers to the music industry ever.

  • @McN4styFilth
    @McN4styFilth Рік тому +5

    Oracular Spectacular hasn't vanished. It's still there for all of us to enjoy. Also the Justice remix of Electric Feel is an absolute banger.

  • @BasementPepperoni
    @BasementPepperoni Рік тому +1

    I still remember when the very first tie I saw the video for Electric Feel. I was getting ready for work at 4:30 AM and watching MTV, yes they used to play music videos, weird I know.
    Anyways, that video like traumatized me or something, lol. I really liked it honestly, it was really original.

  • @dongately2817
    @dongately2817 Рік тому +3

    Oracular Spectacular got me thru a rough patch in my life - I had just started a 3 year prison sentence when I heard them and really didn’t know how I wanted to spend my 3 years - making the best of my time or fucking around with dope, gangs, and bullshit. I heard them on the college radio station and had the CD sent out the next day. Listening to the album it didn’t take me long to realize I didn’t wanna spend the rest of my life in a cell, Thanks MGMT.

  • @kristinav198
    @kristinav198 Рік тому +2

    Such a great video, thank you for this!! grew up loving mgmt sooooo much so it’s nice to see their work being talked about again

  • @Dyl_Pyckled
    @Dyl_Pyckled Рік тому +8

    I heard the 3 big hits off of Oracular Spectacular when I was young and they were popular, but I was never particularly into them. Congratulations was my first proper introduction to their music, and it got me to appreciate their more poppy side too. Their artistic integrity is what I think will make their music as a whole appreciated more in the long run... and some of the best music stems from risky career moves.

  • @MarcusMIDI
    @MarcusMIDI Рік тому +1

    This makes me want to immediately listen to Congratulations again. Their best. great video man! Will check out your SB one out 😃

  • @jackortiz1
    @jackortiz1 Рік тому +8

    im honestly just glad that they are making what they want to create, creating music that you hate nut it getting streams must be hard.

  • @JeremyPvideos
    @JeremyPvideos 11 місяців тому +1

    Congratulations is an all time favorite album of mine. Front to back it is incredible, and could be an endless repeat album for me. Perfectly psychedelic rock, I want to own it on vinyl one day if possible.

  • @anyssamoya1559
    @anyssamoya1559 Рік тому +6

    Middle 8, you've done it again! This might have to be the next band I do a deep dive on.
    I feel like this might be your thing, so here goes: I would love to hear your analysis of Foster the People's second album, Supermodel. It was NOT the pop smash that people expected after their debut, in the shadow of Pumped Up Kicks, and it explores so many thought provoking themes.

    • @msscott22
      @msscott22 Рік тому

      Supermodel was actually pretty good. Not nearly as good as Torches, but definitely had some excellent songs on it.

  • @peytonmorgan1858
    @peytonmorgan1858 Рік тому +1

    I've said it once and I'll say it again Congratulations ages really well and is one of the best cult classic albums.

  • @HunterW.Photography
    @HunterW.Photography Рік тому +9

    their self titled is still easily one of my favorite albums, and has my favorite song of all time on it (I Love You Too, Death)

  • @dylanjackson6710
    @dylanjackson6710 Рік тому +1

    Im willing to go wherever their music goes... MGMT fan since 07'

  • @jonvia
    @jonvia Рік тому +7

    MGMT has some amazing tunes. Even if they stopped releasing music after their first hits, thats a HUGE accomplishment in the music biz! What most people dont understand is that even one hit wonders can eat off of their one hit for a long time, if not for a lifetime, and beyond in a will/estate for living relatives.

  • @radiojef2
    @radiojef2 Рік тому +2

    i just discovered this album and literally spend a full weekend listening to it. i'm obsessed with it.

  • @thepineyapple
    @thepineyapple Рік тому +3

    Brian Eno was actually the song that made me love them

  • @Zackdabest
    @Zackdabest Місяць тому +1

    Good bands stay true to what they want to do as artists, they weren’t trying to sabotage themselves. If they didn’t want success they didn’t have to sign a record deal.

  • @Jay16Mar
    @Jay16Mar Рік тому +6

    I actually liked "Congratulations" when it came out. I was promoting an MGMT concert at my university when it came out, so I spent a lot of time listening and getting used to the sound.

  • @prestigek1ngs
    @prestigek1ngs Рік тому +2

    Of moons Birds and Monsters, Siberian Breaks are among my fav MGMT songs. Fire.

  • @joaquintuason5695
    @joaquintuason5695 Рік тому +56

    No they did not self-sabotage. It looks to me like their true goal was to make music they wanted to make, regardless of how audiences perceived it. They succeeded with flying colors, and I am very proud of them for doing so.

  • @KoenRH2803
    @KoenRH2803 Рік тому +2

    I’m so thankful that they changed their sound, the non-commercial music they make are my favorite songs of all time. Much more unique. I hope they will never cave in and keep making strange tracks that shoot your mind into space!

  • @klc7275
    @klc7275 Рік тому +9

    Flash Delirium is by far my favorite of their songs. It's one of those that might not be as accessible for a lot of people as Kids, Time To Pretend, or Electric Feel, but it's brilliant. And even though I've been listening to it since the very day it came out, I never get tired of it. They deserve so much more recognition for those kinds of songs. It's a shame they don't.

    • @LastBastian
      @LastBastian Рік тому +1

      I like the song a lot, but for some reason listening to it makes me feel slightly queazy.
      Don't know if it's intentional, but I wonder if anyone else feels a little ...off, by the end of the song?

    • @klc7275
      @klc7275 Рік тому +1

      @@LastBastian Well, in this video, there’s a clip from a radio interview where Andrew said they want people to vomit after listening to the album. He was kind of joking, but I wouldn’t doubt that it was intentional. It doesn’t have that affect on me, but it’s kind of chaotic, so I can see how it might give some people that feeling.

    • @WiloPolis03
      @WiloPolis03 Рік тому +1

      Tbf, while I definitely get Congratulations being an unsavory left turn for many, I've introduced Congratulations to people irl who have ended up really enjoying it. It's not the most inaccessible thing out there, there's some pretty wild stuff in the neo-psych genre. Especially if someone's already into indie music, definitely a strong rec

    • @augustushill6188
      @augustushill6188 Рік тому

      @@WiloPolis03 In the scheme of psychedelic music... it's VERY accessible. I'd say it's very accessible in the scheme of modern music period but I also have no tolerance for the opinions of morons with limited taste that would in any universe label this album as inaccessible. These are the people that willingly chose to grow up on 00's mainstream music (while thinking whatever it was they were listening to wasn't mainstream and they were edgy/cool) and little else so they deserve no recognition or respect.

    • @WiloPolis03
      @WiloPolis03 Рік тому +1

      @@augustushill6188 Uh sure

  • @PhoenixRiseinFlame
    @PhoenixRiseinFlame Рік тому +5

    “Of Moons, Birds, and Monsters” is the best song on Oracular Spectacular and I can’t be convinced otherwise.

  • @raspberryjamz
    @raspberryjamz Рік тому +4

    my freshman year of high school, we were allowed to use our ipods to run our miles in P.E and i would always play Siberian Breaks (knowing that if i finished the mile before the song ended i was in the clear, past 12 min and i’d fail the mile lmao). It was such a great song to run to, the slow bits would help me pace myself and my breathing and when the song picked up I could sprint. I’ll always think of running in the sun, the smell of hot turf, and 9th grade youth and wonder when i listen to that song.

    • @PrvtIdaho
      @PrvtIdaho Рік тому

      I’m a runner too and I give your comment Five Stars. ❤

  • @ch3007
    @ch3007 Місяць тому +2

    Congratulations was their best album hands down!!!!

  • @thepunkbackdoor8971
    @thepunkbackdoor8971 Рік тому +5

    I love the second album. The vibes from that album are somewhat nostalgic for me and I love the experimental stuff like the song Lady Dada's Nightmare.

  • @thesensiblesocialist
    @thesensiblesocialist Місяць тому

    One of the few groups out there rn who I really feel doesn't care whatsoever about their level of success.

  • @omnitrix1992
    @omnitrix1992 Рік тому +4

    I haven't listened to any other songs but Kids because the girl I liked in college introduced me to them and said her favorite song ever was Kids. We listened to that song all the time. Everytime I listen to Kids, I think about her.

  • @MrKeremk
    @MrKeremk 11 місяців тому +1

    congratulations is one of my favorite albums, listening to it since 2011 its a masterpiece

  • @winstonsmith513
    @winstonsmith513 Рік тому +3

    This video is a shining example of why I love bands who aren’t afraid to show variety in their music. They show it’s possible to change while staying true to themselves. That’s why one of my favorite bands is Linkin Park since even if they were always for everyone, they got to do what they wanted and that’s very respectable in my book.

  • @anna123calida
    @anna123calida 3 місяці тому +1

    God, I fckin love Congratulations, they are so original and it feels like a whole trip listenning to them. I dont get why people interpreted as self-sabotage

  • @Ray-lw2rh
    @Ray-lw2rh Рік тому +4

    MGMT and Ratatat will always have a special place in my heart. Oracular Spectacular, Congratulations, Classics, LP3 and LP4 are one of my favorite albums of all time. After Discovery and Random Access memories by Daft Punk and Lateralus by Tool.

  • @alex_flamer
    @alex_flamer Рік тому +8

    Yes I loved Congratulations! It was my first entry into modern psychedelic rock/pop. And no it's not a commercial album with radio worthy singles like what the first album had. And Little Dark Age (which I also think is there best) wasn't worthy of mass commerical appeal was also very good. Artist authenticity is a great thing and at least they still have fans at the end of the day who will support them. If their authenticity is all they care about, then their careers are will remain in tact.

  • @pbelancsik
    @pbelancsik 5 місяців тому +1

    Congratulations is in my top 5 albums of all time. I understand why people might not like it, but as a whole, it's a transcendental experience. People wanted 'Kids' pt 2, but got something real, visceral. The majority of Oracular Spectacular is a sarcastic take on pop. The fact that a joke turned out to be an album of hits shows how intelligent they are as songwriters.

  • @thecinematicmind
    @thecinematicmind Рік тому +8

    I adore the song Congratulations to this day.