Album Review: MGMT - Congratulations (3.5/5)

In late 2007, early 2008, fresh-from-college indie rockers became the toast of the town with Oracular Spectacular, their cheeky debut of pop-leaning, psychedelic rock. They won over fans and critics alike with danceable stuck-in-your-head tunes like "Time to Pretend" and "Kids."

Well, Congratulations, the difficult follow-up to that successful debut, ain't that. Rather than mine their enjoyable pop instincts, they've gone full throttle into the weirder side of their sound. It makes for some nice moments, but there are few, if any, standout singles this time (and in fact, the band has said they don't intend to have singles for this album). Consequently, there's nothing here I expect would corner alternative and pop radio or have them flattered with a remake, a la "The Opposite of Adults," Chiddy Bang's recent take on "Kids."

A few songs do rise above the others though. I quite like "Brian Eno," a quirky tribute to the famous producer of bands like U2 and Coldplay ("We're always one step behind him, he's Brian Eno"). I also like the opening track, "It's Working," which goes for some high drama with its big guitars, harpsichord, echo-chamber vocals and intermittent tempo pauses. Ambitious "Flash Delerium" layers horns, multiple voices, over a shifting base of guitars and synths.

Elsewhere, some songs are better than others. "Song for Dan Treacy," another tribute, although to someone far less well-known, is sinister and weird in an enjoyable way. "Someone's Missing" builds slowly to a Motown-ish climax. The closing title track is pleasantly acoustic with revealing lyrics about the desire for approval ("I'd rather dissolve than have you ignore me").

But then there's the 12-minute, multipart, "Siberian Breaks," which manages to be not nearly as interesting as the band probably thinks it is, making it just pretentious, actually. I like the acoustic guitar opener for about 30 seconds, and then the song loses me. "Lady DaDa's Nightmare" seems pointed at Lady GaGa, but I don't see what she'd supposedly find so objectionable about this meandering instrumental.

This album required a close listen to appreciate it. I was actually going to give it a lower rating until I listened to it more carefully and found more to like than I'd heard at first blush. Still, that it requires such effort may be off-putting to some, especially those that enjoyed the band's first go-round most for the jumping joy of "Kids."

Best: Brian Eno, It's Working, Flash Delerium