MGMT Is Back, And They’re Trolling Themselves Harder Than Ever (HBO)

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In 2008, MGMT was on top of the world. Their music was basically the official soundtrack to every house party, and you couldn’t enter an Urban Outfitters without hearing their platinum single, “Kids”.
Their rising star seemed to take a sharp left turn, though, when their second album found them turning toward a sound that was much more psychedelic and much less accessible. MGMT soon got a reputation as a band that had turned their back on fame.
But their most recent single, “Me and Michael,” is a lot more radio-friendly, and it looks like MGMT might be edging, slowly, back toward the mainstream. VICE News visited the band on the set of their music video shoot to find out how, or if, the band plans to reinvent themselves.
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[@VICENews]

"We kind of formed the band around this concept of destroying it as it was happening." MGMT tells VICE News. Watch next on music here: bit.ly/2F1EsfG

[@spirou7045]

Not news. I didn't subscribe for more advertisement.

[@eps3154]

Eh.. the synthpop would have been fresh in 2005-10 maybe. It's cool they're still doing their thing though.

[@captainberlothamew69]

Bad interview

[@seanp8220]

This channel should have been banned ages ago quite frankly. Vice is not just a disgrace...

[@futurereflections4097]

Dude, this was absolutely terrible. MGMT is awesome. Your idea that they are trolling is you being trolled. All their stuff is great, not all of it is cheesy pop.

[@Stephanie-tz4nq]

Why is everyone so obsessed with this narrative about them getting fame and losing it (intentionally or unintentionally) and trying to get it back? What does it matter? Their old music is good. Their new music is good. I personally feel like they don't really care about the fame much one way or another, so why overanalyze? Let's just enjoy what they put out.

[@thelowlytrinity]

yeah the whole narrative is actually painfully self-conscious. just get over it make some music.

[@rowanelessar5892]

Seriously. Just appreciate Artist's for what they are and what they create. If you like it, great! If not, that's cool too - go find things you do like. But when it comes to the Artist's personal choices, personal life, and whether they become or stay Hollywood bigwigs doesn't f'n matter. Just enjoy and support the Artist's that you like and care about. That's all. Connect and move on.

[@alephnull7410]

Rowan Elessar Except that they initially put out an album of straight bangers that, songwriting wise, blew everyone away. That is an extremely rare occurrence from an unknown indie band that wasn’t driven by some songwriting team. They are the group responsible for writing a grand slam, it’s not the public’s fault for wanting more of that magic but instead they hid behind “artistic integrity” and didn’t take another at bat. If they didn’t want the attention then they should have refrained from writing such gems, which they full well knew were indeed gems when they wrote them, how couldn’t they have known? Kurt Cobain had the same problem and it’s a very “holier than thou” attitude which I don’t buy for a second, he wanted to be noticed and he knew he could with his songs. Once people did notice, he was all like, “what do you want with me?”

[@SubscribersWithoutAnySubscribe]

@@alephnull7410 Exactly, I have much respect for MGMT but they're such hipsters, they clearly put a lot of passion and effort into their hit songs and then afterwards tried to downplay it by saying 'na we were just kidding around'. Yeah sure you were.. It's like some chef who made his name making chocolate mousse turns around and says "just kidding, I actually hate chocolate mousse it's so ez to make I'm doing soup from now on, try my Consommé'.

[@mikeexits]

Self-titled #1!

[@chill_lover]

when i'm president we gone play siberian breaks on the radio don't worry real ones.

[@davideseadjara1170]

im voting for you, play metanoia last thing at night too

[@kevinpires2307]

love you

[@PACKTdotSPACE]

Samuel Brito 2020

[@elisiajenkins4420]

you're my new best friend

[@italorizzo4850]

Tbh if Congratulations (album) was played on repeat all the time I wouldn’t mind one bit

[@slimkt]

I wasn't aware Congratulations wasn't well-received. Personally, I really enjoyed it. Granted, I was stoned throughout most of 2010, but still, it was a good listen. I don't understand why people always want more of the same. Kids 2, really? Why? Let what was be good and accumulate more good tunes as they come along, not repeat the same shit until you get sick of it.

[@franksoul]

slimkt Congratulations was a great album agreed.

[@derrickalbert4239]

Exactly

[@mikeexits]

The only album I'd like a part 2 of is their self-titled. Holy SHIT that album is a masterpiece!

[@blockhead6212]

MGMT is incredible! I hate suspecting fans, I think all of their music has merit.

[@voidenterthehighlights]

Wasn't well received by who? Kids fans?

[@AndreideLosSantos]

Siberian Breaks is one of the best songs of all time.

[@jessegonzalez5150]

Weekend wars is my favorite

[@grave9278]

Yep

[@_DS_ART]

Metanoia is a step above just my opinion tho

[@horwink]

flash delirium best song

[@ronaldsheaks6852]

Keeping it real

[@berrymccockiner3492]

Good to see the guy from hey Arnold became an interviewer

[@YuTu13e]

Bruh...what’s up with your face?

[@Minsoup4]

YuTu13e lmao

[@fododude]

I kept thinking, "Kid N Play" is back.

[@johnlemon7076]

Bobby are you needing donations

[@carlossegura403]

Lmao

[@MJ-pf1td]

I can't imagine how people got angry over artists actually developing new sounds and styles. And congratulations BTW was miles ahead OS.

[@J1428753]

> new styles > MC Ride prof pic checks out. you and me both bud.

[@mvnkycheez]

Did anyone listen to their 3rd one tho? i dont even remember it. weirdly forgettable compared to their first 2 and the new one

[@Jackzay90]

Of course the people making money off of them were.

[@Meltedcheese567]

Oracular Spectacular was wonderful, you're tripping

[@JarodJoseph]

Yes you can. It’s extremely easy to imagine.

[@andrewneely8980]

Congratulations is an absolute fan favorite. Me and Michael wasn't the lead single. This video just condensed popular opinion without actually doing any homework. Bad job!

[@alejandroochoa559]

I actually really liked congratulations. I like most of your songs and your style is pretty unique. Do the music you love not the music people want to love.

[@PACKTdotSPACE]

Congratulations is easily their best album. Siberian Breaks, Flash Delirium, the title track, etc.. too good.

[@AltRockLover]

I agree! Expecting a new Oracular Spectacular with every album would be like expecting Leonardo Da Vinci to paint the Mona Lisa over and over. Totally loved Congratulations!

[@travisallan5320]

I should have looked at the comments before posting. I’m glad to hear others genuinely liked Congratulations as well.

[@MLElf]

Alejandro Ochoa agree with the other comments, Congrats is their best album

[@nandafprado]

Me too, I even considered it to be better than the first album, but the third ...I must admit that Alien Days was kind of hard to listen to, except for song no 2.

[@brennanmunoz7411]

I feel like me and a lot of people in the comments/fans felt like you didn’t give Congratulations the recognition it deserved. “They didn’t really try” , “sales slumped.” Easily their best album, most sophisticated and groundbreaking. Who cares about being radio friendly???

[@psychedelicpiper999]

And their third was even more groundbreaking.

[@MrYouarethecancer]

Their whole schtick was radio friendly for the lulz. Vapid hogwash.

[@finderrio]

@@MrYouarethecancer oracular spectacular was not vapid hogwash lmao, the three big singles were parodying pop music sure, but all the tracks were still phenomenal with a heavy 60's influence.

[@Zangdoodle]

Their 2010 album Congratulations was just as good.

[@sickgringo007]

Yeah honestly anyone who calls that a sophomore slump needs to not be taken seriously by anyone.

[@imDezrt]

It's so tired at this point, like yeah it's not pop but it's definitely better than oracular in terms of songwriting and musicianship. It was already obvious they were going in that direction for album #2 once metanoia came out

[@Marcusml333]

I think it's their best album. My favourite one at least.

[@gravitybookings]

They're geniuses cause they got everyone to tune in and the ones that didn't like Oracular guess what? They made one for you 2

[@mholder1324]

Congratulations was awesome!! But definitely not as accessible to the mainstream audience like their first album was. Which was why it didn't do well at the charts

[@dunker4life586]

Dude from subway surfers turned his life around and became an interviewer

[@thesurfingwalrus]

bro your flat top is too much

[@lptomtom]

He's like a real-life version of Marge Simpson

[@ceke]

lptomtom died

[@AvgJane19]

heath just let him live damn

[@HackScapeLastLove]

more like Gerald Johanssen tbh

[@DamianLHudson]

Rock it. Don’t listen to em.

[@difjaoisdjfoaisjdfoaiogeis]

Andrew reminds me so much of a little kid he's so...adorable in a way

[@difjaoisdjfoaisjdfoaiogeis]

EVERYTIME ANDREW SMILES MY HEART STOPS WHATS HAPPENING

[@koby90287]

I truly believe every single MGMT album had great songs

[@piratekr3w1]

CONGRATULATIONS IS ONE OF THE BEST ALBUMS EVR I feel like the people who expected the same thing from them are so basic and generic 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@GoNZO-rs5oi]

ARI.K WORD!?

[@DarkAngelEU]

It was better because it made you think about Time To Pretend, most people didn't get what they were trying to say because they were too busy getting Electric Feels so when Congratulations came out it was only their own fault to be disappointed. It was obvious they liked weird music and only wanted to get weirder. Little Dark Age really fails at delivering that.

[@ElectronicYouth]

Congratulations is their pinnacle

[@allisooooooon]

YEP

[@ElectronicYouth]

Lucas de Oliveira of course they think that, they are in the business of selling new records. Records which sound like they are from the past by the way.

[@ThiefOfBaghdad]

i wish the VICE interviewer gave them some praise for Congratulations and "MGMT" (3rd album lol) it just came off as if he was down with the fans and didn't understand the genius behind the last 2 albums at all, it only provoked them provide a really mixed response

[@astralacuity]

AGREED

[@synysterjazmyngates]

Congratulations is still my favorite album by them. I mean, have you heard Siberian Breaks??? Masterpiece!

[@cptcrunchy]

A black #2 pencil is interviewing MGMT

[@travisallan5320]

Well... I feel like I should say something, MGMT’s second album “Congratulations” was not made to be full of radio hits, yes, but it wasn’t at all an attempt to sabotage their careers either. It’s actually a very complex and interesting album that builds off of the deeper stuff from their previous music. Also, Congratulations is album oriented, which means your supposed to listen to the whole thing in order to really get the full experience. Maybe it takes a real love and appreciation for music to really understand it, and personally I love Congratulations and know others who feel the same way. I’d even go as far as saying the song Siberian Breaks is a strong contestant for the right to be MGMT’s magnum opus, but then again I’m a total music nut. If you’re looking for pop hits, there is plenty of stuff out there, and MGMT only has a couple of songs to toss your way, but if you’re interested in something more abstract, then MGMT has a whole catalog of songs composed of abstract madness to send you on a journey to the moon and back.

[@psychedelicpiper999]

Their third album's a psychedelic masterpiece, too.

[@marinablack181]

Everything wrong with Vice right here. As if MGMT hasn't been pouring their hearts into every album

[@thatonedude2263]

It pisses me off when people shit talk Congratulations. It was a great album and an awesome follow up to Oracular Spectacular. Alien days....... Not so much lol but they've definitely pulled back in with Little dark age, I've enjoyed this album alot.

[@Spiderific]

I personally find the second album to be my favorite. Who cares about the perfect pop song when you are elevating your art. The perfect album, now that's a feat.

[@luzgallegos6779]

I really love this guys, they know what life it’s going about, they know how to have fun in a very profound and creative way.

[@ImmuneToKnives]

There was old interview where Andrew said Kids started as a joke. "We used to think about how to make the most stereotypical pop song and that's one of the ones we did." They were surprised how big that song grew, but also kind of disappointed because it's not their favorite songs to play, it wasn't their sound. When Congratulations came out that was their sound, but most people didnt enjoy it... tragic.

[@boomshakalaka7396]

When You Die is the best song of that album

[@elisarivas8768]

I appreciated every single album, especially their self titled album that didn’t get much attention. MGMT always be yourself ! We don’t need another hit single like kids ! Love your sound the way it is :) xx

[@austinyoung3315]

My friend showed me them before Oracular Spectacular, when they were still "The Management" - and i was smitten. When that first album dropped, I loved the hits obviously, but songs like Of Moons Birds & Monsters and The Handshake are what I remember most from those days. Congratulations ended up being my favorite album, and this one is growing on me. Pop sensibility but not to the point that it's more pop than psych.

[@kmckissick4642]

i'm HURT congratulations is getting so much flack after the fact. that is a great album.

[@grahamh9788]

Its almost like their 3rd self titled album doesnt exist... unbelievable

[@Spokahno]

Yeah, it's crazy how swept under the rug the album is. But, It wasn't really that good of an album. It would've been better if his voice wasn't so monotone, and there were more hummable parts. If they would've stuck with "Your Life Is a Lie" kind of sound, the album would've been 10/10 AMAZING.

[@AssistantLeaflet]

Well they didn't make the album for people not on psychedelic drugs. Have you tried listening to it on mushrooms? It's amazing because you can focus your ears on every little thing and it synchronizes well. Without a psychedelic it just sounds like uh... Weird experimental shit that you can't listen to with a bunch of other people. The lyrics in their self-titled album were pretty amazing though regardless and I think people brush over that entirely.

[@Spokahno]

Gideon Lass music shouldn’t have to be played that way though. It’s cool to do drugs with music. But if music is only good that way, it’s not good.

[@grahamh9788]

Gideon Lass i enjoy the self titled sober or otherwise, but i was going through a sensitive time in my life when i got that album. I know what you mean though theres a lot of sounds to focus on, but the more you replay them the more it starts to make sense, at least in my opinion.

[@AssistantLeaflet]

RB Spoken that's untrue, the album itself isn't bad. Not something I would listen to with others around but like most experimental music it is supposed to be an experience. On the issue with drugs and or entheogens, making music for that reason isn't uncommon at all. It's actually a niche thing that many people enjoy; For example the band shpongle. So if MGMT tried to reach this market with this album I have zero problems with that and they can certainly do so. Even the need for the use of drugs though doesnt necessarily mean the music is bad. I'm sure to many people it was great as is. More information on psychedelics because it's good to know. Sorry if this goes off the topic: Calssical Psychedelic drugs are innately medically therapeutic and dare I say beneficial if used responsibly. Being as they actually get rid of addictive behavior, work immensely well to help treatment-resistant depression and anxiety, and most compounds are not physically toxic in any case. Ex: psilocin is less toxic than caffeine. In some studies I've found on the government NCBI PubMed database finding even music itself can help the psychotherapy. I find these studies interesting. It mostly uses pharmacological and psychological terminology though. There are articles that say the same things beaut less in depth.

[@SuperTwilightZoned]

Electric Feel, Time to Pretend and Kids were at their peak during my college years. I enjoyed those songs but only knew a little about MGMT and didn't follow them all too closely. 10 years later I'm going back and listening to Congratulations and holy shit that album is good!

[@matt1524]

Congratulations is definitely their best record.

[@muhumedtagouri5058]

Two geniuses in college decided they wanted to make money and made radio hits eventually made there way to actually falling in love with the process of music and paid the price of not being in everyone’s taste

[@dbm92]

i dont think they wanted to be in everyone's taste. They're first songs were cross-over hits. The rest of the their first album was even better. Instead of doing what was expected, they went where they wanted, despite the expectation. That's why they will be talked about for the next 40 years. Their conviction to do what they wanted in the face of immense riches and fame.

[@Kristen-1-]

@@dbm92facts

[@massive_walnut4602]

bruh congratulations was a masterpiece

[@futurereflections4097]

Shhhhhhh! It’s a well kept secret. Really. They don’t try to write hits. They write gold. The people who don’t get it are missing out and don’t understand music. Media doesn’t get it.

[@andersjs1]

These guys just seem like 2 best friends who enjoy making music and are very happy doing their own thing. The industry pushes them for more hits and it seems like their first album produced accidental hits or at least, they didn’t see the success that was coming. Just leave them alone, world. Enjoy what they put out and be grateful!

[@KimBlaQue]

Kids, Electric Feel, etc. will always remind me of my army days

[@pigammon7843]

now mgmt are almost as popular as they were in the 00s again, it's fascinating to see just how much this video gets dreadfully fucking wrong

[@EmmyHucker]

I have to say, I love _Congratulations_ and their following albums much more than their initial hits.

[@ANTWO91]

Here's a thing about MGMT. *THEY ARE NOT SELLOUTS* They want to try different things and honesty the music they've made throughout the years is amazing. They know they can make something like kids again but they already done that and moved passed it. They are ever evolving artists and i wouldn't want mgmt to be any different.

[@tomsnowden6201]

Sounds like a typical "I-I could do it again, I just don't want to"..Flash in the pan band.

[@jbridges399]

i cant understand how people didnt liek congratulations ,it was a fuckign amazing album pure genius

[@SexyMustacheUnicorn]

MGMT is back, and they're trolling hey Arnold cosplayers harder than ever.

[@arief991]

tf is the interviewer talking about, Congratulations is a great album and by far their best !

[@hmoneoju]

Just keep on doing what you do... I would prefer a bunch of great singles.... In the mean time I just enjoy with what you bring... Great songs and great Spirit

[@witchvelma6954]

Anyone saying their music got “bad” after OS just didn’t understand the music, that or they didn’t actually listen to it. The albums they’ve put out are beautiful, and complex and delevop as you listen to it more and more, songs off of the self titled album still feel new to me because every time I listen it’s another experience.

[@psychedelicpiper999]

People’s IQ’s have dropped. There’s studies about this. Back in the 60’s and 70’s, this kind of music was deemed classic. People have become a lot dumber since then, and this is why the boomers are always talking crap about our generation. They’re not entirely wrong.

[@nomaddd123]

wtf 2nd album is probably best of that decade

[@MFD388]

Wait... MGMT isn't intentionally trying to be "obscure" or "weird" but thats part of what makes them awesome. XD

[@thenomadpath8904]

Time To Pretend & Weekend Wars are my favesss☆☆☆

[@hyungwoneesgwoneees3700]

Andrew still here being🔥f i n e🔥 af

[@greatsupper]

Lol. The way this interview is edited is as if they're trying to make up some story about MGMT resenting pop music, when quite clearly the obvious reality is that MGMT simply just makes whatever music they wanna make

[@juice8431]

Little dark age is literally the internets history community’s theme song.

[@zac-oros]

Little Dark Age smacks harder than Oracular

[@isaacinternet]

They are hilarious, it must get annoying having to do interviews with people that aren't getting it.

[@lukegreska8996]

Im sick of critics speaking of the streams on spotify as an accomplishment. A coffee shop could have the fucking song playing on the same playlist for a year it doesnt really mean much

[@laurareis892]

I think artists should do what they want without having to explain themselves. I thought this interview would be more interesting, but it was just about, "Hey, why are you having a music career this way? And aren't you worried of what people will think of you??"

[@ryanjbuchanan]

I agree. The title is completely misleading.

[@dsfzdfdvxcv8742]

It's because their first album had a pop feel which was a lot more accessible to the wider population. Their other albums are appeal to a smaller amount of people with a different sound and that does not make these albums any less successful than the first one. They even said that they wanted to take the band in a different direction after their first album so everything that happened was mas most likely their intention.

[@oryxthemadbro3765]

I don't think you understand MGMT

[@jesseward568]

Marketing is not just a job. It's an addiction and a sickness journalists auffer from.

[@lesettedesantiago144]

Thanks for sharing

[@konway17]

Where can we watch the full interview?

[@TranzVangal]

That black dude and his afro 😂that style 🫥😮

[@jadymartins9387]

Why does Andrew look like he's a male version of Grimes?

[@nandafprado]

I laughted so hard at 2:32 because its so true

[@askyles91]

Every record is amazing in its own way

[@KaylrSaurz]

Why does this band get so much hate for those 2 albums? Some of my favorite mgmt tracks (congratulations, Alien days) are on those albums. They got to actually make the music they wanted to make on those albums..and received hate for it. Real fans really appreciated the artistic twist. The new album is amazing, probably my favorite of the 4. So glad I saw these guys in concert last month..truly a remarkable experience.

[@cokedupnormies2651]

Wait does Vice even know what trolling is?

[@Mineav]

MGMT: Solid as they come.

[@chuckiesrus1399]

Every single MGMT song is absolutely beautiful

[@WilltheAstrologer]

agreed!!!

[@maryrandall3902]

The part where you are actually talking to them in the interview I though MuteMath-BreakTheFever was playing in the background and I almost imploded.

[@dweebery]

i love little dark age and am so glad they’re touring again. i saw them in may and they were so great!!

[@pervbunny]

They dont need to be super famous wtf? They make brilliant songs, thats the only thing that matters.

[@cremadefresita]

all of MGMT albums are approachable. PERIOD.

[@julianneedsblood7091]

Honestly the second album was way better than the first 1

[@Kowjja]

And in the end Little Dark Age (the song) ended up absolutley blowing up which is good, it's a truly great track

[@jonforksin1620]

they never fell off their albums get better with each one

[@joesosa41]

One of the best, most influential bands still IMHO. Congratulations, self titled, and LDA make a lot of sense when truly listening to the music tbh. Can't wait for LoL in a few months!

[@tytops8554]

Just saw them last night in Toronto! I actually wish they performed more songs from Congratulations; which was a fantastic album.

[@zack49]

Read "They’re Trolling Themselves Harder Than Ever" as "actually being artists".

[@Shp00N]

Congratulations is one one of the best albums ever created hands down.

[@Joseph-nh6in]

To be honest, their newest album to me seems the most bizarre and avant garde. It baffles me when I hear their self-titled album and Congratulations as being bizarre, non radio friendly music. They should make another 10 minute plus long song. Siberian Breaks and Metanoia are both utter masterpieces.

[@diabones4746]

I don’t think a lot of people understand their music. You have to have a special ear for it. I like how different their songs are. I don’t even think their “best” hits like kids is their best. I think they’re doing great and I like all of their albums

[@devanysuarez]

I really enjoy weird music, so your albums after the first one weren't terrible. Love MGMT's work❤

[@rociomarquez9618]

I love everything about them I still.

[@hydrofuturaa]

congratulations was very good! im already addicted to this new album!

[@Skateandenjoi]

Siberian Breaks alone was ART

[@oasisbeyond]

Still love their debut... inspired me.

[@declineofthewest.]

Congratulations (Siberian Breaks) is their magnum opus.

[@douglassmith3016]

They didn't sabotage their careers. They failed to nurture them. See Depeche Mode and The Cure. That's how you do it.

[@spookeehoowee1687]

You guys should have added the interview with the extras and director. Duh. Everybody deserves their recognition, Vice!

[@moonman0789]

"I hope I die before I get sold "

[@User-eg6rk]

What is the background riff music called from 0:18-0:52

[@kitkathours2059]

They dont want to produce "radio friendly" music; they need and want something more.

[@tek2490]

This is such a beautiful representation of how out of touch of reality vice is- even when they interview. its sad but it is a reminder of how idiotic self obsession leaves you. Thank you for being kinda relevant at one point, vice, and equallly thank you for being absolutely detached in a world that doesnt need you. xo fu

[@psychedelicpiper999]

Vice have turned into an absolute embarrassment to humanity. Even Hamilton Morris doesn’t want to work for them anymore. He’s too smart for these low IQ reporters who pretty much thrive on sensationalism and popularity contests like virtually all news media corporations. VICE is always promoting the hell out of psychedelics, but doesn’t know the first thing about psychedelic rock, go figure. 😂 Culture vultures to the max.

[@mikeexits]

They got better as they went on. Oracular Spectacular < Congratulations < MGMT = Little Dark Age. I can't believe how perfect their 2 latest albums are. Changed the way I perceive and create music.

[@fripsebibs]

Congratulations is such a perfect album. LdA too

[@nugsboodlepoo]

gerald from hey arnold called, he wants his hair back

[@louloulou8911]

For real tho, I know the reporter's hairstyle is a symbol of his individuality and personal freedom... but it's really not a good look. Like at all...

[@twosteptolampslight4797]

Am I missing something? Did people not dig Congratulations? I think it’s their best album in their discography.

[@MariaKhordina]

You can really read their worldviews on their faces here

[@xaviernogueira]

Congratulations is easily my favorite MGMT album

[@TaylorStJohn-fp9zs]

I honestly love the previous two albums...especially Congratulations. "it's Working" was a phenomenal track. I think they received some unfair criticism, but then again, the industry is ruthless and does in fact demand radio smash hits.

[@DDD033]

"Hated everybody who liked those songs" what an outrageous accusation