Time To Pretend [EP]

MGMT has been on a roll (more on that later), but this is the band's first release, where it all started. Originally released in 2005, this EP has recently been re-released.

"Time To Pretend" (6 tracks; 27 min.) starts off with the track that would eventually fuel the band's rise to stardom. Please note that this is the original mix of the song, and it sounds somewhat differently from the mix found on the band's excellent debut album. Likewise with the closer, "Kids", which would become another huge hit for the band (and also on the debut album). As for the 4 tracks in between, they are quite good too. "Boogie Down" is an up-tempo dance-along track. "Destrokk" is the weakest track on here. "Love Always Remains" is a slower song, but quite good. By far the must-have catch on here is "Indie Rokkers", a fantastic song that is better than many of the tracks on the debut album. In all, this EP is a must-have for any MGMT fan.

When I first saw MGMT live, they played a small tent at the 2008 Coachella music festival, just as the debut album was starting to make waves. I saw them again last weekend at Coachella, and now they played the Outdoor Theatre, for a MASSIVE crowd, it was unreal how packed it was. Interestingly, though, is that the crowd jubelated when they played songs from the first album, but were non-plussed any time the band played songs from the just-released "Congratulations" album, which I also find quite underwhelming. It's simply amazing to me how a couple of songs (Time To Pretend, Kids) have fueled the rise of this band. Don't see them staying in the "hot" spot much longer, based on the mediocre new album. That said, this EP is an excellent companion to the first album. Highly recommended!

MGMT's debut release isn't a demo tape per se, but it has a much rougher edge to it than their rather polished debut album, 'Oracular Spectacular'. On 'Time to Pretend', we get to hear early versions of the band's hits "Time to Pretend" and "Kids," both of which were re-recorded for their debut album, as well a four other songs. Personally, I prefer the later version of "Time to Pretend," but the version of "Kids" found on this release rivals the re-recorded version found on 'Oracular Spectacular'.

Though a mere six songs in length, this EP does a rather good job of sculpting the broad sound of Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser, otherwise known as MGMT. And it was these six songs that got them a phone call from Columbia Records offering them a record deal. If you're looking to get into the band's music, this is a good place to start; while not as polished as their Columbia releases, you can easily hear their broad, expansive brand of psychedelic pop.

Purcahsing this on Amazopn was so much nicer and quicker than lokking for it at a record store. It was a gift for my son and he loves it.