Pitchfork is all up in arms about how "batshit" the new MGMT video ended up being. Really, Pitchfork? It's certainly Adams Family meets Twin Peaks. It features a ton of old people, a bald veteran in army fatigues and ventriloquist dummies -- all elements we've come to know as creepy. There's some seriously phallic renegade medical procedures and Andrew VanWyngarden looks beyond bored for the duration of the video, but "pure absurdity" it is not. It's possible to piece together a loose and uninspiring plot if so desired, but why? Is it not enough that the pair even took the time to make a video in this age of constantly leaking albums, one in which Gaga's Tarantino attempting "Telephone" passes as art? A friend sent me this last week raving about how moving she found it. The song is beautiful; the video is literally nauseating and only appealing to someone who just got dumped (sorry, friend). "Flash Delirium" may not musically be the MGMT of yesteryear, but as a video, it contains all the necessary elements for video success. I'd rather watch a group of geezers do the electric slide than ponder the meaning of life a la Nate Vernon (and 2200 shots from a DSLR pieced together ad nauseum) any day. MGMT's new album, Congratulations, is out on April 13 or is available in its entirety as a free stream here Pitchfork is all up in arms about how “batshit” the new MGMT video ended up being. Really, Pitchfork? It’s certainly Adams Family meets Twin Peaks. It features a ton of old people, a bald veteran in army fatigues and ventriloquist dummies — all elements we’ve come to know as creepy. There’s some seriously phallic renegade medical procedures and Andrew VanWyngarden looks beyond bored for the duration of the video, but “pure absurdity” it is not. It’s possible to piece together a loose and uninspiring plot if so desired, but why? Is it not enough that the pair even took the time to make a video in this age of constantly leaking albums, one in which Gaga’s Tarantino attempting “Telephone” passes as art? A friend sent me this last week raving about how moving she found it. The song is beautiful; the video is literally nauseating and only appealing to someone who just got dumped (sorry, friend). “Flash Delirium” may not musically be the MGMT of yesteryear, but as a video, it contains all the necessary elements for video success. I’d rather watch a group of geezers do the electric slide than ponder the meaning of life a la Nate Vernon (and 2200 shots from a DSLR pieced together ad nauseum) any day. MGMT’s new album, Congratulations, is out on April 13 or is available in its entirety as a free stream here.
