MGMT - Loss of Life

 

Authenticity. The real. It's much sought after these days. Check out this whole new massive Folk thing. Whatever you call it. Lankum, Lisa O'Neill and myriad others that seem set to cast a huge shadow on 2024, just as they did in 2023. It will be an interesting one to watch. The present is frightening for any number of people and with very good reason. Let's all escape and find refuge in the past if we can.

On Friday morning I listened to and very much enjoyed Hurray For The Riff Raff's latest The Past is Still Alive. I also listened to and enjoyed MGMT's return to the fray Loss of Life,. Albeit for slightly different reasons and with a slightly puzzled expression on my face as I listened.

Strange boys MGMT. They arrived in 2007 and made an instant global splash with debut album Oracular Spectacular. Such an enormous splash in fact it seemed to scare them half to death. They subsequently started running around telling anyone who would listen how much they loved The Television Personalities.

They retreated in short. There's nothing wrong with an occasional, dignified retreat. Napoleon had several over the course of his career and he did alright. Almost twenty years on from Oracular Spectacular MGMT are still standing. They make the records and statements they wish to make. The world no long waits with bated breath. I suspect they're happier that way.

Loss of Life is  a neat little record. It seems that what really lights these guys candles is eccentric oddball  and generally English and Scottish whimsy. Syd Barrett, Marc Bolan, Kevin Ayers, Donovan. Those guys. All people I treasure so I'm not complaining.

I enjoyed the record and am enjoying it again now. The one thing that this album isn't is authentic. Bur what's 'authentic' anyhow in 2024? It's a long conversation. Listen to the latest Ty Segall album if you're looking for further evidence. That man seems to have genuinely convinced himself that it's 1972 and seems set to continue on his way under this basic delusion for the rest of his recording and touring career. That's not an actual crime of course. Just an odd conclusion to draw and direct all your energies.

For the record I prefer MGMT's latest to Segall's though it takes a very similar approach. It's a flight of fancy I suspect from people who never need to work another day in their lives if they don't wish to. You can't knock the evident talent on show here. It's considerable.  American Indie kids and their obsessions are truly the oddest thing mind.