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MGMT’s hotly anticipated sophomore album, Congratulations, wasn’t supposed to arrive until April 12 across the pond in the U.K. and April 13 here in the U.S., but the effort leaked online in late March. As a result of the online leak, the Brooklyn-based band put a stream of Congratulations on its official website. In the immediate aftermath of the leak, MGMT wanted to release the follow-up to 2007′s Oracular Spectacular as a free download, but eventually decided against it. “Hey everybody, the album leaked, and we wanted you to be able to hear it from us. We wanted to offer it as a free download but that didn’t make sense to anyone but us,” read a statement on MGMT’s official website.

While artists conventionally release a lead single prior to releasing an album and continue to release sporadic singles once the album arrives, MGMT has hailed Congratulations a “no singles” album. According to NPR.com, MGMT’s Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser are encouraging radio stations and fans to simply play the songs they like best off their sophomore album. Says NPR.com of the unconventional move, “It’s a bold idea and a counterintuitive one, considering the band rose to fame on the popularity of ‘Kids’ and ‘Time To Pretend’ from their debut, Oracular Spectacular.” There are nine tracks for fans and radio stations to choose from, however, most of which were inspired by surf rock, according to VanWyngarden.

Just days before MGMT’s sophomore set leaked, the duo previewed songs off their sophomore album at London’s Heaven. The March 18 gig came one day after the death of Big Star legend Alex Chilton, reported NME.com. Chilton died of a suspected heart attack on March 17 and is survived by his wife, Laura; son, Timothy and sister, Cecilia. Before performing new song “It’s Working,” VanWyngarden told the audience, “We’d like to dedicate this set to Alex Chilton.”

Other new tracks showcased at the gig included the 12-minute long song “Siberian Breaks,” which VanWyngarden described as “an epic folk song,” as well as “Brian Eno,” “Song For Dan Treacy” and “Flash Delirium.” MGMT’s set list also included old favorites like “Pieces of What,” “Weekend Wars,” “Oracular Spectacular” and “Kids.”

VanWyngarden and Goldwasser met while they were both art students at Wesleyan University in Connecticut in 2002. The duo first went under the moniker Management but eventually changed their name to MGMT and issued the electro-rock EP Time to Pretend in 2005 via the indie label Cantora Records. Released after the pair graduated from college, the EP (and specifically its title track) was instantly lauded by critics and acclaimed producer Steve Lillywhite approached MGMT to sign a contract with Columbia Records.

MGMT’s standout debut album, Oracular Spectacular, arrived online in late 2007, followed by a traditional album release in January 2008. The duo quickly scored a gig opening for Of Montreal on tour and spots at Coachella and other music festivals followed. Oracular Spectacular earned MGMT two Grammy nominations, one for Best New Artist and one for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group for their infectious hit single “Kids.” Hear MGMT perform new and old songs by getting MGMT tickets at StubHub.com.

 

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