Since September of 2008 the fantastic American public radio network, NPR, has been offering early listens to select upcoming records on their website. It’s called First Listen.
For a period of time (up to the date the album is officially released) you can stream an entire album from NPR.com. It’s a pretty awesome service.
Available for a listen at this moment is MGMT’s upcoming album Congratulations.
Many of you will no doubt remember the hits Time to Pretend, Electric Feel, and Kids from the duo’s debut record, Oracular Spectacular. Despite the success these singles brought the band, MGMT set out to make a single-less album. This is an idea that really appeals to the hipster in me who shakes his head at those who only know a band for “that one song.” The band is presenting the album as-is, without trying to direct the attention of listeners to a specific part. They’re trying to get you to find out what you like most about the album yourself.
Anyways, give Congratulations a listen right here and see what you think.
And how about that trippy album art?