Climbing to New Lows
MGMT · 2005
38 min · 10 tracks · progressive rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of synth-driven melodies and whimsical lyrics that capture the essence of early 2000s indie experimentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Come on Christmas Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Kids (Afterschool dance megamix) — This track showcases MGMT's ability to merge catchy hooks with an experimental soundscape, illustrating their unique blend of pop and psychedelia.
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We Care — With its infectious chorus and layered instrumentation, this song epitomizes the band's playful yet introspective lyrical style, balancing lightheartedness with deeper themes.
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Money to Burn — This track stands out for its driving rhythm and sharp commentary on consumerism, reflecting the band's knack for combining social critique with engaging melodies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases inventive songwriting and eclectic sounds, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat, synth-driven tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces more experimental and slower pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo exploration
- youthful adventure vibes
- whimsical melodies for fun
- danceable tracks for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification
- seek intense emotional depth
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This debut album established MGMT's reputation in the indie music scene.
- Themes
- early 2000s experimentation· consumerism critique
- Career context
- Released as MGMT's debut album in January 2005, 'Climbing to New Lows' introduced the duo's eclectic sound, paving the way for their later commercial success with 'Oracular Spectacular'. At this stage, they were still emerging artists, exploring a fusion of electronica and neo-psychedelia that would define their career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tame Impala· Pond· Empire of the Sun
Tracklist
- 1 Come on Christmas Start here 1:27
- 2 We Care 5:02
- 3 Money to Burn 3:24
- 4 Hot Love Drama 4:10
- 5 The Kids Quartet 2:17
- 6 Kids (Afterschool dance megamix) 6:06
- 7 Honey Bunny 4:21
- 8 Greyhoundredux 4:34
- 9 Grutu 3:30
- 10 We Don’t Care 3:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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