HIPSTER RUNOFF » MGMT

Not sure which ‘cover’ of ‘This must be the Place’ is the most authentic.

Carles — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:22:35 +0000

I started listening 2 a lot of Talking Heads, because I want to get more in touch with the roots of conceptual pop music. Feel like I’ll appreciate modern indie music if I travel back in time and listen to ‘what was once cool’/'cutting edge’/'progressive.’ Seems like things from the past influence things in the present, and the present becomes the past, influencing things in the future.

I recently saw a meme where some bro ‘covered’ the hit song “This Must Be the Place.” I think that he might be ‘trying to go viral’ by ‘ripping off’ the American Psycho Club movie.

Not sure what attracts people to the ‘Patrick Bateman’ aesthetic. It seems like people just want to ‘be rich’ and ‘kill sluts’ or something. He might represent ‘perfection’, and we all think that 1 day we are going to move 2 NYC and ‘be rich.’ Not sure what AmPsychy has to do with the song though. Seems like a gimmick meme/something that mainstream film bros did to ‘feel creative.’

Might decide to listen 2 more MGMT. If I were a tween indie kid, I would say that this is my fave cover of ‘This Must Be the Place.’ Saw this video of them when they were just a ‘zany college campus band.’ Sorta wish they were still ‘this organic’, instead of some sort of over-marketed, post-OfMontreal bloghouse indie jam band who will ‘go hard’ on the festival circuit for the next 15 years.

Kinda weird 2 see altcelebs before they were ‘alt famous.’ Can’t believe these were the bros who wrote the transcendental masterpiece “KIDS.” Can’t believe they knew about the song ‘This Must Be The Place’ even though they were so young. Maybe their altParents made them listen 2 it in the car. Sorta wish I lived in the dormitory behind them, so I could say ‘the MGMT played at my dorm.’

Think it might be the ‘most authentic’ to say that u prefer ‘the original’ version of the song, which is the Talking Heads ‘covering’ themselves. As u can see, they are a very conceptual band. It seems like they want the performance to be ‘art’ and not just ’some band playing a ditty.’

I’m not sure what the significance of this song is. Seems like it has some sort of lyrical relevance, but also might just be ’some babbling bro’ with a ’simply structured pop song’ underneath. Not sure if the Talking Heads are even ‘that good.’ I just know they have that one song about questioning your life, but I had always thought they were just some ‘lame 80s band.’ Sorta like how u thought Devo was ‘just that band that sang WHIP IT’ but then people are like ‘those bros are really influential’ or something.

Not sure if I like music. Feel like the music that is supposed to define me still hasn’t been made yet. Will probably happen in 10-15 years.

Came out of retirement for this meme.

Carles — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:15:39 +0000

Might start typing ‘keywords’ about posts instead of ‘writeups.’
Keywords: Tween, swoopy bangs, parent’s backyard, MGMT, Kids, Pissing, Cumming, shitting on urself, dancing around, youtube sensations, opening up a t-shirt shop once u get enough hits on the internet, lil bro, kids who hear MGMT’s “Kids” and totally relate, having a zany personal brand during ur tweenage year, bros who think they are pretty, water hoses, zany lil bro, kids who are inspired by Andy Samberg era humor as opposed to Tom Green era humor, FGGT, lil cunt, lil FGGT

I had a really rough day yesterday, and I said some things that I regret. I’m not ashamed of yall. Do u forgive me? Seriously feel like this is ‘becoming a serious relationship.’ I just know that I want to be with u. Sometimes I see something, and it just reminds me of u. like ur the 1st person I think about when I see a viral alt meme, and I’m not sure if I could keep living without this world of ppl who don’t ‘get’ me.

“When I’m with u, I feel like I could die and that would be alright.”
-my third eye is blind, yall

Previous examples of maintreamers enjoying MGMT
http://www.hipsterrunoff.com/2009/03/h8-when-memes-are-mrktng-gimmicks.html
http://www.hipsterrunoff.com/2009/02/great-moments-in-mainstreamers-embracing-alternative-songs-from-2-years-ago.html

Exclusive New Song Debut: Weezer – “We Are the Kids of the Nation”

Carles — Sat, 16 May 2009 19:15:44 +0000

Hey yall. As u know, I have teamed up with =w182= to bring u the most up to date news about =w182-. I would like to announce that Weezer has written a new synth pop electro song called “The Kids–We Are Here to Stay On Our Planet: Save It.”

Please do not re-embed this video. Please link directly to this HRO Exclusive.

This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. I googled for the lyrics and I think that they are just plain beautiful.

You were a child
Crawling on your knees toward it
Making momma so proud
But your voice was too loud
We like to watch you laughing
Picking insects off of plants
No time to think of consequences

Control yourself
Take only what you need from it
A family of trees wanted to be haunted
Control yourself
Take only what you need from it
A family of trees wanted to be haunted

I think that this says a lot about life. I feel like Rivers Cuomo really gets what life is all about. I feel like he can relate to ‘the common man’, just like me.

But seriously yall, this is big news. Two indie bands from different generations uniting to for a mega music meme.

This would be like Michael Jackson covering Justin Timberlake.
This would be like Marvin Gaye covering R Kelly.
This would be like Janis Joplin covering Jewel/Sheryl Crow.
This would be like the Beatles covering Coldplay.
This would be like Coldplay covering Metrostation.
This would be like Johnny Cash covering Nine Inch Nails.
This would be like New Order covering Interpol.
This would be like Phil Spector covering Grizzly Bear.
This would be like the Beach Boys covering Animal Collective.
This would be like Giorgio Morodor covering Justice.
This would be like Depeche Mode covering Cut Copy.
This would be like ____________(old, transcedent artist) covering ___________(new, relevant artist).
This would be like Brit Spears covering the Hannah Montanas.
This would be like U2 covering U2.
This would be like Madonna covering Madonna.

I feel really lucky 2 be alive 2day.

Name that Alternative Celebrity Lookalike

Carles — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:23:38 +0000

I was browsing through pix of alternative ppl, and came across this 1 bro. He sort of reminded me of some1 famous, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it…Who the hell does he look like, yall?

Photo via Lookbook

This lil bro looks like
a) the lead singer of MGMT
b) Corey Feldman in the Goonies
c) Trace Cyrus
d) Julian Casablancas
e) Albie Hammie Jr
f) a guy in a trivial power pop band on MTV
g) Mark McGrath
h) The lead singer of Plain White T’s
i) Just another troubled tween
j) Pete Simpson-Wentz
k) Choose.Your.Own.Response

ugh.
frustrated when I see some1 who looks EXACTLY like some1, but i still can’t figure out who it is…

h8 when memes are mrktng gimmicks

Carles — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 19:30:01 +0000

I was recently browsing the internet, and I saw this meme being blogged/blurbed about in multiple outlets. In the video, a group of free-spirited moms without kids who formed a band instead play the song “Kids” by MGMT on multiple iPhone applications.

Is this just some sort of ‘marketing gimmick’? Did some ad agency pick ‘girls who look interesting’ to promote Apple/applications/the band MGMT? Should MGMT sue these people for using their song without their consent? Am I supposed to think that this is ‘cool’ or that it is ‘oddly entertaining’? Should part of me want to ‘cum’ with these broads because they are ‘talented and beautiful’?

N e ways… their cover is pretty poopy. It sort of sounds like 8 year olds who just got a 3 octave keyboard ‘learning that they love music and want to make it for the rest of their livez bc they did a cover of a popular song.’ Makes me kinda sad. Just wish there wasn’t this space on the internet where products could be showcased in what appears to be ‘an organic cauldron of buzz’, but it’s really just people looking 2 sell u something.

Is “Kids” by MGMT going to be used for the next 200 years in the background of commercials that need 2 be ‘upbeat’?

Previous MGMT mainstreamer moment
http://www.hipsterrunoff.com/2009/02/great-moments-in-mainstreamers-embracing-alternative-songs-from-2-years-ago.html

h8 our modern world.
I can’t tell if videos like this are ‘real moments of beauty’ or just gimmick marketing.

Do yall know if this act of puberty is authentic, or just something designed by marketing firms?

///confused

Great Moments in Mainstreamers Embracing Alternative Songs from 2 Years Ago

Carles — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:43:16 +0000

“Control yalls selves
take only what yall need from yall.” -the MGMT

So there I was. The party was winding down, but I felt like I still had a chance to get tugged 2nite. I was gonna stay around and keep nursing some beers, maybe nonchalantly working my way on to the impromptu dance floor if the right song came on. Tired of the group of people huddling around a laptop playing mainstream songs and rap songs. I needed some one to play a more obscure indie hit to prove to some one worth tugging me that I listened to alternative music. Then came on a song by a new buzzband called The MGMT – Kids.mp3. It was accessible, fun and danceable. I worked my way on to the dance floor, closed my eyes, and danced.

If my personal brand is strong enough, I have a chance to make tonight meaningful.

Will I get tuggled 2nite?

XX BONUS Great Moments in Festival Bros XX

[Seen left to right: Cargo Shorts Bro, Shirtless Festivalcore Bro, Tramp Stamp Bro]

Did yall watch the Grammys?

Carles — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:07:02 +0000

Yall.. I didn’t watch the Grammys cuz I’d rather just read reactions to it on the internet, then pretend that I watched it/was there/I am connected to the modern world. Seemed like a real celebration of things that are kinda mainstream but letting more alt artists in2 the show. Some of my favourite bands like MIA, Radiohead, and the Jonas Bros were on display. Maybe next year I’ll be invited?

Question 1) When an alt artist wins a grammy, I feel
a) validated
b) like I accomplished something
c) a lil bit sad that I am losing a part of me
d) pissed off about my fave band selling out
e) just wanna ‘get buzzed’ and dance to bloghaus + ironic pop

Question 2) M.I.A. is

a) just a meme
b) pregant
c) should have stayed home
d) trying too hard 2 reach out 2 mainstream audiences
e) just taking care of herself/her career

Question 3: Deadmau5 will be remembered as

a) a zany masked DJ
b) just some weirdo at the Grammys
c) “what is that bro doing at our show?” -Taylor Swift
d) being responsible for bringing ‘masked djs’ to the mainstream
e) just a meme on the day after award shows

Question 4: This is a picture of

a) the coldplays
b) a band that steals songs
c) the writers of the rock album + song of the year
d) bros who need to retire their gimmick
e) Cool dads searching for meaning

Question 5: These bros are chilling at

a) the Grammys
b) A Cool Dad convention
c) A Kidz Health convention
d) A McDonalds playgrond
e) A liberal arts professor conference

Question 6: When I see this single, I think it is

a) Just another bloghouse mp3
b) just another crappy mp3 posted by a lame entrylevel blog on the hypemachine looking to get hits
c) worth a Grammy
d) the best Remix of all time
e) other

Question 7: Kanye West won a grammy for

a) Best frollet
b) Best blogger of the year
c) Worst black person of the year in America
d) JackOfAllTrades/Renaissance Man of the year
e) Best guy who sounds like a robot on his albums

Question 8: Who wore it better?

a) the broad on the left
b) the broad on the right
(this is a test 2 see if ur a racist)

Question 9: The Lonely Island Bros are

a) going to win a Grammy in 2k10
b) a gimmick for bros
c) comedy for bros
d) glorified bro Weird Al bullshit
e) really funnie
f) really progressive
g) going to make the Flight of the Conchords obsolete for bros
h) something for people who smoke weed and watch dvds/ funnie youtube vids

Question 10: This bro won a Grammy for

a) best assault of a broad
b) best knuckle sandwich 2 a broad’s face
c) Best job of ‘putting a woman in her place’
d) Most likely 2 be the next OJ Simpson
e) Future Ike TurnerBro
f) Strongest Pimp Hand
g) Artist of the Millennium who Hits Women
h) Bro Who is above the law
i) bro who is above society’s norms

Question 11: Daft Punk won some Grammy because

a) they deserve it for this live album thingy
b) there are too many Awards categories
c) people only heard of them after Kanye West cobranded with them for that meaningful duet about becoming stronger on the inside

Question 12: Christian Bale won a grammy for

a) being Heath Ledger’s BFF
b) being in Batman
c) becoming a viral meme on audio
d) pretending ‘to get angry’ as a marketing gimmick for the new Terminator film so that Entertainment Magazines will profile him as being ‘complex’ and ‘deep’ and ‘really into his craft’
e) he sang a lot in Newsies

Question 13: The name of this band is

a) 3 Tweens and a Blind Black Man
b) Blind, Black, and Musical: The Band
c) Searching for Our Sexuality thru the blindness
d) Bro Circle Jerk in a room with a blindman
e) Guy Who Should be able to see + need Talent Managers who protect their brands a lil bit better
f) The Grammys: Where Legends go to Make Bad Decisions
g) Steve WonderBro
h) Tweens Who Might be GheyBros

Question 14: This band in this picture is

a) the Spice Girls
b) Paramore
c) Blink 182
d) Girls Aloud
e) The Pussy Cat Dolls
f) Aqua
g) Jen Aniston and the Skanky McSkankBroads
h) Chris Brown’s “Pimp Hand”

Can’t believe I missed the Grammys. Feel really ‘out of the loop.’ Just want to connect 2 ‘pop culture’ since it is kind of the fabric of society that relates us all.

Kinda feel like this picture represents the state of modern music.
In this picture is everything that we want.
We want bloggable content with stars who attract viewers by saying zany things and being progressive enough to blurb about.

Did yall hear M.I.A. is pregnant?
Are yall excited about how twitter gives u such direct and instant access 2 ur fave celebs while they are at a meaningful event like the Grammys?

[via diplo's drunken memes during the Grammys blogspottwitter]

Whenever an Alternative Artist is on the Cover of a Mainstream Magazine, I quietly say to myself, “We Finally Did It.”

Carles — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 17:38:13 +0000

Whenever an Alternative Artist is on the Cover of a Mainstream Magazine, I quietly say to myself, “We Finally Did It. We have arrived. The mainstreamers are starting to understand why we listen to better music than them. I have a dream that one day, blogs will be the radio stations of the world, and Pitchfork will be the iTunes of the world, and minidisc players will be the iPods of the world.”

Part of me gets a lil bit upset that the mainstreamers are finding out about what I listened to 2+ years ago, but then I realize that I need to ‘be the bigger person’ and let them enjoy.

Did yall see Mathangi Arulpragasam on the cover of SPIN? (I call M.I.A. by her real name 2 sound more authentic.)

Remember when the Management was on the cover of SPIN?

Remember when hipsters were on the cover of BPM?

Remember when a Cool Dad made the cover of Us Weekly?

I was really proud when Crystal Castles were on the cover of NME.

“we are using sounds that no 1 else can get.” -Crystal Castles

I remember when Britney Spears’ sister sharted out a baby and landed on a magazine cover.

It was a big deal when some one as alt as Dustin Hoffman went mainstream and starred in “Hook.”

I was proud of Thom Yorkee for being on the cover of AZN magazine.

It was also a big deal when I was TIME’s person of the year just cuz I built a myspace profile. I showed my parents so they’d get off my back and let me chill on the myspace.

I kinda hope YALL are the Persons of the Year in 2k8.

(I am not proud of alt celebs when they r on the cover of altMagazines that I am not alt enough to recognize).

How do u feel when u see some1 on a magazine cover?
Is it a meme that u should be proud of and connect with?
Do u have ‘pride’ for ‘being into’ an artist/public figure before they were ‘recognized by a magazine’?
Would u be honored m0re to be in a magazine, or be blggd abt at ur fave blog?
Which 1 means more in the current meme economy climate?

//// am I just a meme?
//// RAGE AGAINST THE MEME.

Corey Haim and Corey Feldman on the Cover of Spin Maggyzeine

Carles — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:36:18 +0000

Yall. I saw this picture of the MANAGEMENT TEAM (MGMT) on Spin Magazine Printed Blog, and I couldn’t help but think they had a similar personal brand to the 80s Teen Idols Corey Haim + Corey Feldman. They’re both a little bit zany, but MGMTbros might be a little bit more organic/nature-weird.

Two Coreys (minus) shirts (plus) a [HIGHLY BLURBABLE] psychedelic aesthetic = MGMT

Should I make my personal aesthetic a little bit more LostBoyCore?

MGMT (HOLY GHOST! RMX)

Carles — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:51:00 +0000

I haven’t heard that many original MGMT songs beyond “Kids”, “Electric Feel” and “Time To Pretend.” Those songs are like 1000 blog years old, so it’s pretty indicative of their mainstream success that they are getting rmxes by big remixers long-after the initial album buzz. I have heard the Justice & Soulwax remixes of their songs, which were generally underwhelming (sorry–maybe just a lil bit too conceptual 4 me).

However, I think the authentic-disco-remix-aesthetic does a great job of enhancing their song “Of Moons Birds and Monsters.” While MGMT’s ‘psychedelic’/retro/southern-rock/however-they-have-been-marketed aesthetic has sort of led me to believe that they are sort of like ‘the new Of Montreal’ where you don’t understand why they are GOOD, but a lot of people would tell you that they are GOOD/lots of people get over-excited about their concert/they eventually become a Top 10 ‘indie’ band that music festivals MUST HAVE.

n e ways I like this RMX. <3 HOLY GHOST! <3 Are they the new MSTRKRFT cuz they can ‘fix’ n e song?

[MP3]
MGMT – Of Moons Birds and Monsters (Holy Ghost! Remix) [mediafire]

Heisted from these Blogs
http://untzuntzbergen.blogspot.com/2008/10/exclusive-mgmt-of-moons-birds-and.html
http://discoattack.blogspot.com/2008/10/mgmt-holy-ghost.html

Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/holyghostnyc
http://www.myspace.com/mgmt