Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past year, you’ve heard of MGMT. You’ve probably heard their smash hit “Electric Feel” everywhere! As for me, I was introduced to them the same way I was introduced to Passion Pit: through a satellite radio channel called Left of Center. If you haven’t heard this channel and have access to it, I seriously suggest you give it a shot because they play great music.
MGMT released their full-length debut, Oracular Spectacular in 2007 and were instant contenders in the music scene. One of their best songs and singles is “Kids” which is a great example of the group’s musicianship. The song starts off with what sounds like a playground full of kids when a simple drum-beat and various tones of distorted synths kick in. The verses are reserved for the singer (I’m not sure which of the duo sings the lead vocals, Ben Goldwasser or Andrew VanWyngarden), drums and simple synth line, but the chorus is chock-full of synthesizers that almost overwhelm your ears. Not to mention the kick-ass piano solo! Now, when I say “overwhelm,” don’t automatically go to the negative connotation; it is in the greatest of ways!
There’s much speculation behind the meaning of the song, from environmental issues to the stages of life to being based on Shel Silverstein’s classic “The Giving Tree.” Whatever it is, the song kicks ass and is the perfect song to dance around to.
When it comes to the Kooks’ version, it’s a whole other story. The English band took the song into a different direction, opting for acoustic guitars and harmonizing vocals instead of the electronic beats and synthesizers. The guitar work isn’t perfect but it adds to the charm of the song, which makes it sound sweet compared to MGMT’s original. The original “Kids” was dubbed “a noisy New Order-synth jam” by Rolling Stone in the Artists to Watch feature, which should speak volumes.
The Kooks do a great job of making “Kids” their own, even if it doesn’t sound perfect or overly produced. I really love this acoustic version because it’s a less noisy alternative and you’ll love it too if you’re into acoustic covers or versions of songs. I love MGMT’s version as well, but if you’re looking for something different, the Kooks do it well in their own way. Even though the guitar work is choppy, it’s still good and Luke Pritchard’s lead vocals give it a whole new flavor.
Check out the videos below.
MGMT
The Kooks
Here’s a life performance of The Kooks’ version as well if you’re interested!
Well, I’m not a big fan of the acoustic, but the Kook’s cover of Kids will go into my very select vault of acoustic songs I do like. They will be acompanied by such great artist’s as Nirvana, Metallica and other classic greats. So once again Sara, you hit another one out of the park, great Cover Review.