TV On the Radio are one of the more unique bands gracing the musical world today. Blending a fusion of art rock, afro-beat, electronic music, and countless other genres (including a capella vocals), over the course of 3 albums and one EP the band has taken this uniqueness and become one of the most popular and critically-appreciated indie rock bands of the past decade.
Led by vocalists Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone, multi-instrumentalist/producer Dave Sitek, bassist/keyboardist Gerard Smith and drummer Jaleel Bunton, the band formed in 2001 out of the thriving Brooklyn rock scene that produced fairly well known bands such as Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Liars. The first thing you'll notice about the band will probably be the voice of Tunde Adebimpe. He's widely considered to be one of the best singers in the modern indie rock world....his voice to me often times sounds really similar to Peter Gabriel, who of course was also pretty well known for his vocals. After that, David Sitek's production is a key element of the band, as he mixes small bits of programmed beats into the live drumming that already exists, as well as taking keys from the noise rock scene and messing around with white noise samples. It all sounds like it could be a mess, but in practice it's turned into one of the best sounds currently going...and one that has translated into an absolutely amazing live show.
The band released their first EP entitled Young Liars in July of 2003. To me, this is still my favorite album by the band, and if you'll remember the song from my very first week of Music Togetherness, it features an a capella cover of the Pixies classic "Mr. Grieves". Following this initial EP, the band has released three full-length albums, 2004's Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes, 2006's Return to Cookie Mountain, and Dear Science from 2008. Like Animal Collective, their sound has become just a bit more pop-oriented as time has gone along, but also like AC, the quality of their music has continued throughout. Like all of my weeks, go in with an open mind, and I hope you like the band as much as I do.
The Albums:
1) Young Liars (2003)
2) Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes (2004)
3) Return to Cookie Mountain (2006)
4) Dear Science (2008)
I have to apologize ahead of time, this weekend and all of next week are very busy for me in preparation of Jess's Wedding! I will try my best to get TV on the Radio, and Alanis Morisette in as best I can. Hopefully all will return to normal for me after that!
ReplyDeleteI can tell immediately that I like the vocalists on ‘Young Liars.’ The whole album has a very dark feel to it, but it also has the same exact pace throughout the entire album. Perhaps they felt this was the winning formula, but it gets pretty stale at about the 3 minute mark of each track. While each track is pretty good, I just wish the pace quickened at some point. I can see each of these tracks being played in a psychological thriller, in particular the title track. I can’t help but picture the climax scene at the castle in 28 days later throughout this entire track. Another standout is the lyrics and chorus of ‘Staring at the Sun.’
ReplyDeleteThe pace definitely quickens in the opening track of ‘Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes.’ The beat itself reminds me of Steve Martin trying to catch the beat in the opening scene of The Jerk, but it has everything I felt the EP lacked. I am not sure who’s who as far as the vocalists, but I am assuming Tunde is the lead. If that is correct, then they need to mute Kyp’s mic in ‘Dreams.’ He absolutely ruins this track. I really like the guitar in ‘King Eternal.’ Despite getting as high as a siren, it really rocks out for the duration of the entire track. ‘Don’t Love You’ was my favorite track of the week. The guitar work is so simple yet amazing and the lyrics are so relatable.
Return to Cookie Mountain is a tale of three albums. The first four tracks have more of a hip hop element than we saw in the first two efforts. All four tracks run into the next one and I really couldn’t stand the direction the group appeared to be taking. While this is not my cup of tea, I am anticipating a strong opinion out of Justin towards these. There are also some very odd tracks that follow. ‘A Method’ reminded me of Kumbaya based on some chanting and corny lyrics. ‘Let the Devil’ kicks off with the vocalist intentionally slurring and stuttering his words. I am sure this is not their intention, but it comes off as insulting to the mentally challenged. Outside of these tracks, the album is pretty solid and reminiscent of the previous album. The guitar in ‘Wolf Like Me’ is just as effective as it was in ‘Don’t Love You’ and the lyrics in ‘Tonight’ were the other highlights for me.
ReplyDeleteThrough music togetherness, my musical awareness is much more diverse than it was previously, and I have come to like and appreciate musidc outside of my comfort zone. Despite this, I don’t think I will ever be able to come around to liking ‘Dear Science.’ It sound way too much like a knockoff Outkast album for my liking. If I wanted to listen to Outkast, then I wouldn’t pick a second rate album in its place. Each track has a quick highlight, but quickly is drawn out with either the lyrics themselves, the arrangement, or the production. The vocal range is impressive on the opening track and ‘Golden Age’, and the keyboard at the very end of ‘Crying’, the desperation in ‘Stork & Owl’, and the opening to ‘Shout me Out’ are a few examples of those highlights. ‘Red Dress’ and ‘Shout Me Out’ were the only complete songs I could stand. Just as Panic! at the Disco wanted to put as many hooks as possible into each song, the producer seems to want to fill any empty space with some random noise and I just think that the phrase ‘Less is More’ could significantly help this group. While I suspect Justin will like the hip hop aspect and the comparisons to Radiohead, and Laura may like the comparisons to Coldplay, this just isn’t for me.
ReplyDeleteI agree with David in that the debut EP is the strongest effort. To me things go downhill as they experiment and attempt to evolve. Tunde’s voice is ok, but I think I like every other Indie Rock artist’s vocalist we have reviewed so far more.
I clearly recall a small gathering at Ben’s, then girlfriends parents house, and hanging out with David and him raving about this band called TV on the Radio. I somehow also remember playing drinking games in the kitchen while listening to Biggie Smalls and playing RBI Baseball that night. I have a knack for remembering important music moments in my life; my introduction to TVOTR was one of those times.
ReplyDeleteThe Young Liars EP is a brief glimpse at the potential TVOTR possess. The fuzzy electronic hum on “Satellite” is a sound you will come to expect from this band. Tunde’s voice is very distinct and the calmness he displays while singing Satellite’s seemingly urgent hook is contradicting but captivating. “Staring at the Sun” is the true coming out party for this collective; Tunde’s hypnotic vocal commands the track and the fuzzed-out guitar is complimented by Dave Sitek’s ticking loop. “Young Liars” has a nice orchestral swell that builds a little too slowly, but showcases the group’s ability to construct a large satisfying sound. The harmonizing on “Mr. Grieves” flips the Pixies track on its head and creates a heavier tone and, in my opinion, is far superior to the original.
While I am very familiar and in love with TVOTR’s last 2 albums, I have never listened to Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes. On “The Wrong Way” the saxophone lends a bluesy simmering smoke to this smoldering opener. We get an abbreviated “Staring at the Sun” that is followed by a two-track lull that I can forgive only because the remainder of the album is so terrific. Tunde delivers a superb metaphor-rich love ballad on “Ambulance” that is accentuated by Kyp and the rest of the bands ability to put together a terrific a cappella that has proven to be one of the brightest feathers in their musical cap. Like most young stories of love, things can take a turn very quickly and harshly; Tunde’s affected tone and lyrics on “Don’t Love You” are clearly the byproduct of a soured relationship and brings to light the real inspiration for the albums title; this is also their most well constructed song to this point. “Bomb Yourself” reminds me very much of the Headhunters album from Herbie Hancock week, in that it wanders down many funky, jazzy paths that hint at improvisation at times. The jazz flute on “Wear You Out” is perfectly placed in this spacey composition and puts the exclamation point on an album not afraid to explore and achieve.
I remember picking up a used copy of Return to Cookie Mountain at Vintage Vinyl some time ago, and the hipster clerk being in complete disbelief that somebody would have returned such a great album. I would urge Thomas to give this album another chance, as it gets more and more rewarding upon subsequent listens. The triumphant looped horns on “I Was a Lover” remind me of elephants sounding a battle cry. Once again TVOTR are not afraid to step-out and create these big sounds on their own terms. When David Bowie is on your album, you must be doing something right; “Providence” finds Bowie singing back-up to Tunde who borrows a little of his vocal style from Ziggy Stardust. “Playhouses” finds 5 minutes of frantic drumming from Jaleel, who is the unsung hero of the band. While developing their unique sound, they find ways to create arena-rocking, pop-sensible pieces like “Wolf Like Me”, that speaks about the animalistic qualities we take-on when we head out to party in the haunting hours. The resonating stripped down beginning of “A Method” leads to machine-gun drumming and gorgeous Beach Boy melodies; they have a real talent for crafting well-structured songs. . The keyboards on “Dirtywhirl” are remarkably similar to those used on Radiohead’s OK Computer, which is probably why I like it. The lulls on this album never sink too low, mediocre tracks like “Let The Devil In” and “Blues From Down Here” still hold my attention. Stark images prevail in the drug influenced “Tonight” that is very heavy but terrific songwriting. It was great listening to this album again.
ReplyDeleteYoung Liars, EP
ReplyDeleteIt helps that I’ve seen this band live before, and I can tell you they put on a good show, but this first EP isn’t my kind of music. I appreciate the African influences on “Satellite” in places where the singing feels like chanting. “Staring at the Sun” comes in with a great little choir-like harmony and goes into something harder, more cool. I really wasn’t into the harsh instrumentals on this track though. “Blind” was a little blah for me, but “Liars” was a higher point for me. The strongest track was saved for last, in my opinion. The harsh music is replaced with snapping and harmonies. You’re not going to like it, but I related it to “Thank You,” which was always one of my fave Boys II Men tracks.
Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
“Staring at the Sun” is a good track, but the vocals are something I’m still trying to get used to. They look nothing like they sound, to me. I don’t know. I like the simplicity in “Dreams” much more than the previous track, but I’m not a fan of the guitar in “King Eternal.” The sound is too rough and doesn’t flow for me. These guys are just on a totall ydifferent wavelength. “Ambulance” is a cool acapella-type track. Love the “dum, dum, dum” beat. Simplistic, but nice. Once “Poppy” picks up it becomes one of my favorite tracks on the album with the guitar riff contrasting that beat. I can see us sitting in the basement and listening to this album, and I would enjoy it enough, but I can’t see this music being something I’d become excited about. I generally like pretty sounds more than harsh ones, and it seems like harsh riffs are more predominant for TV on the Radio, but I can see how this music is casually enjoyable. And cool, the big thing is it has a “cool” vibe to it.
Return to Cookie Mountain
ReplyDeleteWow, this sounds more like the TV on the Radio I was expecting from seeing them live. The lead singers’ voice is even less enjoyable for me here – when it gets all high pitched. I did like the marching band sounds on “I Was a Lover.” I found that to be very unique. “Province” is the song I am probably most familiar with, just from David playing it a lot. I don’t know if it’s the familiarity, or if this song really does sound different from the other songs we’ve listened to so far this week. Still, the lead singer’s voice kind of irks me. Back to that harsh music on “Playgrounds.” “Wolf Like Me” probably is one of my fave songs on the album. It has a lot of energy and a kind of unique sound. And the lead singer isn’t singing in his annoyingly high voice. “A Method” is one of their slower, chanting-like tracks that shows the band’s versatility and diverse tastes. “Snakes” showcases an aspect of the lead singer’s voice I do like. It almost kind of sounds like The National in some spots – the singing I mean. I’m not sure this album can be properly evaluated in just a week’s time. I think it shows off a lot of the band’s unique qualities and style, but it’s not one of my favorites, aside from that one track I already knew, and again, the band’s ability to sound “cool.” I guess that’s their vibe.
Dear Science
ReplyDeleteNow I remember when this came out and already knew before listening this week that it would probably be my favorite due to the familiarity from seeing/hearing it at Bonnaroo (yes, I laid down during the show) and from David playing it all. The album starts off with some awesome clapping action in “Halfway Home.” Even the voice that I couldn’t quite get used to in the last album works better on this one for me. “Dancing Choose” has a really cool beat. Other tracks I thought were really cool were “Golden Age” because of it’s cool beat. If I could see Thomas’ Coldplay comparison anywhere (and I have been looking for it) I might be able to see some similarity on the piano ballad “Family Tree.” Other wise I don’t really see the connection. “Love Dog” is one of the other songs I was already familiar with before the week came in. It’s really pretty and light, and actually builds to something quite beautiful and epic before it’s out. “DLZ” is another familiar tune. It’s probably my fave on this album. A little dark and creepy, that “lalalalala” chorus can get stuck in your head. Overall, I’d have to say the band is getting better with age. The EP and the first album we listened to kind of went in a lot of different directions. On these last two, especially this one, they seem to have found a sound that works for them. I think this band could go places – even though I don’t care for their older stuff, I will be excited to see what they come up with in the future.
I really like the tempo of “Satellite.” The consistent drum beat is so catchy, and for some reason this song sounds very familiar. Maybe Justin or David have played it in my presence at one time or another. I can picture this song being used in some Guy Ritchie movie in like a chase scene or something. Definitely starts the group off on the right note. “Staring at the Sun” is an alright track, it once again is catchy but at times it seems like Tunde’s voice is a little off in places. “Young Liars” gets the EP back on the right track, this is the kind of music I can picture listening to at a party as everyone is mingling. “Mr. Grieves” shows off their nice harmonizing skills.
ReplyDelete“Dreams” was a good song, however it seemed to go on forever. This is one thing that bugs me about bands, they let songs go on too long and while you start out liking the song, usually about halfway through when the song should end it doesn’t. Thus just annoying me and making a song I initially started out liking into a song I am ready to pass over. “King Eternal” turned a corner for me, I really like the edgy feel to the song, and the bass on this track is the standout for me. I am once again back to liking what I hear, let’s hope it stays that way. While the next two tracks did not impress me too much, I really did enjoy “Don’t love you.” This track has that smooth down tempo, that I have not heard too much of yet, but am starting to really get into. I love the crazy techno sounds going on in the background, and Tunde’s voice has a somewhat Bluesy sound to it. I love everything about this song. “Wear you out” incorporates a lot of different sounds, and shows that the band likes to dabble in different instrumentation. While this song drags out a little bit as well, I am actually enjoying the nice atmosphere that the flute is creating. This album was kind of all over the place for me, but I was glad to see there were a few highlights for me.
“Return to Cookie Mountain” starts off with a very interesting track “I Was a Lover.” I really like that they use horns in the song, but then it starts bringing in all sorts of other sounds, such like you might hear as you would walk past a construction site. I am not sure if this song is suited for Tunde’s voice, but it does have a way of sucking you in. “Province” is not a track I could really get into, while I am impressed they got David Bowie to do back up’s on the song, I think this song does nothing but showcase bad vocaling. I am still impressed with the sound can create in the background, Tunde’s voice and all other vocalists used have some work to do. I find myself once again liking every other song on this album. “Wolf like me” has a little more of a rock aspect to it, but then has a nice breakdown halfway through only to lead into the heavy ending. This song has everything going for it, and I am pleased to find another song that I can really enjoy. “Blues from down here” kind of reminds me a “National” song. The vocals and even the orchestration almost made me think I has put the wrong song on my playlist. Since it is so reminiscent of a National song it seemed to have a bigger appeal to me. “Snakes and Martyrs” was along the same line as “Blues from down here” in that it reminded me of The National. It is also different to hear a woman’s voice being used. This song is kind of strange, but I think whoever this vocalist is should start being the lead singer.
ReplyDeleteDear Science has some of the catchiest songs in TVOTR’s catalog; coupled with sharp production, this is another step forward for these guys with still lots of room to grow. The first few tracks are very unassuming, a drastic departure from the pomp they displayed at the beginning of RTCM. “Crying” disguises bleak lyrics in a light poppy arrangement. “Stork & Owl” is the first triumph of the album; there is a beautiful choreography between Kyp’s lyrics and the fairytale-like accompaniment that makes me feel like I’m floating when I listen to it. It’s fascinating how quickly they can switch gears from the funky slithering of “Golden Age” and move right into the cavernous somber “Family Tree”; Kyp is definitely getting his time to shine here. They don’t let you get too comfortable with one sound, as this album fluctuates between dance tracks and more downtempo pieces. “Love Dog” is an all time favorite; the twitchy electronics and keyboards once again bring me back to the music that Radiohead was making almost a decade prior. Sitek’s production, with its many layers of violins, horn stabs, and keyboards finds me discovering new sounds everytime I revisit a track. “Shout Me Out” was a track I never paid much attention to, until this week; Bono wishes he could still write songs like this. “DLZ” is just badass, that’s all. If there is one thing I really take away from this week, it’s that TVOTR are the masters of “tone” they can manipulate it and take you along for the ride.
ReplyDelete“Dear Science” starts out a little slow for me. It isn’t until “Stork and Owl” that I am actually captivated enough to write something. I really like the string section of the song, and the almost chanting like singing going on in the background. The atmosphere created sounds like something that Bjork would use in one of her songs. “Golden Age” is another good track, I really like the upbeat chorus and the almost party like vibe the song gives off. While this style seems a bit different then what I am used to hearing from these guys, I am hoping they keep up this sort of vibe. Alright, I believe we are three for three, “Family Tree” is another nice song. I really like the mellow backdrop to the song. “Love Dog” shows that the group has really developed their musical styling. By incorporating such odd sounds with a very orchestral setting it creates a sound that is very original. “Heroic Dose” is a bit strange, I feel like I need a translator or something. Although I guess it can make the song quite erotic, and you can just try and imagine what it is that the guy is exactly saying. The vibe to this song reminds me of like a Thievery Corporation/Zero 7 type of vibe.
ReplyDeleteOverall, this week was very interesting. There were a few highlights here and there for me but perhaps this week shows my lack of musical knowledge, as I was not as impressed as say Justin and David were. I’ll have to take another look at this band in the future to see if I can appreciate them in the same way.