CD Reviews

TV on the Radio | Dear Science,

Interscope

By MICHAEL PATRICK BRADY | September 16, 2008

3.0 Stars

Five years after their debut, TV on the Radio remain fiercely independent (major label notwithstanding) — an iconoclastic mélange of nervy rock, loopy, squalling tangents, and soulful vocals provided by Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone. Their latest is roughly split between fiery rave-ups and introspective ballads, making liberal use of two major accents: the horns of the Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra and a patina of solemn strings. A genre-bending number like “Crying” is where TVOTR shine; they put Kyp Malone’s evocative R&B falsetto over a digitized, pixelated melody that sounds like past, present, and future all at once. Adebimpe dominates “Dancing Choose” and “DLZ,” gliding from pointed invectives to tender whispers. “Red Dress” is straight out of Paisley Park, irrepressibly danceable and more straightforward than anything they’ve done so far. “Family Tree” might be their most unusual effort: a dimly lit arrangement of minor-key piano and strings whose playful morbidity (“the gallows of your family tree”) sounds akin to the Moz. Although it’s not a major departure, Dear Science, does have a more open, brighter sound than Return to Cookie Mountain. TVOTR have maintained their special vision while drawing in new ideas and expanding their sound.

Related: From two to five, TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio, More

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DO YOU REMEMBER EXACTLY HOW YOU GUYS FIRST GOT TOGETHER? I have a memory. I tend to distrust them, but my recollection is that I met Gary when he called me up and asked me if I would consider playing in Stan Getz's band, which he was already in.
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The Cartoon Network’s “Adult Swim” isn’t just about programming smart animation for Futurama and Family Guy addicts.
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I was reading Sam Pfeifle’s wishes for 2007, all good ones, although sadly, I would argue that at least two are unattainable.
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Topics: CD Reviews , Media, Radio, TV on the Radio, More

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