Friday, September 19, 2008

TV On The Radio - Dear Science (2008)

Posted by Nightrain | Labels: , ,

If you are looking for an exercise in articulation, may I suggest trying to explain what kind of music TV On The Radio plays to someone who has never listened to TVOTR’s albums before. Most of my attempts at explanation have usually ended in: “Well, here.” I’d say, handing over and earpiece, “Just listen.” Dear Science shares this nearly indefinable fusion of funky, synth & drum-heavy, experimental grooves and layered beat-vocal combinations. What stands out on Dear Science is the emphasis on cleaner, clearer vocals—harmonies & backing included—with the unique tonal tendencies and the beats grabbing center stage, while the guitar/bass, horns, piano and such fade in and out as constantly evolving support (Listen: “Shout Me Out,” Family Tree,” “Love Dog”). With that said, some tracks, such as “Crying,” “DLZ” and “Red Dress,” harken back to the funky, buzzing, body-moving catchiness that is expected of these Brooklyn-based artistes. Overall, Dear Science is perhaps not as mind-blowing as Return To Cookie Mountain, but definitely an album, and a band, worth coveting.

For some instant, aggressively funky gratification, check out “DLZ.”

11 comments:

Mona said...

You beat me to it, Nightrain! Even with the 3 hour behind time difference... ahhh!

September 19, 2008 9:08 AM  
Nightrain said...

Hey, just post your review above mine, or in the comments section... more than one opinion is always valued.

September 19, 2008 9:19 AM  
Mona said...

Hmmm, I think I might... although, two posts on the same album is unprecedented. We'll be making quickcrit history!

I actually wanted to re-review the new wolf parade because I was unsatisfied with Awmercy's 3 line synopsis. That I definitely must do before year's end :)

September 19, 2008 9:27 AM  
awmercy said...

I think you should, but if you do, see if you can avoid making any of the points I made. That's the challenge. Oh and to keep it short. Ha.

September 21, 2008 12:37 PM  
Mona said...

Yeah, I no longer accept this challenge. Haha, F off Awmercy, I'm trying : ) They're getting progressively shorter (trust me, do a wordcount)...

maybe I should start reviewing CDs I hate, then I'll have less to say ;)

September 21, 2008 12:58 PM  
awmercy said...

This album is so awesome - every song.

September 24, 2008 3:14 PM  
Mona said...

I am really really enjoying this record! Especially "Shout Me Out" for sure. On "Lover's Day," what the heck is that pretty flute-like instrument? I can't tell if it's like a flute or some kind of horn. God, this is a good album.

Haven't decided if I liked this one more than Cookie Mt.

BTW, some of their nasaly vocals remind me of those used in Subtle. I see similarities in these bands, except for the lack of rapping here.

October 1, 2008 10:30 PM  
Nightrain said...

I do not like "Dancing Choose."

Just don't.

Its this album's "Charmer."

October 2, 2008 11:48 PM  
awmercy said...

Now way. I like that song. And the closest thing to "Charmer" that I've heard this year was "Highly Suspicious" off My Morning Jacket's Evil Urges

October 6, 2008 6:43 AM  
Nightrain said...

Nope. Still don't like it...

What's up with that whole album (Evil Urges)? A dark moment for music in 2008.

November 12, 2008 5:12 PM  
awmercy said...

Not to give too much away, but Evil Urges is a front runner for biggest disappointment in 2008.

November 12, 2008 5:23 PM  

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