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TV on the Radio

Return to Cookie Mountain [U.S.] (2006)
Universal Music Group

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Contributed by: ConsequentialBanditry
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Published on October 6th 2006

Brooklyn’s own TV on the Radio is back with a new album, their first with a major label. Fresh from their Shortlist Award-winning debut Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes, this new album expands upon the ideas found on that release. Demos and leaked versions have been all over the Internet for nearly a year, but the record’s official U.S. release was not until September 12. 4AD Records released it around the rest of the world on July 6, 2006. The record has been lauded in the press prior to its release, and for good reason.

It is absolutely impossible to pigeonhole the band into any specific genre. Now, one may say that often, but rarely is it ever true. TV on the Radio mix shoegaze, hip-hop, ambience, alternative rock, and spiritual music into one relentless blend that does not stop. The band is a longtime darling of the indie rock community, but this record could be their breakout.

Each track develops a unique mood using texture and production. The band is notorious for using such techniques to further the mood of the music which, in essence, makes them true artists. Vocalist and frontman Tunde Adebimpe has a background in art, as he is an avid painter and an animator on the MTV show "Celebrity Deathmatch."

TV on the Radio has consistently grappled with politics in its songs, and this release is no exception. Post-9/11 anxiety pervades the record, as exemplified in the song “Province:” "Suddenly, all your history's ablaze / Try to breathe as the world disintegrates." Notable icon David Bowie lends backup vocals to this urgent track.

Bowie’s been a source of major support to the band since 2003, when founding member David Sitek sold him a painting, as well as giving Bowie some of the band’s earliest recordings. Bowie has advised them on everything from what to do with record executives to how to release a one-off track recorded in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

The lead single, “Wolf Like Me” features fuzzy bass, shimmering guitars, and galloping drums, as well as Adebimpe’s and backup Kyp Malone's eerie swirling vocals. As they build up into a fuzzing headtrip, it all disappears into light drums and instrumentation, with Adebimpe’s vocals more audible than ever. Suddenly, the fuzz is back, and the track reaches the climax with both parts of the song (soft and loud) vying for supremacy.

The one problem with the record is that it may be too overwhelming and too much for the casual listener. “Musos” (critics, musicians, et. al.) will not have a problem, but this record may go over the average person’s head. Unless you own amazing stereo speakers and/or excellent headphones, you are bound to miss something. I hope that this will not hurt record sales, which would marginalize this diamond in the rough of the music industry.

The U.S. release features three bonus tracks, including a remix of “Hours” by El-P and two B-sides from the single for “Wolf Like Me.”

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hessler (January 10, 2011)

The best.

Anonymous (October 12, 2006)

the album is groovy as hell.
you, mr. record reviewer, are not.
work on your structure. what are you, in fifth grade?

Jesse (October 11, 2006)

No idea where you can get it but I read somewhere in an interview (Pitchfork, I think?) about their first album.

Anonymous (October 11, 2006)

Half a star short, methinks. Top 5 of 2006, without question.

GreenVandal (October 9, 2006)

I would say your in the minority actually Mr. Zackass.

Not-To-Regret (October 9, 2006)

Listen to what you will, this is not for everyone. I will say that it is alot more focused than the other 2 releases I've heard by them.

indie_is_better_than_punk (October 9, 2006)

very good album. very, very good.

Zackass (October 9, 2006)

Not-To-Regret...you're an idiot. I listen to the Lawrence Arms, Ghost Mice, Paul Simon, Wu-Tang, and Regina Spektor. Showing you have a variety in musical tastes, doesn't make a band any better, or make you a better critic. Most of us are open-minded but can agree that TV on the Radio suuuucks.

Not-To-Regret (October 9, 2006)

"not really, its crap for assholes who think they are above everyone else and "get" it"

I hate people like this; I'm not boasting my credentials but I listen to everything from Choking Victim to Mobb Deep, open your fucking mind to some different and not immediately pleasing or catchy music. Some albums just don't grab you right away. For example, on the opposite side of the spectrum, I hated the new Lawrence Arms when I first heard it but I finally let it grow on me. (Although it lacks the emo/folky sound of Greatest Story and I still feel said album is better) Personally I try to do the same with this and other bands. I used to diss hard on the abrasive "indie" scene until I broadened my horizons over the past 2-3 years and have since discovered some amazing music.

GreenVandal (October 8, 2006)

"Desperate Youth wasn't their debut. They had an EP before that, and before that they put out a self-released LP."

Where can I buy this LP? And c'mon Jessie, don't be such an arrogant prick. No one counts EP's as proper debuts anymore and you know he probably meant debut LP. No reason to play hipster-er than though here.

Anonymous (October 8, 2006)

Wow.

Jesse (October 8, 2006)

Desperate Youth wasn't their debut. They had an EP before that, and before that they put out a self-released LP.

Anonymous (October 8, 2006)

boy I am stupid, I dont like this

LevitateMe (October 8, 2006)

I like indie more than punk these days, but this albums sucks.

fritobandito (October 7, 2006)

easily a top five album of 2006 for me.

Anonymous (October 7, 2006)

Their first LP had some great ideas but it's a really flawed album. After about three songs it all bleeds together into one big repetitive drone.

Return to Cookie Mountain is much more dynamic and is far superior for it.

GreenVandal (October 6, 2006)

Love this album. "Hours" is probably my favorite song on it. I really don't see what is so "difficult" about this. It is far more accesible than "Desperate Youth...". It just has alot more rhythm and a much fuller sound.

And saying they are unclassifiable is totally accurate. Everyone classify's them as a "rock" band but I don't really see how you could do that. They are all over the place all the time. Love it.

benz (October 6, 2006)

real good cd.

-benz