2008 Woodie Awards
TV on the Radio Falls Short
Ricky MacGill
Issue date: 9/27/06 Section: The Inside
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TV on the Radio has come a long way since laying down some initial tracks in its guitarists' recording studio.
After making a fan out of David Bowie and being dubbed "the next big thing" by magazines like Rolling Stone, the quintet has created a reputation for captivating audiences with its distinctive tunes.
The band, which comprises Kyp Malone, David Sitek, Tunde Adebimpe, Gerard Smith and Jaleel Bunton, was formed in Brooklyn in 2001 and previously recorded two full-length albums on independent labels. On Sept. 12, they released their major label debut, "Return to Cookie Mountain," a lengthy, well-produced effort, reiterating the chilled-out vibes mastered in their earlier work.
TV on the Radio's third album is at times strange and disorganized. It kicks off with "I was a Lover," which uses a unique arrangement of beats accompanied by falsetto vocals. The combination is unpleasant and pretentious, leaving the listener confused.
There are some more conventional songs, such as "Wolf Like Me" and "A Method." Sounding similar to an Outkast creation, "Wolf Like Me" has a more listenable, flowing rhythm. Unlike previous tracks, it is straightforward and accessible.
"A Method" is a slower song that meanders while relaxing the listener. It serves as an intermission from the fast paced, sandwiched between the up-tempo "Wolf Like Me" and "Let the Devil In."
"Return to Cookie Mountain" concludes with "Wash the Day," an eight-minute tune reminiscent of the disappointing opener. It is a summation of all of the album's greatest flaws, combining incompatible sounds with awkward vocals and ultimately going nowhere.
Overall, TV on the Radio's "Return to Cookie Mountain" was a letdown. By combining the skills of producer/guitarist David Sitek, who has worked with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and the band's undeniable musical talent, it seemed like an opportunity to put TV on the Radio on everyone's radar. All the ingredients added up to a can't-miss album, but it fell short of the expectations.
After making a fan out of David Bowie and being dubbed "the next big thing" by magazines like Rolling Stone, the quintet has created a reputation for captivating audiences with its distinctive tunes.
The band, which comprises Kyp Malone, David Sitek, Tunde Adebimpe, Gerard Smith and Jaleel Bunton, was formed in Brooklyn in 2001 and previously recorded two full-length albums on independent labels. On Sept. 12, they released their major label debut, "Return to Cookie Mountain," a lengthy, well-produced effort, reiterating the chilled-out vibes mastered in their earlier work.
TV on the Radio's third album is at times strange and disorganized. It kicks off with "I was a Lover," which uses a unique arrangement of beats accompanied by falsetto vocals. The combination is unpleasant and pretentious, leaving the listener confused.
There are some more conventional songs, such as "Wolf Like Me" and "A Method." Sounding similar to an Outkast creation, "Wolf Like Me" has a more listenable, flowing rhythm. Unlike previous tracks, it is straightforward and accessible.
"A Method" is a slower song that meanders while relaxing the listener. It serves as an intermission from the fast paced, sandwiched between the up-tempo "Wolf Like Me" and "Let the Devil In."
"Return to Cookie Mountain" concludes with "Wash the Day," an eight-minute tune reminiscent of the disappointing opener. It is a summation of all of the album's greatest flaws, combining incompatible sounds with awkward vocals and ultimately going nowhere.
Overall, TV on the Radio's "Return to Cookie Mountain" was a letdown. By combining the skills of producer/guitarist David Sitek, who has worked with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and the band's undeniable musical talent, it seemed like an opportunity to put TV on the Radio on everyone's radar. All the ingredients added up to a can't-miss album, but it fell short of the expectations.
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