Dear Science

And now for something on a totally different topic...


The new TV on the Radio album is absolutely fantastic. I have not been able to pull myself away from it for the past few days. Technically, it comes out on September 23, but the Internet savvy folks know where to go it. If you do not, drop me a line and I'll help you find the way. Everyone that knows me knows I listen to a whole lot of music. To be totally honest, there is a lot of stuff that I get excited about for a week or two and then lose interest. This is not one of those albums. While I have been a fan of this band for a few years, this is really on another level. A lot of people did not think they would come close to what they achieved on Return to Cookie Mountain, but this one should smash right through any and all expectations.


This is the album that a lot of bands wished they put out this year. It has pop melodies and hooks that Coldplay wishes they could touch. It weaves in and out of various genres effortlessly in a way that makes My Morning Jacket's Evil Urges look rather immature. In some ways, I sort of feel like this is the sort of album that Radiohead could make now if they did not take themselves so seriously. And that is coming from someone who would list Radiohead at the very top of best/most influential bands of the last 20 years. Dear Science tackles upbeat music in the same way that OK Computer made being disillusioned hip.

At first blush, it is difficult to pin this album down. Elsewhere, you will probably read comparisons to Brian Eno-era David Bowie. And those comparisons are certainly applicable. But I hear much more Prince with some "Sexual Healing" Marvin Gaye thrown in. The influences will continue to reveal themselves through repeated listenings, but this is the first album I have heard in a while that sort of confuses me while intriguing me at the same time. With other albums that I have enjoyed this year, you sort of know what to expect from one track to the next. Here, you have no idea what is coming. "Crying" sounds like it was built off of "Nightshift" by The Commodores. The build up and eventual release are eeriely reminiscent of Radiohead's "Let Down" if it was played in 1984 by The Talking Heads. "Stork And Owl" features plucked strings and a backing beat that would not be out of place in an indie rap album. That is, if your typical indie rap album heavily featured a string quartet. "Family Tree" is what "Vida La Vida" would sound like if Chris Martin was not so comfortable making babies with Gweneth Paltrow and fighting for fair trade. And finally, "Lover's Day" is a raunchy shout out to just that...a lover's day. When I first listened to it, I was too in love with the music to listen to the lyrics. Upon paying attention, I was able to realize that there is much more substance to the triumphant music. It is a triumphant sex song, simply put.

The great thing about this album is that it is extremely witty without putting forth a ton of effort. There are a lot of bands out there that I love, but really seem forced when it comes down to it (The Hold Steady, I'm looking right at you!). Somehow, TV on the Radio has managed to create an album with such a lush musical and lyrical landscape while appearing non-chalant. There is nothing really laid back about this album. Do not let it fool you there. It is driving and inspiring. As cheesy as it may sound, I can only wait to hear a few choice tracks while I bask in the neon lights of Las Vegas later this week. I sort of get the impression that I will understand it even more in that environment.

On that note, you may not hear much from me until next week. Not that anyone is really reading this, but I will be in Vegas from Friday until Monday and who knows if I'll feel inspired enough to write something the next two nights...Take care.