TV On The Radio - Dear Science

TV on the Radio
Dear Science
(09.2008, DGC/Interscope)
Verdict = Better than Return to Cookie Mountain

TV on the Radio has emerged as one of the most distinctive voices on the modern indie music landscape (though they’re not technically indie anymore) and as such will always be walking a thin line in regards to follow up albums with fans ready to yell “sell out” at a moments notice. Fortunately, Dear Science, doesn’t fall into to that Modest Mousian trap, but there are still going to be a lot of raised eyebrows when it comes to TVOR’s third full length because things are “different.” Different isn’t necessarily a bad thing, Return to Cookie Mountain was different, but it was also immediately arresting, darting straight for the jugular. Dear Science, is different in a much less flashy sense that is bound to send many listeners into ‘meh’ mode upon first listen. It’s unfortunate really. Hasn’t TV on the Radio earned more from us? After the near perfection of Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes and the gripping noise pop of Return to Cookie Mountain, doesn’t TV on the Radio deserve our trust or at least a thorough, unbiased evaluation of their most recent effort? Well, I have attempted just such a thorough, unbiased listen of Dear Science, and it turns out that TV on the Radio has scored yet again. While TV on the Radio may never be able to contain the wide eyed excitement of Desperate Youth, Dear Science, has much more staying power than their still great sophomore effort. Yeah, the beautiful wall of sound is gone, but the pop aesthetics here and the minimalistic pulse propels each song deep into your head taking special time to embed itself into your memory banks while inciting mandatory head nodding. I think one of TV on the Radio’s strong points is the incessant creative use of a limited palate to produce the most well formed songs. Lead singer Tunde Adebimpe’s vocals seem to be a little less the focal point of the songs this time around and the balance is refreshing. Where their previous releases have been extremely potent on first listen, slowly showing signs of ware with repeated listen, Dear Science, finds the opposite true with understated songs that seem to grow exponentially upon repeated listens. Who knows, maybe in a couple of years Dear Science, will reveal itself as their best album to date.

-Mr. Thistle

Beck - Modern Guilt

Beck
Modern Guilt
(07.2008, Interscope)
Verdict - Wear your old Beck shirt with pride

If you have decided not to download the latest from Beck for fear of disappointment, it is time to reconsider. Since the release of Attack & Release I felt like I caught the vision of having Danger Mouse cast his spells on an experienced artist. The production and direction Danger Mouse gave both of these 2008 releases has vigor and soul. The jump, however, from a gritty Black Keys blues/rock album to a polished LP is less of a stretch than Beck fans will endure. I would like to be clear; this is not a new Beck. This is like having your favorite pillow cleaned and fluffed. This is the same fun loving Beck from Midnight Vultures. The “Soul Suckin’ Jerk” has been washed, but not hung out to dry. Modern Guilt is ten tracks that add up to a thick and punchy thirty minutes (half the length of The Information). What it may lack in length it pays back in a no filler, no frills fashion. So give it a spin and join me in being proud to say, “Yeah, but I also like his new stuff.”

-King Cotton

Beck on Myspace