Before you start: apologies to all readers in the US and Canada. It looks like this album will be for users of eMusic Europe only.
Last night I was granted a sneak preview of the new TV on the Radio album Dear Science. It’s always so difficult to judge an album with only one listen, but Dear Science has definite promise.
They’ve retained their Outkast-and-Jake-Shears-do-Prince-covers vocal vibes and Dave Sitek’s production is as intricate as ever, but Dear Science feels more polished, more shiny than Return To Cookie Mountain did. TOTR are clearly aiming for a grand sound here, and most of the time they pull it off, but on occasion there’s almost too much going on and the overall effect is muddied (I’m looking at you track nine.)
The highlight for me was the sixth track “Family Tree” which, with its wide, epic sadness, definitely has its roots in Arthur Russell. They repeatedly conjure up “the shadow of the gallows of your family tree,” and wrap it up with layers of synths and strings. It’s a tune that could break your heart.
Throughout there are some heavy nods to glam rock and Bowie in particular, but they’re blended nicely into a very TV whole. I have a strong feeling it will be a great album for repeat listening and a great album for headphones.
It’s due on eMusic on September 22 - in Europe at any rate.
“I don’t know the exact details for the US and Canada.”
Sooo…they’re not on Interscope in the US anymore?
Ah, Rob, see the amended post. My hazy knowledge of detail was due to the UK-US time difference and a need to consult with my Stateside colleagues. My apologies.
I hate you Emusic Europe.
Why can you not share the freaking love over hear?
Aww Sara, don’t be mean, we’re really very nice over here and it’s not up to us I’m afraid. I actually thought of you while I was writing this - you’ve mentioned being A TV on the Radio fan before.
Sometimes I think TV would benefit from more analog instruments and less digital noise. When their sounds aims for grand, it also thins out a bit. You see the Roots bring a tuba onstage and think, that’s what Sitek needs: a big, beefy brass section to replicate those low bass tones in “I Was a Lover.”
emusic should develop an “import bin” - where people pay double downloads to get something not available in their own country - just like the old import record (or tape) bins in physical stores.
It’s actually gotten to the point where I’ve had to fine a different music service to get the TV on the Radio I had to find another music service (and not iTunes….oh the hate) to get it.
I like Adamm’s idea.
And since I’m rather a fan of the digital noise I’m not really sure the TV would be much assisted by focusing more on the acoustic. They have a few acoustic pieces I love, but “Staring at the Sun” played on repeat for four days and after that I couldn’t imagine them without the noise.