ARTIST:
TV ON THE RADIO


ALBUM:
NINE TYPES OF LIGHT


KEY TRACKS:
NEW CANNONBALL BLUES
KEEP YOUR HEART
WILL DO
SECOND SONG


"hey girls, hey boys, no don't mind the noise"


"Why the fuck haven't I listened to this earlier?"  That's the statement that runs through my head every time I play this album.  Some people get mad when they hear a lousy album, or because it costs too much, or because they've "sold out".  But me?  I get angry when I've been ignorant of a great band that's been around for quite some time. 


TV on the Radio is the perfect example of this.  Founded in Brooklyn in 2001, TVOTR has been cranking out some of the most satisfying music I've heard in a long time.  I mean, I really, really like these guys!  Woven into the tracks are intricate, grunge laden synths, looping guitars, and pulsing bass lines that just hits the spot.  


With such diverse and varying sounds drifting in and out of the album, it makes their music pretty difficult to nail down into a genre, but no less enjoyable. 


This album is completely saturated with hits, which made it difficult to pick a few to discuss but the bass line alone in "New Cannonball Blues" is a triumph.  This song is a fantastic example of how explosive TVOTR's music is.  The whole track builds and builds from the simple bass line, to a finale complete with trumpets, rattling guitars, and clashing cymbals.  This track is fantastic and will be frequently played on my track list many years to come.  


Next, "Keep Your Heart" was a true grower for me.  It wasn't until I had the privilege of seeing these artists live that I truly appreciated this eclectic song.  The room grew quiet when (largely bearded) vocalist Kyp Malone humbly stated how beautiful the venue was and proceeded to  belt this song out with a backdrop of blood-red lights.  The beats pulse throughout the record, coupled with a guitar that trickles down the scales in the bridge.  Although less prominently featured as the lead vocalist, Kyp's unique voice is the perfect addition to equally unique music.  


"Will Do" is easily the favorite of the album.  Lead singer Tunde Adebimpe's voice is smooth and handles the the demanding range of this track effortlessly.  It's a fine example of how TVOTR handles a ballad in that just because the tempo slows, the bass doesn't need to stop, or the drums....or the synths.  


This band for me is one of the greats.  One that I'll continue to play - and enjoy - for years to come.  So listen now -don't put it off- or else you'll end up angry that you didn't.

LISTEN:  NEW CANNONBALL BLUES | KEEP YOUR HEART | WILL DO | SECOND SONG

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