Band's newest album too much noise
By Maggie Beidelman
The name fits the band: TV On The Radio's fundamental sound is about as pleasant as a television set that receives a few decent channels but primarily emits the cacophonous white fuzz of a faulty signal.
One might recognize this New York City group by the distinctive din of their accordion often heard in the background, some chords on the keyboard and hammering vocals. Their genre could be termed punk with an occasional hint of reggae, a certain indie-trip-hop or perhaps the prodigal son of alternative rock.
TV On The Radio's newest release, "Return to Cookie Mountain," (2006) is their fifth attempt to release something remarkable since their debut album, "OK Calculator" in 2002. This is not to say that every song is best with ear plugs. Despite the noise of an unrelenting sluggish accordion in the background of most numbers, there are actually a few eclectic songs that are worth recognizing. In fact, singer/songwriter David Bowie likes TV On The Radio so much that he contributed back-up vocals to the third track on the album, "Province."
The album starts off with the curiously unusual beat of "I Was a Lover." It may take up to 10 times listening to this tune to get used to the odd blend of off-beat reverberations, high-pitched voices and commotion of various instruments, but once this point is surpassed, one may find the peculiar beat rather addicting.
"Province," probably the most well-known track of the album, presents lyrics more worthy of notice than the music itself: "Breaking open the walls of this cage/ intoxicated, oh so amazed/ much like falcons tumbling from our hearts that blaze." Of course, these lyrics sang by indecipherable voices can only be appreciated when read.
"Dirtywhirl" has a pulsating rhythm that may inspire one to keep listening, but don't expect the same of the outlandish "Snakes and Martyrs," and definitely forgo "Randomness," which unfortunately lives up to its appropriate name. The CD itself boasts 29 tracks, including the 14 untitled tracks that don't actually function.
TV On The Radio is currently touring North America. Tickets for their appearances at The Fillmore in San Francisco on March 28 and 29 are up for sale on Ticketmaster.com for $25 a piece.
The endeavor to make euphony from a cacophony of noise is admirable but not noteworthy. This band has potential; they're just not using it. The best way to appreciate TV On The Radio is to sample a few numbers and leave the rest in music purgatory.
Grade: C-
Contact Maggie Beidelman at (408) 551-1918 or mbeidelman@scu.edu.