TV on the Radio - Read Silence

            I wasn’t a big fan of TV on the Radio’s most recent release, “Dear Science.”  I thought they got away from the simple things that made them such a great group.  They lost the plot.  Sometimes that happens when bands are trying something new and trying to grow and evolve, but rarely is it apparent at the time.  It’s like getting a snap-shot from the mid-point of an open-heart surgery…it could be the most flawless heart surgery ever, but it’s not going to look pretty to anyone except the people directly involved.

            On to the new EP then, shall we?  I think it’s great!  The Willie Isz Remix by Jneiro Jarel of Shout Me Out has that beautiful simplicity I mentioned earlier.  In fact, this track is almost too simple in that I don’t get much of a progression feel as the song moves along, but I still think it’s a nice re-imagination of something I initially didn’t like. 

         Gang Gang Dance is one of those “hot” groups right now and I gotta admit that I’m pretty into them.  They rarely depart from their formula of using classical sounds and everyday noises to make sound clashes.  I think Stork and Owl is a stark reminder of what GGD does so well.  They create a long intro and add attempt to add depth to the vocals but end up creating a separation between the music and it’s message.  I think it leaves a lot to be desired and while has touching moments doesn’t necessarily qualify to end up on my iPod.

         My favorite track on the record is the Glitch Mob’s remix of Red Dress.  The intro reminds me of part of the original “Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” when they descend on the boat ride to insanity.  What we come out into is a dirty beat that Glitch Mob uses to truly remix the song instead of just reinterpret it.  The over-bearing mechanically march on the top side of the beat sounds bright and real and demands the listener move.

         Three solid remixes from a record I didn’t really like to begin with?  Who can ask for more?  I think this EP will do exactly what it is supposed  to do—make me go back and listen to “Dear Science” again!