SOSUS

When I first picked up the advance copy of Return to Cookie Mountain, I wasn't sure what to expect. The sound is incredibly unique, and represents the beginning of a departure from TV On the Radio's first albums Young Liars (2003), New Health Rock (2004), and Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes (2004). The album begins with the song "I Was a Lover", a song comprised of tightly mixed hip-hop beats and TV On the Radio's traditional texture of distorted, fuzzy guitars. The audio samples is what really drives the song for me, functioning as a bridge between TV On the Radio's guitars and the hip-hop beats.

Probably the most interesting song on the album is "Let the Devil In". The song is comprised of different sections, with a motif which runs through out. The song really highlights the band's song writing ability, including a really impressive and innovative use of drums. The drums serve to echo the song's motif, helping to add some punch.

Another great track, which really highlights the lead singers ability, is the song "Blues From Down There." Through out the song, especially towards the end, the singer plays a lot with the articulation of certain words, using intonation and inflection to really bring out the meaning behind the words (especially with the lines "stomp my feet / and shout about it"). The rest of the song is just a strong, I can't understate how good of a job the band has done with this album.

With the retail copy, TV On the Radio added a bonus CD, featuring two tracks not found in the advance copy. The songs represent a departure from TV's normal fabric of guitar and drums. The guitar loses its distortion, and the singer takes on a more traditional role. These songs highlight TV's use of a saxophones, which really help to articulate the band's unique sound.

I feel bad about highlighting any of the songs on Return to Cookie Mountains, as they are all worth speaking about. I am continually impressed by the fact that when I listen to this album, there is not one song I skip over. This is a great album for both people new to TV On the Radio and the already initiated. It's definitely worth purchasing.




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