March 10, 2004

TV on the Radio Star

TV on the Radio's First Album

Music geeks and record-store snobs have cleared a space on the shelf next to T. Rex for the debut album from Brooklyn band TV on the Radio.

Throw in equal parts rock guitar, ambient sounds, and drum beats. Add a dash of doo-wop, a smidge of gospel, and soulful vocals reminiscent of Peter Gabriel (more early Genesis, less John Cusack with a boom box). Hit “Power” on the blender without fastening the lid. You’re left with a unique, messy mixture that sticks with you for a long time.

The buzz started last summer when TVOTR released a catchy five-song EP. It got louder after they toured with pals the Yeah Yeah Yeahs (who lend a hand on the new album). Their first full-length effort, Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes, just hit stores.

Score two points for the New York music scene.

And don’t feel bad about jumping onto the cool bandwagon. These Williamsburg hipsters don’t care. By the sound of it, they just want to make beautiful music.

Available online at towerrecords.com.