2011 release, the fourth album from the Alt-Rock outfit. Nine Types Of Light is a lush and beautiful album that stands apart from the group's previous work. If their other albums had shades of dystopia and distress, this album, sung by Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone, is filled with songs about longing and love. Nine Types Of Light is the follow-up to the band's gorgeous, glorious 2008 release, Dear Science, and proved to be its breakout release. It was named album of the year by Rolling Stone, Spin, Pitchfork, Entertainment Weekly and MTV; and touring behind the album, the group sold out a year's worth of live shows across the world. This, however, did not prevent everyone from referring to TV On The Radio as a Brooklyn band. That is not a bad thing. The group - Tunde Adebimpe, Kyp Malone, Dave Sitek, Jaleel Bunton, Gerard Smith - are indeed from Brooklyn.
J**N
R.I.P. Gerard Smith
It has been a busy couple of years for TV on the Radio since the release of 2008's "Dear Science," but the vast majority of their work did not come as a group. Lead singer Tunde Adebimpe started up a career in acting while musicians Kyp Malone and David Sitek both released solo albums. With numerous critically acclaimed albums already behind them, there was no doubting their collective talents, but the past few years have showcased their individual abilities and offered fans a unique perspective on what each member brings to the table.Setting up camp in Sitek's home studio in Los Angeles, the band's move from Brooklyn, NY to the west coast occasionally has an influence on the music, making "Nine Types of Light" a bit of a departure from TV on the Radio's first three records. The mixture of anger and sadness heard throughout their earlier releases has been replaced with a more cheerful collection of tracks. The lyrics are still far from uplifting, but it's clear TV on the Radio are able to accept the ups and downs life has to offer with a new calm sarcasm.One of the crowning moments lyrically comes on "Forgotten," which discusses the band's view of Beverly Hills and the chaotic style of life people endure there. Although the line "Beverly Hills, nuclear winter, what should we wear and who's for dinner?" may seem to be a grim outlook for the California coast, they call the city "paradise" one verse later.The lead single, "Will Do" doesn't have the same energetic backing of earlier hits such as "Wolf Like Me," but it stands with the best songs they've ever released. With an enchanting beat backing words of seduction, "Will Do" may not be your everyday TV on the Radio track, but the band seems to master any style they choose."Nine Types of Light" has a lot to like for fans both new and old. The overall mood is more laid back than their earlier records, but the crisp production and tight arrangements are as present as ever. Adebimpe and Malone's vocals balance each other perfectly, keeping the lyrics in focus while allowing the music an equally important role. Their earlier releases may remain favorites of longtime fans, but "Nine Types of Light" is the perfect starting point for new listeners and it's sure to increase their ever-growing fan base.Track Suggestion: "Will Do"
P**S
Nine Types of Right
Here's to a band unafraid to change. A band not threatened by the loss of those hardcore Brooklyn hipster "fans" who maintain the band's integrity has lessened with each new release - as TVotR's music evolved from a progressive, free-flowing noise rock (Desperate Youth) to a melodic, soulful jazz and dance rock. As such, Light is their softest, subtlest and most nuanced album to date. Not to worry the dance grooves and incredibly gripping and sexy vocal harmonies of Tunde and Kyp are at the core of this album. The layers of this album keep you coming back for another listen. The true fan will appreciate this album an expanding endeavor from one of the most genuine bands writing music today.It is noteworthy to point out they have produced a full length film with the same name that further births these songs into our minds and reveals just how deep this band's artist vision really goes.Outstanding tracks include: Will Do, Second Song, Caffeinated Consciousness, No Future Shock, Killer Crane
H**2
Good Stuff!
TV on the Radio are criminally underrated. Just about every song on this CD is a quality work. Buy it!
N**I
4.5 Stars
This album was in the Class of 2011, along with Death Cab's "Codes and Keys" and Devotchka's "100 Lovers." I am by no means saying that these should be considered the same genre of music, but out of the albums that stuck and made the ipod rotation, these 3 were in the best of 2011 (can't think of the others in the short time preparing this).Back to TVoTR: I can't say there are any true 10's on individual tracks, but when there are 4 or more songs that are an 8/10 or above, and only a couple throwaways, that's a successful album in my books. Notables: Tracks 1-6, with an exception to "No Future Shock," which is a 5.5/10 in my ranking system, "Second Song," "Killer Crane," "Will Do," and "You" all rate between 8.0 to 9.0, with "Keep Your Heart" rating a solid 7.5. "Repetition" (8.0) and "Caffeinated Consciousness" (7.0) round out the uneven finish, but the album as a whole is solid all around. Truth be told, very few albums have gripping songs top to bottom, but Nine Types of Light comes close with that strong front-loaded playlist.
L**D
Stunning
Before this current album I had heard a song or two by TV on the Radio, nothing that really blew me away, this is just stunning. The fact that they can perform these songs live says a hell of a lot. I recommend picking up a copy of "Nine Types of Light". They deserve a Grammy for this Album. For a taste I recommend "My Repetition", "Will Do", or "Killer Crane" or just take the leap and get the whole in its entirety.
C**Y
Jam-bo-licious!
I've been hooked on these guys since "Dear Science" - and this one does NOT disappoint. Will Do seems to be the track that gets the most attention, but New Cannonball Blues and Caffeinated Consciousness keep me coming back to this album. And the fact that Second Song is first - what can I say?
N**G
Truly Wonderful
I am sorry to hear the passing of Gerald Smith.This album is remarkable. I have been listening to this in my motor vehicle since I purchased it. First on my android Cloud App, then on my Zune. Each album that comes from TV on the Radio is a delight. My favorite tracks are Second Song, Will Do, and Repetition. I look forward to listening to this album over and over.
T**E
Beautiful
Not what I expected and usually that spells disappointment, but not in this case. Nine Types of Light is for the most part mellower than Dear Science, more concerned with love than politics or social commentary, but it is a beautiful album and very enjoying to listen to if, as another reviewer suggests, you just kick back and soak it in.
S**T
Bittersweet
I first heard TVOTR, like most, when hearing Wolf Like Me and bought the last two albums. Cookie Mountain and Dear Science were quite superb examples of albums that were quirky, clever and very very good. Following them up was always going to be hard. If Nine Types Of Light comes across as a disappointment then it is only when comparing to what came before. As an album itself it really is quite good.The first track, jokingly called second song, could come straight from Dear Science. Its exactly the same approach. I wouldn't be surprised to hear it was written at the same time. Its a joy to hear. Things go down tempo over the next couple of tracks and its whilst listening to them that you begin to notice the real difference - the fuzz and distortion is gone. The vocals are clearer and I think that this is an improvement - you can appreciate the lyrics more here. Tracks like Will Do have more impact because of this. Just like previous TVOTR albums different tracks appeal each time you listen. The label of Art Rockers should be forgotten by now as TVOTR are far more than this label. Their guitar driven clever rock is always welcome.This album is also tinged with the sad news that bassist Gerard Smith died of lung cancer shortly after release. RIP Gerard.
C**U
Les grandes ondes
Il s'agit ici du dernier album en date de TV On The Radio, et c'est sans doute le plus facile d'accès et on peut même se surprendre à y entendre des hits potentiels avec les mélodies plus simples et un son plus rond. La qualité des arrangements, la voix, et la créativité des musiques sont quant à elles, constantes. Outre le graphisme magnifique de la jaquette, l'album bénéficie d'une grande richesse sonore que nos multi instrumentistes savants savent faire éclore. Ce groupe est l'un des seuls à nous faire ouvblier la couleur de la musique : les frontières entre groove et pop sont atomisées avec bonheur. La surprise est toujours au rendez-vous sur les premières écoutes car il est vain de croire à une quelconque routine. Chaque disque est le lieu de propositions musicales inédites et qui nous emmène à chaque reprise dans un univers unique.
O**S
Bueno
El producto llegó a tiempo y en buenas condiciones.
D**D
Buen disco
No tan redondo como dear science pero superior a Seeds.Que grandes!!!!
S**N
Four Stars
Très bon album, un bon rock alternatif. Livraison rapide!
L**S
Good, but no banana . . .
After the rather magnificent 'Dear Science', TV's next album was going to have be something special.After quite a few listens, I have come to the conclusion that what we have with N.T.O.L is a somewhat diluted version of whats come before.The tracks struggle to find any real identity - a hook or riff that leaves it mark on the listener - Dear Science had these in abundance. Its not like the group had tried to take a new direction, it just that the album as a whole never really takes off.At times it felt like the songs where vague copies of previous tracks from 'Dear Science'. Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad album by any means, its just no comparision to whats come before.
R**L
excellent album!!
this is a great album, a mix of alternative, electronic, sort of rock'ish but very sofisticated, with great research on sound. Worth every penny.
B**F
Ein Highlight
Ich kannte TV on the Radio nicht, und habe mir die CD mehr auf Verdacht gekauft. Wow! Habe schon lange nicht mehr so eine innovative Mischung verschiedener Stilrichtungen gehört, die dabei nicht zu experimentell klingt. Diese CD baut wirklich eine Brücke zwischen Pop-/Rockmusik und dem was man früher als Independent bezeichnete, ohne dabei an Anspruch zu verlieren.
J**K
One of the Decade's Best?
I bought this TV On the Radio CD after noticing their name on severall "Best of the Decade: 2000-2010" lists. After a few listens to this disc, I'm still not sure how I feel about it. The songs are definitely engaging. "You" is my favorite. They use an interesting mix of natural and electronic sounds. Yet, sometimes I wish the singer would step away from the mic and let the music breathe a bit. Overall, this is a positive review, but I could see them putting out a better disc than this one.
A**O
Ottimo venditore!
Ottimo venditore, rapido ed efficiente. Servizio perfetto, prodotto in ottime condizioni e corrispondente alle descrizioni. Sicuramente comprerò ancora da questo venditore.
S**K
音楽の快楽性
「こういうのを待ってたんだ…」率直に思いました。ブラーは好きだけどイマイチ狙った感がたまに傷で、ゴリラズは大好きみたいな自分です。このアルバムは良いですね。ブラックミュージックから発生したロックという形が途中のプロセスを抜かして新しく生み出されたような斬新感!(かと言ってその間にあったジャンルの枝分けをまるっきし無視している訳ではなく、あくまでオリジナルな音になってることが素晴らしいです)これこそ音楽のスタンダード
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