You will want to play it over and over.
Seeds is TV on the Radio’s highly anticipated fifth album. Before divulging the contents of the album, I have to take a minute to give the glorious packaging and artwork a shout out. I mean its sublime. Definitely one of the coolest things I have seen. It lets the listener begin the experience even before the first note is heard.
In true TV on the Radio fashion, each track has its own atmosphere and direction. The first single, “Careful You,” is equipped with an infectious bass line, intriguing lyrics, and ends with a head bobbing groove.“Happy Idiot,” the second single, is a fast paced contagious track with a streamline melody, rippin’ guitars, and a few spacey synthesizers. You will want to play it over and over.
“Right Now” goes in a bit of a different direction with a slower, dancier groove. “Winter” harkens back to TV on the Radio’s more guitar driven albums. The guitar riffs are a little fuzzed and the vocals punchy, it’s chill (pun intended). “Lazerray” is a track which features loads of garagey guitar riffs and an upbeat melody.
Due to the fact that this is their first release since the death of their bassist, Gerard Smith, a few of the tracks are highly emotional. “Ride” is a beautifully composed song which starts off with lovely piano and violin progressions. “Trouble” is an acoustic, melody driven ballad with lyrics such as “everything is going to be okay” and “don’t worry, be happy”. I think we can all agree that these sayings have been used in numerous songs and can seem a bit superficial; however there is sincerity in his voice, he really wants to believe them.
This album was mastered beautifully, with every instrument and harmony lined up to form a gorgeous sensation of sound. TV on the Radio’s precision pays off for them on this one.
Recommended if you like: Broken Bells, Spoon, Tune-Yards
Recommended tracks: “Careful You,” “Happy Idiot,” “Right Now,” “Winter,” and “Ride”
Reviewed by Emilie Stafford on November 17, 2014