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Posted by ConorClockwise on 2008-10-01 13:30:09 +0000

Still haven't heard a note...

Posted by MF DU on 2008-10-01 13:34:23 +0000

I'm still in questionable computer status on the homefront or I'd sendspace it to you. Anything on their Myspace page? I think they may have played Letterman again last week, but I didn't see it(or was that a repeat of their last performance on Letterman?).

Posted by mahatma chani on 2008-10-01 14:27:34 +0000

Here ya go. I never thought I'd say it, but this one really is good, in the same way we never saw "OK Computer" coming. I always thought TVOTR had good ideas, half-assed execution, and zero balls to change that "good ideas/half baked" attitude as they continue to get free passes for their "difficulty" from sycophantic record reviewers. I saw their free show at Government Center two years ago, just before "Cookie Mountain." That show had zero songs, they even mailed in what I woulda considered their finest moments up to that point: "Signals" and "Staring at the Sun." Oh yeah, I forgot they are a political band (ahem), so the dude with the afro and beard kept barking with all the gusto of someone buying a book of stamps at the two guys in the military who were just watching the show. Everything seeemed contrived at that moment. I don't know if they had label pressure to move units, but this one has a lot of great songs. A lot. I am forced to reconsider TVOTR, as I was with Radiohead after "OK Computer." Bravo to them. More later after a couple more listens. P.S. I think there's a lot of great releases this year. In no particular order: The Bug, Times New Viking, These New Puritans, Lindstrom, The Streets, and Blixen Trapper.

Posted by MF DU on 2008-10-01 15:35:46 +0000

thanks for the nudge a few weeks back to check out 'The Bug' - that's great stuff.

Posted by TheFullCleveland on 2008-10-01 20:03:49 +0000

Listening today at work on my PC, I dig the last 3 tracks, and the rest is OK, but nothing chill-inducing. B.

Posted by tgl on 2008-10-04 00:39:52 +0000

"Golden Age" is fairly excellent.

Posted by tgl on 2008-10-04 00:48:51 +0000

Did they employ every out-of-work horn player in Brooklyn for this album?

Posted by virtue on 2008-10-25 15:44:29 +0000

I'm really enjoying dear science--although I will admit that at least some of the enjoyment comes from playing the "what band/song do they sound like just there?" game. MC says ix-nay on the other albums--anyone wanna argue that I should give any of them a shot?

Posted by dyedon8 on 2008-10-25 19:09:36 +0000

The other albums aren't nearly as cohesive or structured, but they're certainly not awful.

Posted by G lib on 2008-10-26 12:19:14 +0000

Dear Science is the album that would jump out of Mr. Olds' head if it could. I really like it. More later.

Posted by ConorClockwise on 2008-10-26 15:08:07 +0000

One thing I love about 'Dear Science' is that is still sounds like TOTR. You can play the 'sounds like' game for any band, and it'll be fun, but these guys have a distinct thing going on. Burkee has been listening to 'Dear Science' non stop for the past 2 weeks, and then told a colleague about it, who in turn gave us a mixed CD which included 'Young Liars' and the Bush thrash mp3 'Dry Drunk Emperor'. I feel like I've gotten to know their sound a bunch more the past few weeks, and watching the tunes morph is really neat. But still the basic soundscapes, lyrics, and vibe are all theirs. And yes this is in the running for best of '08.

Posted by mahatma chani on 2008-10-26 16:34:21 +0000

Never followed up. Definitely a noteworthy record in a year of loads of great music. Like I said before: glad to hear they're writing songs now. "DLZ" is the best track, if you asked me. I think on the whole, when they're more of a rock band, and less so of the "soul" stuff, they're fairly powerful. Aside from "Golden Age" which is pretty much a Quincy Jones homage, I think these guys are basically hispter-approved Fishbone, cuz, we all know that it's not cool to say you like "Truth and Soul." The lead singer is a co-star in "Rachel Getting Married." Yeah, I watch chick flicks now. Hooray marriage!

Posted by dyedon8 on 2008-10-26 21:18:38 +0000

Propagandatour has been listening to it a lot, too.

Posted by tgl on 2008-10-26 23:56:28 +0000

Dear Science: 3 out of 3 Significant Others agree!

Posted by MF DU on 2008-10-27 15:15:34 +0000

Be thankful you have time to see flicks at all :)

Posted by virtue on 2008-10-27 18:32:08 +0000

I don't think I understand what you mean by "these guys are basically hispter-approved Fishbone, cuz, we all know that it's not cool to say you like 'Truth and Soul.'" Although I couldn't remember t&s well enough, so I listened to it, and I definitely don't think Fishbone and TVOTR are comparable in terms of their sound, except maybe for the level of aural richness--though I think that TVOTR is somewhat richer.