In 2003, the Brooklyn based TV on the Radio released the Young Liars EP. Music critics and indie rock hipsters swooned at the album's crisp originality. The only problem? Like most EPs, it was just too short. Everyone anxiously awaited the release of their first full length. 2004's Desperate Youth, Bloodthirsty Babes dropped with similar critical response, but something was missing. "Youth" lacked the general excitement of the Liars EP. The songs were a bit slower, and the album as a whole could not compete with the raw ingenuity of their debut EP. Despite winning the 2004 shortlist award, many fans quickly passed TV on the Radio as a one-hit album (EP) band. "They will never surpass the intensity of Young Liars" was heard by indie record clerks across the country. TV on the Radio returns in 2006 with a new label (4AD) and a new album. Not only is Return to Cookie Mountain the best record TV on the Radio have created, it's also one of the best albums of the year. Despite the silly name, this record is no joke.

    So much of "Cookie Mountain" is great, its hard to pick favorites. The album starts off with arguably their best song to date. "I was a Lover" sucks you into the grinder almost immediately. Lead singer Tunde Adebimpe's sharp yet smooth voice is pure sweetness to the backing of organized chaos. Machines move, drums clash and then in the chorus, a bit of piano brings us back to simplicity. Soon after were taken right back into the ringer. Frankly, I've never heard another song like it in my life. The band's ambitious sound works perfectly. Not only with Tunde's Peter Gabriel like vocals, but also his sincere lyrics. Tunde takes us with him, and on the first track alone, we're in another world, his world. Comparisons to Ok Computer's Airbag are not too far off.

    It doesn't end there, the first 8 tracks of Return to Cookie Mountain are virtually unstoppable. David Bowie lends vocals on "Province". Testifying to the amazing power of Tunde's voice, Bowie sounds completely in tune with Tunde throughout the entire song. To the point where he seems more of an echo then another vocalist, the combination of both artists is amazing in its subtleness. Not once does it feel overdone. Together they sing "Love is the province of the Brave" as electronic drums and piano keys fill the audio space. "Wolf Like Me" comes right as things start to slow down a little, and turns out to be an indie rock anthem. Without a doubt, this is my favorite single of 2006. It's fast, well-written, and just plain and simple, kicks ass. Let's hope I don't hear it on too many commercials in the future, like so many other indie rock anthems these days. "Radio" follow their single perfectly with "A Method". The Doo-Wop track starts rather traditional with handclaps and Barbershop voices, then quickly changes gears with a heavy beat down of drums. If anything, it shows the groups ability to reinvent their own influences. There's still more. The song "Let the Devil In" puts you in the center of drum core practice, and "Dirtywhirl" is a sexy slinger about a femme fatale.  

    The album's only snag comes on "Blues from Down Here" which just feels a little out of place on the record, but is not really a bad song, it just has some heavy competition. Sadly, the rest of the album also lacks the energy of the first 3/4. Both "Tonight" and "Wash the Day Away" are a bit slower then the rest of the album. Luckily, they come near the end of the album, almost as if the machine has started to breakdown for the day. Both songs are beautiful though, and really do make for a fitting end to such an incredible record. "Wash the Day Away" fades out ever so slowly at the 8 minute mark. Soon the fuzz wears low and the journey to Cookie Mountain is complete.

    TV on the Radio's hard work and pure artistic talent pay off in spades on Return to Cookie Mountain. If this isn't my pick for best of the year, I'm not sure what is. So if you are a fan of interesting, heart-racing and evocative music. Please give the Radio your attention. They certainly deserve your time this fall. They have finally lived up to the hype and hope promised by their striking debut.  Highly Recommended.

 9.6/10.0 - yeah, it's that good.