TV on the Radio played SNL last night (Did you see it? I bet you're thinking "It wasn't as good as that show used to be in the old days of 1993"), performing Dear Science's first two singles, "Golden Age" and "Dancing Choose." "Golden Age" (above) has a bouncy, party vibe thanks to members of Celebration and Antibalas backing the band up for a resolutely lush version of the song. "Dancing Choose" (below) is typically incendiary, with lead singer Tunde Adebimpe serving as a manic soapbox preacher, rapping/singing the song's lyrics while his band rocks behind him. Both performances were pretty incredible, among the best I can remember from SNL. [Videos via Audioperv]
I thought the mix was OK. It sounded like they do when they're live--kind of messy but really powerful.
February 8, 2009 at 11:20 p.m.
Chris
I agree w/ andross. Whoever wrote the review on Pitchfork has never seen this band live. The thing that makes them outstanding, atypical, disarming, and wonderful is the very nature of their sound, which seems "off--indistinct, out of balance, and flabby" because it is--that's the beauty of it. They sound like no other band I've ever heard, like the first time I ever heard "Remain in Light," or "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea."
February 9, 2009 at 11:56 a.m.
Sebastian
I've seen them a few times and its always been solid. The sound was either really off, or the band themselves had an off night. Either way - no bueno.
TV on the Radio »
Incredible, really? The mix was a lot closer to terrible than anything I would describe as incredible.