TV On The Radio Remixes

Beck, "Dark Star (Dave Sitek remix)"

TV On The Radio, "Hours (El-P remix)"

Bumblebeez 81, "Pony Ride (TV On The Radio remix)"

I had the good fortune to attend the TV On The Radio show last night at the Starlight Ballroom here in Philadelphia. It was a sold-out show, the last stop on their American tour. Thankfully, the boys didn't phone this one in in a last day of school mode, instead delivering a powerful, long set. Thanks to TA, JT and M for their company and lively discussion on blog URLs, pornography conventions and imaginary wives.

My first impression is that this is a great live band, one that's willing to work with their recorded songs and let them breathe live, see where they go. This is in marked contrast to the majority of indie bands who seem to regurgitate their latest album note for note. All of this leads me to my second impression, which is that the band needs to take the next step and contemplate the ebb and flow of the show. There was just too many long, drone-y pieces that meandered and left one's attention wandering. I mean, when they were on, like the entire three song encore, it was incredible. They are one of the few bands who can elicit so many different feelings in limited time, moving from drone Sonic Youths to dance-y punks to indie rockers, sometimes within a single song. I felt like the slooooooowwwww passages played against their talents, as their songs are fine for stretching, but they aren't lyrically amazing or poignant. While the Dead and Dylan can captivate you with a ballad, TVOTR does not write those kind of songs.

Here are the only remixes that I know about involving the band. The El-P remix comes off the deluxe edition of Return to Cookie Mountain, bringing two of my favorites together. Unfortunately, this one only looks good on paper. El-P does nothing for this one, clearly avoiding his dystopic sound. I mean, c'mon mang, know your role. The Bumblebeez 81 jawn is just something fun, maybe good for its novelty or rarity.

-Philly, tonight, head to the Vox Populi benefit at 1315 Cherry Street, as the gallery attempts to raise funds for their move to a new building. Check this Weekly article for the reasons behind said move. Pound for Pound faves Plastic Little and Yah Mos Def are performing, beer by Victory Brewing, me. It's $10 for a great cause, so get out support your local arts community, a great gallery and Philly.

-My bol DJ Huggs will help you wrap up the end of the night, as he's spinning at the Walnut Room, the latest big name to hold down Sundays Are The New Black