Welcome to Defector Music Club, where our writers gather to discuss an album. Today, Giri Nathan, Patrick Redford, David Roth, and Lauren Theisen explore TV On The Radio's 2004 debut "Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes." This album holds a special place in the hearts of music lovers and has stood the test of time.

Uncover the Timeless Magic of TV On The Radio's Debut

Section 1: Giri Nathan's Encounter

Giri Nathan recalls being 13 and relying on message boards to discover music. He got "Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes" through p2p software like Soulseek. At first, he bounced off the record as it was more muted than what he usually listened to. But it grew on him, except for one particular song that he loved instantly and still does. He also loved their next two records.This album was one of the first times he was told by the critical apparatus that there was an album worth paying attention to. It was a new experience for him as a lame kid who was not very skeptical of authority. He realized that "blood thirsty" was two words only while composing this sentence.

Section 2: Patrick Redford's Journey

Patrick Redford's first encounter with the album was about six or so months after their second album came out. He was a big "Wolf Like Me" person and his cool world history teacher told him that "Staring At The Sun" was the best song they ever had or will have written. He doesn't think his teacher was right, but he wasn't far off.Patrick wonders what TV On The Radio was reacting to with this record. When it came out in 2004, the Strokes and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs were on the map, but this album doesn't sound like that post-9/11 New York stuff. It's part of the big wave of New York guitar music yet sounds distinct.

Section 3: David Roth's Discovery

David Roth bought the record but doesn't remember how he discovered it. He remembers his friend Josh playing them for him first and the first time he heard Young Liars. It was strange and distinctive, with a spare and ominous feel. He had a similar reaction to "Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes" when he listened to it again. It's an excellent record, but he doesn't have a distinctive memory of the first time he listened.He also mentions that the album shows up in his consciousness as if it was airborne. It's been in his consciousness for a long time now.

Section 4: Lauren Theisen's Experience

Lauren Theisen went into this album completely cold. She knew "Dear Science" was critically acclaimed and bought it after their performance on SNL. She found it a little too thinky at first but was pleasantly surprised when she went back to it. "Golden Age" in particular is a joyful tune.She only knew "Wolf Like Me" from their second record before this. She also mentions that the David Roth signal is up in the sky, referring to David's thoughts on the album.

Section 5: The Album's Characteristics

Patrick points out the real sense of menace in the album, both lyrically and musically. It's hard to schematize these as pop songs with live drums and a thick bass haze. But if you listen to their other output, you can see how this formation could give way to something more earwormy.Giri Nathan agrees that the album still gives a sui generis feeling 20 years later. You can recognize individual components like doo-wop falsettos and scuzzy bass, but combining them all in the same song is unique. The Menacing Barbershop Quartet on "Ambulance" floored him at first listen.Lauren also talks about how "Ambulance" blew her mind. The a capella rhythm sets it apart, and the vocal melody is heart-breakingly pretty. It's a neat delivery system for something kind of immortal.David mentions that one of the most distinctive things about TV On The Radio is that there is one song that is so horny it is actually a little bit concerning. "Wear You Out" is like that.Patrick concludes that this album is one of the more original records to emerge from New York in the early aughts. It has a clear vision and is steeped in influences that make it age well.

Section 6: The Album's Impact

Giri Nathan feels that these guys were drawing on sturdier traditions like punk and jazz than contemporary acts. He respects their vision and how long it took them to throw their music into the world.David agrees that the album still sounds great and is startled at how new it still sounds. He hopes there are people listening to TV On The Radio now and taking the time to do what they did.