Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
by TV on the Radio
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. PopMatters
    60
    Despite the album's general inertia, it contains some impressive individual songs.
  2. Q Magazine
    60
    It's Prince, it's Eno, it's PiL, it's The Coasters and all at once. At times, that jars. At others... it's as exhilarating as a kiss. [Jul 2004, p.124]
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  3. Trouser Press
    60
    Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes is diverting, short (47 minutes), atmospheric and contains exactly one truly memorable song.
  5. Alternative Press
    50
    Unfortunately, many of the tunes wear out their welcome, overextending a single inspired idea. [Apr 2004, p.88]
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Awards & Rankings

84
#84 Best Album of 2004
93
#93 Most Discussed Album of 2004
96
#96 Most Shared Album of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 53 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 53
  3. Negative: 3 out of 53
  1. jfred7
    Apr 28, 2011
    7
    TV On The Radio has a very distinct sound, and they really nail it on several songs. However, the album as a whole drags toward the end, withTV On The Radio has a very distinct sound, and they really nail it on several songs. However, the album as a whole drags toward the end, with some of the songs relying too heavily on the band's distinctive aesthetic and going on too long for their own good. The quality and uniqueness of the overall sound is too great for this to be anything but a good album, but it's doesn't quite make it beyond good.… Full Review »
  2. Vampire25
    Mar 27, 2011
    8
    Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes may not be TV On The Radio's best work to date, but it is nevertheless a great album. Every track soundsDesperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes may not be TV On The Radio's best work to date, but it is nevertheless a great album. Every track sounds more and more different from the previous track. It mixes electronic with Doo-Wop Punk Jazz Fusion. "Staring At The Sun" is the stand out track on this record. It's a brilliant song. All In All, Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes is a great album. B+… Full Review »
  3. fakename
    Sep 11, 2006
    3
    I have a name for this: Critic Rock. Sketchy, unapproachable singing that that removes any hope of tunefuleness layered over aimless noodling I have a name for this: Critic Rock. Sketchy, unapproachable singing that that removes any hope of tunefuleness layered over aimless noodling and very little rhythmic interest. Less interesting than another insufferable crit-rock band: Yo La Tengo. This is an exemplar of Metacritic's one weakness: crit-rock will always score well.… Full Review »
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