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Maximum Balloon
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Maximum Balloon Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12 Ratings

  • Summary: The latest project for TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek features such guests as Karen O, David Byrne, Kyp Malone, and Theophilus London.
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If You Return
You're standin' in the sun With bow and arrow, you struck a pose You hide then you run Catchin' your eye, we then dove I saw your desire The... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Drowned In Sound
    80
    Maximum Balloon really about a great producer/songwriter exhibiting his considerable talents free from the pressure and expectation of his day job.
  2. Uncut
    80
    Maximum Balloon isn't intended to carry the emotional and cultural weight of a TV On The Radio release, but it's a charming diversion that bodes well for Dear Science's follow-up, not to mention whichever artist is smart enough to hire Sitek as their producer next. [Sep 2010, p.98]
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  3. Urb
    80
    At the end of the day Maximum Balloon is not a great departure from the TV on the Radio sound. And it's hard to say that's a bad thing.
  4. Spin
    70
    On this solo-ish debut, though, he gives that funk factor full reign, recruiting pals Karen O and David Byrne to sing over synthed-up disco-rock that's brighter and bouncier than his main band's anxious throb. Maximum Balloon deflates when Sitek switches into avant-cabaret mode.
  5. PopMatters
    Dec 13, 2010
    70
    Maximum Balloon, obviously, is not your typical TVOTR tour de force. But it doesn't aspire to be. What it simply seeks is to make your ass shake.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    It feels like Maximum Balloon is a project that could inflate infinitely. Let's hope it does.
  7. Q Magazine
    60
    You would not have predicted, however, he'd settle for an album of songs that sound like leftovers from the Dear Science sessions. [Sep 2010, p.116]
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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. hypnowheel
    Sep 22, 2010
    10
    This is a great album with lots of pop - meaning it really grooves and makes you smile. It sounds maybe 65% TV on the Radio, with the restThis is a great album with lots of pop - meaning it really grooves and makes you smile. It sounds maybe 65% TV on the Radio, with the rest filled out with other cool and interesting sounds. Faves are Groove Me and Tiger - but I guess that's because they sound the most like jammin' TV on the Radio tracks. What a pleasant surprise (as I hadn't heard about this until a week before its release).… Expand
  2. thehert
    Sep 26, 2010
    9
    I think this is a great album. Its easy to listen to and enjoy, and there's lots of great guest appearences on tracks. Although I find theI think this is a great album. Its easy to listen to and enjoy, and there's lots of great guest appearences on tracks. Although I find the album is a tad predictable and there is not much variety when it comes to songs. Solid debut for Sitek though.… Expand
  4. aserv
    Sep 22, 2010
    7
    Whereas TV on the Radio takes a few listens to truly appreciate its intricacy and uniqueness, Maximum Balloon delivers as a superficial,Whereas TV on the Radio takes a few listens to truly appreciate its intricacy and uniqueness, Maximum Balloon delivers as a superficial, upbeat catch that is extremely listenable from the start. The songs on this record are perfect for those who want something great and something fast. My only fear about this record is that it will lose its charm overtime and eventually just be another record in the stack. This album is very apparent that it is a derivative of TV on the Radio with the addition of some really catchy synth riffs and hooks. Instead of being a solo project, it seems as though this album would be more appropriately titled as a b-side/leftover/remix album from the Dear Science sessions. I would however recommend this album because of its accessibility and charm. It's a better listen than 90% of the crap out there even with what it lacks in its simple lyrics and neglected intricacy. It takes the intellectual Science out of TV on the Radio and substitutes it with a fun but meaningless art seminar.… Expand
  5. Pipinowns
    Nov 30, 2010
    6
    Basic and fun hip hop, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, except for a few notable tracks (such as "Absence of Light" andBasic and fun hip hop, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, except for a few notable tracks (such as "Absence of Light" and "Communion") , the album isn't too special. But basic and fun hip hop is always better than bad hip hop.… Expand

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