Return To Cookie Mountain
by TV on the Radio
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 247 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 198 out of 247
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 247
  3. Negative: 21 out of 247

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  1. Kristen
    Sep 14, 2006
    10
    I didn't think it possible, but "Desperate Youth" pales in comparison. This album feels fresh, mature and simply smart. I cannot praise it enough.
  2. HeathR
    Sep 14, 2006
    9
    Much better than Desperate Youth, and a good follow up to Young Liars. The sound of the band is similar but they are maturing in ways that bring hope to their future projects. If they can caputer the energy of the album live on stage consider them one of the bands that does deserve the critic hype, and the fan boy hype. TVOTR is the real deal.
  3. Adam
    Sep 14, 2006
    10
    If you F@#K to this album, you'll understand the genius.
  4. SchuylerL
    Sep 12, 2006
    10
    This album blows me away; I'd consider it a strong contender for the year's best album. Both highly original and unquestionably palatable, its a huge step in the right direction from an already solid band.
  5. bibiane
    Sep 12, 2006
    10
    if we can ever fall in love with a record. this is my love at first sight. absolutely perfect. there is nothing that should have been done better. guys... if you ever have the chance see them live. you'll never forget
  6. WillyM
    Sep 11, 2006
    4
    This album is like taking medicine. Maybe it's good for you in some way, but it tastes yucky. Will join "Clap Your Hands....Yeah" in my "Why did I buy this?" pile. Damn critics.
  7. Andy
    Sep 3, 2006
    8
    Took a few repeated listens to fully grasp how good it is. One of my favirotes of the year so far and some of the most original music you'll ever hear.
  8. mikes.
    Aug 23, 2006
    5
    an overrated group to begin with and although they have evolved since their previous effort, this is a novelty band. Yes they sound "different," but this album doesn't have the impact of their previous album because their "uniqueness" is not as fresh as the first time we heard them.
  9. AlexC
    Aug 21, 2006
    9
    As good and original an album as you'll hear all year!
  10. RobertG
    Aug 16, 2006
    10
    This albums impresses me more and more with each listen. It most likely be my favorite album of the year. Track down the song Dry Drunk Emperor as well. Amazing.
  11. ConsequencesForVillainy
    Aug 16, 2006
    5
    Ah, I dunno. Feel bad about this one, 'cause I praise the virtues of a system like metacritic to most I meet. First track is impressive and driving - like Mars Volta with their amp plugs half-way out of their respective inputs - but the rest of it muddles together. Sounds less important and artistic than what I'm reading about. I can appreciate the risk/reward aspect of their Ah, I dunno. Feel bad about this one, 'cause I praise the virtues of a system like metacritic to most I meet. First track is impressive and driving - like Mars Volta with their amp plugs half-way out of their respective inputs - but the rest of it muddles together. Sounds less important and artistic than what I'm reading about. I can appreciate the risk/reward aspect of their work, but it lacks importance.… Expand
  12. JustinM
    Aug 16, 2006
    10
    The best LP of 2006 so far if you ask me. They have perfected what they've been reaching for since Young Liars.
  13. SuperDonkey
    Aug 11, 2006
    8
    Hoped for more. Still an exciting listen. I think I like Desperate Youth a lil more. Cant wait to see them shine on live.
  14. DavidY
    Aug 6, 2006
    10
    TVOTR are easily one of the most original bands in the world, and this record simply proves it even further. If you're looking for something incredibly different, incredibly bold and extremely well made then look no further than this truly brilliant band.
  15. GeorgeEverlasting
    Aug 4, 2006
    9
    Powerful and melodic, this album (and this band) has steam-rolled over me in a ocean of vibrating vocals and harmonies.
  16. JeffH
    Jul 29, 2006
    10
    This album is absolutely stunning! I've never taken the time to rate any album on here or anywhere online before, but I just couldn't help myself with this one. If you're a fan of TVOTR, then you will love it. Even if you're not, this is a good place to start seeing as this is probably their most impressive album to date (next to the Young Liars EP).
  17. [Anonymous]
    Jul 27, 2006
    10
    The best music is always ahead of its rivals. coolest sounding record in years
  18. VitorS
    Jul 26, 2006
    9
    First listen was kinda disappointing, but then.. the most addictive stuff since crack.
  19. Kas
    Jul 26, 2006
    1
    Well, I read the reviews, thought hey WTF I'll try them out, well This band just didnt do it for me, I couldnt get into any of the songs, sounded to me like the instruments were tripping over each other. Take my advice, listen to their stuff before buying, they have a rather unique sound that will most likely put some people off if their not into this particular style.
  20. ryanf
    Jul 26, 2006
    9
    in a word, amazing.
  21. Branislav
    Jul 20, 2006
    10
    excellent
  22. thetourist
    Jul 20, 2006
    9
    A brilliant, uncategorisable album. Best opening track this year, easily.
  23. Systool
    Jul 19, 2006
    8
    An excellent album by TVOTR... Great melodies, voices and arrangements. The Album is heterogenous, hypnotic and dazzling, which makes its strenght. Not easy to get in at first listen, but if you give it a little time, the reward will be great.
  24. brianh
    Jul 18, 2006
    9
    try to listen to this as backround music and there will certainly be at least three times where you are interrupted by epiphanies. Those points in the album where you drop what you doing and say holy s*! they are doing a cover of my favorite song! but it is not a cover, it is just your new favorite song.
  25. Jerry
    Jul 18, 2006
    10
    Stunning. Makes my world manageable and more colorful. Go see them live. Wow!
  26. AdamS
    Jul 16, 2006
    9
    Wonderful album, full of songs just waiting to grow on you. TV on the radio have built majestically on the past sound to deliver an utterly emotional and fufilling album.
  27. Mr.Hankey
    Jul 16, 2006
    9
    I was introduced to TV on the Radio by the famous Young Liars EP which was a piece of art that unfortunately didn't fully transpire to Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes. Young Liars was amazing, Desperate Youth was great but not up to Young Liars standards. Return to Cookie Mountain is definitely a step forward for TV on the Radio which I know many people will disagree with me I was introduced to TV on the Radio by the famous Young Liars EP which was a piece of art that unfortunately didn't fully transpire to Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes. Young Liars was amazing, Desperate Youth was great but not up to Young Liars standards. Return to Cookie Mountain is definitely a step forward for TV on the Radio which I know many people will disagree with me because as I have already seen many people don't like this album. Critics like it because most have them have been introduced to the sublime already. Now you can call this album horrible and I will understand but you probably haven't had an experience with a unusual album. This album is one of the best of the year and most of you will dismiss this album if you did the same with Scott Walker (Bit too weird...) and Destroyer (Best of the year). But this is a triumph for 2006 and I understand any charges that this is unlistenable because the music is atmospheric, driven, somber, and cold. But still TVOTR Fans rejoice you have a new favorite of the year.… Expand
  28. someoa
    Jul 14, 2006
    9
    some awesome tunes on this one!
  29. Chris
    Jul 14, 2006
    3
    Can't get it. The high points are just ok, the lows excruciating. the Bowie backups distracting. EVERY song has the harmonized vocals. Ok, we get it, but do you gotta do it for every song? Gets old!
  30. BenRad
    Jul 14, 2006
    2
    I guess I just don't understand the appeal of TV on the Radio. I need a tune, I need a beat that doesn't make me trip over my own feet. Awful.
  31. TonyF
    Jul 13, 2006
    8
    not as good as their previous stuff, but great none the less. I recommend the first lp over this if you haven't heard them yet.
  32. JamalS.
    Jul 13, 2006
    9
    I'd just like to point out to Max that black people played rock and roll before white people, so, besdies that comment being unnecessary, it was also wrong. TV on the Radio is an excellent band..
  33. CurryF
    Jul 13, 2006
    9
    Beatiful record. Give it a try at least.
  34. Matt
    Jul 13, 2006
    9
    Fantastic. Wasn't a big fan of the last album, thought it was incredibly over-rated, but this is just sublime. All those haters ono here, really not sure what album you've been listening to. Music doesn't come much more joyous and gorgeous than this.
  35. Dusty
    Jul 12, 2006
    9
    Great album from start to finish. Peaks midway through, but goes strong through the end. A worthy follow-up to 2003's Desperate Youth, Bloodthirsty Babes
  36. KrisS
    Jul 12, 2006
    7
    I hate when I fall in love with bands after they have only 1 album, a few songs and are underrated in the music community (how I felt after Young Liars). They had a new sound with Young Liars, but have yet to take a step further with it. With that said, this is a good album, and whether or not you're a fan, you'll enjoy it. Although, like most who've been on board since the I hate when I fall in love with bands after they have only 1 album, a few songs and are underrated in the music community (how I felt after Young Liars). They had a new sound with Young Liars, but have yet to take a step further with it. With that said, this is a good album, and whether or not you're a fan, you'll enjoy it. Although, like most who've been on board since the beginning, we still want and expect more.… Expand
  37. NoahPoppnpopp
    Jul 11, 2006
    10
    This album is insane. I must have listened it a few hundred times. You'd think I would be tired of it by now. You'd be wrong.
  38. lucatoni
    Jul 11, 2006
    8
    good record!
  39. AaronS
    Jul 10, 2006
    1
    I tried, really I did, but this album is just AWFUL. Three for three. One of the most overrated bands of this decade. Dreadful.
  40. HolyReality
    Jul 8, 2006
    4
    the most overrated band out there today. the most overrated album of the year by a longshot.
  41. MaxI
    Jul 8, 2006
    0
    Completely UNFRESH. Black people making music that black people aren't famous for making... oh my that's so novel. Let's make it the cover story of every magazine in the country. OK but the music not there. Every musical idea in this band is completely stale. 10 years late. And the lyrics are cringe-inducing.
  42. giannif
    Jul 8, 2006
    9
    absolutely terrific..... one of the best LP I've ever heard.
  43. GregC
    Jul 7, 2006
    6
    Decent record at best. On par with "Desperate Youth..." but i still find "Young Liars" to be their best. Way too much hype surrounding this release. Bowie doesnt do anything for me here. The New Lows & Bishop Allen...both superior Brooklyn bands.
  44. KevinD
    Jul 6, 2006
    9
    In my opinion, the best album of 2006. One of the best albums of the decade.
  45. AlexK.
    Jul 6, 2006
    9
    TV On The Radio are a challenging band. Like Sigur Ros, they have a style and sound that is completely unique from any other act in the musical universe, and because of this they can be off-putting to most listeners. However, Return to Cookie Mountain pays back generous dividends to the faithful. The sound is both complex and intellectual, but what makes the album a true gem is the TV On The Radio are a challenging band. Like Sigur Ros, they have a style and sound that is completely unique from any other act in the musical universe, and because of this they can be off-putting to most listeners. However, Return to Cookie Mountain pays back generous dividends to the faithful. The sound is both complex and intellectual, but what makes the album a true gem is the blood-red beating heart behind each song. Tracks like "Playhouses" and "Wash the Day Away" engender a swelling of adrenaline found in very few of today's indie acts. TVOTR's melodies are less likely to get stuck in your head than your gut.… Expand
  46. Jared
    Jul 5, 2006
    10
    Granted I've only heard the leaked version but I have to say: JESUS CHRIST. A masterpiece is right
  47. sanfordb
    Jul 5, 2006
    10
    This is an incredible album. TV on the Radio are one of the best bands out there. They sound like no one else, yet somehow, totally accessible. The same can be said of this album.
  48. RogerW
    Jul 5, 2006
    10
    Amazing stuff. Unlike anything else around. Your collection is poorer without it.
  49. HectorH
    Jul 5, 2006
    10
    Every once in awhile, an uncontested stone masterpiece is released on an unsuspecting public...this is one of those times...album of the year!
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Album of 2006
15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2006
59
#59 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. Blender
    80
    On their lush major-label debut, the haunting Peter Gabriel-esque yawlps of singer Tunde Adebimpbe are punctuated by singer-guitarist Kyp Malone, whose raspy falsetto provides a sense of deadpan panic. [Jul 2006, p.103]
  2. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    A warmer, more linear record than their debut... Spellbinding, frustrating, wonderful.
    Read full review
  3. Spin
    80
    Sitek's layered sonics have grown more immense... and almost none of these songs charts a predictable course. [Jun 2006, p.81]
See all critic reviews »