Return? Why would you ever leave this place?

I really don't remember when, where, or how TV on the Radio crept into my life. In fact, I don't even remember buying the album at all. The only proof I have of this fact is that I'm currently staring at its empty jewel case, as the CD spins in my stereo system for the umpteenth time.

And, fittingly, I could not give less of a damn.

Because I can honestly say, with no twinge of hyperbole, that this album has become part of me.

It's almost a nuisance, in fact. I incessantly buy new music, only to let it sit on my shelf while I decide to return to Cookie Mountain again and again. And each time, I am no less blown away.

In no uncertain terms, this album is perfect. Lead singer Tunde Adebimpe (bonus points for my favorite name ever) sings in with the devastated, naked yelp that lives inside everyone, but rarely comes out. His yin is only matched by lead guitarist and backup vocalist Kyp Malone's emotional banshee wail of a yang; and together they form an unparalleled vocal duo, made crystal clear by the stunningly beautiful "Province" (with added vocal help from David Bowie). Their voices drip with the kind of emotion trained singers dream about. Adebimpe is currently the greatest vocalist in rock.

The vocals are matched by the musical alchemy (wizardry?) of a Mr. David Andrew Sitek. White noise, buzzing sythns, fuzzed-out basslines, horn samples, drum loops, and guitar strings are meshed together to create a dystopian world parallel to, but not too far from, our own. Be warned, you can get lost in here.

And if you somehow find your way out, you'll be scratching and clawing at the door to come back in.