Radio 4 Albums (4)
'Enemies Like This'
Release Date 5/16/2006
Tracks 10
Label Astralwerks
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Fast forwarding two years after the lukewarm Stealing of a Nation won the hearts of very few, one would think history wouldn't repeat itself with the same mistakes when discussing Radio 4. Perhaps an expansion of musical palettes or a change in direction would bring about the evolution of a band that seemed so promising with 2002's Gotham!. And while there are glimpses of this progression on Enemies Like This, they're all too few and far between to merit this album as anything but stagnant. If She Wants Revenge is the carbon copy sound of Joy Division tailor made for the shopping mall, jet-set, teen-angst crowd, then Radio 4 has certainly earned its rightful place of being the best Clash imitators this side of the 2000s. The most obvious offenses (or homages, depending on which side of the fence you're sitting): "Too Much to Ask For" sounds like a hybrid of everything on London Calling and "As Far as the Eye Can See" is "The Magnificent Seven" if DFA were given the opportunity to remix the tune. Indeed, nearly every single thing about this album is a shout-out to the Clash or Gang of Four, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but why not just listen to the originals instead? ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide
'Stealing of a Nation'
Release Date 8/7/2004
Tracks 13
Label City Slang/Astralwerks
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Straight out of Brooklyn, NY, the sophomore offering from Radio 4 is more of the same, but the same is pretty amazing. The group draws constant comparisons to Gang of Four, Mission of Burma, and the Clash, all of which are merited, but that doesn't change the fact that their mildly derisive sound is pulled off with impeccable taste and well-realized songwriting. In title and subject matter, Gotham! is a tribute to the pre-9/11 New York City -- a celebration of the people and the parties, and the vibe is believably strong throughout. From the jumpy opening of "Our Town" to the record's jittery finale, this trio never lets up on the grooves and wild percussive rhythms that have more than a touch of world music in them. Adding to the magic this time around is the amazing production of Tim Goldsworthy and James Murphy, whose past work with Trans Am and U.N.K.L.E. gives a good hint at their capabilities. Half dance party, half political rally, Gotham! is a rock record for a new era. Radio 4 may have their heads in the past, but the music is still decidedly forward-thinking and it puts the group at the top of their class in the rebirth of rock. ~ Peter J. D'Angelo, All Music Guide
'The New Song and Dance'
Release Date 5/8/2000
Tracks 11
Label Gern Blandsten
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The members of Radio 4 miss the Clash, but they are doing something about it, and they've added a nice dose of nostalgic '80s rock to the mix to make things even more appealing. Featuring former members of Long Island stalwarts Garden Variety and Sleepasaurus, The New Song and Dance is a rock record with punk roots, and with a bit of a slowed-down pace compared to the member's old projects, the extra space allows for some noticeably more melodic moments and fittingly complicated songwriting. Tracks like "(No More Room For) Communication" and "Beat Around the Bush" take memorable grooves and fine lyrical work and form rhythm-based tracks that are equally enjoyable no matter what aspect listeners are paying attention to. There are bits of keyboard and some creative extra percussion work that elevate a number of the tracks from straightforward to downright impressive. The music definitely takes a great deal from old influences, but the style allows for it, and the powerful vocals of Anthony Roman give an extra bit of immediacy to the 11-song disc. Radio 4 really have a unique sound for their time, and even if it is culled from another era, The New Song and Dance sounds up-to-date and forward-thinking at all times. ~ Peter J. D'Angelo, All Music Guide
