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Dear Science

by TV on the Radio

Released: September 16, 2008

Indie rock, art rock, funk, soul, post-punk

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

"Dear Science" is the third studio album by the band TV on the Radio, released on September 16, 2008. The album was initially released digitally through Touch and Go Records, with the physical release following a week later through Interscope Records and DGC Records in North America, and 4AD elsewhere. The album has been described with various musical influences, including indie rock, art rock, funk, soul, and post-punk.

Inside the Recording

Dear Science was recorded in 2008 at Stay Gold studio in Brooklyn, New York.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The title of the album was inspired by…

The title of the album was inspired by a note written by Dave Sitek, which read: "Dear Science, please start solving problems and curing diseases or shut the fuck up." Although the album was officially scheduled for release on September 22–23, it was available for download on the U.S. iTunes Store starting September 16, 2008.

The vinyl LP also included a free MP3…

The vinyl LP also included a free MP3 download coupon.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

Dancing Choose

In support of the album, TV on the Radio appeared on the February 9, 2009 episode of The Colbert Report, where they performed "Dancing Choose." Additionally, the rock band Phish began covering "Golden Age" in 2009.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

TV on the Radio - Dear Science

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Then

Reception

Dear Science was recorded in 2008 at Stay Gold studio in Brooklyn, New York. In 2009, it was awarded a gold certification from the Independent Music Companies Association, signifying sales of at least 100,000 copies throughout Europe. Dear Science received widespread acclaim from critics and charted internationally.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

As of 2012, the album had sold over 203,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. In 2009, it was awarded a gold certification from the Independent Music Companies Association, signifying sales of at least 100,000 copies throughout Europe.

Dear Science was recorded in 2008 at Stay Gold studio in Brooklyn, New York. The album has been described with various musical influences, including indie rock, art rock, funk, soul, and post-punk. The title of the album was inspired by a note written by Dave Sitek, which read:

"Dear Science, please start solving problems and curing diseases or shut the fuck up."

Although the album was officially scheduled for release on September 22–23, it was available for download on the U.S. iTunes Store starting September 16, 2008. The vinyl LP also included a free MP3 download coupon. Dear Science received widespread acclaim from critics and charted internationally. In support of the album, TV on the Radio appeared on the February 9, 2009 episode of The Colbert Report, where they performed "Dancing Choose." Additionally, the rock band Phish began covering "Golden Age" in 2009.