Maximum Balloon Groove Me (Ft. Theophilus London)

It can be so satisfying to see an artist totally step out of his or her "usual" genre and really kick ass in the process. So is the case with the first solo release of TV on the Radio's David Sitek, pumping the dance party jams under the nom de plume Maximum Balloon. His self-titled album perfectly captures the cool-kid indie dance party vibe that makes you want to break out your tightest skinny jeans and groove until they loosen right up, and it does so without the least bit of pretension. Basically, it had me bopping around my bedroom like a fiend and had me all set for a night out on the Lower East Side.

Maximum Balloon is a distinct departure from the crash-heavy layered masterpieces found on TV on the Radio's last album, Dear Science, focusing instead on killer beats and 80s inspired synth. Furthermore, it seriously takes the concept of a of solo record to new places: the album is a collaboration between Sitek's incredible beat-making, song-writing music-production skills, with the voices of some of the stellar artists he's worked with over the years. The list includes Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, David Byrne of Talking Heads fame, and Sitek's own TV on the Radio band mates Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone.

Maximum Balloon works so well  because it sounds like a killer party being thrown by your coolest music-making friends. Sitek's tight relationships with the album's collaborators allows for serious song chemistry -- you can practically see everyone rocking out while recording. While the tracks all maintain an 80s-revival dance party feel, the songs are noticeably distinct from each other. "Breakdown" could be a funked-up TV on the Radio track, whereas "Communion" is a track straight from a disco heaven where Karen O reigns on high. "Apartment Wrestling," featuring David Byrne, warms my New Wave-loving heart, and even has a shout out for dancing in your underwear.

If I'm picking a favorite track, though, I'd have to go with the album's opener, "Groove Me" featuring Theophilus London. It's musically complex and technically impressive, but more importantly, it's a whole lot of fun. Trust me, this will be your pump up jam for the month.