Title TK | ||||
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Studio album by The Breeders | ||||
Released | May 10, 2002 (Japan) May 20 and 21, 2002 (worldwide) |
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Recorded | 1999–2001 | |||
Studio | Electrical Audio in Chicago and Grandmaster Recording Ltd. in Hollywood | |||
Genre | Alternative rock | |||
Length | 37:55 | |||
Label | 4AD, Elektra Records | |||
The Breeders chronology | ||||
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Singles from Title TK | ||||
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Professional ratings | |
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Aggregate scores | |
Source | Rating |
Metacritic | 71/100 |
Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | |
Christgau's Consumer Guide | A− |
Encyclopedia of Popular Music | |
The Guardian | |
NME | 8/10 |
Pitchfork Media | 7.4/10 |
Rolling Stone | |
The Rolling Stone Album Guide | |
Spin |
Title TK is the third studio album by American alternative rock band the Breeders, released on May 20 and 21, 2002 by 4AD in the United Kingdom and Elektra Records in the United States, and on May 10 by P-Vine Records in Japan. The album—whose name means "title to come" in journalistic shorthand—generated three singles: "Off You", "Huffer", and "Son of Three". Title TK reached the top 100 in France, Germany, the UK, and Australia, and number 130 in the US.
Following multiple changes in personnel after the release of Last Splash (1993), singer and songwriter Kim Deal was the only remaining constant member of the Breeders by 1996. The next year, she returned to the studio in an attempt to record a follow-up album, but her behavior—including drug use and demanding expectations—alienated many of the musicians and engineers with whom she worked.
In 1999, joined by her sister Kelley, Deal began recording sessions with engineer Steve Albini in Chicago. Fear members Mando Lopez and Richard Presley, and musician Jose Medeles, joined the line-up. The group continued recording with Albini in 2001. Title TK was compiled from the output of these sessions and supplemented with two tracks recorded in Los Angeles with engineers Andrew Alekel and Mark Arnold. Of the twelve songs on the album, ten are credited solely to Kim Deal; the other two were written by all five band members.
Commentary on the album has included discussion of its minimal instrumentation and the interjection of unexpected sounds. Reviewers have described the lyrics on the songs as unconventional and dark, and noted the prominence of vocal harmonies between the Deal sisters. The reception of Title TK has been generally positive; appraisal has included commendation for Albini's contributions to the sound of the album, and for how the recordings isolate individual instruments.