RAINBOWS_HEAD
So, about the music…
As Radiohead albums have gone in recent years, it usually takes several listens to figure out what to make of a new release. There is a distinct difference with ‘In Rainbows’. The band, as an entity, has given up having a stylistic direction. The product? It’s the best record I haven’t given my blessing to (yet).
Clearly, Yorke and Greenwood put their stamp on all material the band releases. However, this time, Thom and Johnny seem to dominate with a force that really makes ‘In Rainbows’ sound kinda like dueling solo efforts issued in one package. Still, this is a Radiohead record, held together by Thom’s voice and lyrics which take a much more straight-forward route at times, but retain a standard sardonic quality overall. In his own words, “It’s about that anonymous fear thing, sitting in traffic, thinking, ‘I’m sure I’m supposed to be doing something else’… it’s similar to OK Computer in a way. It’s much more terrifying.” I think this theme has been pretty consistent over the years, don’t you Thom? No, no, I really do like the lyrics (what I can make out, at least???).
Musically, a sparse arrangement which drapes over much of the soundscape is common for the band but works differently here. The band seems less electronic overall and less rock than ever before - if that’s possible? Bass guitar, what? My logic tells me to like it but my senses are let down a bit by this. Yorke’s melodies seem reworked occasionally as well, which is kinda’ makes me feel - let down. Nevertheless, their sounds are ALL interesting throughout. The band seems to have also incorporated some new tempos and feels (Selway has some good new beats) which really make for truly unique Radiohead listening experience.
The songs:
‘All I Need’ is a masterpiece. Hear that? MASTERPIECE. My other fav’s include ‘House of Cards’, ‘Weird Fish/Arpeggi’ and the poppy one, ‘Reckoner’. If they had songs on the radio, this one would be playing. I do believe ‘15 Step’ will grow more on me, but after Kid A/Amnesiac/Eraser, I could be over that sound. ‘Nude’ is a meandering, ethereal tune - vague as a song, but pleasurable to listen to (particularly the string arrangement at the end). Faust Arp is the song one of my co-workers was raving to me about earlier today which I also like. As a stand alone piece, I’d really like it more, but as another song with a meandering feel on this particular album, I don’t know if it fits here. The other songs lack any real life to me. 7 out of 10 impressionable songs - not bad at all.
Overall, ‘In Rainbows’ is both more accessible and more illusive. I found myself looking to hold on to much of the material but lunging at air sometimes. Many of these songs have been around for years as works in progress. I’m not convinced some of these tunes really graduated beyond the “in progress” status either.
I’m sure everyone can recall the days when Radiohead was oozing so much new material, they were issuing EPs left and right. Nowadays, I have to ask whether the time apart and the pressure to out-do themselves has drained them of their natural love for making music together. A short album like this containing virtually all touring songs, some from 6 years ago makes this offering feel more like an EP than an album. This my friends, is probably my major gripe against ‘In Rainbows.’
I know, I know, I’m going to get slammed by the faithful followers and called a traitor because I am questioning the unquestionable demi-gods of art rock. Really, I feel guilty - I consider myself one of you. Still, I have to call it like I see it. The bar is set high for Radiohead, maybe too high? Everyone has a reputation they are judged by though.
One thing is for certain. I may not be raving about my love for this record now but every Radiohead album gets better with time. I just hope we can get to the point where this album is revered more for the music than the fact fans could download it for whatever they wanted to.
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I think I feel exactly the opposite. What you’re describing here is what I felt for Hail To The Thief. I would never consider you a traitor Court but I do recommend listening to In Rainbows with good headphones.
I second what Frazer said. Also give the 01 and 10 thing a shot. If you have an iPod, which I know you do, there’s really no excuse not to
And congratulations on your first post! Welcome to the team, Court, officially. No keep ‘em coming.
Thanks for the welcome. I felt that way about Hail to the Thief as well, which is why this review was less than stellar. As a complimentary piece though, that changes the game. It sounded like it was missing something as a stand alone piece - like an EP. If these songs are meant to correspond to OK Computer, suddenly, I have to issue an apology to Radiohead. Thats butter. Genius butter.
i think i feel the same way court does about this record, altho maybe for diffrent reasons. for me it fluctuates between pretty/interesting and quiet/boring. all the quiet guitar strumming, i wish there was more noise and weirdness. i should probably acknowledge that i’m not a hardcore radiohead fan really, i have most of their albums and owned pablo honey on cassette however. also i really liked hail to the theef. if nothing else this record reminded me how much i liked that one, except for “myxamatosis” which i found kinda annoying cuz of the weird time signature. anyway