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With their first album since 2003’s Hail to the Thief, Radiohead are back. And this time the band best known for pioneering new musical sounds have decided to also lead the way in album distribution.
So with a cleverly laid promotional plan that made headlines around the globe, Radiohead’s In Rainbows was released via Internet download only. You simply pay “what you think the album is worth”.
It’s a smart move when you consider that most fans will pay for the download now, then also buy the physical CD when it is released in December (it will include a second disc of new songs).
However, the best news for fans is that the focus on the album’s ‘release’ hasn’t merely been something to mask a weaker musical offering – if anything, this is a marked return to form.
The most refreshing thing for me is the way that Radiohead have expressed themselves through these songs. Rather than being anxious to keep their sound ‘progressing’, this appears to now be a band comfortable with their back catalogue, pick’n’mixing all the elements that they have been developing since 1995’s The Bends.
The result is some absolute gems. Tracks such as 'Nude', 'Weird Fishes/Arpeggi' and' All I Need' simply drip with beauty and emotion... all conveyed through simple drum beats, keys and Thom Yorke’s plaintive vocals. Then ‘Reckoner’ comes along (with echoes of Yorke’s solo album, 'Eraser') and simply reinforces why Radiohead remain so vital today – cymbal led percussion, an understated guitar line, vocal harmonies and a swooping arrangement – as a listener you can’t help but be drawn in completely... just enjoy.
So how much did I pay? Well this is a bit embarrassing. I only paid 50p, and I have been feeling guilty ever since... it’s definitely worth more than that... oh well.
Essential Tracks
Nude
All I Need
Reckoner
House of Cards
Full Track Listing
1. 15 Step (3:57)
2. Bodysnatchers (4:02)
3. Nude (4:15)
4. Weird Fishes/Arpeggi (5:18)
5. All I Need (3:49)
6. Faust Arp (2:10)
7. Reckoner (4:50)
8. House Of Cards (5:28)
9. Jigsaw Falling Into Place (4:09)
10. Videotape (4:40)
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