Last time I spoke about Radiohead was in discussing Hail to the Thief, the album that precedes the album I am reviewing today, In Rainbows (2007). I also discussed the first time I remember hearing their music. What I didn’t talk about was their beginnings. The band—Thom Yorke, Colin Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, Phil Selway, and Jonny Greenwood—first formed while in high school in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England in 1985. They were initially known as “On a Friday” (a tribute to their usual rehearsal day then), but at their label’s recommendation they changed it to “Radiohead”, a tribute to a Talking Heads’ song. Their sound was different from that of their peers in Oxfordshire; they never quite fit in to that scene, but EMI liked them and signed them.
With “Creep” their popularity took off in the United States and other countries, though they were not favorably reviewed by the British music press or well-liked by British listeners. The Bends changed their critical reception and also helped them win over listeners in their home country. From that point forward they have been known for releasing fascinating records that continue to evolve from their grungier origins to avant garde artistry while developing a larger and larger fan base through studio and live performances. OK Computer is often considered their best record and one of the best records during the 1990s; in addition to the melodic rock that helped propel The Bends, they incorporated ambient and electronic influences. Kid A and Amnesiac built more on the ambient, electronic and avant garde sounds they explored in OK Computer, with Yorke using more abstract, fragmented lyrics in the songs. Those albums were a lot more minimalist and textured than any of their previous records or songs. Hail to the Thief I have already discussed, which leaves us with today’s blog.
#60 – Radiohead, In Rainbows (Metascore = 88)
In Rainbows is unique in that, unlike most albums released, the band chose to release the album digitally first in order to avoid any song leaks and to give listeners a chance to experience the music all at the same time. Customers could also pay whatever price they wanted for the album. In Rainbows was engineered and produced by Radiohead’s long-time collaborator, Nigel Godrich. They have always been more comfortable working with him despite working with some others to record a few songs. Initially the band began working on this album with engineer/producer Mark Stent (known for working with Björk, Janet Jackson, Madonna, Dave Matthews, etc) after having been on hiatus from 2004 to January 2005, but those sessions were not fruitful and ultimately were scrapped after going on tour the rest of 2005.
There are two older songs on this record: “Nude” and “Reckoner”. “Nude” dates back to the OK Computer era, though its new treatment represents a departure from its original minimalist, electronic style from that period. “Nude” had been played live for years but never released until In Rainbows. “Reckoner” came out during their tour on the Kid A and Amnesiac records, though it is completely different. Both songs fit into the more personal themes featured on In Rainbows.
“15 Step” opens the record with its mix of ambient and electronic music. Lyrically to me it’s about losing focus and trying to get to where you should be. Going forward one step but then going back two. This theme comes in and out of picture during the record. “Bodysnatchers” is my favorite song of the set; it is their rock sound, a melding of rock with the ambient sounds they have been using. The song itself reads like an out-of-body experience; Yorke sounds haunted and forceful. What I love about Radiohead songs is their ability to use dynamics and build songs. “Bodysnatchers” is a great example of this, where the beginning builds to this powerful middle before the bottom drops and they give us this quiet interlude before it swells to its finale.
Several things differentiate this record from Hail to the Thief. Topically Hail to the Thief focused on social and political issues at the forefront of its release—the War on Terror, powerful leaders, etc. In Rainbows focuses on personal issues—fear of the unexpected, out-of-body experiences, love. This record for me is Yorke’s best performance. He sounds peaceful at time, yearning in some songs, and mournful in others. His lyrics are well written and well suited for the music. Musically this album sounds like the band has perfected its blend of rock music with ambient music, avant garde, and electronic music, while retaining the minimalist style. I love the dynamics of songs like “15 Step”, “Bodysnatchers”, “Reckoner”, and “House of Cards”.
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