Radiohead: In Rainbows

It's been four years since "Hail to the Thief" saw the light of day. A lot was expected from "In Rainbows" and I feel that even more has been delivered. All those who like the electronic chaos of bleeps and bloops are out to lunch, because Radiohead's seventh album is their most melodic, leanest release yet. So if you like the band’s guitar you should jump right in because there is a lot to be had with "In Rainbows".

Ten tracks present here take you on a wild ride forming extremely solid and complete album Thom Yorke and Co. released since "OK Computer". "In Rainbows" grows on its listener in gigantic leaps, as usually, it isn't something you will be madly in love about from the very first spin, but come back to me in a day or two of listening and I bet your opinion will change.

One thing I always respected about the band is how they shred and burn whatever they built with their previous release and try to build something new, not stressing about remaining within those imaginary constraints a lot of the group's fans try to wrap around them. I was sleepless trying to think of what is it we are in for this time around and, in all honesty, R&B was just about the last item on my expectations list. I haven't quite formed a solid opinion on this aspect of "In Rainbows", but it was very surprising none less.

The start has been slow for me. And I don't mean this literally because both "15 Step" and "Bodysnatchers" are as heavy as we've heard it from Radiohead. But they failed to captivate me fully, but provided a nice bridge that had me dive straight into the heart and soul of the CD.

The opening track has somewhat of a funky theme to it I feel. Cheering children’s choir toward the end of this composition provides a needed by now emotional punch and the singer rides the beat perfectly.

Hardcore fans should be familiar with "Nude" - third track of the album. It is nothing other than a long awaited "Big Ideas (Don't Get Any)" that a lot of us have been dreaming about for how many years now? It's finally out officially and it shines throughout the entire package, separating itself from the rest rather clearly in my opinion. Legendary song on a legendary album?

"Weird Fishes/Arpeggi" is a perfect composition to build up anticipation. More "polite and shy" than its meaner sister "2+2=5" it feels lush and I feel that panic is more controlled here. The momentum is built gradually from this track's beginning and it explodes toward its end. Ready for more?

"All I Need" is all I need to say that "In Rainbows" is yet another masterpiece from Thom. This song to me is the heart and soul of this album, it is its bread and beans. And understand this: this is a love song! It excels with its creepiness, it is so sincere that it becomes very depressing and dark toward the end. I spent some time listening to "All I Need" over and over until it finally hit me - the narrator does not feel that the other person is all he needs! Don't know why but it took me awhile to figure this one out. This is a wonderful track to hear performed live. I'd probably wet my pants if i was in Chicago last year when it premiered.

"Faust Arp" is my favourite song of the album. This is a non stop train of thought that is thrown at the listener. Can't remember when Radiohead recorded their last acoustic track, but here we go again "Faust Arp" is one of their best! One of the most difficult songs to understand, I think "Faust Arp" is about humans always striving for money, power and knowledge. Maybe they should stop and think about their soul being put on the line to achieve the above. Again, very difficult lyrics to comprehend, but this is my best translation of it. Definitely has something to do with Christian mythology. You can tell from the name easily.

Another strong composition is immediately following. "Reckoner" (not the other Reckoner!) is nasty! However, it calms down promptly and then makes any Radiohead fan feel right at home. This song is utilizing strings as is the entire middle of this album.

Fans of "Kid A" will love "House of Cards". Centered around guitar and carrier the exact same ambient and "watery" atmosphere. Very melodic, this track does not have the sharpness I personally prefer in Radiohead's music, but it's solid enough to prepare you for a jump into the finishing stretch.

You could already see the end from here, but "Jigsaw Falling Into Place" makes your remaining time worthwhile. Another hard composition, featuring groovy and drumming style that is seen in flashes throughout this album. I think that gives it the complete feel it certainly has attached to itself. "Jigsaw..." might be the one hit we'll see floating around the various radio stations as it's one of the easiest to get into for a casual fan.

If you made it all the way to "Videotape" you will be rewarded with sparse emptiness! Yes, finally "OKC" junkies will find themselves at home you think? Not so fast though, some drums were added to this track making it by far the most controversial piece on the album. I'd personally go with a plain piano instead, but it does provide some unexpected twist. Still, a perfect way to close the album out.

Favourite tracks: "Faust Arp", "All I Need", "Nude".

Posted by P1x44r on 13/10/2007 13:18 View Comments Comments (1)