In typical Radiohead fashion, that band you either “don’t get” or think invented music dropped another album — The King of Limbs — late last week with nothing more than a few days heads up. The bad news is this time you have to pay for it ($9 for the full album download), but the good news is it’s pretty great. You can count me in the latter camp above (though I did spend a good 19 odd years ignoring the hype), so I’m bound to at least check out anything they do.
That said, after several listens this one is really growing on me. It’s a much slower, more textured album than the last few releases, so if you’re looking for any rockers a la “Bodysnatchers” or “2+2=5″, you’ll probably be disappointed. However, if you’re in the mood for something a little more atmospheric and subtle, this album will definitely not disappoint. Even if you’re a staunch Radiohead hater, be sure to check out “Codex” — between the piano, that subtle bass drum, and the horns that come in, you can’t help but show at least a little appreciation for their craft. Favorite tracks from the new one above.
Also, I’m curious, what’s Team Slayer’s opinion on Radiohead? I know I always found them a little intimidating to jump into. JB, I think you’ll enjoy this one — lots of beats.
I can’t listen to the new Radiohead until P4K has posted whether I should just love the record or sacrifice small children in its honor. Seriously, though, I think that RH is a great band. I think it’s fair to say, however, that often times their music gets elevated based on the group’s reputation. Plus, would it kill Thom to write an uplifting ditty every once in a while? Every time I listen, I be like dang, lighten up.
Haha, I definitely agree. This album is by no means mind blowing (or as I’ve read elsewhere, a Kid A 2.0), but it’s enjoyable if you’re in the mood. Like I said, I’m in all-out studio mode atm, so perhaps it just hit me at the right time. Though I must say, I’ve been bouncing back and forth between it and Rock N Roll by Ryan Adams, so I guess I’m subconsciously wishing it was a little more upbeat as well.
I have actually just been getting into RH a lot lately. I had listened to In Rainbows (10ish times through) last year but recently has been my first true phase into all of their stuff. I had no idea they were coming out with anything new, but let’s just say I’m pretty excited to see what they have to offer with this one. If you say it’s rockin’ the atmospheric sound then I have high hopes.
I believe that was the first Team Slayer reference, so i feel entitled to respond. I feel the same way about them being intimidating. I have to be in a very specific mood for them, a mood only they fit…. giving them there own specific mood? But im not a huge fan, they are kinda depressing. And since 90% of the music i listen to is in studio, which is already depressing, i just cant do it. Not to say ive given up on them, because ive been wrong before….
Glad to hear you’re getting into Radiohead JB. I agree with Scott that their reputation may be a little too overblown at this point, but they’ve definitely put out some incredible stuff.
Oh hey David…
Lets just put the past behind and move on, i’ve learned the err of my ways, unpleasantly. Also with the lack of phone my communication abilities went down, so looks like its skype and slaytracks for now.
Seriously though David, you should give OK Computer a listen. I think you could get into that one.
I actually think The Bends is the best Radiohead gateway, an astonishingly underrated (by least by this band’s standards) album, and definitely their most upbeat / straight ahead rock effort to date. Miles better than Pablo Honey, but still featuring that part Brit-pop, part grunge sound (see: Creep) that first brought Thom and company into the limelight. Just my two cents.
Ya that might be better in general. Though I think David has had enough exposure to semi-experimental music that Ok Computer might be slightly more interesting than the straight-up pop hooks of The Bends. Either is a good first option. For me it was their live album I Might Be Wrong, that really got me into them. Every track on there kicks the pants off the album version.
Ok listened to them both. The bends was definitely an easier listen, but ok computer had the better tracks. Im still not totally sold on them yet, maybe ill listen to some more. Also, does anyone else think of Seth Green when listening to them? I saw the singer a long time ago and now i just picture Seth Green singing to me. Maybe this is part of the problem…
Also also, a girl played a solid 2 hours of 90s music last night, ALL of which were on your guy’s mix. No TLC or Ricky Martin to be heard.
You need to become single and make this girl yours.
Ha, ya I suppose him and Seth Green look similar. That’s definitely the problem. If you have the live album, give that a listen or two. The tracks are a little more raw and rocking in the style of The Bends, but also do an excellent job of mixing in the experimentation they’re known for. The live versions of “The National Anthem”, “I Might Be Wrong”, and “Idioteque” are particularly great (not to mention the only released version of the gorgeous “True Love Waits” at the end).
Of course they were. Scott and I own the 90’s.
Really enjoying the live album, the messy garage bandy sound is epic. U guys gotta get ur recommendations straight if ur gonna hit it big in the blog scene. Idioteque was awesome.
With a band like Radiohead, their catalog is so deep and expansive in terms of sound that it’s tough to judge what people will be drawn to. Other than the last few albums (which I think I have slowly been settling into a “sound”), I think they’re one of the few bands that have been able to (successfully) reinvent themselves from album to album. That and we got you into something by them didn’t we? I’d call that a success.