I'll always be partial to "The Bends," and there are moments in my life where "Kid A" is the perfect tonic, but pound for pound, "In Rainbows" might be the best Radiohead album. And that it came out the way it did only cements that status. Great read, and a great reminder that I'm overdue for another listen to this album!
Fantastic article Matt. Radiohead is my 19-yr old son's fave band (there are plenty like him) and while we often talk about In Rainbows, we have never yet discussed HOW it was released. I had kind of forgotten that this was revolutionary at the time. Thanks for nailing that aspect, bringing it back to the fore - and talking about how the music had to live up to the hype that was created out of the anti-hype, and how it did so. Cheers!
Michael, wow, thanks for sharing those terrific stories and the discog ranking! I think their creative risk-taking has always been part of Thom and Jonny's appeal as artists. The latter's film scores are yet another layer in that narrative. Also, positioning AMSP as Thom's "Blood on the Tracks" is a great call, makes more and more sense the longer I consider the similarities. Always a pleasure, thanks for reading!!
PS: Make sure you carve out time for that second Smile record--I thought it was even better than the first.
In Rainbows discs 1 & 2 are the top of heap. I love Hail to the Thief, Kid A, Amnesiac, OK Computer but i hopelessly love IR.
I'm basically in the same zone as you. OK Computer is a close second for me, Kid A would be third in my Radiohead album rankings. Thanks for reading!
I'll always be partial to "The Bends," and there are moments in my life where "Kid A" is the perfect tonic, but pound for pound, "In Rainbows" might be the best Radiohead album. And that it came out the way it did only cements that status. Great read, and a great reminder that I'm overdue for another listen to this album!
Thanks for reading Matt :) great Matts think alike RE: where this one ranks in the band's catalog.
Fantastic article Matt. Radiohead is my 19-yr old son's fave band (there are plenty like him) and while we often talk about In Rainbows, we have never yet discussed HOW it was released. I had kind of forgotten that this was revolutionary at the time. Thanks for nailing that aspect, bringing it back to the fore - and talking about how the music had to live up to the hype that was created out of the anti-hype, and how it did so. Cheers!
Michael, wow, thanks for sharing those terrific stories and the discog ranking! I think their creative risk-taking has always been part of Thom and Jonny's appeal as artists. The latter's film scores are yet another layer in that narrative. Also, positioning AMSP as Thom's "Blood on the Tracks" is a great call, makes more and more sense the longer I consider the similarities. Always a pleasure, thanks for reading!!
PS: Make sure you carve out time for that second Smile record--I thought it was even better than the first.
I second Matt’s assessment: Wall of Eyes >. A Light for Attracting Attention. Happy listening!