Radiohead - In Rainbows
|
List Price: Our Price: $7.58 You Save: $6.40 (46%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $6.62 (click here) Category: Music CD See more new music releases 
|
|---|
Buy this Music CD at online store in your country
Canadian Music Store
Canadian Music Store
Free Music Notes for In Rainbows
Free Music Review: The best of all worlds
Hit: 5 Stars
I am ashamed to say that I didn't give Radiohead's masterwork In Rainbows much of a chance on first release as I had been previously let down by the not-so-inspired Hail to the Thief back in 2005. But let me tell you this straight up... even if In Rainbows doesn't do much for you on first listen, on the third or fourth it will hit you like a ton of weird fishes. This is without apology the band's greatest achievement to date (which is saying a lot I know)... but seriously, this album is like taking the best elements of everything in their illustrious career, chewing them up, and then spitting them out in one big "rainbow" of colours.
Let's start with the lyrics and vocals by Mr. Yorke. Of all comparisons, I am happy to state that this shares most in common with 1995's The Bends in that Yorke is writing about personal themes again, maybe even more personal than on that landmark recording. Songs like Nude, House of Cards, and All I Need sound like he's singing directly to someone, expressing intimate feelings of loneliness, shame, and love. These were elements that were either fragmented or completely missing from albums like Kid A and Amnesiac. However, the experimentation of those equally great recordings still remains an integral part of Radiohead's arsenal of talent. Jonny Greenwood brings in string arrangements, trippy beats, and that haunting ondes Martenot he has mastered so well over the years. Meanwhile, it is apparent the rest of the band has had an equal part in the genesis of the songs just as they did in 1997's critical darling, OK Computer. Special emphasis must be given to Ed O'Brien's background vocals which have become a huge part of the band's live performance and are quite lovely in contrast to Thom. Phil and Colin continue to be the steady backbeat to the most adventurous rock band since Pink Floyd and they do so gracefully, without trying to steal the show.
And that just might be the greatest compliment I can give to In Rainbows. Every member of Radiohead is talented enough to flaunt their gifts like most rock bands on radio tend to do. But instead, Yorke and company practice the gift of restraint and focus on the needs of the song. Limiting the cd to 10 tracks is proof of this discipline and it pays off more than can be imagined. After the 43 minutes are over, it leaves you wanting more and more....
Free Music Review: In Rainbows is a Capstone to a Glorious Career
Hit: 5 Stars
Why does it seem that the serious artist that will be remembered far beyond their death were fairly miserable and penniless in the end? Is it the artist mentality? Is it the lack of commercialism? Is the disconnectedness from the everyday mundane world that sets them apart? Whatever it is, Radiohead has that quality. I highly expect them to die a penniless and love-less death, like Mozart, like Dali, like Bosquiat, like Miles Davis...need I go on? I highly suspect this is Thomas Yorke's lot in life. Just because he and his band of Radiohead's are so far head and antlers above the rest in musicality and inventiveness. Yep, they are heading for an early and tragic end. Just watch and wait, and you too will be entertained.
"In Rainbows," is yet another genius work. Let me tell you where I'm coming from. I was a very very reluctant Radiohead fan. I started with OK Computer when it came out and approached it with the attitude of, "What's the hype?" I listened to it along with my wife in a drive along the beaches of Normandy in France. I wasn't sold. I kept buying Radiohead albums and wasn't converted until let's say Kid A. I, all the sudden, started seeing them as more than modern day Pink Floyd rip-offs and realized the musical worthiness was here to stay. Yes, Thomas Yorke was indeed a musical prodigy.
With "In Rainbows," Radiohead only steps it up a notch with the bar they set for all others to try to reach. Not only did they revolutionize the music distribution industry with their unique approach to "pay what you feel the work deserves" approach to album release but they again created something a cut above. They are indeed musical geniuses.
It's a solid mellow listen all the way through. From the opening track of "15 step," with its electronic other-worldness and it's danger mouse-like beats to the rocking "Bodysnatchers," Radiohead has a little something to meet all tastes.
If you want to get on the bandwagon for a band that will be talked about in the same breath as the Beetles, Stones, and Floyd, then get Radiohead's "In Rainbows." If you want to miss the train, then certainly go pick up Madonna's latest, Brittney Spears or Kylie Minogue's latest hits. Don't miss out on these sublime Brit's. You won't be sorry. ...mmw
Free Music Review: Radiohead does it again
Hit: 5 Stars
I don't think anyone would debate that Radiohead has been on the cutting edge since 1995, but I don't think anyone was expecting this album's unconventional method of release. I'm talking about is the famous "name-your-price" download sales method they chose. That is cutting-edge. This way, the record companies can't screw us over. I was disappointed that they stopped the online download in mid-December, but hey. You can't have it all. Anyway, the music itself also received a lot of critical acclaim, and I see why - as a first, it's their most accessible, energetic effort since The Bends, and it's a fantastic set of songs too. My favorite song is "Reckoner". Thom Yorke's vocals are quirky, haunting, "sixth-instrument" type, the harmonies are gorgeous; the beats are complex and danceable; and I love the orchestrated section. Another highlight is the atmospheric "Nude", a piano-based ballad which serves as a sequel-in-spirit to "Pyramid Song"; Phil Selway stands out on the energetic "15 Step"; "Weird Fish/Arpeggi" delivers beautiful guitar parts; the love song "House of Cards" has mellow Stax-Volt riffs and vocals that channel Al Green - it's almost soul music, if you exclude that warm, comforting wall of orchestral effects; the quiet folk-rocker "Jigsaw Falling into Place" books along pleasantly, adding just a dash of country; "Videotape" actually has a hopeful, minimalist melody. I'm not so sure about a couple songs - "Bodysnatchers" is too fast-paced to attain the eeriness the synthesizers try to convey, and I don't like how those synthesizers clash so badly with the heavy guitars; "Faust ARP", while too brief and quiet to really get on my nerves, does have cloyingly repetitive lyrics. And while "All I Need" starts off nice enough, I'm not a very big fan of the last two minutes, when all these layers of noise are coming at you. But it's got Radiohead successfully branching into previously unexplored territory, and the melodies, lyrics, and arrangements are brilliant as they always are, so my small complaints really are meaningless. Besides, I even like parts of "Bodysnatchers", before they those synthesizer parts enter. In Rainbows is excellent even for Radiohead, a group with high standards. Best album of 2007.Free Music Review: The joy of Radiohead
Hit: 5 Stars
Radiohead
In Rainbows; 2007
Self-Released
My Rating: 100/100
The Bible tells us that the rainbow is the sign of God's promise to never smite the earth with a world-wide flood again, a sign of perpetual joy and a hopeful tomorrow to all of mankind. With this, Radiohead became the type of band that one needs to thank God for in their prayers every night. While there aren't many signs of outright optimism in Radiohead's music, this is the record where the Oxford five re-discovered the joy of making music, something they may not have had since before "Creep." When I speak of joy, I'm not referring to sunny feelings and corny sing-a-longs NECESSARILY (gotta give a shout out to the Wilco boyz here); it's more like a freedom of creativity, being unshackled from the past, hopeful about what tomorrow may bring. For this reason, IN RAINBOWS is a joyful and HIGHLY ENJOYABLE record. The band sounds at ease with the songs, which gives them an extra dimension (warmth?) that HAIL TO THIEF lacked, and it's really delightful to hear what they did with old tracks "Nude" and "Reckoner." "15 Step" is the band's most energizing opener since "Airbag" (all due respect to "Everything In Its Right Place", which is more transporting than energizing), and with "Videotape", the band comes close to channeling the same dark muse that haunted "Street Spirit." Elsewhere, "All I Need" and "House of Cards" are big highlights, and the album as a whole has that seamless flow that is crucial to a perfect record. United in concept, monumental in consequence (there's plenty to read about this elsewhere), holding together like a classic record should, IN RAINBOWS is the type of album that makes it great to be alive. (Weird, huh?)
Cohesion (5/5)
Concept (5/5)
Consequence (5/5)
Consistency (5/5)
Tracks:
1. 15 Step (5/5)
2. Bodysnatchers (5/5)
3. Nude (5/5)
4. Arpeggi (Weird Fishes) (5/5)
5. All I Need (5/5)
6. Faust Arp (5/5)
7. Reckoner (5/5)
8. House of Cards (5/5)
9. Jigsaw Falling into Place (5/5)
10. Videotape (5/5)
Free Music Review: Good, good stuff.
Hit: 5 Stars
Let me say that on one hand this is just good old Radiohead, and on the other it's just good old Radiohead. Nothing particularly groundbreaking or overly new for the band but it's presented in an epic manner. This sounds like a very careful album. Something they planned and laid out well in advanced. The clean production allows you to hear every instrument and track independently. Definitive digital without any lose of spaceyness or art.
"15 Step" is a good opener that gets your groove on and includes a nominal nod towards Floyd circa Ummagumma.
"Bodysnatchers" is as close as the band has come to sounding U2ish through the vocals and Jonny's echoing/fuzz guitar work.
"Nude" gives Thom a chance to display some emotionally driven vocals. BTW, I can't remember the last time I heard him, or anyone else, so clear sounding. Excellent, excellent recording.
These songs lead into a series of beautifully crafted pieces. "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi" is one of the albums highlights as is "Reckoner".
Love the piano on "All I Need" and "Faust Arp" could easily be on The Beatles White Album. "House Of cards" epitomizes the Southern California/ Grateful Dead sounds that are spread over the album and mixes it with some Floydish keys and guitar work, trippy hippy things are happening here.
"Jigsaw Falling Into Place" is probably the most upbeat piece where they closest to rockin'. Nice acoustic guitars that slide into a boppin' tune.
The only disappointment is the last song, "Videotape". Kinda sounds like filler guys.
Don't take it wrong that all these influences and borrowed sounds detract anything from the originality of the band. They definitely make every song their own and if anyone can pull it off it's these guys, they've been doing this for years.
The disc plays quickly and easily but makes you want to hit repeat when it's over. Anyway, go to the website and download it. Good, good stuff here.
"Everybody leaves
If they get the chance
And this is my chance" - Yeah, they do, it is.