Radiohead - In Rainbows
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Free Music Notes for In Rainbows
Free Music Review: "I'm a moth who just wants to share your light."
Hit: 5 Stars
I'd like to have heard Hail to the Thief before this to have the full context of the style arc they've followed from The Bends to where they are now, but it's still nice to hear them sound more natural and rock-like than the still-good but less endearing electronic stuff they got into. In Rainbows is sort of a mix of the two styles. Ok Computer was already leaning in that direction, so In Rainbows is a sort of bridge that makes the whole band a bit more seamless in terms of style. "Creep" still sounds way different from "Pyramid Song", but you can see where they came from. In Rainbows can be characterized by a rise and fall of tension without too many complete releases happening. There are some moments, but most of the enjoyment comes from the routine building blocks of the songs, which are just stronger overall than most bands'. They still know how to write songs that are wholly unique while still being immensely enjoyable.
"15 Step" begins with manufactured drums and characteristic falsetto, mumbling vocals, and develops into a nice opening track. "Bodysnatchers" is very much a normal rock song, and is a bit surprising in that regard. "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi" has a good, simple guitar part that puts your mind at ease and lets the ambiance wash over you. "All I Need" might be my favorite song on the album, with a nice, mellow sound that builds into the biggest climax on the record, which can give you chills with headphones on. "House of Cards" is another more mainstream sounding song, although it doesn't skimp on haunting, distant vocals, and uses it's status as longest track on the album to explore the possible avenues. "Videotape" wraps things up with minimal piano and percussion, and leads you along without giving you too much. Despite the typical stranger elements, In Rainbows still sounds like a relatively happy album compared to Radiohead's other works, and that's part of the reason I liked it so much. I don't think I'll ever totally love them as much as other people do, but I still acknowledge their ability to make consistently good, unique music.
Free Music Review: Perfection from a band who makes few mistakes
Hit: 5 Stars
As most of my previous reviews would suggest, I normally am a listener to all forms of metal but Radiohead is, and has always been, one of those exquisite exceptions to the rule.
I've been listening since the mid 90's, have all their albums, and I can, with maybe only a second's hesitation, state that In Rainbows may very well be Radiohead's finest moment. Even over the epic OK Computer, you might ask. Yessir. What about Kid A? Again, yep. Surely not The Bends, that hallmark of alternative rock. Yup. All three are great and I mean them absolutely no disservice by saying this stands a tick above all (so don't get pissy with me for saying it).
As much as I love music I can't describe in the same way as others might why I think this is their best so I won't try to fake anything (you'd see through that anyway). I respond to music emotionally, not technically, and while I may hear what is technically going on I don't really understand it, so take my opinion with the proverbial grain of salt. To me, In Rainbows is the perfect collection of simple, unadulterated love songs, especially concerned with that oh so universal feeling of unrequited love. For a group to have collected ten songs that are so heart-wrenching yet gentle and warm without coming across as being cliche is beyond marvelous, and I stand in awe each time I hear the album, which brings me to my next point, which is there is not one single misstep here. Even Faust Arp, which could be seen as a throwaway on a lesser record, is perfectly placed between All I Need and Reckoner. Jigsaw Falling Into Place might be the best song Radiohead have recorded and closer Videotape, with its minimalistic sound, could be their best closer since Street Spirit.
Radiohead is what 'alternative' was meant to be, something different than the mainsteam, a term which unfortunately has been subjugated by the latter, its meaning gone. In Rainbows, the seventh studio album from this untouchable band, further cements their status as masters of their craft and truly without peer.
Free Music Review: Radiohead shines...
Hit: 5 Stars
Radiohead- In Rainbows
In Rainbows is the best album of 2007 and 2008. In 07, it ruled as an innovative download (in both marketing and sound) and in 08 it will be the top conventional release (I'm confident it won't be topped in the next 364 days). Radiohead delivers their best material since OK Computer while barely breaking a sweat. Don't be fooled: In Rainbows is not the minimalist record one might hear when taking it on its initial spin. There is nothing simple or plain about In Rainbows. The bass carries most of the tunes while guitars, synths and Thom Yorke's mesmerizing voice blend into an intoxicating brew.
The complexity of this disc reveals itself during repeated listens. Rarely has a record rewarded a listener with more gifts of nuance and brilliance. The tenth listen trumps the first; the hundredth bests the tenth and so on. Yorke and company spin their web and once you're caught they won't let you go. I have heard it said that this is a boring, mid-tempo record. This is not true! Imagine the beauty of Sigur Ros mixed with the minimalist art-rock of Can launched into an unknown future of what constitutes a song.
That, my friend, is what In Rainbows sounds like. And feels like. And looks like. Like layer upon layer of well, a rainbow.
The first three songs best exemplify what it is Radiohead is trying to achieve. The opening track, "15Step", bounces along to synth riff while a desperate Thom pulls you into the void. "Bodysnatchers" is a stone cold rocker set in a place where guitars sound like chrome. Next up is "Nude": beautiful, haunting and seamless... And that's just the beginning! There is not a weak track in the bunch. You could ask ten listeners to name their favorite song on the disc and get ten answers. By the time the ninth tune, "Jigsaw falling into place" lifts you up and carries you away in a swirl of guitars, one thing becomes obvious: In Rainbows is a masterpiece. Run, don't walk to your nearest store or computer and buy or download this CD. The future is closer than you think...
Free Music Review: I Am An Animal Trapped In Your Hot Car.
Hit: 5 Stars
Radiohead return after four years with "In Rainbows", their seventh studio album. For me, 2003's "Hail To The Thief" was an indicator that Radiohead needed a rest. During the past four years the band ended their contract with Capitol, Yorke released a solo album and the group tried something unheard of--releasing "In Rainbows" as a digital download on their website for whatever you wanted to pay.
I did not buy "In Rainbows" as a digital download back in October 2007, but instead waited patiently for the compact disc version since I have their other six cds and wanted a physical copy to go with my collection.
The question as to whether "In Rainbows" was going to be good remained. After listening a dozen times, capped with the sobering news of my mother's death, I have to say that "In Rainbows" is my favorite Radiohead cd since 1995's "The Bends". All 10 tracks seamless mesh together extremely well. There is no filler, no wasted space. It's been a long time since I've listened to a cd that I haven't felt the urge to skip a track, and it's been even longer since I have listened to a Radiohead cd all the way through and enjoyed it.
"In Rainbows" does what "The Bends" did--it takes the best experimental and mainstream components of Radiohead and blends them together extremely well. Gone are the endless noodlings of "Hail To The Thief", "Amnesiac" and "Kid A". The songs have structure and hooks finally, something to return to time and again.
Are there tracks that stand out more than the others on "In Rainbows"? Yes, and I would say "15 Step", "All I Need", "Reckoner", "House Of Cards" and "Videotape" are my favorites.
Five star rating because "In Rainbows" comes very close to "The Bends" and "OK Computer" in terms of quality. Radiohead are back, and without a record company interfering with their musical vision. Now, if only other artists could take Radiohead's cue. "In Rainbows" should not be missed by any Radiohead fan.
Free Music Review: In / Colour / less / Rain / Bows
Hit: 5 Stars
Man oh man was this album a surprise! I was expecting something along the lines of super-futuristic electronica but the boys plumeted back to earth to once again become re-aquainted with their intruments. There is a definite dreamy quality about this album that stays with you after repeated listens. Now, im not going to be cliche and compare this album to 'OK Computer' or 'Kid A' or anything else in their catalog for that matter since, 'In Rainbows' is a beast in its own right and deserves recognition for being a stand out album, not a comparison to older works.
The album packaging is quite nice being that its made of a kind of lamenated paper but, as you can see in the video above, they include a do-it-youself kit where you can customize your album cover with the stickers included. Now on to the music.
The album starts off with '15 step' which is kinda dancey and upbeat while still retaining a dark feel, i especially love the synth toward the end of the song. It instantly gave me a feeling of nostalgia, which is a quality i adore in good music. I find no need to give a track by track review since im sure many people covered that already but, i will say that the overall mood of 'In rainbows' goes from happy to sad to introspective and everything in between.
For all of you who put 'OK Computer' on a pedestal and were hoping radiohead would make a fresh sounding album with actual intrumentation, this album is for you. Its a beautiful composition from an ever changing band who i continue to admire.
'In Rainbows' will only reveal more with every listen. A definite must buy!
I also recommend checking out:
Tool '10,000 Days'
The mars volta 'The bedlam in goliath'
Meshuggah 'ObZen'
Neurosis 'Times of grace'
King crimson 'The construKction of light'
Porcupine tree 'Fear of a blank planet'
Opeth 'My arms, your hearse'