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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
It’s very likely that even if you haven’t heard the contents of Radiohead’s seventh album, you’ll be aware of its existence. Released as a digital download by the band themselves before a CD release was even considered, In Rainbows was lauded for innovation before a note of music was heard. Luckily, the music matches the hype--it takes the best part of Radiohead's previous works and advances the formula even further. While the opener "15 Step"--all skittering drum patterns and dub-style bass--may hark back to the electronica of Kid A, the sound soon gives way to a more guitar-based sound. Whilst not as musically heavy as previous albums, the tunes are far more focused and passionate--"Bodysnatchers" is based around a hypnotic, distorted bass riff, while the beautiful string-drenched "Nude" is a true Radiohead classic. Lyrically, like Thom Yorke’s solo album The Eraser, the lyrics are sketches of suburban paranoia, and the eerie sense of things no! t being quite right. This is especially true on the piano-based closer "Videotape", which poignantly details a man watching his life’s achievements in his final moments. In short, In Rainbows is another masterpiece from the Oxford quintet. --Thomas Allott
Review
The good news: With In Rainbows Radiohead may well have created their own Physical Graffiti. Drawn from over 10 years of sketches, outtakes and live renditions that finally get nailed, it's a veritable summation of everything you love about them - from rhythmically challenging jazz funk prog to droning repetitive exhumations of the socio-political conscience (rock 'n' roll!phew). Of course it's ironic that the band has finally released what to many fans will be the true heir to OK Computer as what is ostensibly a freebie. Their new marketing and distribution model may be making a mockery of conventional business models, but it's also making a mockery of the critic's job too. How to sum up what is obviously a MAJOR work after just a morning's worth of plays?
In Rainbows proves, once and for all that Radiohead still have the will and desire to not just weird us all out, but to make achingly, desperately beautiful music. Beginning with some of that familiar Warp-inspired glitchiness, opener, "15 Step"'s children's voices and odd-meter clapping is astoundingly uplifting. "Bodysnatchers" is the kind of crunchy guitar rock that we'd all given up hope that they'd ever record again and "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi" takes Johnny Greenwood's orchestral piece and turns it into a chiming thing of post-rock wonder. Already they've made you feel guilty for not donating more money for your download!
Every song's nuances are exquisite, but problems do arise when you try to get inside the lyrics. Sometimes In Rainbows seems almost wilfully mixed to obscure Yorke's words. Like an early Can album, little dislocated phrases or repeated mantras jump out. Shorn of context and usually sung in a slurred delivery that's become more pronounced, this can have a deeply (and one suspects deliberately) disturbing effect.
However themes do emerge: One being the surprising inclusion of several songs about 'relationships'. But while the opening line on 'House Of Cards', ('I don't want to be your friend, I just want to be your lover') may have you worrying that Thom's turning into Prince, this is still Radiohead we're listening to. "All I Need" is a string-drenched song of desire and dependency, but comes equipped with lines like: 'I'm the next step waiting in the wings. I'm an atom bomb trapped in your hot car', How utterly romantic.
So, big sighs of relief all round. In Rainbows is the sound of a band who effortlessly straddle the avant garde/popular divide, and also sound like they actually enjoy being themselves again. They're back at the top of their game. Now go back and pay some more, all you 50 pence donators. This is a band that needs all the support we can give them. --Chris Jones
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The most startling thing about this album is how warm and human it sounds. The diversity of tracks is also impressive, from the stuttering drum-machine opening of '15 Step' that soon twists into avant-garde, jazz rock funk. 'Bodysnatchers' is a fuzzy freak-out with one of my all-time favourite Radiohead moments where Yorke sings angrily and simply 'I'm a lie'. The soulful ballad 'Nude' that by the end sounds nothing less than transcendant, and the otherworldy dreamscape of 'Weird Fishes/Arpeggi' which is strangely relatable as Yorke croons 'everybody leaves if they get the chance', which I interpreted as meaning leaving your home town or an over-familiar place for something better.
There's the doom-synth, love obsession march of 'All I Need' that is a lamenting ode from someone who loves but is unloved in return. It ends cathartically but ambivalently as Yorke cries 'It's s'alright, it's all wrong'. 'Faust' gracefully rolls along with bizarre lyrics that are very understated but compelling all the same, as a subtle orchestral backing swells and undulates throughout. 'Reckoner' is percussive and beautiful, featuring vocals that don't sound like they were made by a normal human being, sounding as transcendant as those in 'Nude'. The lyrics state that this song is 'dedicated to all human beings' as if Yorke himself isn't actually one but loves us all the same.
'House of Cards' has the most un-Radiohead lyrics I've ever heard, where we're told 'I don't wanna be your friend, I just wanna be your lover'. 'Jigsaw Falling Into Place' is lyrically flowing pure rock with its tale of a bad night out that I'm sure a lot of people could identify with. 'Videotape' is very emotional with its starched and sombre stabbing of the piano keys, the title proving very apt as the Yorke-meister sings about recording footage of happy moments to watch again in the future, 'this is one for the good days' that brings Yorke back to himself, 'You are my centre when I spin away'. The stately sadness is offset by the belief that everything in the end will be okay, 'because I know today has been the most perfect day I have ever seen'.
I can only repeat myself and say how magnificently otherworldly, and yet how down-to-earth it all sounds. The references to 'Doctor Faustus' are interesting, with one of the songs being called 'Faust' and 'Videotape' featuring the lyrics 'Mephistopheles is reaching up to grab me'. Radiohead have earned their place as one of the greatest bands of our generation and probably many more, full stop. I honestly can't wait to see what they come up with next.
There's the doom-synth, love obsession march of 'All I Need' that is a lamenting ode from someone who loves but is unloved in return. It ends cathartically but ambivalently as Yorke cries 'It's s'alright, it's all wrong'. 'Faust' gracefully rolls along with bizarre lyrics that are very understated but compelling all the same, as a subtle orchestral backing swells and undulates throughout. 'Reckoner' is percussive and beautiful, featuring vocals that don't sound like they were made by a normal human being, sounding as transcendant as those in 'Nude'. The lyrics state that this song is 'dedicated to all human beings' as if Yorke himself isn't actually one but loves us all the same.
'House of Cards' has the most un-Radiohead lyrics I've ever heard, where we're told 'I don't wanna be your friend, I just wanna be your lover'. 'Jigsaw Falling Into Place' is lyrically flowing pure rock with its tale of a bad night out that I'm sure a lot of people could identify with. 'Videotape' is very emotional with its starched and sombre stabbing of the piano keys, the title proving very apt as the Yorke-meister sings about recording footage of happy moments to watch again in the future, 'this is one for the good days' that brings Yorke back to himself, 'You are my centre when I spin away'. The stately sadness is offset by the belief that everything in the end will be okay, 'because I know today has been the most perfect day I have ever seen'.
I can only repeat myself and say how magnificently otherworldly, and yet how down-to-earth it all sounds. The references to 'Doctor Faustus' are interesting, with one of the songs being called 'Faust' and 'Videotape' featuring the lyrics 'Mephistopheles is reaching up to grab me'. Radiohead have earned their place as one of the greatest bands of our generation and probably many more, full stop. I honestly can't wait to see what they come up with next.
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I read a quote on "In Rainbows" that stated Radiohead had finally met expectations by surpassing them. I can certainly echo this statement, and perhaps even stake the claim that this may well be Radiohead's best album. Certainly a huge claim, but "In Rainbows" is a wondrous album.
I will keep things short as many reviewers have picked apart and detailed individual songs and themes. So, most importantly for me, "In Rainbows" treads that impossibly difficult line of being mostly accessible yet surprisingly lasting. It simply does not tire. Months and months of sporadic listens and I still become totally involved and immersed, a feat that separates truly great albums from good ones. The overall sound of the album perfectly blends the sombre electronic tones of "Kid A" and "Amnesiac" with the guitar-driven rock of "Ok Computer" and "The Bends". It's satisfyingly experimental when need be, yet equally sparse and simplistic. It's cold and desolate at times, warm and genial at others. It is everything I can want from a Radiohead album. Beautiful, consistent, cutting-edge music.
I will keep things short as many reviewers have picked apart and detailed individual songs and themes. So, most importantly for me, "In Rainbows" treads that impossibly difficult line of being mostly accessible yet surprisingly lasting. It simply does not tire. Months and months of sporadic listens and I still become totally involved and immersed, a feat that separates truly great albums from good ones. The overall sound of the album perfectly blends the sombre electronic tones of "Kid A" and "Amnesiac" with the guitar-driven rock of "Ok Computer" and "The Bends". It's satisfyingly experimental when need be, yet equally sparse and simplistic. It's cold and desolate at times, warm and genial at others. It is everything I can want from a Radiohead album. Beautiful, consistent, cutting-edge music.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Radiohead continue to make great albums and In Rainbows shows this.
1.15 Step: Great start. Contains a crazy electro beat to start with, but it morphs into a powerful and very catchy song with the bursts of childrens choir and Yorkes great singing.9/10
2.Bodysnatchers: The most rocky song on the album. It's catchy and cool sounding with a fuzzy backbone and everyone working hard with distorted guitars fluttering everywhere. 10/10
3.Nude: Very relaxed and calm song with some beautiful singing. 9/10
4.Wierd Fishes/Arpeggi: One of the best songs on the album. The guitars make a very sensitive atmosphere and the rocking drums contrast excellently. The ending when Thom beautifully sings 'I hit the bottom' over the glourious sounds of the guitars, bass and banging drums may be the best part of the album. 10/10
5.All i Need: May be the weakest song. It's good but just doesn't seem to standout. 7/10
6.Faust Arp: Despite being just over 2 minutes long this is a great song. Thom voice flows with the incredible classical music and the guitar brilliantly. 9/10
7.Reckoner: Excellent song. Instruments bang everywhere as Thom sings like a preacher over the wonderful music. 10/10
8.House of Cards: A Very relaxed and atmospheric mood make this song so good.Based around Jonney's repeated guitar line with lots of distored sounds. Thom's singing is very powerful here. 10/10
9.Jigsaw Falling into Place: Anthoer superb song. The beat of the song is very catchy and bass and acoustic gutiar really shine. The song contains very good lyrics and the way in which it keeps building and building throughout the song is amazing. 10/10
10.Videotape: A calm and uplifting ending. The piano adds a great effect and Thom's singing is once again excellent. 9/10
So In Rainbows shows that Radiohead still have the ideas and imagination to make incredible albums and is a welcome addiation to Radioheads other great albums.
1.15 Step: Great start. Contains a crazy electro beat to start with, but it morphs into a powerful and very catchy song with the bursts of childrens choir and Yorkes great singing.9/10
2.Bodysnatchers: The most rocky song on the album. It's catchy and cool sounding with a fuzzy backbone and everyone working hard with distorted guitars fluttering everywhere. 10/10
3.Nude: Very relaxed and calm song with some beautiful singing. 9/10
4.Wierd Fishes/Arpeggi: One of the best songs on the album. The guitars make a very sensitive atmosphere and the rocking drums contrast excellently. The ending when Thom beautifully sings 'I hit the bottom' over the glourious sounds of the guitars, bass and banging drums may be the best part of the album. 10/10
5.All i Need: May be the weakest song. It's good but just doesn't seem to standout. 7/10
6.Faust Arp: Despite being just over 2 minutes long this is a great song. Thom voice flows with the incredible classical music and the guitar brilliantly. 9/10
7.Reckoner: Excellent song. Instruments bang everywhere as Thom sings like a preacher over the wonderful music. 10/10
8.House of Cards: A Very relaxed and atmospheric mood make this song so good.Based around Jonney's repeated guitar line with lots of distored sounds. Thom's singing is very powerful here. 10/10
9.Jigsaw Falling into Place: Anthoer superb song. The beat of the song is very catchy and bass and acoustic gutiar really shine. The song contains very good lyrics and the way in which it keeps building and building throughout the song is amazing. 10/10
10.Videotape: A calm and uplifting ending. The piano adds a great effect and Thom's singing is once again excellent. 9/10
So In Rainbows shows that Radiohead still have the ideas and imagination to make incredible albums and is a welcome addiation to Radioheads other great albums.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
In Rainblows me away
Not much need for another 5 star rating on this album, but I will give it 5 stars anyway.
simply put this is easily the best Radiohead album.
simply put this is easily the best Radiohead album.
Published 17 days ago by A Brook
Absolutely Superb.
I love this music, it is both uplifting and hauntingly beautiful. I particularly like listening to this whilst walking, I have a cowon portable music player and really good IAudeo... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Rp Atkin
Brilliant
Best Radiohead album by far. This CD should be in every household in the UK, can't fault it. 15 Step completes the album.
Published 5 months ago by jessynut
Brilliant
My favourite Radiohead album of all times, absolutely fantastic would recommend to any one into this kind of musical taste!
Published 5 months ago by Karenr
Near perfect..
Just buy it.
You will not be dissapointed.
Take some time out.
Maybe go for a walk.
That is all.
You will not be dissapointed.
Take some time out.
Maybe go for a walk.
That is all.
Published 5 months ago by Mr. N. M. Hook
A little different
A little different from usual Radiohead but still worth a listen thou. Not as good as Pablo Honey or O.K. Computer. Read more
Published 6 months ago by mark
excellent album and service
I have been trying to get this album since it was released, and I am not disappointed at all. The band are really back on form ! The service from Amazon has been great.
Published 7 months ago by metalman
Amazing Album
Arguably, one of Radiohead's best album's, In Rainbow's is flawless from start to finish. A must have purchase for Radiohead fans and vinyl collectors alike.
Published 7 months ago by Dan
UPLIFTING AND GLOOMEY
Radiohead are one of thoughs groups who you either love or hate. The most people who hate them only hate them for one reason. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Stephen
Awful awful album
What has happened to music, in particularly rock music? Where is the feeling and the rhythm and the joy? Read more
Published 16 months ago by Hey MICKEY 5000!£4xx
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