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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
"Don’t call it solo," says Thom Yorke of The Eraser, "It doesn’t sound right". Here, then, is the first – hmm, let’s say one-man record from the vocalist of Radiohead, an excursion in electronic beats and synthetic textures hailed by many critics as a return to Radiohead’s 2000 album, Kid A. Strictly speaking, though, he’s right – it’s not solo: produced and "arranged" by long-time ‘Head producer Nigel Godrich, featuring processed sounds taken from full-band sessions, and featuring at least one song originally mooted for appearance on Hail To The Thief, it appears as much an opportunity for Thom to build on the ideas not fully realised on full-band releases. Rock fans may lament Radiohead’s shifts away from guitar, bass and drums, but it’s hard to deny just how well Thom’s voice fits amid the hissy cymbals and spectral synthesiser of ‘The Eraser’ and ‘Black Swan’. Guitar surfaces on the haunting ‘The Clock’, Thom singing "You throw coins in the wishing well" over warped, droning folk, while album highlight ‘Harrowdown Hill’ strikes a rare explicitly political note for Thom, a track themed around the death of UN Weapons Inspector David Kelly. --Louis Pattison
Review
Denied its status as a solo album (in case we worry that Radiohead may be splitting), The Eraser, concocted with the aid of regular producer Nigel Godrich, is surprisingly pretty in places. The nine songs here are, predictably, not the happiest tunes you'll hear this year. But despite doomy subject matter such as global warming ("The Clock", "It Rained All Night") and the death of Dr David Kelly ("Harrowdown Hill") there are some stunning moments of stark beauty.
Using some material written for previous Radiohead albums (as well as heavily-processed fragments of them playing), Yorke has constructed a collection that swims in post-industrial synthesizers and itchy electronica, but highlights his voice as a focus of warm, naked emotion. It can be a draining, emotionally raw ride, but strangely life-affirming. Let's face it - we need more Thom Yorke's in this world. --Chris Jones
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
41 of 43 people found the following review helpful
By J. Ford
Format:Audio CD
I'd been told not to buy this album by a friend, who said ultimately I'd find myself disappointed.
I don't normally write any product reviews on Amazon but I simply had to for this album, even if I can only convince one undecided shopper to buy this album I can hopefully rest in peace knowing that I've changed somebodys persons world.
The first time I popped the disc in my cd player I gave the album a quick listen through thinking to myself "Hey, this is actually pretty good"
Several months on this album is so much more than that. I have all the Radiohead albums in my CD collection, my favourites being The Bends, Hail to the thief and OK Computer. However, this album really does eclipse them all.
So full of touching, beautiful moments you simply shouldn't miss out on this unbelievable work of art. I stick it on before I go to bed each night and in my dreams get transported to another world, somewhere far away from this universe into the realms of impossibility and beyond.
Try it.
I don't normally write any product reviews on Amazon but I simply had to for this album, even if I can only convince one undecided shopper to buy this album I can hopefully rest in peace knowing that I've changed somebodys persons world.
The first time I popped the disc in my cd player I gave the album a quick listen through thinking to myself "Hey, this is actually pretty good"
Several months on this album is so much more than that. I have all the Radiohead albums in my CD collection, my favourites being The Bends, Hail to the thief and OK Computer. However, this album really does eclipse them all.
So full of touching, beautiful moments you simply shouldn't miss out on this unbelievable work of art. I stick it on before I go to bed each night and in my dreams get transported to another world, somewhere far away from this universe into the realms of impossibility and beyond.
Try it.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By JW
Format:Audio CD
Prevailing opinion seems to be that electronic music is the future. Mind you that thought has been the same since the 70s. Nevertheless, the mixed reaction to Radiohead's Kid A suggested that we were not quite ready for a popular band to be quite so brave. It felt like listening to the future. Champions of the electro genre such as Richard D James have been around for ages, but have been restricted to that genre. Kid A triggered even 'acoustic' acts such as Travis to open up the laptops - the new millenium had arrived.
2006, and Thom Yorke releases this - comparable to Kid A in many ways but a unique work nonetheless. Its driven, not by beats but by Yorke's human voice and his usual kniving lyrics - if you have seen any of his acoustic performances of the songs from the album you will agree.
I urge you then not to buy this album because of the Radiohead connection, or because its something different, or because it made it onto the Mercury shortlist - buy it as a soulful collection of songs that makes Aphex Twin seem like a thing of the past.
2006, and Thom Yorke releases this - comparable to Kid A in many ways but a unique work nonetheless. Its driven, not by beats but by Yorke's human voice and his usual kniving lyrics - if you have seen any of his acoustic performances of the songs from the album you will agree.
I urge you then not to buy this album because of the Radiohead connection, or because its something different, or because it made it onto the Mercury shortlist - buy it as a soulful collection of songs that makes Aphex Twin seem like a thing of the past.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The most interesting aspect of this album is whether, for Radiohead, a solo electronic Thom Yorke album will represent an exorcism, and a break with the recent past of similarly informed Radiohead albums. Simplistic perhaps, as the band are unlikely to regress back to simple guitar based rock, as is the wont of many. Regardless, the bands next step has never been more intriguing.
Interetsing though such questions are, we should not do disservice to The Eraser, which has endured as a fine album, worthy of commendation. To those who yearn for Bends era radiohead, look away, if indeed you're reading this at all, and for others, this is at many times Thom Yorkes most successful set of electronic songs.
The songs are more intimate than recent radiohead work, with Yorkes voice up front in the mix, and the songs are more tuneful and melodic than recent work. Opener The Eraser is jerky, yet anthemic, with a euphoric outro, with subsequent tracks like Analyse and Black Swan grooving inistently. While the middle section is less persuasive, the closing Harrowdown Hill and Cymbal Rush are extraordinary, sparse, building and beautiful in a unique way.
It is this ability to fashion warmth ftom cold musical landscapes that marks out The Eraser as a strong piece of work, and Yorke as one of the pre-eminent musicians at work in the UK today.
Interetsing though such questions are, we should not do disservice to The Eraser, which has endured as a fine album, worthy of commendation. To those who yearn for Bends era radiohead, look away, if indeed you're reading this at all, and for others, this is at many times Thom Yorkes most successful set of electronic songs.
The songs are more intimate than recent radiohead work, with Yorkes voice up front in the mix, and the songs are more tuneful and melodic than recent work. Opener The Eraser is jerky, yet anthemic, with a euphoric outro, with subsequent tracks like Analyse and Black Swan grooving inistently. While the middle section is less persuasive, the closing Harrowdown Hill and Cymbal Rush are extraordinary, sparse, building and beautiful in a unique way.
It is this ability to fashion warmth ftom cold musical landscapes that marks out The Eraser as a strong piece of work, and Yorke as one of the pre-eminent musicians at work in the UK today.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Don't get any big ideas! (No pun intended) This album is not for everyone. If I was to compare it to any of the Radiohead albums, I would say soundwise, it's similar to Kid A and some of the more electrical tracks from Hail to the thief.
Thom and long time producer-pal Nigel Godrich (the 6th radiohead member surely??), have carefully put together a flawless record that says exactly what thom's been upto since the HTTT sessions.
The material is totally different to any of the new radiohead songs (As played on their recent European and US tour).
You get 9 or so songs, which one could say remind you of the HTTT track, The Gloaming.
It's all very catchy - you'll be blurting it's lyrics after a few listens and a few listens is what you'll need when getting into this record.
I'm quite pleased for Thom and Nige. They've done really well for themselves.
And no... it's not a 'solo' record!!
Thom and long time producer-pal Nigel Godrich (the 6th radiohead member surely??), have carefully put together a flawless record that says exactly what thom's been upto since the HTTT sessions.
The material is totally different to any of the new radiohead songs (As played on their recent European and US tour).
You get 9 or so songs, which one could say remind you of the HTTT track, The Gloaming.
It's all very catchy - you'll be blurting it's lyrics after a few listens and a few listens is what you'll need when getting into this record.
I'm quite pleased for Thom and Nige. They've done really well for themselves.
And no... it's not a 'solo' record!!
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Billy Munter
Format:Audio CD
First off, this is pure Thom genius. Haunting, melodic. If I have a criticism it's that it's not particularly surprising. If you'd have thought about what a Thom Yorke solo album would have sounded like before you heard it you might well have imagined this record. Which may well be a good thing, hey?
Some dunce gave this album one star and complained that it even came in a 'cheep (sic) cardboard cover'. Having had the luck to have a little inside insight on this project I think you should know that the cardboard was very deliberately chosen for its lack of environmental impact. I also think it's rather more beautiful than the same old plastic crap.
The gorgeous cover's designed by Radiohead collaborator Stanley Donwood BTW, I heartily recommend his book, 'Slowly Downward', also available on this site.
Some dunce gave this album one star and complained that it even came in a 'cheep (sic) cardboard cover'. Having had the luck to have a little inside insight on this project I think you should know that the cardboard was very deliberately chosen for its lack of environmental impact. I also think it's rather more beautiful than the same old plastic crap.
The gorgeous cover's designed by Radiohead collaborator Stanley Donwood BTW, I heartily recommend his book, 'Slowly Downward', also available on this site.
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4.1 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
brilliant
This is a brilliant piece of music by thom yorke. This is different to radiohead and i particular like analyse and skip devided. The music has real depth and a wealth of sounds.
Published 1 month ago by Adrian Alvey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding
This is a genuinely brilliant album. Probably best enjoyed with a good set of headphones. The detail contained within the musical composition is utterly amazing. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Big Matt
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fine Solo Effort
Mellow, electronic/synth based fayre from Radiohead's frontman. Fine for those needing a chillout, ambient sound but look elswhere if you want a bit of pace and energy. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Big Bear
5.0 out of 5 stars
well i'll be
i basically hate music of the last 10 years...do not get me wrong...all these new bands....they are superb musiscians and singers....but its all overdone ...too much... Read more
Published 22 months ago by chokesrule
2.0 out of 5 stars
You wouldn't even been looking at this if it weren't 'Him' the genius...
This is what Amnesiac would've sounded like if Johnny Greenwood was in a coma during its recording. You won't be surprised, it's lyrically bloody miserable and without the rest of... Read more
Published on 10 Jun 2011 by Godfrey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Here is the Feeling of the World expressed in Music.
I must say, this is a very, very outstanding album, yet it seems sometimes to stand modestly in the shadow of others. Read more
Published on 21 April 2011 by mimiQ
5.0 out of 5 stars
Eraserhead
Please excuse me but I got to ask
Are you only being nice
Because you want something
My fairy tale arrow pierces
Be careful how you respond
'Cause you'd... Read more
Are you only being nice
Because you want something
My fairy tale arrow pierces
Be careful how you respond
'Cause you'd... Read more
Published on 3 Dec 2010 by Rolling Stone
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of my favourites
Very few albums have kept me coming back for more as often and as long as The Eraser. Fans of Radiohead's more left-of-centre music should enjoy this greatly. Read more
Published on 3 Oct 2010 by Mr. D. Koschalka
4.0 out of 5 stars
There is somthing missing
My two favorite bands are Pink Floyd and Radiohead. And now I am going to compare them to each other. Read more
Published on 17 April 2010 by Stephen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Prophetic
Simply brilliant, both musically and lyrically. The precursor to In Rainbows, it is similar in many ways, yet more explicit in it's message. It's a wake up call to humanity. Read more
Published on 23 Mar 2009 by C. Minhall
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