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11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A sign of things to come?, 1 Jan 2006
If you love Radiohead like me, and respect them as one of the greatest musical acts of the 1990s, then I think it is essential that you own this, Radiohead's debut album.There is a general perception that this album is inferior to Radiohead's later work; while this is true, I would add that if you cast from your mind all thoughts of the band's later zenith of musical brilliance, this album on its own is very enjoyable to listen to; a fine advertisement for the musical fashions of the early 1990s, when the world was anxiously searching for an alternative to the prevalent trend of grunge. Pablo Honey marks the first significant chapter in the musical evolution of Radiohead (serving as a time capsule for a band famed only for producing the hit song 'Creep'), signposting an outfit with immense potential who at the time were struggling to break through the first of many creative glass ceilings they would later effortlessly smash through. The band dynamic, centred round the much-labelled 'tortured genius' of Thom Yorke, is firmly established with this record; Johnny Greenwood's caustic and inspirational lead guitar work is complemented by the assured bass playing of his brother Colin and the dextrous melodic counterpoints of guitarist Ed O'Brien, while Phil Selway's passionate drumming propels the whole shebang with consummate ease. Any criticism of Pablo Honey should be counterbalanced with the argument that the beginning of a great journey is never the most memorable part. Bearing in mind the exceptional overall quality of their musical output down the years, I think Radiohead deserve to be cut some slack for the comparative weakness of this record.
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