In Rainbows
 | By Radiohead Ato Records / Red, 2008, Audio CD Customer Rating: 248 reviews Recommend |
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On the deliriously satisfying In Rainbows, Radiohead returns to a more straight-ahead (though subdued) rock sound. Much hubbub has been made about this record's innovative release. Radiohead allowed fans to pay what they wished to download fairly low-resolution tracks from the band's own website. Like so many innovations, it already seems funny both that it was such big news and that someone else of similar stature hadn't done it sooner. Some pundits were appalled that it took awhile to download the tracks if you tried to do it at the same time as thousands of other people, while others decried that the group was trying to kill the music industry (or save it). Little of the press seemed to focus on the record itself, which actually made sense because it was so entertaining and inviting, the most low-key album Radiohead has made to date. There's even a very straight-forward, simple, silly little love song, "House of Cards." It might be a bit lethargic, but the simple instrumentation of electric guitars, bass, and drums is lovely as heck. A handful of these tunes enchanted fans for years before finally being committed to computer "tape." This is particularly fitting as In Rainbows is the group's most "band"-sounding album since OK Computer. This is not a record that hits you over the head with how far this group is pushing the envelope; it's simply a phenomenal, well-crafted, and exciting album. As soon as it's done, you're playing it again. — Mike McGonigal
TENTATIVE TRACKLIST: "15 Step" - 3:57 "Bodysnatchers" - 4:02 "Nude" - 4:15 "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi" - 5:18 "All I Need" - 3:48 "Faust Arp" - 2:09 "Reckoner" - 4:50 "House of Cards" - 5:28 "Jigsaw Falling into Place" - 4:09 "Videotape" - 4:39
- 15 Step
- Bodysnatchers
- Nude
- Medley: Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
- All I Need
- Faust Arp
- Reckoner
- House of Cards
- Jigsaw Falling into Place
- Videotape
Title: In Rainbows
Sales Rank: 52 in Music
Artist: Radiohead
Label: Ato Records / Red, 2008-01-01, Audio CD, 1 Disc
Package Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.9 x 0.3 inches, 0.1 pounds
- A consistently satisfying album
- People should stop expecting Radiohead to be what they think they should be, and just listen - if they did, they might get more out of it. In Rainbows, which very importantly was independently made without a studio hanging over them, is the band's most refined album to date. The songs, both in their construction and arrangements, are concise, punchy,… More reviews
- Over Hyped- Snoozer
- My initial first listen to this album on college radio had myself and the DJ bummed out. Are we all so desperate for another OK Computer or Bends cd that anything with Thom Yorke doing some actual singing will create booming praises? I think so. Most likely In Rainbows will share space with Amnesia, Kid A and Hail to the Thief, sitting in a box… More reviews
- The parts are greater than the whole.
- 'In Rainbows' was the most anticipated Radiohead album since 'Kid A', and like that album, this one was expected to be a new beginning for the band. Thom York said himself that 'Hail To the Thief' was going to be the last of Radiohead "as we know it". However, it appears York & company didn't feel as adventurous going into this… More reviews
- I'm A Reasonable Man, Get Off My Case
- Let's see. This album is now a product that can be bought. The point is to review the product. I really cannot stress enough how uninspired this album sounds to me. The best songs Radiohead have written are clearly contained on The Bends and OK Computer. And Kid A/Amnesiac to a lesser extent; though there's some fine material there.
The… More reviews
- great album
- just what I was looking for. Amazon has the best prices for music. I'll never pay music store prices again!!… More reviews