inrainbows Blog and Journals

In Rainbows-From the Basement by Radiohead (it's an entire album)

 

It is amazing, if you like Radiohead I would definetely reccomend buying it.

For a lot of diehard Radiohead fans, only an act of God could keep them from seeing Thom Yorke and company live. Unfortunately for the fans in and around Bristow, Virginia, it may have come to that this past weekend. What happened?

Radiohead made music history last year when they offered their new album, In Rainbows, online for — whatever you wanted to pay! Singer Thom Yorke recently revealed that fans shouldn't expect a similar scheme in the future. More.

Last night, Radiohead continued its public support of going "green" by pre-recording this seamless, jazzy version of "House of Cards" at home in England for Late Night. Thom Yorke had a few words to say about carbon emissions before the performance and, "that twat who walked away from the Kyoto agreement, now what was his name again?" Hmm ... I wonder who he's referring to?

The news we've all been waiting for has finally arrived. Radiohead has announced the final leg of their U.S. tour. Look at the dates…

The group's former label is releasing a career-long retrospective. Has Buzznet set the record for the most Radiohead posts in a month yet? Updated…

Radiohead are taking it all off: The band has announced the song "Nude" as its new single, according to Billboard. But that's not the only news the band has in store ... Find out here...

This is quite a bit late, but here is my take on Radiohead's latest album, In Rainbows. =]

Disc 1

1. "15 Step"

This song is very interestingly creative, with great use of keyboard skills and light vocals that make you feel as though you are drifting through time itself. If you are into just mellowing out for about 4 minutes, this first track will get you ready for the mood of the album.

2. "Bodysnatchers"

More mellow atmosphere in this one, but it seems as though the music isn't fully refined. This song sounds as though half is recorded live, half was worked on in the studio. It creates a very odd sound, but you go with the flow as Thom Yorke says, "I have no idea what I am talking about; I'm trapped in this body and can't get out."

3. "Nude"

The name of this song describes it all. All of the instrumentals seem to be playing the most basic of parts, breaking things down and giving us a reminder of where music came from. It makes us realize that music doesn't have to be hard-hitting and heavy; it can be as nude and as bare as possible.

4. "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi"

I felt like drifting away with this song. "Why should I stay here? Why should I stay?" It also reminded me of going fishing with my grandpa when I was younger, and I can't say that I've ever known any song to remind me of that memory. Soft, with a faint sense of nostalgia.

5. "All I Need"

A sad song for the ages; it's truly meant to bring your emotions out and face them dead on. Instruments are being played with great skill in this song and as the the melody progresses, you get cameos from a flute and a xylophone. Nicely done, just depressing.

6. "Faust Arp"

Being one of the more fast paced songs on the album, one really only feels the slur of relaxation. With violin playing in the background, every other instrument's performance has increased 10 fold. Very easily one of the best tracks off of the album.

7. "Reckoner"

Contrast changes the pace of the album. Steady, semi-hard drums continue through the song along with the vocals creating a hypnotic effect. "You are not to blame for, bittersweet distracter. Dare not speak it's name; dedicate it to all you, all you need." The title of the album comes into play in the lyrics, intertwining with the rest of the music.

8. "House Of Cards"

Jonny Greenwood, the lead guitarist, really shines in this, playing his guitar all the way through with such sweet sounds. "I don't want to be your friend, I just want to be your lover. No matter how it ends, No matter how it starts." Anyone care to join me in a group "aww..."?

9. "Jigsaw Falling Into Place"

This track, previously known as "Open Pick", was their lowest ranking chart entry since their song "Pop Is Dead" way back in 1993. This is my favorite of all of the songs on this album. It is the fastest song off of In Rainbows, but combines sadness with happiness and creates a new world of emotion. I think that I may use this song for references to an excellent track journal in the future...

10. "Videotape"

"No matter what happens now, I won't be afraid because I know today has been the most perfect day I've ever seen..."

But wait! The review isn't over at all!! On the contrary, I have gotten my hands on the second disc of the discbox set that Radiohead just sold. Here we go...

Disc 2 (Bonus Disc)

1. "MK 1"

Tantric feelings and messed up dreams are shoved into this pseudosonic compilation. Very intriguing to take a listen to.

2. "Down Is The New Up"

This song speaks the truth. Radiohead might as well have shoved the modern generation in a jar and shook it up. The result: a slew of piano notes creating one of the sadest harmonies that have been heard in ages. It's sad that a song like this reminds me of the present. The future will be better, of that I am sure.

3. "Go Slowly"

As slow as it sounds, it's really pretty damn powerful. It sounds just like a song from Ok Computer's "No Surprises." Melancholy and it seems like it's building up to something. Sadly, no climax.

4. "MK 2"

A medley, shrouded in mystery...

5. "Last Flowers"

Hamonica? "Last Flowers" is a true gem. No vocals at all; pure music all the way through.

6. "Up On The Ladder"

"Give me an answer! Give me a sign! I've been climbing up this ladder. I've been wasting my time." I'm not too big a fan of this song, to be honest. You win some, you lose some.

7. "Bangers + Mash"

This is a very fun and toe-tapping song. Rivaling each track of the album, this song takes charge of In Rainbows and stands out like a sore thumb. I found it very quiant with a reminiscence of Joy Division (I've been dying to make a Joy Division reference, and this song is the closest that I could think of).

8. "4 Minute Warning"

The saddest song. In my opinion, the worst of all, but we are all entitled to our own. =]

My final opinion: Radiohead's In Rainbows is a fairly great album, contrary to my previous thoughts. The instruments are very mellow, and each track seems to capture a piece of time in it's grasp. The title of this album was named quite appropriately. We're all getting stuck in each color as life progresses; you just have to be steady and soft. It must be taken one day at a time. Great message, great guys.

Still no plans for New Years Eve? Well now you have one!

Radiohead is celebrating the release of their new album In Rainbows with a free concert at the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve. You don't even need to leave your home to see the show. Click to read more...

"In terms of digital income, we've made more money out of this record than out of all the other Radiohead albums put together,"  says front man Thom Yorke, in a new interview.  The pay-what-you-want model Radiohead used for In Rainbows was under fire recently when a report came out saying almost two thirds of downloaders didn't pay a cent for the new album. Read more...