Radiohead - In Rainbows

In Rainbows (2008, XL Recordings) Radiohead's seventh studio album. *****

There are several artists - Madonna and Bowie come to mind - who are chameleons when it comes to changing times. They are able to adapt to the what is up-and-coming, what the next big sound will be. Radiohead adapts as well, but not to be popular, not to fit in with the times. If anything, Radiohead creates the times, already handsomely showcasing heavy influence on many of today's artists. OK Computer was an album renowned for its ability to blend a three guitar attack with electronic sounds flawlessly. Kid A, while polarizing fans and critics at the time of its release, managed to yet again break new barriers, as it became among the first of the indie-electronica albums, and at that point the most successful. What Kid A also did was show Radiohead's outright refusal of the title of "The Biggest Band in the World."

Over their next two studio albums, they struggled to put out true quality recordings. Surely neither Amnesiac nor Hail to the Thief is bad, but they weren't as visionary as their earlier works, and in the case of Hail to the Thief, seemed like a combination of desperation to not only please the fans, but to squeak out an album to finish their contract with EMI. After that, the speculation as to what Radiohead would do next was tremendous. It wasn't until 2006 that anyone had a real clue as to what their fate might be. After performing at Bonnaroo, Thom Yorke's unexpected solo album The Eraser came out that fall. A flurry started, people claiming that The Eraser was a sign Radiohead was through. Yorke denied this, and finally word of a new album began to leak.

In October of 2007, the monumental In Rainbows was put out, the first of its kind not only in sound, but in its style of release. Fans were able to download the album online or pay for an $80 "discbox" which included two CD's (the album and a second CD of B-sides), two heavyweight 45-speed vinyl, lyrics booklet, and art booklet, all neatly wrapped in a fold-out case. For those who decided just to download, the option of paying whatever you pleased was offered. In the end, Radiohead made more money off of this one release than they had from royalties of all their other releases combined. The reaction from critics was phenomenal; not only was the music brilliant but the release scheme had worked in flying colors.

But In Rainbows isn't about the money, and it isn't about the way it was released. It is, in short, about how Radiohead crafted their best album to date. For a while I wrestled with the idea that In Rainbows was superior to OK Computer, and even after listening to both relentlessly it was hard to decide. What makes Radiohead the best band on the planet today is their ability to do whatever they want; OK Computer and In Rainbows sound nothing alike, yet it is impossible to mistake either for anyone else.

In Rainbows is the most personal Radiohead has ever been, most notably through the lyrics. The change in Thom Yorke's approach was apparent from The Eraser, which with its political message also mixed in songs concerning him and another significant person. The album is also a distinct difference because of the lower amounts of reverb put on Yorke's vocals. Though it is not without it, compared to Kid A, it is remarkably less.

Starting with "15 Step," a song with a blistering beat, Yorke spits out lyrics suggesting that In Rainbows is about a relationship; "You used to be alright/What happened?/Did the cat get your tongue?" And even when the songs are fast-paced and fist-pumping, like "Bodysnatchers," there is still a romantic feel to all of it. It comes through because of the lyrics yet again; "I've no idea what I am talking about/I'm trapped in this body and can't get out." The wistful, sighful "Nude," laments with one of the first entry of a string arrangement, something that becomes more prominent as the album progresses.

"Reckoner" marks one of album's best points, with a beautiful falsetto delivery by Yorke and a superb drum arrangement by Selway. And even when the album closes with the simple though haunting "Videotape," the listener must re-start the journey again. Like any Radiohead release, it is impossible to crack within one outing. In fact, one may miss the subtle details of "All I Need," because it's what marks the differences between it and its similar cousin, "Climbing Up the Walls."

The entire album sounds like a cleaned-up jam session, and while some may say that is a drawback, it isn't, if it is anything at all, it's an element that makes it better. These aren't simple arrangements. There's nothing that isn't compelling about the guitar part kicking into full gear and out of its muddiness on "Bodysnatchers" once the quasi-chorus starts up. There's nothing that isn't short of genius about the meandering in "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi." The jam element also tells us - and it's easy to hear - that the band is enjoying themselves. And anyone who has seen them perform this new material can attest to that. Quite simply, In Rainbows is a spinning blast of sound and color, a journey about the doomed relationship and all the emotions that come with it, a testament to the powers of the classical guitar and the wonders of electronic music, and an unforgettable entry in 21st century art. (15 Step, Bodysnatchers, Nude, Weird Fishes/Arpeggi, All I Need, Faust Arp, Reckoner, House of Cards, Videotape)

Author's Note: Although released as a free download or discbox in 2007, the actual physical release was available on January 1st, 2008. However, due to its prominence last year in "Best-of" lists, it will not be included in any lists on this blog this year.

Review on YouTube: Radiohead - In Rainbows, Part I, Part II