Radiohead- "In Rainbows"

My last review came upon completing my fourth spin of the album. It was akin to the start of a mystery novel, where you literally have no idea where the book is going. You are introduced to interesting characters (the songs, of course) which initially seem pretty good. However it is not until near the end where the answers are presented. I reckon I'm at the denoument of the storyline by now. I passed the climax (I was obsessed with this record about 8 months ago) but I am still at a very interesting part in the album's lifespan. I'm starting to come full circle on my understanding, and realizing the many of the intricacies in its plot. It's a great place to be, even if I likely will never revisit the zenith of my love for this album.

But enough with the analogies. Let me just get into the review. "In Rainbows" is a spectacular album. If not on the strength of the individual songs, then on the emotion of the record as a whole. From the minimalistic, classic post-millenium Radiohead tracks "Nude" and "Videotape" to the Bends era energy of "Bodysnatchers." While the album is mainly deep, deep valleys, there are enough peaks to give it a bit of hope for the optimistic Radiohead fan (if one exists). The more I listen to this album the closer and closer it creeps to the Bends in terms of its appeal to me. While I don't reckon it has the fortitude to top the venerable OK Computer, it thoroughly crushes any album Radiohead has made in the last decade.

1. "15 Step"- With its bigbeat sound the song definitely inspires memories of late 90s trip-hop. The loungy, jazzy sound is not something I loved in Radiohead in the past, but it works well on this song. 7.3.

2. "Bodysnatchers"- This is one of the few songs in Radiohead's catalogue that peaks very early in its lifetime. It was one of my favorites on the record early on and I initially thought of it as the potential masterpiece of the record. Funny how Radiohead works, because I know consider it one of the weaker songs on the record. . 6.5.

3. "Nude"- This song reminds me a little of "Lucky", but without the intensity. It prefers to stay wistful and tender throughout much of its graceful 4 minute run time. It's certainly one of the many growers on the album. I particularly love the unexpectedly hopeful, blossoming ending. 7.2.

4. "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi"- This song just never caught my attention. It rides an aquatic sounding guitar which builds and builds only to fall below expectations end. The vocals especially just turn me off, and so does the title. 5.7.

5. "All I Need"- A fantastic slowly simmering, ghostly classic. It's probably notable for being the creepy, stalker classic on the record. It's also one of the most gut wrenching moments on a pretty gloomy record. One of the most representative songs of the record as a whole. 8.2.

6. "Faust Arp"- The first 10 seconds of this song sound exactly like a John Lennon song. Unfortunately, it's those 10 seconds which are most enjoyable. It's really a very pretty song with great strings but there's just something missing for me- it's most likely the fairly pedestrian vocals. 6.5.

7. "Reckoner"- This one is definitely a keeper. Love the rhythm section and especially the drumming. Thom's blissful falsetto gives it an almost cathartic feel. Another grower, this song is the second best on the album and a mainstay top 20 Radiohead track. 8.5.

8. "House of Cards"- Without a doubt one of the two missteps of the album. It is just way too simplistic and one dimensional for this album. It's weakness is magnified by the otherwise exceptionally strong close to the album. 5.9.

9. "Jigsaw Falling into Place"- I liked this one from first listen. A solid guitar and bass lead this song as well as Thom's increasingly urgent vocals. The last minute is what helps it make the leap from very good to unforgettable. 8.0

10. "Videotape"- This song is such a break from the usual from Radiohead, and I love it! Who the hell would have thought that such a sappy song would work for Radiohead. It is one of the loneliest pieces of music that I've ever heard. It always makes me cold when I listen to it, it's just so alone and desolate. 8.9.

Overall Rating: 8.6- They have finally righted the ship with a near legendary record

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