One month, 15 days, 23 hours and 42 minutes with Radiohead's 'In Rainbows'

News Type: Opinion — Mon Nov 26, 2007 12:10 AM EST

entertainment, music, 2007, radiohead, listen-in, music-review, music-reviews, in-rainbows, thom-yorke

You can buy this record at http://www.inrainbows.com. You can pay as much or as little as you'd like. Even $0. Give it a shot.

In Rainbows earns Listen In's highly coveted maximum grape rating (MGR).

It's been exactly that amount of time since they released their latest LP, and I can say with confidence that In Rainbows is Radiohead's masterpiece, surpassing both the post-modern swagger of 1997's OK Computer and the post-apocalyptic dystopia of 2000's Kid A.

What makes In Rainbows Radiohead's best is the way in which the band has finally created a coherent fusion of the many styles they have been experimenting with over the years. Where many of the tracks on 2003's Hail to the Thief felt forced and over-indulgent (see "The Gloaming" and "Sit Down Stand Up"), In Rainbows favors a more succinct approach, leaving not a spare note to be found on the album from start to finish.

Opener "15 Step" is among Radiohead's most danceable tracks, as it recalls the driving, programmed beats of Kid A's "Idioteque." The second track, "Bodysnatchers" feels like standard Radiohead fare on the first few listens, reminiscent of Hail to the Thief rockers like "There There" and "Go To Sleep," but further listening reveal the song's many infectious hooks and its "Paranoid Android"-esque guitar squeal to wrap things up.

The album's best song, "Nude," employs slick post-production noodling, reversing the soaring oohs and ahhs that conclude the track, and adding them to the front of the mix to create a ghostly introduction. "Nude" also represents Radiohead's tireless work ethic and penchant for editing. A song that at times stretched past six minutes during its appearances in the band's live sets during the past ten years is now a trim 4:15, and is easily Radiohead's most flawlessly produced track since Kid A opener "Everything In Its Right Place."

The album's next standout track is the unassuming "All I Need," which fails to spark much interest on the first few listens. However, as listeners become more attuned to the subtle emotional flourishes that are embedded all over this record, they will likely anticipate the crashing cymbals and pathos-laden keys that underlie Thom Yorke's bellowing vocal sendoff ("It's all wrong, it's all right...")

"Reckoner," a slow building song that revolves around a simple, repetitive minor chord progression before falling away and coming back to life with drums, tambourines, squirrelly guitars and Yorke's delicate falsetto in full force precedes the album's biggest surprise, the uncharacteristically simple (and borderline cliche) "House of Cards."

"House of Cards" doesn't so much fail as it shocks on first listen. This is Radiohead at its quietest and simplest in terms of song structure. Musically, House of Cards never really goes anywhere, but its saving grace are its beautiful string arrangements, layered atmospherics and haunted, reverb-drenched hums that wouldn't sound out of place on Grizzly Bear's excellent 2006 album "Yellow House."

The album's catchiest track and apparent first single is the quick and urgent "Jigsaw Falling into Place," in which Yorke uses the chaotic and disordered imagery evoked by the song's title to recount an encounter with an apparent loved one who he doesn't want to get "lost between the notes."

"Jigsaw" sets up the somber closer "Videotape." which is little more than Yorke, his piano and arhythmic bits of percussion added by drummer Phil Selway. The song is most reminiscent of Kid A's closer, "Motion Picture Soundtrack." It fails to compete with the raw energy of the songs that precede it, but proves that emotional expression in a post-technological world is still possible can still be effective even when understated.

In Rainbows is Radiohead, finally comfortable in its own skin. It's subtle, spacious and rollicking and leaves no doubt that the band whose sound in many ways help define the 90s will also largely shape the way musical historians look back upon this decade.

Oh yea, and they like released it for free or something. Not sure if you heard.

27 Votes
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8.2

2.3

1.4

{"commentId":1215443,"authorDomain":"darkside"}

Mykola Bilokonsky

I really am going to have to give this one a spin at some point, aren't I?

{"commentId":1215443,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"darkside"}

3 votes

#1 - Mon Nov 26, 2007 12:33 AM EST

{"commentId":1215454,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Scott (Scoop) Butki

Yes you are. I'm still deciding what I think of it. Scooter and I discussed this album during Vine meet.

{"commentId":1215454,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

1 vote

#1.1 - Mon Nov 26, 2007 12:44 AM EST

{"commentId":1215536,"authorDomain":"dannymcgee"}

Danny McGee

Wow, seriously? I was completely underwhelmed by this album. I like OK Computer and Kid A a lot, but I find I end up either disliking or outright hating everything else of theirs. Ah well, to each their own.

{"commentId":1215536,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"dannymcgee"}

1 vote

#2 - Mon Nov 26, 2007 1:32 AM EST

{"commentId":1215552,"authorDomain":"thevineofhob"}

Adam Hobson

I guess it's about time I get around to listening to this as well.

{"commentId":1215552,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"thevineofhob"}

#3 - Mon Nov 26, 2007 1:45 AM EST

{"commentId":1216641,"authorDomain":"scooterdman"}

ScooterDMan

Seriously. Head chief of the Independent Music Fund and he hasn't listened to the biggest independent release of the century? Maybe the biggest independent release EVER when the historians look back.

{"commentId":1216641,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"scooterdman"}

2 votes

#3.1 - Mon Nov 26, 2007 12:58 PM EST

{"commentId":1215663,"authorDomain":"dougfunnie"}

Doug Funnie

I believe it's a good album, especially for those who haven't listen to them at all.
but in comparison to great albums like OK Computer and Kid A, it's hardly their masterpiece imo.

{"commentId":1215663,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"dougfunnie"}

1 vote

#4 - Mon Nov 26, 2007 4:05 AM EST

{"commentId":1218726,"authorDomain":"scooterdman"}

ScooterDMan

I used to think Kid A was their masterpiece. And I am still awestruck by what they did with it and the sounds they created for it (especially given the time period). But I think OK Computer holds up better from start to finish. I feel like there are no gaps there, whereas on Kid A, Treefingers, Morning Bell and In Limbo kind of staunch the flow for me.

I think In Rainbows trumps OK Computer in that it's more diverse musically and stylistically. OK Computer begins to incorporate more "mechanical" or "industrial" sounds that the band would later adopt to a larger extent, but at its core, it's really an album that sees the band perfecting the soaring guitar rock that made The Bends so popular.

It's an album I love to pieces, by the way. I just think that In Rainbows will stand the test of time a bit more gracefully.

{"commentId":1218726,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"scooterdman"}

1 vote

#4.1 - Tue Nov 27, 2007 2:00 AM EST

{"commentId":1215902,"authorDomain":"deatienza"}

Eric Atienza

This is definitely Radiohead's most accessible album, and you make a good point about fusing elements from their past albums. I think they mix a bit of the grooves that are big in today's indie scene in as well. I think it's a great record from a listener's standpoint. I'm not a Radiohead fan per se, and this record isn't going to convince me to be one, but I still think it's a great album. The writing, arrangement, and production are practically perfect.

{"commentId":1215902,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"deatienza"}

#5 - Mon Nov 26, 2007 8:34 AM EST

{"commentId":1216488,"authorDomain":"the-pitytorium"}

TomPitysFools

This is definitely Radiohead's most accessible album

More so than The Bends? That's what I usually suggest as "gateway Radiohead".

{"commentId":1216488,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"the-pitytorium"}

#5.1 - Mon Nov 26, 2007 12:15 PM EST

{"commentId":1216499,"authorDomain":"deatienza"}

Eric Atienza

I think so. From the very first track it's incredibly easy to get into. It's a grower, like all their stuff, but has a lot that's also pretty pleasing to the ear.

{"commentId":1216499,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"deatienza"}

1 vote

#5.2 - Mon Nov 26, 2007 12:19 PM EST

{"commentId":1216635,"authorDomain":"scooterdman"}

ScooterDMan

I think The Bends is a good intro to Radiohead. But all things being equal, the length of the album and the relative length of the songs makes In Rainbows a bit more palatable. With some bands, I'd hesitate to have people who aren't familiar start at their most recent album, but not the case with Radiohead or In Rainbows.

{"commentId":1216635,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"scooterdman"}

#5.3 - Mon Nov 26, 2007 12:57 PM EST

{"commentId":1217111,"authorDomain":"dougfunnie"}

Doug Funnie

More so than The Bends? That's what I usually suggest as "gateway Radiohead".

I think In Rainbows is the gateway to the current Radiohead.

{"commentId":1217111,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"dougfunnie"}

#5.4 - Mon Nov 26, 2007 3:41 PM EST

{"commentId":1220574,"authorDomain":"the-pitytorium"}

TomPitysFools

All very good points. Next time someone asks, I'm pointing them right here.

{"commentId":1220574,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"the-pitytorium"}

#5.5 - Tue Nov 27, 2007 4:56 PM EST

{"commentId":1217667,"authorDomain":"emix"}

Evan Mix

Hey Scooter, great piece.

Just a heads-up - expect a traffic bump in the near future.

{"commentId":1217667,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"emix"}

2 votes

#6 - Mon Nov 26, 2007 6:24 PM EST

{"commentId":1217713,"authorDomain":"skiskiski"}

huh?-209585

What do you mean by length of album/relative length of songs making In Rainbows a bit more palatable than The Bends?

In Rainbows is 42:40 long. The Bends is 48:38 long. But In Rainbows has only 10 tracks where The Bends has 12. Average track length on In Rainbows is 4:16. Average track length on The Bends is 4:03. In Rainbows has two tracks over five minutes long while The Bends has none.

{"commentId":1217713,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"skiskiski"}

#7 - Mon Nov 26, 2007 6:39 PM EST

{"commentId":1218715,"authorDomain":"scooterdman"}

ScooterDMan

Good point. Suppose I should have ran the numbers before making that statement, eh? I guess it's just a feel though. Maybe it's that In Rainbows has more cohesion and therefore the tracks seem quicker? I love The Bends, but it feels much longer than In Rainbows.

{"commentId":1218715,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"scooterdman"}

1 vote

#7.1 - Tue Nov 27, 2007 1:50 AM EST

{"commentId":1218050,"authorDomain":"captainadam"}

Adam-209604

Actually, I'd argue that "House of Cards" is one of the best songs on the album. (and my personal favorite) While I'd have to agree with you that it is very simple and, subsequently, very direct, I think that it's one of the lovliest songs they've ever done.

Also, while I love "In Rainbows," I think that it's a stretch to say that it's better than "OK Computer." Of course, that's just my opinion, and I respect yours. However, we'll just wait and see if my opinion changes. I always reserve the right to be wrong. :-)

{"commentId":1218050,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"captainadam"}

#8 - Mon Nov 26, 2007 8:31 PM EST

{"commentId":1218718,"authorDomain":"scooterdman"}

ScooterDMan

I always reserve the right to be wrong. :-)

I do, too. It's funny the way we talk about music empirically, as if it can be measured. Is there anything tangible that makes In Rainbows better than OK Computer? Nah. They are both wonderful albums.

I just think OK Computer has this mystique that surrounds it. It's almost untouchable, beyond reproach. So to even broach the topic that In Rainbows is better should create some interesting dialogue, even if ultimately there really is no definitive answer.

{"commentId":1218718,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"scooterdman"}

3 votes

#8.1 - Tue Nov 27, 2007 1:54 AM EST

{"commentId":1235915,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Scott (Scoop) Butki

I prefer OK computer too.

{"commentId":1235915,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

2 votes

#8.2 - Sun Dec 2, 2007 8:40 PM EST

{"commentId":1219278,"authorDomain":"KatieQ54"}

KatieQ54

I like the fact that the first three songs...15 Step, Bodysnatchers, and Nude go from 5/4 to 4/4 to 3/4 time. Just an interesting tid bit.

Also , I found on wikipedia (not the best source, but..) that the discbox release of the album includes a second disc, which contains eight additional tracks, along with digital photographs and artwork.

This album has become my favorite possession. I spent 3 hours writing a research paper last night and must have listened to Jigsaw Falling Into Place at least 20 times.

All I Need is a great song too. Very sexy.

Scooter showed me a youtube.com video entitled Microcosms with All I Need as the backdrop. The video shoes differnt bugs, plants and small animals in their respective habitats and how the interact....It's a little odd, but the music fits the video really well. Also, the cinematography is incredible.

{"commentId":1219278,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"KatieQ54"}

2 votes

#9 - Tue Nov 27, 2007 9:54 AM EST

{"commentId":1219329,"authorDomain":"deatienza"}

Eric Atienza

I spent 3 hours writing a research paper last night and must have listened to Jigsaw Falling Into Place at least 20 times.

God I love that song.

{"commentId":1219329,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"deatienza"}

2 votes

#9.1 - Tue Nov 27, 2007 10:15 AM EST

{"commentId":1219919,"authorDomain":"johndunc"}

JohnDunc

I do not know where any of you all get off thinking that this album is even close to being better than OK or Bends. I cant even fathom the thought. Seriously folks, I'm not here to put In Rainbows down by any means, but lets be realistic here, this album has been out a month and its already a classic....NA I don't think so. I.E., when Dark Side of the Moon came out, no one expected it to become the classic it is today, and not to mention in order for it to reach that status it had to stand the test of time. To this day you can listen to that album like it was released yesterday, same with OK and Bends. This album as good as it is will not pass that test, its dated. I'm probably one of the biggest Radiohead fans out there and was enjoying them long before they ever became what they are today, but I will call it as it is. God forbid that this is the album they are remembered by in the future. Sorry, but that's just my personal opinion, so flame away.

{"commentId":1219919,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"johndunc"}

1 vote

#10 - Tue Nov 27, 2007 1:16 PM EST

{"commentId":1220585,"authorDomain":"scooterdman"}

ScooterDMan

I knew I should have waited at least 15 years before publishing my opinion of Radiohead's new album...

{"commentId":1220585,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"scooterdman"}

3 votes

#10.1 - Tue Nov 27, 2007 5:00 PM EST

{"commentId":1220695,"authorDomain":"deatienza"}

Eric Atienza

This album as good as it is will not pass that test, its dated.

What do you mean it's dated?
I'm not sure what you mean. It's hardly been out, how is it dated?

{"commentId":1220695,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"deatienza"}

2 votes

#10.2 - Tue Nov 27, 2007 5:45 PM EST

{"commentId":1223402,"authorDomain":"skiskiski"}

huh?-209585

Dark Side of the Moon is dated. Listen to it and it is not possible to imagine it was released recently. Listen to the mix, the instrumentation, the drumming, etc. All unmistakably scream 1970s. A modern recording of DSotM would sound drastically different.

Play DSotM to just about anyone 15 years old today, even those that listen to lots of interesting music, and you'll likely get a big yawn.

It's a beautiful work of art nevertheless.

{"commentId":1223402,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"skiskiski"}

#10.3 - Wed Nov 28, 2007 2:53 PM EST

{"commentId":1223882,"authorDomain":"jsm27"}

Jessica-210243

Lovin In Rainbows but nowhere close to OK Computer, which I think is a masterpiece. Can't wait for the box set.

{"commentId":1223882,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"jsm27"}

#11 - Wed Nov 28, 2007 4:42 PM EST

{"commentId":1224625,"authorDomain":"scooterdman"}

ScooterDMan

No where close, eh? I dunno, I don't think any song on In Rainbows is quite as epic as Paranoid Android, but I don't think OK Computer has the coherence track to track that In Rainbows does.

{"commentId":1224625,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"scooterdman"}

2 votes

#11.1 - Wed Nov 28, 2007 8:40 PM EST

{"commentId":1223892,"authorDomain":"jsm27"}

Jessica-210243

Lovin In Rainbows but nowhere close to OK Computer which is truly a masterpiece. Can't wait for the box set!

{"commentId":1223892,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"jsm27"}

#12 - Wed Nov 28, 2007 4:46 PM EST

{"commentId":1223940,"authorDomain":"jsm27"}

Jessica-210243

Lovin In Rainbows but nowhere close to OK Computer which is truly a masterpiece. Can't wait for the box set!

{"commentId":1223940,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"jsm27"}

#13 - Wed Nov 28, 2007 4:55 PM EST

{"commentId":1226089,"authorDomain":"jsm27"}

Jessica-210243

I actually agree about the coherence and I agree about Paranoid Android. But songs like PA and No Alarms No Surprises in my opinoion haven't been matched yet. Love OK so much that I have a tattoo of the androids shaking hands!

{"commentId":1226089,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"jsm27"}

#14 - Thu Nov 29, 2007 9:50 AM EST

{"commentId":1229897,"authorDomain":"skiskiski"}

huh?-209585

And the beauty of music is that while we agree that OK Computer is superb, we do so for such different reasons. I contend that there's a track on OK Computer that is "clearly" the best thing Radiohead has ever done and among the best things any musician(s) has ever done. However, that track is neither of the two you've mentioned.

My point is that when someone says one work is better than another, it is insignificant and not worth debate.

{"commentId":1229897,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"skiskiski"}

#14.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2007 12:27 PM EST

{"commentId":1229995,"authorDomain":"deatienza"}

Eric Atienza

My point is that when someone says one work is better than another, it is insignificant and not worth debate.

Well while I'd agree that when someone thinks one is better than another it should necessarily effect your own opinion, I wouldn't say it's not worth debate. I think talking about these things is not only fun but also enlightening and I've given more than a few things additional listens (and come out with added appreciation) based on conversations I've had with friends.

{"commentId":1229995,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"deatienza"}

1 vote

#14.2 - Fri Nov 30, 2007 12:52 PM EST

{"commentId":1230147,"authorDomain":"skiskiski"}

huh?-209585

I certainly agree that I've listened to things based on recommendations and have been turned on to things I've initially been uninterested in as a result. But the debate about relative merit is pointless, at least for me. The significant part to me is the expression of appreciation of a work.

{"commentId":1230147,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"skiskiski"}

#14.3 - Fri Nov 30, 2007 1:42 PM EST

{"commentId":1229491,"authorDomain":"jsm27"}

Jessica-210243

I agree actually, but what about No Alarms No Surprises-makes the whole album. Love OK so much that I have a tattoo of the Androids shaking hands!

{"commentId":1229491,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"jsm27"}

#15 - Fri Nov 30, 2007 10:33 AM EST

{"commentId":1235950,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Scott (Scoop) Butki

Scooterman – Great review. I listened to the album again tonite. It is really growing on me especially Nude, Reckoner and .
I think my favorite song, though, is Videotape – it reminds me a bit of Moby circa Everything Is Wrong on that song God Moving in both being spare and the shift from the other quick-tempo songs to this mellow piece

I'm not crazy about Bangers N Mash, though. Did I miss you commenting on that one?

{"commentId":1235950,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

#16 - Sun Dec 2, 2007 9:02 PM EST

{"commentId":1252205,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Scott (Scoop) Butki

Are there two cds for it? Because when I grabbed it there were more songs than you listed in your review.

{"commentId":1252205,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

#16.1 - Sat Dec 8, 2007 8:43 AM EST

{"commentId":5577899,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}

Scott (Scoop) Butki

Listening to this cd today with plans to compare my impressions with yours for a piece I'm writing up for tonite about listening to music while driving cross county.

{"commentId":5577899,"threadId":"181015","contentId":"1121436","authorDomain":"sbutki"}

#17 - Wed Feb 25, 2009 12:25 PM EST

{"canLink":false,"threadId":"181015","isPrivate":false}

SCOOTERDMAN

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One month, 15 days, 23 hours and 42 minutes with Radiohead's 'In Rainbows'

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