What's truly amazing about In Rainbows, Radiohead's apparent record-label-killer, is how much it actually promotes the survival of the record itself — an entity which used to aspire to greatness in the whole, rather than its radio-single parts. While trying something as seemingly insane (for Radiohead, read: brilliant) as allowing consumer-chosen pricing in exchange for a must-download of all ten tracks, the band delivers more than just a collection of songs a la 2003's Hail to the Thief — though it must be said they're a typically outstanding batch of tunes. In Rainbows, however, is Radiohead at its best, an actual album that's worth devouring in whole, their best since Kid A.
Is it better than that shattering 2000 release? It's too early to tell (I'm only on my fifth listen-through), but I don't think so. Better than OK Computer ? Must you ask? Of course not. But Radiohead isn't going to reach the pinnacle of those releases by trying to recreate "Paranoid Android" on GarageBand. If you must compare, In Rainbows is like The Bends fed through the digital era of Amnesiac's like: strange yet melodic, beautiful yet alarming.
It starts with a "15 Steps" kickstart, falls into its most rocking track since "Electioneering" with "Bodysnatchers," but then slows with the rolling "Nude." And once the post-ballads start, In Rainbows flows through its the seldom upbeat, but never uninventive, remainder. Further standouts include "All I Need," "Reckoner," and "Videotape." Come to think of it, there isn't a single track that's out of place. And once again, I'm reminded why Radiohead is my favorite band (though it better not make me wait another excruciating four years for my next fix).
~Paul
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