And, ostensibly, for free. Unless you want the sweet boxed set. Count me in for 40 pounds.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Oh man! I can't wait!
Posted by TL (Member # 8124) on :
Holy. What? Yes. Good news.
Posted by TL (Member # 8124) on :
The price of the downloadable version? "It's up to you." Folks, you set your own price. You can pay whatever you feel it's worth. This is awesome. I'd like to see this become the model for everything everywhere.
Posted by Tarrsk (Member # 332) on :
Oh man, this is exciting. And a very interesting experiment to boot... Radiohead are essentially giving the finger to the record industry with this move. They're probably the only band in the world today who have the combined influence and cojones to pull this off.
And DAMN. Eighteen tracks? Including just about every single song they premiered last year? And they bring back both "Up On the Ladder" AND "Reckoner"?
Awwwwwwwwesome.
Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
Holy crap, this is cool.
Must. Get. Boxed. Set.
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
I love Radiohead, but let's not pretend that they're the first popular group to do the "download our album, pay what you want" thing.
Posted by TL (Member # 8124) on :
I don't think anyone has said that. But now, out of curiosity, who else has done it?
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
How much do you guys think is fair? And what's the exchange rate nowadays anyway? 2 to 1?
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
I think I'm going to go 5 pounds. If nobody pays anything Radiohead will go away. They'll have to get jobs washing dishes or something. We can't let that happen.
It wasn't clear to me if you buy the boxed set do you get to download on the 10th like everyone else or do you have to wait until it arrives at your door much later? Surely you get the download code first, don't you?
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
The site is really slow and really weird. I don't know if I ordered it or not. I guess I'll wait and see if I get a confirming email.
Posted by Tarrsk (Member # 332) on :
quote:Originally posted by TL: I don't think anyone has said that. But now, out of curiosity, who else has done it?
A number of indie labels have done it, or something similar. For example, Bomb the Music Industry!'s label posts all of their releases as MP3 downloads for free, and then just has a donations button on the website. Harvey Danger's most recent album, "Little By Little," was released the same way. But I think Radiohead may be the first to offer both a super-delux expensive edition coupled with a downloadable version for which you can choose your price. It's an interesting (and dare I say quite brilliant) twist on the concept, as they'll still make plenty of money from hardcore fans while simultaneously ensuring massive dissemination of the "free" version of the album. A win-win situation for artist and customer alike- the only people who get screwed are the record labels. As it should be.
Posted by Orincoro (Member # 8854) on :
Radiohead would also be one of the first to potentially lose a goodly amount of money with this experiment.
Composer Bob Ostertag also provides all of his music free of charge, as do many composers who may or may not have attracted record label attention (most don't).
Now I wouldn't pay a dollar for a piece by Bob Ostertag, but quite a few people have, so he does lose money.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
I do think Radiohead is more in a position to pull off something like this. But good on them for getting there, they certainly did alot of work towards getting so much control of their music. I'll have to give it a look see and then decide how much to pay, they've certainly given me enough musical joy that I can give them more of my money without hesitation.
I'm glad somebody mentioned Harvey Danger's "Little by Little" album. I was very proud of them for taking that route, I wish more people had recognized their musicianship beyond just the obvious singles.
Posted by BryanP (Member # 7772) on :
I'm a huge Radiohead fan and have followed the new album development very closely, and was shocked to hear the news today. Absolutely stunned. But it's pretty awesome, and it'll be interesting to see how it works out for them. It'd be cool if they released stats on how many people paid for the album, and what amount. But it's hard to imagine them losing money - compared to the middling amount they got from the record company, they could probably sell far fewer albums and still make as much money. Meanwhile they generate huge interest in their live shows, which will inevitably be huge in sales next year, whenever they decide to tour.
Anywho, I ordered the sweet box set, though for $80 it would be nice if I had a turntable.
Posted by Fusiachi (Member # 7376) on :
quote:Originally posted by BryanP: Anywho, I ordered the sweet box set, though for $80 it would be nice if I had a turntable.
I feel for you. Well, I would, but I moved in with a DJ not too long ago. Vinyl City, here I come.
I guess you can always eBay the vinyl.
Posted by BryanP (Member # 7772) on :
Nah, I'll keep the wax just in case I ever happen upon a cheap turntable.
Posted by Fusiachi (Member # 7376) on :
Right on. $80 well spent.
Posted by Speed (Member # 5162) on :
Any word on what the bitrate is for those downloads?
Posted by Fusiachi (Member # 7376) on :
No word yet. Suitably high, one would reckon. Why release low-quality audio in such a campaign when bootleggers would do it for free?
Posted by Speed (Member # 5162) on :
Well, that's what you'd think. But iTunes has made billions doing exactly that.
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
quote:Originally posted by Fusiachi: No word yet. Suitably high, one would reckon. Why release low-quality audio in such a campaign when bootleggers would do it for free?
Because it's legal?
Posted by BryanP (Member # 7772) on :
quote:Originally posted by Speed: Any word on what the bitrate is for those downloads?
Radiohead just recently made their albums available for download on 7digital and Amazon, and they're available in 256 kbps or higher, so I'm expecting something similar. It'd be nice if they offered a lossless option, but they probably don't have the server capacity. I'm nervous about how easy it will be to download next week and if their servers will hold up.
Posted by Nato (Member # 1448) on :
Their website was already having trouble coping with the number of preorders in the last couple days. I doubt they'll try releasing a lossless copy. It would be sweet though if they did.
There's no way they're going to lose money this year. They already sell out everywhere they go.
Posted by Speed (Member # 5162) on :
Loreena McKennitt is the only artist I know who offers lossless album downloads from her website. Of course, you could generally buy the CDs cheaper at Amazon or Best Buy, but it's still a nice gesture.
Posted by BryanP (Member # 7772) on :
One more day....
Sounds like the album will come in a ZIP file around 50 MB with songs in 160 kbps mp3. Not as high as I would've hoped, but it'll do.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
In preparation for the album I've listened over the last two days to every single one of their albums and 90% of their b-sides. I've also heard a bunch of live performances of their songs.
There is a live version of "Exit Music" that I think is better then the album version.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
Well I just spent $80 and I'm pretty psyched about it.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
I ordered the download tonight and paid for it. (I don't want Radiohead to quit making records, so I figure those of us who can afford it need to pay something.) I'm so excited! I can't wait to hear it. Posted by TL (Member # 8124) on :
I can't believe how much I love this album. Well, I guess it could have been predicted, considering how big a Radiohead fan I am.... But. I just wasn't expecting it to be so warm and glowy after the harshness of Hail to the Thief. It is a beautiful surprise.
Posted by Lime (Member # 1707) on :
This wasn't what I was expecting at all. But I like it. Quite possibly a lot -- I need to listen to this again.
(And again.)
(And again...)
Posted by BryanP (Member # 7772) on :
Wow. Amazing album. I've been a big Radiohead fan for a long time, but this is exceeding my expectations, even after being familiar with the bootlegs. It's gorgeous.
Only thing I'm not sure about so far is Videotape, it's sort of a disquieting ending and I'm not sure how it fits in with the album. But it's a good song.
Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
Holy crap, what a good album. It just kept getting better and better. I love the tone of the songs. It's like they were pulled from some golden age of rock and roll that everyone forgot about. Radiohead found their roots again. I'm going to listen to this again and again just to soak it up. And I can't wait for the rest of the songs.
My favorites after 1 listen are House of Cards and Jigsaw Falling into Place, although every song after Bodysnatchers is potentially a favorite. Wow.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Been listening to it at work all day on repeat.
While surprising at first, I think 15 Step is in my favorites. I also like Nude and Jigsaw Falling into Place.
I'd rate the album a bit better than Thief; definitely a bit more Kid A-ish.
(Paid 4 quid for it)
-Bok
EDIT: I agree about the ending, but I feel like most Radiohead albums are like sparklers: burst into flame at the start, but then fizzle out. I think that's sort of Radiohead's thing, and so I don't expect some bombastic song to finish an album of theirs.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
quote:Originally posted by Bokonon: (Paid 4 quid for it)
-Bok
Good! I was worried I'd be the only one, and people would look at me funny. But I really do love Radiohead, and I think their music is worth something, and if I don't pay for it, then how can they afford to make more? I'm just glad that this way, all my money goes to the artists themselves and I'm not lining the pockets of some tasteless music industry exec. I mean, if popular music today is their doing, then they definitely all need to get new jobs.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Most of my friends will be paying, as they are at least as big fans as me. Though I let them get the songs from me, since Radiohead's server appears to be down for some (all) people, and they can't add it to their cart or anything.
-Bok
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
Hey, I'm wondering if someone here can help me out.
I paid for the big $80 box set. and when i went to download it today, the download never started up. When i tried clicking on the link again it said the activation code had already been used and to contact the support people. They haven't gotten back to me since i emailed them this morning.
If anybody would be so kind as to send me the album via usendit or put it up on ftp or something like that, I would greatly appreciate it. I've paid for it, so I don't think there's anything morally wrong with it.
Thanks!
Posted by Lime (Member # 1707) on :
I will zip this up and send it to you, posthaste.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
Lime I had the exact same problem, could you do me the same favor?
Posted by Lime (Member # 1707) on :
Sure! I've got to leave work soon, so I'll have to send it after I get home (in ~ an hour). But I will do that as soon as I get home.
I'll even throw in a .zip of excellent live versions from the album. I haven't listened to it yet, so I'm taking someone else's word for it. But should be good stuff regardless.
I listened to In Rainbows again over lunch and am loving it. I'm really glad I bought the discbox now.
ETA: Wait, I'm dumb. I'll just send you the link, Blackblade.
Posted by Fusiachi (Member # 7376) on :
Yet another terrific album. It's been looping here all day. Not going to stop anytime soon.
Excited for disc two & the vinyls to arrive.
Only complaint? The kids in 15 step. And maybe the lack of guitar in videotape. But they turned out well, all the same.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
My download worked right away. I think they're having some technical glitches, though.
I'll be glad to send it to anyone who has problems.
I love the harmonies in Reckoner. So far I like it a lot but I can't tell much more until I've listened for a while.
Posted by Orincoro (Member # 8854) on :
quote:Originally posted by Speed: Well, that's what you'd think. But iTunes has made billions doing exactly that.
Itunes is finally raising bit rates and starting to offer non-ddrm content. I've been able to secure some 320kbps tracks from itunes from the group Autechre, but it seems to be an exceptional case because it's electronic music with a very high production standard and fidelity requirements for the pieces to be passable alternatives to illegal sharing or buying the album on CD.
Posted by Orincoro (Member # 8854) on :
Oh, btw, could someone post or send a link to me for the download? I've got most all the tracks from live performances from nearly a year ago, but I'm looking forward to the studio tracks.
it's my username at gee mail.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
Lime, you're awesome, thanks.
I've listened to it one time and love it, but i'm not forming any more concrete thoughts till a second listen through.
And go figure. Right after I finished listening to it I finally get a response from them with a link to a working download!
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
Just started listening. I'll be glossing over the album at least once or twice while at work tomorrow. Impressions will follow. Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
Well, it appears they were offering it for a little while, and now they aren't anymore - or at least, inrainbows.com now requires a login to even view the page, and radiohead.com redirects directly to the blog. I can't find a way to buy access to the DL anymore.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
quote:Originally posted by erosomniac: Well, it appears they were offering it for a little while, and now they aren't anymore - or at least, inrainbows.com now requires a login to even view the page, and radiohead.com redirects directly to the blog. I can't find a way to buy access to the DL anymore.
If you intend on sending some intarnet bux their way I'd be happy to send you the yousendit link to the album. Lime already hosted it.
edit: AHA! "Nude" is actually a song they wrote some time ago but only played live as far as I know. It was listed as "Big Ideas."
Strider: If you listened through that stuff I sent you, you should find it in there somewhere.
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
I do, but don't give me the link just yet - it may be a temporary thing.
If not, maybe it'll be available for purchase in CD form that isn't the $80 box set, eventually.
Thank you, though! I may take you up on it later.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
Blackblade, what was in there? I just went through everything I got from you and none of the tracks from the new album where there.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
you know, since Radiohead is giving people the option of downloading the album for free, I don't really see any problem with sharing the files with someone even if they don't intend to pay for it.
Or are you just saying you'd rather eros waited till the site was back up to download it officially from Radiohead?
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
quote:Originally posted by erosomniac: If not, maybe it'll be available for purchase in CD form that isn't the $80 box set, eventually.
quote:Originally posted by Strider: you know, since Radiohead is giving people the option of downloading the album for free, I don't really see any problem with sharing the files with someone even if they don't intend to pay for it.
Or are you just saying you'd rather eros waited till the site was back up to download it officially from Radiohead?
I think maybe you're misreading: BB offered to send it to me for free, and I told him no thanks, I'd rather wait until I can pay for it and get it directly from them.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
oh, it seemed to me that BB was saying that "if" you intended to send Radiohead money eventually, then he'd send you the link now. To me implying that if you weren't planning on sending Radiohead any money, he wouldn't. And I was just pointing out that Radiohead isn't requiring payment. Though obviously I may have misread him!
Posted by Tarrsk (Member # 332) on :
quote:Originally posted by Fusiachi: Yet another terrific album. It's been looping here all day. Not going to stop anytime soon.
Excited for disc two & the vinyls to arrive.
Only complaint? The kids in 15 step. And maybe the lack of guitar in videotape. But they turned out well, all the same.
Haha, I love the little kids. Their little "hey!" fits so well with the general smart-assed danciness of the song. It wouldn't have worked on any other Radiohead song for sure, but it's perfect in "15 Step."
I can't possibly choose a favorite song on this record. Every single one is solid gold. The songs I loved from the tour ("Nude," "Arpeggi," "All I Need," "House of Cards") have been perfected, and the songs I was less enthused about ("Bodysnatchers," "Jigsaw") have been immeasurably improved in their studio treatments. The two songs we haven't heard previously (and I'm counting "Reckoner" here because the new arrangement is essentially an entirely new song) are just lovely.
Even "Videotape," which I was initially disappointed by due to my love of the epic full-band version from the bootlegs, has grown on me dramatically. I love the intricate soft percussion sounds that build up over the course of the song. They contrast the repetition of the piano chords and melody, perfectly evoking the melancholy feeling of rewinding an old family video and watching your favorite part over and over again.
Overall, after a number of spins through "In Rainbows" in its entirety, I already rank it above "Hail to the Thief," "Amnesiac," and "Pablo Honey." It'll take a few more days/weeks/months before I'll be ready to judge how it stands up against the Holy Trinity of Radiohead albums, but I suspect it'll hold its own just fine.
As a last note- this is Nigel's greatest work at the soundboard since "Kid A." Absolutely glorious production. Even at 160 kbps, this is the best-sounding album I've heard all year.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
quote:Originally posted by Strider: Blackblade, what was in there? I just went through everything I got from you and none of the tracks from the new album where there.
Look for the song, "Big Ideas (live/accoustic)" it's just one of the random songs in there. It was not a b-side.
TBH I like "Nude" alot but I do miss some of the guitar elements in the live version.
And yes I know its easy peasy to make a joke that involves the word nude so don't even bother!
edit: Oh and incidentally I was just having fun writing out "intarnet bux." If eros had no intention of paying for the album that would be fine with me anyway. It would be weird to play record company exec, if Radiohead is willing to give the album out for free.
[ October 11, 2007, 09:22 AM: Message edited by: BlackBlade ]
Posted by Lime (Member # 1707) on :
There are reasons to love every song on this release, but man. Videotape is amazing. All I Need's got some of the best bass sections I've heard in a long time. Bodysnatchers is the most danceable thing they've put out in years. I need to listen to this on a system with better output than my iPod buds.
The discbox can't come soon enough. I'm asking for a turntable for Christmas especially because of this album and I've already started looking for other Radiohead vinyl.
Posted by BryanP (Member # 7772) on :
Reckoner is the biggest surprise for me and its one of the best things they've done. All in all, In Rainbows is easily their best album (IMHO).
IR > OKC >= HTTT > Amnesiac > Kid A > The Bends > that other album
And iPod headphones don't do the album justice at all, it has by far the best low end of any Radiohead album. It's lush, I can't wait for the CDs.
Posted by Tarrsk (Member # 332) on :
Yeah, the bass range sounds incredible on this album. HTTT was badly marred by a really muddy mix, but it seems that Nigel got that out of his system, thank god. "In Rainbows" is crisp, clear, and spacious. None of that artificially lo-fi bullcrap.
If asked to rank Radiohead albums right now, I'd probably put 'em as follows:
OKC = Kid A > IR = The Bends > Amnesiac >> HTTT >>>>> Pablo Honey
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
Egad.
I haven't listened to IR, but seriously, the only way to rank them is PH > OKC > HTTT > KA > TB > Amn.
'CAUSE I'M RIGHT & UR WRONG
Posted by Tarrsk (Member # 332) on :
Pablo Honey gets serious negative points just for the inclusion of "How Do You," one of the only Radiohead songs I consider to be outright terrible. Really, the only memorable songs on that album are "You," "Creep," "Lurgee," and "Blow Out," and none of those are particularly indicative of exceptional songwriting talent. "Creep" has a lovely bridge melody (albeit one stolen directly from another song) and Jonny's first foray into choppy guitar noise, but that's about it.
There's a reason why Pablo Honey-era Radiohead was universally panned as a one hit wonder, a criticism instantly silenced after The Bends was released. Heck, the b-sides from the Kid A/ Amnesiac era are universally better than anything from Pablo Honey. It's a slightly-better-than-average alternative rock album, and nothing more. The albums that followed were all instant classics, and almost surely destined to be some of the most influential pop albums ever recorded.
IMHO, YMMV, et cetera, et cetera... *funky descending fuzz bass* you used to be aaaall right/ what haaapppennnnedddd
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
Um, Tarrsk, did you not read the last line of my post?
Yeah, sorry, we've established who the expert here is.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
quote:Originally posted by BlackBlade:
quote:Originally posted by Strider: Blackblade, what was in there? I just went through everything I got from you and none of the tracks from the new album where there.
Look for the song, "Big Ideas (live/accoustic)" it's just one of the random songs in there. It was not a b-side.
ahhh, got it. I thought you meant the whole album was there and I was shocked that I wouldn't recognize that many songs.
Some thoughts:
The songs are very haunting. In a wonderful way. They feel very raw...emotional.
The album is fantastic. This is really going to mess with my ratings. I agree mostly with Tarrsk's ratings except I'd put Bends equal to the other two. They all rotate turns as being my favorite at different times in my life.
This album seems to draw some of the best elements of those albums as well as The Eraser and others, and mesh them all together beautifully.
I don't want to go overboard, because I remember being really into HTTT when it came out and that faded quickly. But this feels different.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
Placing The Bends so far towards the back is just crazy. But then again I suppose that does not mean its a bad album. Radiohead's crappiest album is easily better then many a bands best compilations.
1 hour until work, and then it's 5 straight hours of Radiohead.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Picked In Rainbows up yesterday. I like it, but The Bends is still my favourite.
Posted by BryanP (Member # 7772) on :
quote:Originally posted by Tarrsk: Yeah, the bass range sounds incredible on this album. HTTT was badly marred by a really muddy mix, but it seems that Nigel got that out of his system, thank god. "In Rainbows" is crisp, clear, and spacious. None of that artificially lo-fi bullcrap.
Nigel actually did a different mix of HTTT, but the band wanted it to have the rough sound that it does have. Personally I think it adds to the frantic feel of the album.
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Uh-nuh, OK Computer is the top of every list for Karma Police if nothing else.
*steely glare* I'm right and you're wrong.
**
I haven't heard the new album yet.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
quote:Placing The Bends so far towards the back is just crazy. But then again I suppose that does not mean its a bad album. Radiohead's crappiest album is easily better then many a bands best compilations.
Was that to me?
This is roughly my order:
OKC = Kid A = The Bends > Amnesiac >> HTTT >>>>> Pablo Honey
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
I eventually grew to like OK Computer quite a lot, but when it came out I was actually a little disappointed by it... and I was severely disappointed by Amnesiac. That one hasn't grown on me much, though I listen to a couple of specific tracks.
Overall, though, as my taste has grown progressively heavier, Radiohead have grown progressively lighter. I like a pretty wide variety of music (and deliberately explore new genres and artists), but the songs and albums I cite as my favourites have definitely gotten heavier over the years.
Nowadays Radiohead fall somewhere between Boards of Canada and Sigur Ros in my musical listening landscape, with Muse occupying the spot Radiohead have vacated.
Added: If I had to put the albums in order of preference, the way other people have done, I'd do it like this:
The Bends > Kid A > OK Computer > Hail to the Thief >>>>> Amnesiac = Pablo Honey
Added 2: Both Amnesiac and Pablo Honey have a couple of tracks that I like, but I never listen to them as full albums. I don't listen to HttT as a full album much, and OK Computer rarely. Kid A is definitely an album experience, and The Bends I simply adore.
Posted by solo (Member # 3148) on :
The Bends is definitely my favorite Radiohead album. I don't think I've listened to most of the others enough to rank them but if I had to, I think it would be similar to twinky with a couple of changes:
The Bends > OK Computer > Kid A = Hail to the Thief = Amnesiac >>>> Pablo Honey
I think that Bodysnatchers is my current favorite track on In Rainbows with Weird Fishes/Arpeggi as a close second. I'd probably slide this album in as = with OK Computer.
I think I need to listen to Kid A a few more times as a full album experience since I see I only kept one track from it in my iTunes at work (which indicates to me that not much stood out when I was going through and rating songs).
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Since we're doing our rankings:
OK Computer > The Bends (>)= Kid A > Amnesiac > HTTT >>>>>> Pablo Honey
In Rainbows will likely occupy a spot between OK Computer and Kid A.
My current faves are 15 Step, Nude, Weird Fishes/Arpeggi, All I Need, Reckoner, Jigsaw Falling Into Place, Videotape (yeah, 7 out of 10, sue me).
I might be the only person not in love with House of Cards. Probably because I'm not a Prince fan.
-Bok
Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
OK Computer was what sold me on Radiohead. Then I went back and listened to The Bends and they became my new favorite band. I was totally on the Radiohead bandwagon in the lead-up to Kid A. Then I hated Kid A's guts when it came out. I've since reconciled my feelings. I still like Amnesiac better than Kid A, but they're all good. I like a few songs from HTTT quite a bit, but it's been a dry 4 years all in all. Thank goodness for a really good album in IR and the promise of more to come. I like to be excited about Radiohead again.
Twinky, I think I started listening to Muse at your recommendation, many years ago. They are a good band. I do wish they'd give up the arpeggio sound, though.
Posted by Lime (Member # 1707) on :
Since I came to Radiohead late in the party (just after the release of HTTT), I have problems choosing between them. Rank them? The best I can do is to place them in sets. Each set has an equally warm place in my heart, and the individual albums frequently swap places according to the mood that strikes me.
A = {OK Computer >= In Rainbows > The Bends > HTTT}
B= {Kid A >= In Rainbows > Amnesiac > HTTT}
{A, B} >>>>>>>> Pablo Honey
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
For a long long time I loved best whichever Radiohead cd I happened to be listening to at the time. They were all so good. I can't rank them like you guys have. They're all different but all really good, I think.
I do skip certain tracks on the various cds now, and I listen to the old ones far less frequently, as I've finally begun to use them up after years and years of listening.
I discovered Radiohead after OK Computer, then went back in time from there. For a long time OK Computer was my undisputed favorite. It was one of those necessary-like-oxygen cds, and I lost my first copy at one point and had to buy another one. (Why didn't I rip it? Who knows?) Then I found my first one and had two for a while until I gave one away. I played OK Computer for ages and never grew tired of it. Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
"Creep" of Pablo Honey was my first exposure to Radiohead. I loved the song as I was a lovestruck teenager in love with a girl who though I was great but not boyfriend material.
A few months later on a trip to the Philippines I saw the Iron Lung EP on sale at a random store and purchased it. My Iron Lung, the acoustic version of Creep, and especially Lewis (Mistreated) were amazing. Kid A came out and I just could not dig it at all. I respected Radiohead tremendously for trying to push the bounds of music, but I just did not like the songs. I left for my mission and when I got back HTTT came out and it seemed like a happy middle ground between Kid A, Amnesiac, and OK Computer/The Bends. Based on the strength of HTTT I checked out TB and OKC and fell in love all over again. Today after so much exposure I am more at peace with Kid A and Amnesiac.
In Rainbows is a good album. Whereas Kid A and Amnesiac are almost the primal soup of music, In Rainbows is like seeing the first vertebrates in the evolutionary chain. I am going to keep revisiting it and I imagine it that will endear the album alittle more, but overall its a good listen but its not Radiohead's best. Technically I am sure it is masterfully executed, and the musicianship is unmistakable. But I think I'd like the album as a whole better if there were one or two more songs like, "Nude." In the last 20 seconds there is a single minor chord embedded in a series of major chords that sends chills down my spine every time, I am so glad they saved that expression for the end of the song.
But again I applaud Radiohead for going in this direction. I'm glad when The Bends came out they thought, "We don't want to release 2-3 more albums just like this, let's start breaking down walls."
Thom York's voice and to a lesser extent (if any at all) Greenwoods guitar riffs are the only thing that makes Radiohead music of today identifiable with what they have written all this time.
I hope Radiohead goes back in the direction of HTTT, I'd like the melodies a bit tighter, and the songs a titch more constructed. I'm glad I'm paying money for the album though. Radiohead needs to keep writing.
Posted by TL (Member # 8124) on :
My thoughts...
HTTT might be the most grim mainstream rock album ever recorded. Nightmare lyrics, epic (but muddy) guitars, huge bombastic drums, song after song of slow-build-and-explode theatrics; it hits you with a staggering array of hopelessness and death.
devil's way now, scream and shout, no way out, we can wipe you out any time, we tried, we tried but there was nothing we could do, I will eat you alive, are you sweet, are you fresh, are you strung up by the wrists, etc,
It's emotionally exhausting for me. For a long time I regarded it as their best cd. But it was a cold regard, an intellectual assessment rather than something deeply felt. I'm over that now as of the first time I heard In Rainbows -- which, I don't know where it ranks in terms of intellectual assessments -- but I do know that this thing resonates with me deeply, and feels sustaining and beautiful, rather than menacing and grotesque.
They seem to have gone back in a direction which is recognizably human. Which, in and of itself, is a bit of a shock. I've never been more thrilled by an album than I am right now. It feels like OK Computer again -- but for completely different reasons.
Posted by Tarrsk (Member # 332) on :
HTTT has some great songs, no doubt. And the tone is as grim as TL says, perfectly timely. It summed up the zietgeist of 2003 the way that Radiohead albums always seem to do ("In Rainbows" is no exception).
That said, there's a lot of filler on HTTT, at least by Radiohead standards, and a couple of the songs get extremely short shrift due to decisions made in production. "The Gloaming," for example, is a skittering live drumset-driven monster live, with an absolutely classic Colin Greenwood fuzz bass line. But the album track omits the bass line entirely, and whereas the live version incorporates live instrumentation a la "15 Step," the album version is almost entirely electronic- not necessarily a bad thing in and of itself, but in this particular case the song loses a lot of its complexity and mood. Poor mixing decisions like this, in addition to the general muddiness and irritating "lo-fi as created in a multimillion dollar studio" sound of the album, contribute heavily to my lower ranking of HTTT.
That said, the studio versions of "There There" and "Myxomatosis" rank among the best tracks Radiohead have ever recorded. And "Wolf at the Door" is just sublime.
Posted by BryanP (Member # 7772) on :
I don't think the live version of The Gloaming would sound good on the album. It's not cold enough, and The Gloaming is like the cold heart of the record, it ties the whole thing together thematically. It is a grim album, full of fear and paranoia but there's a lot of beauty in it too, with songs like Sail to the Moon, There There and Scatterbrain. I agree it's a bit too long, but even so there are no obvious choices to me for which song to cut out. I think it's their most emotional album... or at least it was until In Rainbows came out.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
I don't remember epic guitars or huge drums from HttT.
On the other hand, when I want huge drums, I go to Tool and Dream Theater.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Or The Who
-Bok
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
BTW, I am increasingly feeling like In Rainbows was written for my specific sensibilities. It's an album I would have loved 10 years ago, and when I envision myself in 10 (20, 30) years, I can't help but still see this album as being a welcome friend. It's got a timeless feel.
They had me from the initial guitar parts in 15 Step.
Also anyone listening to it with iPod or equivalent earbuds/headphones: get better headphones!!! I listened to the album like that the first day or two, since I downloaded it at work, but last night I brought home the computer the MP3s were on. I have a nice (not top-of-the-line) pair Sennheiser headphones, and the low end properly introduced itself to me. Today I brought in the more cumbersome headphones because I cringe at going back to those earbuds.
-Bok
[ October 12, 2007, 11:21 AM: Message edited by: Bokonon ]
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Can you tell that it's lossy 160kpbs encoding with the Sennheisers? One reason I've held off on buying nicer headphones than my somewhat bass-heavy Sony pair is that I can already hear compression artifacts in some of my music. It isn't enough to be annoying, but I bet it would be if I had nicer headphones.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
I'm not an audiophile. I haven't noticed anything that I can conclusively say is due to the bit rate, and not purposeful production. I encode all my CDs to MP3s at 192kbps, and am perfectly content.
I have noticed differences at very low bit rates, but then, everyone does.
-Bok
Posted by BryanP (Member # 7772) on :
The encoding on the mp3s is pretty amazing, given that it's only 160 kbps. The level of detail is great, I can listen on my home theater and it sounds just fine. I'm sure the CD will sound better, but I'm happy for now. Can't listen to the album on my iPod headphones though, the low end is too good not to be able to hear it.
Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
Seems like there's some fuzz on the bass in a few of the songs. I don't know if this is deliberate or a product of the encoding. My enjoyment isn't diminished in either case.
Posted by Tarrsk (Member # 332) on :
If you're thinking of the bass in songs like "15 Step" and "Bodysnatchers," that's definitely intentional distortion (Colin Greenwood uses fuzz pedals all the time). The tone is very organic and smooth, the product of analog distortion rather than digital clipping.
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
Finally downloading InRainbows - at 900 k/sec! WOO.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
I've finally listened to it enough to have an opinion, and I like it more and more. It has a very spare sound. Favorite tracks are Reckoner, All I Need, Weird Fishes, Videotape, Nude (roughly in that order) but I like all the songs without exception. It's stuck in my head now and I'm finding myself singing it wherever I go.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
So how's the album holding up for people? I listened to it pretty much non stop for the first week or two. And since then it's gone from maybe every other day to every few days. I just listened to it yesterday for the first time in a week and I still love it.
Favorite tracks now being Bodysnatchers(especially at the 2:07 mark), Nude, Weird Fishes, Jigsaw Falling into Place, and Videotape. So yeah, only half the album. And I still really dig the rest too.
So it's holding up really well, even after the newness has faded. Now to figure out where to place it in the Radiohead hierarchy!
Posted by Tarrsk (Member # 332) on :
I still listen to it daily. "15 Step" gets me dancing down the street on the way to work every morning. The five track sequence from "Nude" to "Reckoner" is absolutely flawless, probably my favorite five tracks in a row of all time. I've cooled a bit towards "Bodysnatchers" and "House of Cards," but they're both still great, just not quite as wonderful as the rest of the album.
To my own surprise, my Radiohead hierarchy is still identical to the one I posted a month back. I still slightly prefer OK Computer and Kid A (although again, those have the benefit of years of listening), immediately followed by In Rainbows and the Bends. Amnesiac trails after that, with Hail to the Thief as a distant sixth, and Pablo Honey so far behind that it barely even registers.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
I haven't listened to it in weeks, but I've gotten around a dozen new albums in that time. Right now I'm back on a heavy kick with Dream Theater and Opeth.
Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
I still listen to it regularly, every few days or so. It hasn't gotten old yet.
It's starting to feel like a solid album to me instead of a collection of songs. That's taken a while because I didn't have to go to the store and buy the CD.
I like how Radiohead takes some straight pop ideas, like with House of Cards, and makes them ultra-cool.
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
The official recording of the Daft Punk's Paris show displaced all other music in my life, and likely will for the next few months.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
I'm still crazy about it. It keeps growing on me more and more. I think my favorite of all is now Reckoner, which Thom said was the center of the album, but I like every single track. All good songs on this album.
Posted by Lime (Member # 1707) on :
I've taken a break from all things Radiohead, but only because I don't want to oversaturate. Seeing this pop up again has me wanting to find my iPod.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Becauuuuuuse we seeeeeeparaaaaaaaaaate
like ripples on a blaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaank shore
(in raaaaaaaaaaaaainbows)
Posted by Fusiachi (Member # 7376) on :
Currently rockin' the first listen of the 'In Rainbows' Bonus disc. Comments forthcoming.
Edit: Previously mentioned commentary:
Highlights of the 2nd disc, for me, are "Down Is the New Up" and "Last Flowers". DITNU is something different. I like how it came along through touring and production. It works well.
Last Flowers makes me want to listen to True Love Waits...which makes me fire up Last Flowers. It's a good, simple song. Nothing too complicated. But so, so good. Do not miss this one. Pirate if you must.
Also interesting is "Bangers & Mash". I'm on the fence on this one.
Some good stuff, overall.
Also, "4 Minute Warning" is a good closer. Had it been used, though, instead of "Videotape", IR would have left me with quite a different vibe. "Not Wolf At The Door"-type fearmongering, but certainly not as light as "Videotape".
[ December 04, 2007, 01:02 AM: Message edited by: Fusiachi ]
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
Has anyone in America received the box set yet? If so can you tell me what carrier service delivered it?
Posted by Fusiachi (Member # 7376) on :
Mine has yet to arrive, but I doubt it'll get here to quickly. Brazil's not known for their postal system.
The people I know who have received their discboxes in the US report that it came through USPS.
Posted by Lime (Member # 1707) on :
According to the "Post Here if You've Got Your Discbox (USA)" thread on Mortigi Tempo, the discbox is coming via USPS. There have been one or two oddballs reporting that theirs came via UPS. In either case, the package comes with instructions not to require a signature.
Most of those reporting safe arrivals are from the East coast, but there has been one received in St. Louis and in Michigan.
I'm in Rockford, IL and haven't received my as yet. I am hopeful for today, however.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
TL was talking about grim lyrics way back there, and I wanted to comment on that. The lyrics are always rather grim and despairing but the music is beautiful and often ethereal and so very good that it's as though I don't even feel the grim despair. Music counts about 9/10ths and words about 1/10th for me, maybe. I get a completely different impression of HTTT than you, and I'm guessing it's because of that.
For instance, Thom said Street Spirit (Fade Out) was a completely depressing song about how death eats everything in the end, but I don't hear it that way. I hear the beauty of the music as directly demonstrating that life, which is the sort of foreground of the universe to death's background, is fragile and precious and all the more beloved because of the contrast, the way diamonds sparkle more beautifully when set against black velvet. That's how their music feels to me.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
my main reason for asking is that I moved just last week, and completely forgot to take care of an address change from the order end. but I have changed it with USPS, so it shouldn't be an issue right?
*goes to stare out window and wait for the mailman*
Posted by TL (Member # 8124) on :
Tatiana, I don't disagree with you. Good post.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
it came in!
and it only took 24 hours of staring out the window. not bad!
but sadly i lost the needle to my record player somewhere in the move.
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