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Alternative Rock: Radiohead - In Rainbows (2007)

75 / 100
In Rainbows succeeds because it finally brings emotional clarity after years of Radiohead drifting deeper into electronic abstraction.
Reading the Wikipedia page for Radiohead’s seventh album immediately reminded me of a music mall born one year later—Bandcamp in 2008. The related fact mentioned is that In Rainbows was initially released independently and made available in digital form through their official website with a pay-what-you-want system. This resembles Bandcamp’s Name Your Price setup. It was a bold move from a band of Radiohead’s caliber at the time, although unsurprisingly, the major labels wouldn’t let such independence last.

In Rainbows continues the previous styles: alternative rock infused with electronic and experimental elements. “15 Steps” is one example. The opening track uses quintuplet meter and handclap rhythm in the drums, with a subtle echo of that feel also appearing in the album closer, “Videotape.” Meanwhile, “Jigsaw Falling Into Place” is like a more conventional version of the style and rhythm of “15 Steps,” which I naturally prefer.

Another striking point is “Reckoner,” where I initially thought the percussion was tambourine—but Wikipedia doesn’t mention it. Personally, I’m far more drawn to the emotional string strokes here than in “House of Cards.” Still, Yorke’s vocals in “House of Cards” are among the most haunting on the album. Then there’s the low, rough, thick piano tone on “All I Need.” When Yorke sings the chorus line, “You're all I need,” it makes me feel like the song is a cross between “Creep” and White Lion’s “All I Need.”

“Weird Fishes/Arpeggio” might be the best track here thanks to its indie-rock-leaning sound, with “Nude” being the mellow highlight earlier. “Faust Arp” acts as the album’s ballad, and if you want something energetic—perhaps the most energetic track—Radiohead offers “Bodysnatchers,” a mix of Wolfmother and Neu!, but also fitting for fans of Weezer or The Strokes.

Okay, that’s it for this review. There are still songs that hit the ear nicely, and I think this is better than Hail to the Thief.

Best tracks: Nude, Weird Fishes/Arpeggio, Reckoner, and Jigsaw Falling Into Place.
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