IN RAINBOWS

After HAIL TO THE THEIF - their somewhat flawed experiment in blending the accessibility of OK COMPUTER and the edge-pushing of KID A, RADIOHEAD self-released this bombshell that simply got everything right.

The main shortcoming for HTTC, at least in my eyes, was that all the compositions were riddled with perfunctory weirdness and styles that seemed to go against the natural flow of the music. For example, 2+2=5 ends as soon as the ball gets rolling and We Suck Young Blood refuses to evolve. IN RAINBOWS, however, is a wonderfly fluid and cohesive album that simply doesn't make compromises. The song writing is very tight, the production solid (I am fortunate enough to have the album on vinyl, which I hear adds significantly to this), and the instrumentation valid (with more keyboards and orchestration than their previous efforts, which is sure to please us Progheads).

All the songs are best enjoyed when heard in the context of the album, but there is one major highlight - Reckoner, a multi-part suite with particularly excellent percussion and orchestration.

IN RAINBOWS epitomizes RADIOHEAD's course as a band. They have richocheted between grunge-esque alternative rock and electronic soundscapes, and here land deftly in the middle. Very highly recommended to fans of both peroids, or as a starting point to those who have not yet experienced this adventurous modern band.