HAIL TO THE THIEF

After reading a couple of very positive reviews I decided to give in and purchase this so called back-to-basics release. The only problem was that I completely neglected the fact that Radiohead was no longer the same band that they were in the '90s. Most of the members had by this time already grown out of the band's alternative rock persona that only seem appealing when you're a young adult. What I mean by that is the simple fact that Radiohead has suddenly stopped trying to push boundaries of music and began feeling content with simply recording another record for their fans. Nothing really wrong with that, but the result can't really be considered more than a fans only release.

2+2=5 kicks off the album on a very interesting note where we get a fun combination of the alternative rock and electronica styles that defined the two different eras in the band's history. Initially, it really got me excited for what new ideas Radiohead would have in store for me this time. The answer to that was quite disappointing since there was in fact very little new to be found on this release. I realize that Radiohead had pretty much spoiled me with their previous achievements that managed to be versatile and creative all at once but I'm pretty sure that I would dismiss Hail To The Thief no matter the history I have with the band.

It's a very long album that has very few interesting ideas. On top of that, most of its time is spent in compete blandness of uninteresting performances and songs that would have probably been left on the cutting room floor during any of the band's previous sessions. I've recently read a few old interviews where even the members themselves seemed to be quite disappointed with Hail To The Thief, proclaiming it to be a bit rushed due to family commitments that the participants prioritized more than the music. There's definitely nothing wrong with having other priorities, but it's unjust to actually release a product that you know is lacking only for a quick cash in.

It's obvious that I didn't find Hail To The Thief to be very enjoyable and even though I've been trying to give it a few more chances over the years, it has still remained pretty inaccessible to my ears.

**** star songs: 2+2=5 (3:26) Sit Down. Stand Up (4:17) Sail To The Moon (4:30) There There (5:26) I Will (2:26) A Wolf At The Door (3:26)

*** star songs: Backdrifts (5:33) Go To Sleep (3:32) Where I End And You Begin (4:35) We Suck Young Blood (5:00) The Gloaming (4:24) A Punch-up At A Wedding (4:57) Myxamatosis (3:59) Scatterbrain (3:25)

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