HAIL TO THE THIEF

- So what if it isn't 100% prog? This album is a masterpiece, despite the fact that several tracks fall flat. After all, who REALLY likes more than 6 songs off of OK Computer? This album isn't Prog-Rock, it's true. But it is *progressive*.

Some tracks feature morose, Largo claps, others frantic tappings and others massive, orchestral drumming. There are some (1 or 2) standard drumming moments, but Rock is rock. The lead single off of Hail To The Thief even features 4 of the 5 members of the band playing on percussion when played live. The greatness of this album lies in that, despite incoherence, every song has brilliant moments that can only be noted given further listenings. I find Dream Theater's more mainstream works to grow tedious, despite fancy production, after more than 15 listens. Not so here.

If you want to buy ONE album a year, buy one RADIOHEAD album a year. Man, they grow on you. Last but not least Radiohead are not BRITPOP? Radiohead resembles Sigur Ross more closely than it does Robbie Williams BY FAR.

It's a great album. It's every bit as textural as Amnesiac, as chaotically overwhelming as Kid A, as eerie and thought out as OK Computer, and it's better than The Bends and Pablo Honey combined. Who cares if they don't roll dice to determine time signiatures? (I gave this a 5/5, because out of any given 50 albums, this would be the best)