An In Rainbows review

It came out smoothly on Wednesday. Here is my track-by-track verdict:

15 Step
The recorded version is not really changed from the live versions. It's a good thing because it was one of the new songs that probably didn't even need changing. As good as it ever was and perhaps the most danceable song on the album.

Bodysnatchers
Would quite possibly be the first single if there were any for this record. It's the most 'rock' sounding song on the album and it's been given a sort of raw sound on record - the guitars that now sound incredibly fuzzy. If anything, it reminds me of a next-gen version of Electioneering.

Nude
The first real indicator of the difference between this and all of Radiohead's other albums. Jonny's only gone and done string arrangements. 'Nude' has been ten years in the making and they have utterly nailed it. Which is just as well, because I wasn't the biggest fan of the song originally, especially after the version they did live last year which was a bit boring.

Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
Like Bodysnatchers, they've managed to add something to this song in the studio. The guitar effects on it really add to the atmosphere of the track. The drumming of Phil Selway on this is fantastic too.

All I Need
My favourite off the album. The song is one that gradually builds - starting with drums and a very scary-sounding bass line, then moving to xylophone and piano and then an explosion of sound towards the end. If you liked anything like 'Climbing Up The Walls' then you will love this track. They've done so much to it and have totally surpassed my expectations.

Faust Arp
The only new song that no one that heard and it turns out to be a short acoustic guitar and strings song. It doesn't serve as an meaningless interlude though as the strings are fantastically hypnotising and really compliment Thom's guitar playing and vocals.

Reckoner
It has to be a totally different 'Reckoner' to the one that debuted in 2001, which was far more rockier. This version reminds me of 'Analyse' off of ThomYorke's solo album 'The Eraser' and totally threw me on first listen. Upon further listens, it is a nice and gentle song.

House Of Cards
I've always hated House Of Cards. Last year I complained about it being overlong and incredibly boring. And Radiohead haven't changed it really.

Jigsaw Falling Into Piece
Formally known as 'Open Pick' and now featuring some nice acoustic work from Thom. A fun track that's fast, doesn't rest and has some excellent string work towards the end.

Videotape
I expected so, so much more from it. It's still a very good track but when they played it live it was far more epic as it just kept building and building. On record, it's just Thom on the piano with an unorthodox drum loop. It just didn't grab me really. A good song but it could have been a lot better.

So overall, I'd give it an 8/10. It was never going to be their best but they still 'have it' and are miles better than anything else that British music has come up with this year.

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