Radiohead: In Rainbowsself-released: 10/10/2007
In Rainbows is probably the least anticipated record since their debut. I say this only because we didn't have time to anticipate it. Mere weeks passed between "We've finished mixing the record" and "Surprise! Pre-order the download!" Radiohead, now free from the bondage of major label hell, are testing a new business model in which a record can be recorded and unleashed upon the public in a matter of days. If this weren't cool enough, they let us name our own price for the download-only, no-frills version. How cool is that? Incidentally, the download comes without cover art and many fans have taken to creating their own. I created this image in under a minute and I think it definitely expresses the feel of the album.
Like with every Radiohead record before it, In Rainbows struck me funny upon first listen. It definitely wasn't what I was expecting, but when have Radiohead ever given their fans what they expected? I am listening it to the album for the fourth time since downloading it earlier this afternoon and it keeps getting more brilliant. In Rainbows finds the band exploring new territory once again. Actually, I'd be surprised to hear them covering old territory. But do not fret - this album is still swimming in vintage Radiohead weirdness, just more so. "Nude", one of my favorites so far, I would go so far to describe as blue-eyed soul, or at least a reimagining of the genre through Thom Yorke's demented imagination. In Rainbows is full of nuances and will probably take months to understand. This is probably why reviews haven't appeared yet on any of the hipster sites (that I know of); much like earlier Radiohead albums, it's an equally demanding and rewarding listen, requiring careful scrutiny and patience before it reveals its essence.
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