Track Listing

1. 15 Step
2. Bodysnatchers
3. Nude
4. Medley: Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
5. All I Need
6. Faust Arp
7. Reckoner
8. House of Cards
9. Jigsaw Falling into Place
10. Videotape

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #105 in Music
• Released on: 2008-01-01
• Number of discs: 1

Album Description
TENTATIVE TRACKLIST: "15 Step" – 3:57 "Bodysnatchers" – 4:02 "Nude" – 4:15 "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi" – 5:18 "All I Need" – 3:48 "Faust Arp" – 2:09 "Reckoner" – 4:50 "House of Cards" – 5:28 "Jigsaw Falling into Place" – 4:09 "Videotape" – 4:39

Amazon.com
On the deliriously satisfying In Rainbows, Radiohead returns to a more straight-ahead (though subdued) rock sound. Much hubbub has been made about this record's innovative release. Radiohead allowed fans to pay what they wished to download fairly low-resolution tracks from the band's own website. Like so many innovations, it already seems funny both that it was such big news and that someone else of similar stature hadn't done it sooner. Some pundits were appalled that it took awhile to download the tracks if you tried to do it at the same time as thousands of other people, while others decried that the group was trying to kill the music industry (or save it). Little of the press seemed to focus on the record itself, which actually made sense because it was so entertaining and inviting, the most low-key album Radiohead has made to date. There's even a very straight-forward, simple, silly little love song, "House of Cards." It might be a bit lethargic, but the simple instrumentation of electric guitars, bass, and drums is lovely as heck. A handful of these tunes enchanted fans for years before finally being committed to computer "tape." This is particularly fitting as In Rainbows is the group's most "band"-sounding album since OK Computer. This is not a record that hits you over the head with how far this group is pushing the envelope; it's simply a phenomenal, well-crafted, and exciting album. As soon as it's done, you're playing it again. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews

Great Album!
This is one of those albums that can only be fully appreciated on vinyl. The sound quality is phenomenal!

In Rainbows Literally
Refreshing, emotional, mature, perfection, these are some of many characteristics I could provide to this album. In Rainbows represents the other side of Radiohead. If Ok Computer was intense, dramatic, and explosive, In Rainbows is exquisit, relaxing and encouraging. After more experimental works like Kid A, Amnesiac and Hail to the Thief, Radiohead return to show us that they have no limits. Another masterpiece from them, maybe the best one.

Best album of 2007
Originally written on October 10, 2007...

Radiohead released their seventh album this week, amid much hoopla. The "pay what you want." feature has been debated on the web and in the media ever since it was first announced back on October 1st. Here's a question, though. How's the music?

Well, I'm happy to report that the music is excellent. While not the giant stylistic leap that Kid A was from OK Computer, there is definite evidence of growth on In Rainbows.

The first thing that jumps out at you is the percussion. Phil Selway's drumming propels the band throughout the album. However, it's the blending of the guitar-driven rock and more experimental material that seems to finally be reaching the heights hinted at on the last album, Hail To The Thief.

The opening track, 15 Steps, is full of the electronic beats and syncopation we heard on Kid A and Amnesiac. However, this time, they're complemented by a wonderfully warm guitar and bass. The album is drawing you in with the same ethereal qualities of the Bends and OK Computer, but it's still challenging you like Kid A and Amnesiac. The blend is irresistibly inviting.

Fuzzy, churning guitar introduces my early favorite for best track on the album, Bodysnatchers. The pace is ferocious and the song quite frankly kicks major a**. Ed and Colin hitch a ride with Phil while Jonny and Thom provide signposts along the way.

The third track, Nude, is a song that the band have been working on for over ten years. Originally part of the sessions for OK Computer, and originally titled "Big Ideas (Don't Get Any)", it was featured during the tour promoting the album back in 1997, but was never actually recorded. After a decade of tinkering, the result is another beautifully haunting ballad in the tradition of Street Spirit.

We're right back to prevalent drums in Weird Fishes/Arpeggi, which features a great jam where the lead guitar seems to be more like a twinkling bell (do bells twinkle?).

All I Need proceeds at a dirge-like pace, and the music is as low key as the pace suggests. However, the lyrics are some of the most heartfelt/creepy on the album. Is it a song of love? Not quite. Listen again.

Soft acoustic guitars and violin are featured in Faust Arp, a song that recalls Eleanor Rigby.

Reckoner has an almost dance beat to it. A very cool groove going on underneath some disturbing lyrics. Ahh, Thom.

House of Cards is another one that makes you think. Is it a political statement? Not necessarily. Listen again, and it sounds like maybe it's a discussion between two adulterers.

Jigsaw Falling Into Place features a prominent acoustic guitar, and rolls along at a good clip. Describing life in a band, or just a night out perhaps?

Closing out the album is Videotape. Thom at the piano musing on death, it's a haunting end to an excellent album.

In Rainbows is a document of a band at the height of their powers. I haven't been this excited by a record in years.

A +