In Rainbows - Radiohead by Erica Lloyd
On October 10, 2007 Radiohead released their seventh studio album. Their mentality with this album and the music industry as whole at time was shown through their method of payment during the release. Due to the distrust and overall worry of mismanagement of their new record label (EMI) the members decided to self-release this album digitally. Allowing their fans to pay what they wanted to download the entire album. The band claimed this liberated them from the inner-workings of the music industry and removed any boundaries between them and their audience. However, the album did eventually receive a physical version through TBD Records. Yet, the media already took charge with this unconventional release. Many sent their praises to Radiohead for breaking and challenging the conventions of the music industry by finding new and unique ways to connect with fans.
Work Began on the project in early 2005 and ended in late 2006. Recording all throughout London in country houses and their studio in Oxfordshire. The lead singer, Thom Yorke, poured personality into this album all throughout recording. Incorporating a thick variety of styles, using conventional rock instrumentation as well electronic instruments and techniques. Strings, piano and the ondes Martenot (musical waves) play a key part in the balance of this album. The lyrics are less political and are more focused on the personal and intimate sides of human life than previous Radiohead albums.
This album allowed an unchained Thom Yorke to fully flex his ability to sing and song write. Songs like “Nude” and “Jigsaw Falling Into Place”, offer a fantastic production from Nigel Godrich. Godrich’s musical talent paired with Thom Yorke’s poetic lyricism and emotional vocal direction produces an album that makes you feel like you’re floating. Tracks like “Weird Fishes” and “All I Need” transport the listener to a place of hypnotizing riffs and soft yet powerful vocals. In Rainbows grants the listener beautiful melodies, mystifying ambient tracks, heart beating drums, sludgy bass, and amazing guitar tone. Overall, this album offers heart achingly beautiful and warm relaxing tracks that no other album can offer.
Work Began on the project in early 2005 and ended in late 2006. Recording all throughout London in country houses and their studio in Oxfordshire. The lead singer, Thom Yorke, poured personality into this album all throughout recording. Incorporating a thick variety of styles, using conventional rock instrumentation as well electronic instruments and techniques. Strings, piano and the ondes Martenot (musical waves) play a key part in the balance of this album. The lyrics are less political and are more focused on the personal and intimate sides of human life than previous Radiohead albums.
This album allowed an unchained Thom Yorke to fully flex his ability to sing and song write. Songs like “Nude” and “Jigsaw Falling Into Place”, offer a fantastic production from Nigel Godrich. Godrich’s musical talent paired with Thom Yorke’s poetic lyricism and emotional vocal direction produces an album that makes you feel like you’re floating. Tracks like “Weird Fishes” and “All I Need” transport the listener to a place of hypnotizing riffs and soft yet powerful vocals. In Rainbows grants the listener beautiful melodies, mystifying ambient tracks, heart beating drums, sludgy bass, and amazing guitar tone. Overall, this album offers heart achingly beautiful and warm relaxing tracks that no other album can offer.