In Rainbows

If you don't like this album, your ears are vestigial organs. They are broken and useless.

I can't really describe this album. I don't mean that in a Pitchfork-esque hyperbole kind of way, I just find it hard to describe music in general. In Rainbows is definitely more user-friendly and accessible. It's not like Kid A/Amnesiac, where it takes a while to actually listen to it. I love the albums, don't get me wrong, but it took a while to actually enjoy them. I could see a lot of In Rainbows songs being singles. 15 Step, Bodysnatchers especially, Weird Fishes/Arpeggi, Faust Arp or Jigsaw Falling Into Place. Hell, I could see House of Cards being played on an easy listening station.

The only song I had a problem with was Videotape. At first it's fine, but when the drums come out of nowhere (especially if you've heard the song before the album) it feels very off-putting. It feels like something just isn't working here. Overtime though, I'm finding myself loving this song. The drums seem to give off this ominous feeling, like Thom is fighting off this feeling while recording this farewell message on a videotape. It's no Pyramid Song, but it's great closer for a fantastic album.

The most interesting thing about this album is the fact that most of the songs were already available before the album came out. The only songs I hadn't heard were Faust Arp, Reckoner (well, I'd heard the original rockier one) and House of Cards. The amazing thing is that the album didn't feel old. The album felt brand new, even though I'd already listened to more than half of it in some way or another.

In short, an amazing album. As sick as I am of the comparison, it does feel much like OK Computer. Just as accessible as well. I hope this ends up huge when it comes out on CD in early 08.