Needles & Grooves

This isn't me saying I don't like it, I like the electronic sound they have, but why do people go absolutely nuts when this album is mentioned? Why do people think this is one of the greatest albums ever? I like it, but I don't think I'd give it that high of regards...

It’s hard to elucidate quite how groundbreaking it felt when it first came out in 2000. There was nothing that sounded quite like it and as an album it completely divided their fanbase.

In hindsight it has persisted beyond that because its excellent. It builds upon the pre millennial tension of OK Conputer and ratchets it up down. The cool detached and almost glacial sounds of the electronics perfectly reflects this.

And in How To Disappear Completely it has, for me, one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded.

@Joe Mac My problem is that I agree with you on these aspects and the electronics are really interesting, but I honestly feel like a few parts drag for a bit too long, such as a few parts in morning bell. I also sometimes think the transitions between songs feel jarring, such as optimistic --> in limbo

See I don’t feel any of that, for me it’s a masterpiece, it’s 3 in my Radiohead list and I think all 3 of those albums are right of of the all time top drawer. That said there is nothing long with just not liking or connecting with something, even if it’s hugely critically adored, it just might not be for you...

I can tell you that as a 17 year old obsessed with The Bends and OK Computer that I didn’t get it right away. I knew it was important but it was just too strange. It probably took about a year to 18 months to sink in.

@Joe Mac My problem is I want to understand why, but so many reviews I've been reading of it have basically had the phrase "you had to be there" throughout and I obviously can't relate to that since I wasn't.

@Joe Mac The Bends and OK Computer clicked with me almost immediately though. I absolutely adore those albums.

I think that’s my point. They always will, The Bends is hugely accessible and hook laden and OK Computer is special. Kid A is different and more difficult, I think that’s why it took longer to sink in but boy did it reward me when it did!

@Joe Mac maybe you're right, I just feel strangely alone in this current opinion I have

P.S. I totally agree with you saying that How To Disappear Completely is beautiful, because it is, especially with Treefingers following it

It is my 2nd favorite Radiohead album. It’s got a lot going on. I came into it in real time while I was in College. I think Thom Yorke had gotten pretty into electronic/trip-hop/IDM music while touring in support of OK computer and attempted to apply some of these styles to their brand of Alternative guitar based rock music by essentially removing the guitar from the equation.

Also, while I enjoyed it immensely stone sober. If you are someone who enjoys partaking in mind altering recreational drugs you may be more predisposed to the album’s charms if under the influence of said drugs. It is also a great headphones album there is a lot going on that you might not be privy to if experiencing the album the some subpar speakers.

@TenderLovingKiller® I don't do drugs... And I'm listening through headphones :/

Then again it just might not be your thing which is totally fine too. You can always come back to it in a few years and give it another go. Until then you can enjoy more time with OK Computer, The Bends, In Rainbows, and A Moon Shaped Pool, probably would want to avoid Amnesiac too as it was leftovers from the Kid A sessions.

Also, check out the new Wand record “Laughing Matter” while it certainly is it’s own thing it is definitely indebted some Bends era Radiohead.

@TenderLovingKiller® thanks for the recommendation, saved it to listen later

I enjoy most of the songs here as well, the only ones I think that aren't as good are Morning Bell and Optimistic. Untitled I'm not even counting because it's not even a minute long.

I feel like Kid A is a lot like the jazz albums I hate but that are critically adored. Some folks really respond well to avant garde stuff that deconstructs, reconstructs, invents from scratch, or experiments with fundamental aspects of what came before. Not me. I like my stuff pretty mainstream and pop-py (pop-esque?).