Radiohead In Rainbows - One Hell of a Sensual Release
I gave myself about three days before I finally decided to download In Rainbows. I wanted to see what kind of chatter would appear on websites and what kind of reviews would come out of listeners. It wasn't until this past Sunday when I saw a headline about how the lyrics of In Rainbows allude to sex and death. I was sold on that. I did end up paying the 10 songs for $2.98 US. I consider this more like an advance copy and just leaving a tip with the band. I do plan to get the physical hard vinyl version which is very expensive - $80.00 US.
So I listened to this album for three days. I listened to it Sunday night and loved it at first play-through. I continued playing it over and over until I went to sleep. Monday morning, I'm on the train heading to NYC for a meeting and on the way I listen to the album. Playing the songs while riding the train made the experience more sensual. I was starting to take notice of the lyrics. Was it possible? Does Thom Yorke actually get more personal with the lyrics and delves deeper into the interaction of humans by way of sexual attraction? Could it be that I'm hearing lyrics that incite a love affair? Or lyrics of seduction? Wait, have you heard the lyrics on "House of Cards" where he's crooning things like "I don't wanna be your friend, I just want to be your lover"? I really started loving the album. I find it interesting that no one, except for Los Angeles Times music critic Ann Powers, writes about the album's sensual leanings. Instead, most of the blogosphere just writes about the mechanics of the album and how it compares to previous Radiohead releases. So sad. And on Tuesday I drove to/from Philly and listened to this album over and over. 10 songs only adds up to something close to 45min listening time. Definitely not enough for a 2 hour drive.
Anyway, I think this is Radiohead's most sensual (in a creepy sorta way) release. Are there weak tracks? No. And if other critics, fans, jerks tell you the album has a weak track - then they were not listening.
P.S. Some people actually paid $200 for the 10 songs.
For Radiohead lyrics, click here
My StumbleUpon Page