Possibly the most original album of 2000. This is the latest studio work from the amazing Radiohead. This is their forth album after Pabalo Honey, The Bends and OK Computer, and you can see how they progressed to their new sound. The early songs a quite guitary, but still fairly experimental. Slowly they gain more experimental sounds. By OK Computer they had evolved well above the guitar based music (not that i have anything against guitars), but with Kid A they have split into a new species of sounds.
This new album uses strange new sounds with very strong rhythms and haunting lyrics the create something unlike anything else.
My favorite song on the album is probably National Anthem. This has a very powerful bass line that becomes almost subconscious as you listen. The drums beat is above anything that most drummers knock out. You can just about make out the lyrics (similar to most Radiohead songs), but the first time I heard I did not even realize that it was a human voice, it sounds very much like a strange instrument. Then there are the horns playing on top. These add a strange dimension to the song that has to be heard to be understood.
Another good song on it is Idioteque, which seems to describe an "ice age coming," it is quite a scary song if you try to think about what it means "who's in the bunker, women and children first" and "We're not scarmongering, this is really happening." Again you have to hear the song. If you can still find this track on napster have a listen.
The cover and inlay design is not always thought of as an important piece of an album, but radiohead have put a lot of work into it. It feature strange computer generated landscapes with volcanoes and fires. There is also a hidden booklet in my copy, but this might be a limited edition.
I would recommend this album to anyone who has liked any other radiohead albums or wants to blow their mind with some new ideas in music. It may take a few listens for it to 'grow' on you but it is well worth buying. I have also heard that radiohead will be releasing another album from the same studio sessions as Kid A. This will be called Amnesiac and will be out in early June. This will be worth looking forward to.
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Great op. I have to confess I am very very naughty and haven't got this album yet (loved the others though) so you've conviced me to get my ass to a record store!!
Radiohead may well be the most courageous band in Britain. Their second album, The Bends, ... more
was a success both critically and commercially, and they followed it up with an album of epic prog-rock, OK Computer, that would have destined a lesser band to co...
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Radiohead may well be the most courageous band in Britain. Their second album,The Bends, ... more
was a success both critically and commercially, and they followed it up with an album of epic prog-rock,OK Computer, that would have destined a lesser band to comm...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Radiohead may well be the most courageous band in Britain. Their second album, The Bends, ... more
was a success both critically and commercially, and they followed it up with an album of epic prog-rock, OK Computer, that would have destined a lesser band to co...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Radiohead may well be the most courageous band in Britain. Their second album, The Bends, ... more
was a success both critically and commercially, and they followed it up with an album of epic prog-rock, OK Computer, that would have destined a lesser band to co...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: It's almost completely different to every other Radiohead release Disadvantages: It's almost completely different to every other Radiohead release
kfingleton 13.12.2000 (25.04.2001)
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Review of Kid A - Radiohead