This Will Make Your Life Better.
 Oct 6th, 2005
Advantages:
How To Disappear Completely, Everything In Its Right Place, Idioteque, Motion Picture Soundtrack
Disadvantages:
Not quite Amnesiac
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency of tracks
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Value for Money
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  heatherrr13
About me:
How many photos / CDs can you fit on a 500gb external hard drive???
Member since:16.07.2005
Reviews:55
Members who trust:44
Review rated by 31 Ciao members on average: very helpful 
Radiohead released 'Kid A' in 2000. After the enormous success of 'OK Computer' (released in 1997) much was expected from the band for their followup, and many were surprised by the difference in the next offering. 'Kid A' is different to 'OK Computer'. Where 'OK Computer' had everyman songs, songs students could really identify with, songs that produced massive singalongs at festivals; 'Kid A' showed Radiohead fans just how much potential their band had. 'Kid A' was experimental in some ways; it is less guitar based than their previous offerings, but obviously this was a format that worked for the band as their next album, Amnesiac, was in a similar vein. 'Kid A' contains some of Radiohead's most powerful work. It may not contain the 'ballad' style of 'No Surprises' or the singalong factor of 'Karma Police', and it isn't one of those albums that you will admire immediately, but if you give 'Kid A' some listening, then you will fall in love with it.
The album opens with the track 'Everything In Its Right Place', a good opener to the album as it sets the tone and pace for the rest of the tracks. As the song continues and Thom's vocals float in the beat increases, and the repetition of the line 'yesterday I woke up sucking
on a lemon', brings the song to a climatic point about halfway in. Then, just as the volume and the intensity reaches its high point it dies down again, slowing the pace right down. Next is title track 'Kid A'. This song comes across as even more experimental than the opener. The digital sounds of the voices and the notes give a relaxing atmosphere. Then almost 2 minutes in the beat increases and the song takes on a different feel. Even with this faster beat however the piece is still nice and relaxing, not too heavy.
'The National Anthem' follows; one of Radiohead's anthemic pieces. This is one of those tracks that is instantly recognisable from its opening, and when performed live has the crowd cheering from the start. This third track is a small return to the more 'traditional' Radiohead, however the background instruments give the track an edgier feel. Next is 'How To Disappear Completely', a complete masterpiece and one of my all time favourite Radiohead songs. This gentle tune coupled with Thom's astounding vocals makes this piece a true classic. Also, this is the first track on the album that has a definite set of vocals, something that you can sing along to. As the song continues the strings in the background become louder and more solitary, and the ending seems like a beautiful anti-climax.
'That there, that's not me. I go where I please... I'm not here, this isn't happening'.
'Treefingers', track 5, is an instrumental track. Including this really showed what direction Radiohead had gone and wanted to go in the future, and how far they had come since recording 'OK Computer'. 'Optimistic' is similar to 'The National Anthem' in the way that it has a very recognisable opening, and is always popular when performed. This is another piece which has a strong set of vocals, and again, is slightly more guitar based than other tracks on the album.
Track 7, 'In Limbo', is a piece with a lot going on. The poignant lyrics: 'I'm lost at sea, don't bother me, I've lost my way, I've lost my way...' have become some of the most widely known lyrics from this album. Although this track is perhaps not as standout as some of the other tracks, this still has all the makings of a classic. It is intense, frenzied and although not easy to listen to on first hearing, is still an amazing track. 'Idioteque' follows. There isn't a lot I can say about this track. One of the stand out tracks on the album this is another huge crowd pleaser. When performed live this is incredible, the lyrics which lead to a strong chorus, coupled with fast beat; this is truly one of those songs in which you can completely get lost in the moment.
'I'll laugh until my head comes off, I'll swallow till I burst... take the money and run, take the money, Here I'm allowed, Everything all of the time'
Next up is 'Morning Bell', another well known track from this album. This is again a gentler track, with Thom's vocals providing the main stand out point. This is perhaps my least favourite song off the album; there's nothing wrong with it, and it works well as a closer to the album, but it's just not as stand out-ish as a lot of other tracks. The album closes with 'Motion Picture Soundtrack', a nice, though relatively short, piece which is a nice closer. This track works well as a finisher because it is a good come-down. It means that the album works well as a whole, you're not left at the end wanting more or feeling like you've been over stimulated.
'Kid A' has been an enormous success with Radiohead fans. It may not have the commercial value of 'The Bends', or 'OK Computer', but for many fans it was loved because it showed just how innovative and creative the band are. No longer do they have to rely on 'Creep' to get the audience going. 'Kid A' was a step forward for the band, it set them apart from other British bands and showed just how much potential they had. Their next album, 'Amnesiac' followed suit, combining what the boys had learnt from the success and critical acclaim of 'Kid A'. Radiohead - Kid A
Price - £9.99 on Amazon.co.uk / £8.99 on Play.com
Label: Parlophone
ASIN: B000025558
Catalogue Number: CDKIDA1
Radiohead are: Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Phil Selway and Ed O'Brien.
Discography:
'Pablo Honey' - released early 1993
'My Iron Lung' EP - released 1994
'The Bends' - released 1995
'OK Computer' - released 1997
'Kid A' - released 2000
'Amnesiac' - released 2001
'I Might Be Wrong - Live Recordings' - released 2001
'Hail To The Thief' - released 2003
As well as many other EPs, singles, box sets, and miscelleaneous releases released over the time Radiohead have been together.
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![Kid A [VINYL] - Radiohead](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/93354143.jpg)
30.12.2005 20:23
When I first listened to this I was scared by just how bizarre some of the tracks are - I mean what is going on with Treefingers? But you do get used to it, and I agree How To Disappear Completely is breathtaking. Excellent review!
02.11.2005 23:49
I used to love Radiohead but my taste in music has much changed now x
27.10.2005 22:43
think this would do my bro as his xmas pressie, sound good