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Nov. 2, 2007 I The Clarion - Arts&Life ^ Radiohead's In Rainbows goes soft rock by David Ulloa Staff Writer Radiohead’s internet sensation album In Rainbows, is an interesting mixture of the bands established qualities, but fails to be astonishing as something new given its long awaited release. If you go backwards in Radiohead’s discography you might have listened to their first two albums Pablo Honey and The Bends. The two albums represent their grudge roots and keen detail to sound like R.E.M. The new album has integrated a mellow acoustic sound with a touch of electronic mechanics that could remind you of the previous albums mentioned above, and the later album Amnesiac. With the new album’s constant swagger of jazzy beats by drummer Philip Selway, and ambient sounds by lead guitarist/sound manipulator, Johnny Greenwood, the lapse of the album is quite calming. Expect for the bodacious attitudes from songs such as “15 Step” and “Bodysnatchers”, which are the first two songs of the record. The songs give boost to the exclusive album, but I foimd them unsettling when I realized I wasn’t tapping my foot. Like most of the songs on the record, they lack a strong conviction. I didn’t expect it from Radiohead because of their incredibly tenacious songs from Ok Computer and Hail to the Thief. Those albums had songs that individually pioneered different styles of using synth and rhythm. In Rainbows stays frequently dreary because of the unfortunate trend that happens to all bands that are together for over ten years... they end up being old songs are lovey dovey and about being a father. Compared to Hail to the Thief’s angry and paranoid songs, it’s clear that the band and tired. It’s just like the case with Pearl Jam. Eddie Vedder and the rest of the band will never collaborate the same way again to make an outstanding album like Ten. Bands like Pearl Jam and now Radiohead will start making records from their matured and rusty hearts; making die hard fans all aroimd the world subject to their cynical style of writing music. In regards to Thom York, the style of writing his solo album The Eraser, has obviously leaked on to do construction of In Rainbows. The similarities are there in both albums, mainly the last seven songs. Thom has said before that Radiohead might be parting ways after this album because of personal reasons pertaining to his fatherhood. That reasoning is very apparent in the songs lyrical content. Most of the is over everything now, including politics. The band has shed their heated skins, and submitted them for their naked souls to be soothed on a rather short record. What more is to come of Radiohead is unclear, but what is certain is their u-tum to soft rock and pacifism. The album isn’t a total failure because of the bands always pleasing performance and studio perfection, but essentially lacks the characteristics of a farewell album. They are leaving us with no surprises, no big bangs, no drowning electronic rock, and with no certainty. Green Living Tips from BC Recycles Buy products in recyclable packaging, avoiding those that come in unrecyclable containers. Start a compost pile at home to dispose of food wastes instead of adding that waste to the landfill. Care about an environmental issue? White your congressman or senator and tell them how you feel. Attend the Step It Up rally this weekend and the recycling compound clean up Wednesday.
Brevard College Student Newspaper
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Nov. 2, 2007, edition 1
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