Artist of the Week (Legend Series)- Radiohead

One of music’s most influential bands has just released their 8^th studio album, The King of Limbs. Their journey began with the rock anthem “Creep” and progressed to electronic based anthems like “National Anthem,” but through it all, they are still rock’s legends. For their contribution to music, we salute the music and progressive thinking of Radiohead.

In 1992, they released their debut song “Creep.” While “Creep” introduced many of us to Radiohead, the song wasn’t received well overseas. As a matter of fact, NME proclaimed the band a “Light” Nirvana. The song began to get airplay in Israel, and then in the US. Every Radiohead album sounds different, yet their 1993 release, Pablo Honey, is a far cry from where the band is now.

After the success of Pablo Honey, the band released their sophomore album, The Bends. This album would begin their musical journey. Although still with a rock sound, the band began experimenting with lyrics and sounds. The album was received well by the critics, yet is still their lowest selling album. As the band began to have a little more notoriety, they began touring with Alanis Morrissette (go figure). While on the road, the band began listening to The Beatles, electronic music and Miles Davis. Why is this so important?

In 1997, the band released their 3^rd album, OK Computer. OK Computer is generally regarded as one of the greatest albums ever recorded. It is mentioned in the same breathe as The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper & Revolver albums, along with The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds; High praise for a band that was barely starting to make a name for themselves. Although the album was not “experimental” it did lay the groundwork for some of the band’s later albums. The album was a fusion of Rock, Electronica, Goth and Jazz.

Needless to say, the band’s success sky-rocketed after the release of OK Computer. Unlike many band’s who begin having more creative control, Radiohead used its influence to begin incorporating different genres and blending them all in their music. The band still keeps to their Rock roots, but fuse other genre’s seamlessly throughout their songs and albums. While the “album” has become stale, Radiohead’s albums are an epic journey through sound that is not heard in any other band.

While Radiohead refuses to stay stagnant, they do not believe in being “experimental” for the sake of being “experimental.” They are constantly refreshing their sound as to stay current and be progressive with their music, much like The Beatles. In 2022, people will play a Radiohead “Paranoid Android” and think, “This sounds like what they are paying today.” The only difference will be that it’ll be 25 years since its release.

Top 5 Songs

1. House of Cards

2. The National Anthem

3. Street Spirit (Fade Out)

4. High & Dry

5. Faithless, The Wonder Boy

Useful Links

Official Website

New Record “King of Limbs” Official Website

Twitter

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Unofficial Radiohead Website