In Rainbows, cont'd

OK, so we've got context. Now, content. Track-by-track:

1. 15 Step

Strong starter track. Driven by a funk-ish beat, complemented by soulful guitar and bass riffs. Slightly unusual but still Radiohead. Love the random bursts of children's voices. This track reminds me of Incubus' early work on S.C.I.E.N.C.E., kind of like the last minute of "Airbag."

Key lyric: How come I end up where I started?/How come I end up where I belong?

Mood: Confused

2. Bodysnatchers

Right off the bat, scratchy-metallic. Without a doubt, the most upbeat, angst-ridden track on the album, set up perfectly by 15 Step. Refreshing to hear one loud song on this album--it won't get louder than this. But it's not angry. The scratchy guitar-percussion duo, paired with Yorke's screechy vocals, drive the song. A perfect late-night-driving-too-fast tune.

Key lyric: I have no idea what I'm talking about/I'm trapped in this body and can't get out

Mood: Anxious

3. Nude

And then we arrive here. Fundamentally opposite to Bodysnatchers. Begins with Yorke's shrill "ooohh"-ing in the background, accompanied by grandiose strings. A gorgeous pairing. The strings, the slow, steady drum beat, and Yorke's sleepy mmms and ooohs create a very mellow, sepuchral atmosphere. Beautifully produced.

Key lyric: Now that you've found it, it's gone/Now that you feel it, you don't

Mood: Resigned

4. Weird Fishes/Arpeggi

What's most note-worthy in this song is the bridge/transition from the first half to the second. The constant, electronic-synthesized beat ceases suddenly; only one noise resounds. It sounds like an electronic bell kit of sorts, and the notes just jump around on the bells one after the other during this 40 second-long transition segment. When the song enters this section, you feel like you've just dived into a pool. The bells are like water droplets bouncing off each other inside your ears. And everything seems to calm down for a minute; excluding the water noise and Yorke's voice, there's a tangible silence. Exquisite.

Key lyric: Your eyes/They turn me/Why should I stay?

Mood: Explorative

5. All I Need

Simplicity is key on this album. This track is simple, but still goes somewhere. It builds until there is palpable desperation in Yorke's voice. This song feels like home to me. Very familiar, accessible, relatable. So apparently Radiohead isn't try to alienate all of us anymore, which was never a problem really (exception: Hail to the Thief), but nevertheless it's refreshing to be able to relax and just enjoy the music without having to put so much thought into it all the time. Without having to analyze and find hidden meanings and metaphors. All you have to do to enjoy this track (this whole album, really) is to just sit back and relaaaaax. Chill. And everyone can relate to these lyrics. I mean, hello? Unrequited love, anyone?

Key lyric: I am all the days/that you choose to ignore
Mood: Pleading


Critique on the second half coming soon...