Radiohead - RCK229

Radiohead is an English rock band formed in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, in 1985. Widely considered one of the most influential and innovative bands of the modern era, Radiohead has consistently pushed the boundaries of alternative rock, electronic music, and experimental sound.

Band Members:

• Thom Yorke – vocals, guitar, piano

• Jonny Greenwood – lead guitar, keyboards, electronics

• Ed O’Brien – guitar, backing vocals

• Colin Greenwood – bass

• Philip Selway – drums, percussion

Key Albums and Their Evolution:

1. Pablo Honey (1993)

   • Known for the hit "Creep", a grunge-influenced anthem that brought them international attention.

   • Often seen as their most conventional album.

2. The Bends (1995)

   • More polished and emotive. Songs like "Fake Plastic Trees" and "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" showcased depth and maturity.

3. OK Computer (1997)

   • A landmark in alternative rock. Themes of alienation and technology dominate.

   • Songs: "Paranoid Android", "No Surprises", "Karma Police"

   • Widely considered one of the greatest albums of all time.

4. Kid A (2000)

   • A radical shift into electronic and ambient music.

   • Abstract, challenging, and ahead of its time.

   • Songs: "Everything In Its Right Place", "Idioteque"

5. Amnesiac (2001)

   • Recorded during the same sessions as Kid A, more jazz- and art-rock-oriented.

6. Hail to the Thief (2003)

   • A mix of electronic and rock, reacting to the political climate post-9/11.

7. In Rainbows (2007)

   • Released as a "pay what you want" download — revolutionary at the time.

   • Warm, emotional, and accessible. Songs: "Nude", "Reckoner"

8. The King of Limbs (2011)

   • Experimental and rhythm-driven, with an emphasis on loops and texture.

9. A Moon Shaped Pool (2016)

   • Lush arrangements, orchestration, and introspective lyrics.

   • Features long-awaited "True Love Waits" in studio form.

Notable Characteristics:

• Constant reinvention across albums.

• Lyrics often explore alienation, technology, consumerism, politics, and emotional vulnerability.

• Strong emphasis on atmosphere, texture, and mood.

Legacy:

• Influenced countless artists across genres.

• Frequently cited in “best albums of all time” lists (OK Computer, Kid A, In Rainbows).

• Known for innovation not just musically but also in how music is distributed and consumed.