RADIOHEAD THE KING OF LIMBS ALBUM XL RECORDING RELEASE: MARCH 28, 2011 REVIEW: APRIL 14, 2011

Radiohead kept it secret until the end. Suddenly they just announced on Twitter that a new album would be out in five days, only digitally, or you could wait a month or so for the physical package. The world went dizzy with anticipation, and everyone once again applauded Radiohead for their unusual release practices. And rightly so, I think. They’re of course an established band, and they can experiment a lot more than upcoming bands. But we need artists that push the boundaries, not only musically, but business-wise as well.

I’ve been a huge Radiohead fan for a long time, but I’m one of those that think that they haven’t been the same after “OK Computer”. I don’t like “Kid A”, but I can see that it was a game changer. After releasing a pretty “commercial” album with “In Rainbows” a couple of years ago, this album is sort of a spiritual follow up to “Kid A”. It’s more experimental, jazzy, fluid, with jerky rhythms and no discernible song structures.

I have to say this is not for me. To me, the songs are almost outright annoying, albeit with some highlights in the form of “Lotus Flowers”, “Codex” and ending track “Separator” (probably the best song here) where the song writing is less progressive. They are still no match for their best tracks though. I have to really apply myself to listen through the album, even though it in my opinion gets better towards the end.

Give it a chance if you like “Kid A”, but if you’re a fan of their “imperial period” with “The Bends” and “OK Computer”, you’d probably best leave it alone.

JOHAN CARLSSON