Something Like Sound

The guys in Radiohead are up to something again. Rumours swirling all over the blogosphere about an alleged EP from the UK-based band have been quelled for the time being with the release of the single “These Are My Twisted Words” available for free on the band’s website. The best part: You don’t have to wait in queue like you did for the digital release of In Rainbows.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Click here for more info and the free download.

1. Feist – The Reminder: Leslie Feist’s laid back vocals and dance-beat driven folk style gained notoriety in ’07 through several outlets. A mixture of classic sounds and catchy melodies boosted Feist’s album to the top of the list. Her unique style set her apart during an excellent year for music. Listen to “So Sorry” and “My Moon My Man.”

2. Rilo Kiley – Under The Blacklight: Two words: Jenny Lewis. The album is a great mix of dance and harmony. The rest of the band deserves equally as much praise for their effort to redesign their sound. Highlights of this album are “Under The Blacklight” and “Dreamworld.”

3. The National – Boxer: Deep, smooth, and haunting, Boxer beckons back to simple instrumentation and thought provoking lyrics, aspects of music that are often overlooked today. The album has a distinctly dark tone, tempered with sometimes cheery guitar parts. Suggested tracks: “Fake Empire” and “Ada.”

4. Radiohead – In Rainbows: Even though Radiohead’s seventh album is distinctly modern, it depends heavily on songs written during the last 10 years. This record was innovative in both delivery method and sound. “15 Step” and “Nude” are the most enjoyable tracks.

5. Bright Eyes – Cassadaga: 2007 saw a number of concept albums, and Cassadaga was one of the best. Conor Oberst’s melancholy lyrics work well with the classic folk-country sounds heard on the album. “Make A Plan To Love Me” and “Coat Check Dream Song” stretch the boundaries of the genre.

6. Against Me! – New Wave: By far the best punk album heard in recent years. A combination of politically charged lyrics and guitar driven anthems earned Against Me! a place in the top ten. Tracks “Stop” and “Thrash Unreal” should energize any situation.

7. Once Soundtrack: Simply put, independent films this past year had excellent soundtracks. “Falling Slowly” and “When Your Mind’s Made Up” are simply beautiful.

8. Band of Horses – Cease To Begin: Catchy lyrics, ambient guitar sounds and just the right amount of reverb make this album an interesting listen. The opening two tracks “Is There A Ghost?” and “Ode To LRC” are an excellent introduction to the disc.

9. Minus The Bear – Planet of Ice: Seattle is no longer a grunge town, the experimental scene has taken over and this disc shows why. The classic Minus The Bear sound can be heard on “Knights” and Dr. L’ling.”

10. Thrice – The Alchemy Index Vol. I & II: An interesting experiment in hardcore music: explore the original four elements through song. Volumes I & II cover fire and water incredibly well. “The Arsonist” and “Digital Sea” offer a unique comparison.

TOP 25 Albums

1. Feist – The Reminder

2. Rilo Kiley – Under The Blacklight

3. The National – Boxer

4. Radiohead – In Rainbows

5. Bright Eyes – Cassadaga

6. Against Me! – New Wave

7. Once Soundtrack

8. Band Of Horses – Cease To Begin

9. Minus The Bear – Planet of Ice

10. Thrice – The Alchemy Index Vol. I & II

11. The Shins – Wincing The Night Away

12. Arcade Fire – Neon Bible

13. The Snake The Cross The Crown – Cotton Teeth

14. Circa Survive – On Letting Go

15. The Frames – The Cost

16. Motion City Soundtrack – Even If It Kills Me

17. Kanye West – Graduation

18. Interpol – Our Love To Admire

19. I’m Not There Soundtrack

20. Anberlin – Cities

21. Eisley – Combinations

22. Modest Mouse – We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank

23. Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog

24. Wilco – Sky Blue Sky

25. John Ralston – Sorry Vampire

This week Radiohead made music history with their newest album In Rainbows. In an age of declining record sales, album leaks and music piracy, Radiohead decided to transcend the entire industry by self releasing what may be the most anticipated album of the year. Just ten days after finishing the production process In Rainbows was released as a digital download. The shocking aspect of the entire situation is that Radiohead allowed consumers to name their own price for the album download.

An electronic mix of drums, Johnny Greenwood’s guitar work and Thom Yorke’s soft vocals open the album on “15 Step.” Paying special attention to the layering of different sounds reminds the listener why Radiohead has become so vastly popular. Not only are most of the songs complex combinations of instrumental and vocal work, but a certain sense of harmony is audible as well. Thom Yorke, acknowledged as a revolutionary lyricist, is not easily understood on the record. The lyrical content is there, however it is presented through Yorke’s high pitched and occasionally indiscernible voice. This gives the record its ambient sound and serves to emphasize those songs which seem stripped down.

While In Rainbows has a definite experimental tone, the album itself reflects heavily upon Radiohead’s earlier works. This is evidenced by the songs “Nude” and “Reckoner” which were both written during the late 1990′s and sound similar to tracks from OK Computer. The final song, “Videotape,” finishes the record on a tone that is a stark contrast to “15 Step.” Warm piano parts echoed by percussion leave the listener with a sense of closure.
While self releasing an album is a gamble, Radiohead appears to have done most everything right. Their popularity can be linked to the quality of their records, such as In Rainbows, and consumer friendly approach to distribution.
In Rainbows is available as a digital download from http://www.inrainbows.com.

Edit: The free album download stuff is not available any more, but In Rainbows is available in a variety of formats (even vinyl!) This album made my top 10 of 2007, so definitely pick it up.