September 29, 2003News & Politics
For a band once dubbed a one-hit wonder, Radiohead has proved itself a musical powerhouse since the release of 1993's debut "Pablo Honey." A cross between progressive rock and creative electronica, Thom Yorke and company have established themselves as the pioneers of sound. With the release of its sixth studio album, "Hail To The Thief," the band appears to have found a nice middle ground between electronic sounds and live instruments. The fusion is perfect, and the record is brilliant.
Abstract in every sense, the songs on "Hail To The Thief" are haunting and profound. The record could easily be the soundtrack to a very, very weird dream. "2+2=5" kicks off the album and sets the tone for an intricate and complex musical journey. It skids, it moans, and then it rocks.
On songs like "Sail To The Moon" it is easy to become lost in the delicate piano and crooning of Yorke's voice, a sound that is gloomy yet beautiful. "There There," the album's first single, is frantically mellow, if such a thing exists. It is demanding with up front guitar and firm drum beats and pained with Yorke's driven vocals.
Weird dreams aside, "Hail To The Thief" also establishes itself lyrically as the anthem of our troubled world. As political as it is artistic, the album is a big "screw you" to politicians everywhere. Yorke is demanding everyone open their eyes to what life and this world are becoming and will ultimately become.
In its entirety, "Hail To The Thief" oozes haunting tranquility. It is a record of profound substance and meaning only for those who can appreciate Radiohead's unique sound. Approach this album with an open mind and you will not be disappointed.
Alicia Gregory is a 17-year-old music and writing child who hails from southern New Jersey. She enjoys art, the written word, melody, and concerts. Currently a junior at Southern Regional High School, Alicia hopes to one day major in publishing and eventually write for a living.
For a band once dubbed a one-hit wonder, Radiohead has proved itself a musical powerhouse since the release of 1993's debut "Pablo Honey." A cross between progressive rock and creative electronica, Thom Yorke and company have established themselves as the pioneers of sound. With the release of its sixth studio album, "Hail To The Thief," the band appears to have found a nice middle ground between electronic sounds and live instruments. The fusion is perfect, and the record is brilliant.Abstract in every sense, the songs on "Hail To The Thief" are haunting and profound. The record could easily be the soundtrack to a very, very weird dream. "2+2=5" kicks off the album and sets the tone for an intricate and complex musical journey. It skids, it moans, and then it rocks.
On songs like "Sail To The Moon" it is easy to become lost in the delicate piano and crooning of Yorke's voice, a sound that is gloomy yet beautiful. "There There," the album's first single, is frantically mellow, if such a thing exists. It is demanding with up front guitar and firm drum beats and pained with Yorke's driven vocals.
Weird dreams aside, "Hail To The Thief" also establishes itself lyrically as the anthem of our troubled world. As political as it is artistic, the album is a big "screw you" to politicians everywhere. Yorke is demanding everyone open their eyes to what life and this world are becoming and will ultimately become.
In its entirety, "Hail To The Thief" oozes haunting tranquility. It is a record of profound substance and meaning only for those who can appreciate Radiohead's unique sound. Approach this album with an open mind and you will not be disappointed.
Alicia Gregory is a 17-year-old music and writing child who hails from southern New Jersey. She enjoys art, the written word, melody, and concerts. Currently a junior at Southern Regional High School, Alicia hopes to one day major in publishing and eventually write for a living.
