#387 Radiohead, 'In Rainbows' (2007)

Previously #336

This album turned the music industry on its head. The first album in 4 years from Radiohead, this record was the first by a major act to be offered as pay-what-you-want. It was announced 10 days before release and available as download only for the first 3 months. In 2020, we’re used to this. Artists like Drake, Beyoncé and Kanye have all released albums at the drop of a hat, a strategy that allows the artist to control the narrative. Radiohead was the first to do it. After 3 months, it was taken down and released on CD in limited edition and standard formats. The band retained all rights and ownership to the record, unlike their previous releases which were owned by EMI.

So, theatrics aside, is it any good? You bet it is. Often cited by fans and critics to be amongst their best work, the album includes some of my favourite Radiohead songs; ‘Bodysnatchers’ into ‘Nude’ into ‘Weird Fishes/Arpeggi’ and later ‘House Of Cards.’ I’ll be honest, as I sit here listing my favourites, I’m holding myself back from just re-writing the tracklisting. It truly solidified them as an album band. A band with stamina and a band capable of backing up classics like ‘OK Computer’ and ‘Kid A.’ And an album that changed the narrative of the music industry.

#rs500albums