Quick Impressions of Radiohead's "In Rainbows" (CD2) and Sigur Ros's "Hvarf/Heim"
Here are short reviews of the latest music by the only two bands I've ever given a "10" to (Sigur Ros for "()" and Radiohead for "In Rainbows"):
Radiohead: "In Rainbows" (CD2)
You can officially add song selection to Radiohead's various strengths. None of the tracks on this bonus disc would have made "In Rainbows" better than it is; several of them might have made it worse. "Down is the New Up" is the most polished of the songs here, but it meanders needlessly and ultimately fails to satisfy. The string part, reminiscent of "DJ Shadow's Theme", is quite nice however.
The relic from the "OK Computer" era, "Last Flowers to the Hospital", seems tired and uninspired. Listening to the track, one can, for the first time perhaps, fully appreciate why the band made "Kid A". This type of thing might have sounded great in 1997. A decade later, the charm has worn off.
"Bangers and Mash" is the best thing here, its gritty guitar and propulsive drums adding another dimension to the "In Rainbows" sessions. Final track "4 Minute Warning" has been stripped of the Coldplayisms it had live, which many will find reassuring, but it's hard not to feel that the song is more of an afterthought than a triumphant closing number.
This disc is surely a nice treat after the spectacular "In Rainbows"--just don't go spending extra money for it.
Rating: 5 out of 10Listen to "DJ Shadow's Theme":
Sigur Ros: Hvarf Heim
This "odds and sods" collection, meant to accompany the by-all-accounts brilliant "Heima" documentary, is the first non-essential release by the Icelandic band. Opener "Salka" was left off "( )" at the last minute, and it's a shame, because it could have held its own on that record. Single "Hljómalind", while showing promise, is weighed down by its conventional structure and tacked-on final chorus. The acoustic half of the album will surely be treasured by Sigur Ros obsessives, but the track selection seems a bit off for a band ready to take its rightful place in the limelight.
Rating: 6 out of 10Listen to "Salka":
Radiohead: "In Rainbows" (CD2)
You can officially add song selection to Radiohead's various strengths. None of the tracks on this bonus disc would have made "In Rainbows" better than it is; several of them might have made it worse. "Down is the New Up" is the most polished of the songs here, but it meanders needlessly and ultimately fails to satisfy. The string part, reminiscent of "DJ Shadow's Theme", is quite nice however.
The relic from the "OK Computer" era, "Last Flowers to the Hospital", seems tired and uninspired. Listening to the track, one can, for the first time perhaps, fully appreciate why the band made "Kid A". This type of thing might have sounded great in 1997. A decade later, the charm has worn off.
"Bangers and Mash" is the best thing here, its gritty guitar and propulsive drums adding another dimension to the "In Rainbows" sessions. Final track "4 Minute Warning" has been stripped of the Coldplayisms it had live, which many will find reassuring, but it's hard not to feel that the song is more of an afterthought than a triumphant closing number.
This disc is surely a nice treat after the spectacular "In Rainbows"--just don't go spending extra money for it.
Rating: 5 out of 10
Listen to "DJ Shadow's Theme":
[Download the MP3 Here]
Listen to "Down is the New Up":
[Download the MP3 Here]
[Band Website]
[Read my review of "In Rainbows"]
Sigur Ros: Hvarf Heim
This "odds and sods" collection, meant to accompany the by-all-accounts brilliant "Heima" documentary, is the first non-essential release by the Icelandic band. Opener "Salka" was left off "( )" at the last minute, and it's a shame, because it could have held its own on that record. Single "Hljómalind", while showing promise, is weighed down by its conventional structure and tacked-on final chorus. The acoustic half of the album will surely be treasured by Sigur Ros obsessives, but the track selection seems a bit off for a band ready to take its rightful place in the limelight.
Rating: 6 out of 10
Listen to "Salka":
[Download the MP3 Here]
[Band Website]
posted by Mike at 8:00 AM
6 Comments:
I agree with your take on the Radiohead, though looking at that 5 out of 10 hurts. I'm so crazy about them that I think if one track was just Thom sneezing, or Colin or Jonny or Ed mumbling, or Phil hitting the drums once, I think I'd probably still give them at least a 6.
By the string part on "Down is the New Up," do you mean the part before Thom sings, "Ladies and Gentlemen"? I really like that part.~a
OK, yes, that's what you mean. The instruments are not always so clear in my head. Yes, I agree, quite nice indeed.~a
No one should pay for this collection of songs. They're all really bad songs. Sorry, but the songs are aweful.
That's pretty harsh, Jonas. The songs aren't bad, but I feel sorry for anyone who bought the discbox just for the new tracks. Although it will probably get me killed, I never thought b-sides were Radiohead's strong suit. These are really b-sides and they fit in the previous pattern of interesting ideas but poor execution.
worst review ever! I think this disc is better than disc 1
these guys are smarter and more creative than any of you
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