In R a i n b o w s

I have truly been in rainbows for the last two days, listening to Radiohead's latest masterpiece on repeat. The album is very appropriately titled, because the experience is quite like being immersed in rainbows... all different colors, on different levels, and absolutely joyful all the way through. I am so immersed that I feel the need to give you the play-by-play of my listening experience. The buzz of this new album is everywhere, so here is some food for thought while you do your respective listening...

1. 15-Step
The beat to this song is such a happy draw into the album because it sets the pace for all the rhythmic energy to come. If I were more musically inclined i might try and figure out if there are actually fifteen beats per measure or something (any takers??) but to my amateur ears, it is simply a cool beat. Other things I love about this song? The kids cheering (again, such a joyful sounding album) and the slidy guitar riff. The whole album mixes this idea of joyfulness amidst a world running down, starting with this song. I love radiohead songs that don't get too complicated, and this is one of them.

2. Bodysnatchers
Keeps up the pace from 15-Step for a nice transition, with the guitars taking more of the rhythmic lead in this one. The lyrics of this song are what stand out for me, a 21st century anthem. It's time we had some real songs capturing the mood of our era, and this one totally does.

Has the light gone out for you?
Cause the light's gone for me
It is the 21st century
It is the 21st century
You can fight it like a dog
And they brought me to my knees
They got scared and they put me in

Radiohead has always had a finger on the pulse of "the fear" pervading the public mentality of our time, and this song is right on it. The universal bodysnatching of our time...yes. And the song is totally rock n' roll, to boot.

3. Nude
Bringing it down a notch... Add this to the list of beautiful Radiohead songs that get right at your insides without pushing or pulling too hard. (see: How to Disappear Completely, Talk Show Host) The background vocals on this are great with all the swells of string/synth sounds. A song about coming off a high if there ever was one...

Now that you've found it, it's gone
Now that you feel it, you don't
You've gone off the rails

I love when Radiohead gets melodic, because they are so unique about it...like just about everything else that they do. The little arpeggios in here are so sweet and York's trailing vocal lead-out... mmm.

4. Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
I am ready to declare that this is one of my favorites on the album. The simple repetition, the restless rhythm, the dreamy-sounding interludes... this one's optimistic, though it's more of a rainy day song than sunshine. Just the right feeling for right now, and just the right song for an album called "in rainbows."

5. All I Need
The lovesong of the album... and it is a beautiful one. Bassy intro, simple lyrics... you are all I need. The xylophone is a great counterpoint to all the bass, and there goes that joyfulness again. I really dig the instrumentation on this one.

6. Faust Arp
The opening chord of this song totally makes me think of "Exit Music," especially with that first line, "wakey, wakey..." It's hard to pull off strings successfully in a song because they can so often sound cheesy, but for this song it works. This one stands out the least for me on the album, but it has its moments. I dig the guitar parts and the story it tells is very much in keeping with the album- living up to expectations, feelings of emptiness & overload:

It's what you feel now
what you ought to, what you ought to
reasonable and sensible
dead from the neck up
because I'm stuffed, stuffed, stuffed
we thought you had it in you
but no, no, no
for no real reason

So much to say, that Tom York... so very relevant.

7. Reckoner
And... crash, clap... The rhythm takes the lead in this one- a nice collage of beats and tones. I love...how many times have I used the word love so far??... love the interplay of sounds in this song. Church chorale meets drum kit. and lots of fun with harmony.

8. House of Cards
Well, this one strikes a personal chord for me, so I, of course, dig it immensely. Not to mention it's beautiful, and I can actually play the guitar riff. It's the kind of song you want to put on a mix tape for that illicit crush... a just-between-you-and-me kind of song.

9. Jigsaw Falling Into Place
Favorite Song no. 2 on the album... There is nothing like a song about being on the dance floor, especially one that captures the sentiment so well. This song hearkens the spirit of Idioteque but completely has its own sound. The lyrics make it what it is, but the beat makes you wanna move... and the blues-tinged guitar lines make me shudder with joy. I cannot wait until this song hits the DJ booth (Beauty Bar...here comes...) Again, the nihilistic meets the joyful. Come on and let it out.

10. Videotape
The album ends on an elegy... a farewell that is hopefully only temporary. It has the feeling of a march, and it is a march of sorts, towards whatever unknown lies ahead. A melancholy note to end on, but appropriately optimistic.

No matter what happens now
You shouldn't be afraid
Because I know today has been the most perfect day I've ever seen

It is a reaffirmation of all the bittersweet sentiments coloring the album. The movement of this song is so very cool. A full circle for all the albums highs and lows.


Whew. Not to mention the way Radiohead decided to sell this album is the most creative and positive approach to the digital music industry and all its obstacles I have seen. It fosters such a positive relationship between artist and audience, cutting out the corporate devilry that is so detrimental to the spirit of music. Happy listening.

Karma

Late night has me reading about Karma and I found this beautiful description:

The effects of all deeds actively create past, present and future experiences, thus making one responsible for one's own life and the pain and joy it brings to others.

OOh. That's all.