Videotape

When videotape was unveiled live last summer, it was poised to be the greatest song ever recorded by Radiohead. This fact will undoubtedly make Videotape the greatest point of contention on "In Rainbows." After my first listen I was grossly disappointed. No climax, strings, craziness, or infinitely sustained reverb. Just some subtle percussion that seems rhythmically abrasive. As the song closes it becomes quite choppy and spastic (like an old videotape?). I've never really thought, however, that what the music represents takes precedence over aesthetic pleasure. Aural metaphors aside, the final product is so unexpected that I can't help but listen to it on repeat. Does that mean it's actually a good song? Well I don't fucking know that yet! I may never decide if I like it or not, but I'll certainly keep listening to it.

As for the rest of the album...well...it's gonna take a while to digest. I CAN say that this is certainly Radiohead's most cohesive album since Kid A. The album as a whole is certainly much better than it's constituents...I think. Actually I take that back, I'm listening to it again right now and 15 step, Nude, and Arpeggi could all stand on their own. Same with All I Need. Fuck, I guess they can all stand on their own. I suppose that means it's a good album??? I'm still trying to get over the shock of hearing Radiohead's sound transformed into acoustic semi-breeziness. Did Radiohead go all Sky Blue Sky on us? No. The conventional aspects of the album are curbed by subtle and (sometimes overwhelmingly) bizzare textures (i.e. Videotape).

Other comments:
- The album took me like 20 seconds to download. How did they do that?
- All I Need kind of rips off Roygbiv.
- If that's Ed singing in the background of Arpeggi then it's easily the greatest musical moment in Radiohead history.
- Videotape is weird.