Yay can't wait for OK Computer. The Bends is only showing a little part of what they are truly capable of, but i always feel nostalgic when i listen to it. Fake Plastic Trees is the strongest song here i agree with you, it just sounds timeless.
I enjoyed listening to your breakdown. This album had a big impact on me when it was released but I can understand how through your ears, nearly 30 years later, that there are some songs that sound a bit like generic alternative rock of the period. The lyrics are quite abstract but I think they begin to make sense as you listen more to the album - a sense of pathos, feeling ill at ease with the world. For me, Planet Telex, Fake Plastic Trees, Nice Dream, Bulletproof and Street Spirit have all had staying power, many years later, and I think Just and My Iron Lung still sound like interesting rock tracks with all the crazy chord changes and explosive dynamics.
Always appreciate your honesty and clear opinions, Lug! Radiohead is one of those bands that fit snugly in my heart. Fake Plastic Trees and Just are a couple of their best tracks for me, but most of the album is still weighed down by appeals to derivative structure. I don't know if you've already heard OK Computer, Kid A, and In Rainbows, but if you haven't. Oh boy am I excited for you (and me when the reaction drops). Speaking of excited for when the reaction drops, it's been two months already! When o when is The Glowing Man??
You mentioned in the track “The Bends” how it sounded cliche, which it does, but I would say it wasn’t cliche when it came out. A lot of 90s alt rock songs aged poorly cause they imitated each other, but in 1995 I think it was still fresh. They only get better from here! OK Computer, Kid A, and In Rainbows are masterpieces. The Bends was the beginning of their artistic revolution but it’s not perfect, and I think you can tell they were still trying to appeal to a pop audience. This was when they began their identity, I think “Fake Plastic Trees” is when Thom really found himself as a lyricist and frontman.
The song 'The Bends' is pretty straightforward. It's about feeling trapped. Living a life where you're being pushed and pulled in different directions and wanting to break free and be happy. Not being able to see the one you love because you're being overworked.
Nice vid. While I disagree with the overall scoring (it's a solid 8.5 for me), I understand why you'd come to this conclusion. Also I believe there's a Radiohead album for everyone, so I'm looking forward to more Radiohead album reactions.
Excellent reviews ! Radiohead is a journey...do you plan to review the whole discography ? I recommend not to wait too long between each albums to appreciate the evolution.
Bro, the beginning of this video is hella ignorant for someone whos only listened to Pablo Honey lol. The hindsight will be hilarious if you stick out with their discography.
So cute to see your reluctance to give Radiohead their due. After the awful Pablo Honey who would expect the perfect Brit pop album. Just wait for the Avant-garde perfection of Kid A.
I feel like compared to OK Computer this is definitely of its time. I think you will enjoy OK Computer a lot more because its sound is kind of timeless. They break free from the generic 90s alt rock on The Bends and Pablo Honey completely.
Radiohead was very smart to play the 90's game and get their quick fame, then spending the rest of their career afterwards only making what they want. Even their fame from OK Computer almost destroyed the band, as they just wanted to make art and music and had very little interest in celebrity. I'm sure it's already hyped in the comments a lot, but OK Computer and onward is pure gas - from their very complex polyrhythms and storytelling lyrics, they continue to teach new listeners that great music isn't just in 4/4 major lol. Keep it up, Lugga!! Your taste is goated fr
