Insanity or Genius? (Kid A - Radiohead)

Member Name: Skrolk

Product:	Kid A - Radiohead
Date:	05/04/01 (95 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Bizarre, Pretty, Uncomparable

Disadvantages: Challenging

Reviewing an album as unusual and far removed as 'Kid A' is no mean undertaking. Radiohead are one of the true 'epic' bands currently in existence. Aside from their initial commercial failure 'Pablo Honey', their last two albums "The Bends" and "OK Computer" were both magnificent, sweeping, unforgettable classics. But Kid A steers as far away as possible from their guitar based formula. In fact ~no~ other album sounds quite like Kid A.

A sort of bizarre aural experiment, this album is a modern day enigma. Far from sticking with the catchy ballads of old, everyone tends to have a completely differing opinion of this album as a whole.

Neither properly advertised, and hardly a press mention of its release, nonetheless, the album was brought in droves by eager fans...and far from alienating them, this album has a bizarre, warped appeal despite its strangeness. The CD, for example, features a booklet containing page after page of pretensious confusing artwork, a hidden booklet behind the CD case and the obligatory hidden track at the end of the album only serves to add to the mystery.

Opening with the wholely interesting "Everything in its right place", a mellow, haunting, intriguing unengaging and fascinating number, with pained lyrics, the album never ceases to amaze or confuse. This is a particularly short album for Radiohead, but contains a number of gems nonetheless.

The album proceeds to the title track "Kid A", with melty lyrics, pleasent background track and repetitive, yet pretty score. Both of these tracks are very relaxing, if nothing else, despite failing to feature even a single guitar, particularly unusual for a guitar based band. Nonetheless, the warped, undecipherable lyrics are very confusing and bizarre. Their is a cacophany of background effects and strangeness throughout, it is one of the strangest tracks you will ever hear, and yes, you probably will
like it.

Following this, the catchy and very good "National Anthem", sounding much more like the Radiohead of old, again, packed with the cryptic warblings and strangeness predominating this album in its entireity, yet with a unforgetable and hummable bass line throughout. This is a standout track, and is particuarly good. Just don't try to figure it out :)

The next track, "How to disappear completely" is nicely melodic and uplifting. All of these tracks tend to be somewhat hypnotic and very relaxing. There are no 'power ballads' as such on this album, and as a whole, these tunes could all send you off into a blissful sleep, in the best possible sense, of course :) This track again features Tom Yorke's pained lyrical content against a sweeping background of experimental, moving, content. Not as strange as some of the other tracks on this album, and particularly likeable.

"Treefingers" in comparison, sounds like one of those 'relaxation tapes' brought in any good alternative health store. Completely undemanding, and aurually beautiful, nonetheless, you'll half be expecting the sounds of dolphins and the sweeping of the sea to come through at any moment. Sounding nothing like anything Radiohead have ever done before, it is a very interesting experiment nonetheless.

Optimistic, therefore, is somewhat of a contrast. With its soft, rock opening and recognisable lyrical content, you'll wonder what this track is doing on such a bizarre album as this :) This is a good track, mind, with an interesting use of guitar and backing track, and several jangly, warbly sounds, produced god only knows how, only help to add to the intriguing experience. This track wouldn't be out of place on Radioheads previous album "The Bends", a nice, snappy little ballad, with fascinating lyrics.

In Limbo, is a mishmash of unusual electronica, warblings, both distorted and recog
nisable lyrics and experimental guitar. It's not particularly a stand out track, and I didn't think too much of it, to tell the truth. However, it is harmless enough, and not the worst track I've ever heard.

Idiotheque, on the other hand, is superb. True brilliance. Catchy drum machine, kooky background noises throughout and a loud, intense, catchy lyric. Very cleverly written, this is something very special. It sounds like nothing else, and is song making at its simplest, and most attractive. I guarantee you'll find something you like here.

Morning Bell is yet another track that I'll have to struggle explaining. A drum machine on loop, pretty synth and distorted vocals, there is something very pretty about this. The fact that the majority of the songs sound so 'basic' and one-layered perhaps adds to the albums appeal, but again, this works on a number of levels and makes for a tireless listen.

As for 'Motion Picture Soundtrack'..... what on earth can I say? Very pretty, very out of place and reminiscent of classical music. Adorable vocals and a very heartfelt, masterful song, and I ~guarantee~ you'll never have heard anything like it. Anywhere. The hidden track after Motion Picture Soundtrack is merely half a minute or so of pretty, interesting musical content, almost a reprise to the aforementioned track, and makes for a very pleasing wrap up to the CD.

Kid A is one of the strangest, warped and oddly satisfying albums I ever heard in my entire life. I applaud Radiohead on their direction and their courage to try something so completely and utterly different, words fail me. Have a listen for yourself, you'll be completely astonished at what is happening here.

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