Radiohead Gets Static For Style Change

Mon., Nov. 27, 2000

Brian Thorpe, Ferris

Radiohead “Kid A”

This is easily the hardest review I have ever had to write. Let me start by saying I absolutely love Radiohead and all of the group’s earlier music.

The British avant-garde rock band that created “Creep” and “High and Dry” has become one of my favorites. Their sophomore effort, “The Bends,” almost constantly graces my stereo.

My initial feeling was that Radiohead’s latest CD, “Kid A,” should automatically earn a top grade considering the band’s outstanding earlier work. Yet, after listening to “Kid A,” I was somewhat disappointed and befuddled.

First of all, the CD plunges straight into electronica from beginning to end. Regular instrumentation is absent or almost entirely smothered by artificial effects. On some tracks, not even singer Thom Yorke’s starkly beautiful vocals are left unadulterated.

Electronic additions can improve a song. “Everything In Its Right Place” is an excellent example of tasteful application, with Yorke’s voice flowing in, through and around muffled synthesizers.

Seemingly to offset the artificial electronica, Radiohead also has embraced more exotic instrumental musical genres. “How to Disappear Completely” includes some spine-tingling orchestral participation to become the album’s best track. “The National Anthem” is another fine song and implements a smattering of acid jazz bubbling in the background.

Unfortunately, there also are several mediocre tracks. “Idioteque” and “Treefingers” are perfect examples of terrible songs, with the former’s pulsating and annoying techno beat and the latter’s muffled pointlessness.

Overall, with “Kid A” Radiohead has created a somewhat confusing album. It doesn’t really appeal to my rock sensibilities, yet it doesn’t completely abandon them either.

My recommendation? Borrow this from a friend before you take the plunge.

Grade: B-

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