Radiohead - Hail To The Thief

Probably the most underrated "rock"-album ever done in my opinion! I say "rock" because it is far from a pure rock album, it has so much more to give.

Now I'm going to tell you a short story about my "relationship" with Radiohead:

I've been a hardcore Radiohead-fan since "OK Computer". I was like 8-9 years old and didn't listen to anything else than rock this kind of depressing, emotional brit-pop. My interest for EDM didn't start for real around 2000.
After "OK Computer" Radiohead changed their sound radically with the "Kid A" and "Amnesiac" albums. At the first listenings of those albums I didn't understand a shit! My good old Radiohead were now all about experimenting, and at first I got pretty angry.
But after a couple of listenings I started to understand the music. The beauty of the good old Radiohead was there, you just had to search for it. So called "intelligent music".

But even though I started to love these two new albums I kind of missed the OK Computer-Radiohead. It was like the guitar-driven Radiohead were gone...forever...

And so they released "Hail to the thief" - the mix of the old and new Radiohead.
Starting off with their first pure rock-song ("2+2=5") since OK Computer, and then it only get better! "Go to sleep", "Where I end and you begin", "Scatterbrain" and "There there" are pure pre-Kid A material, in a modern package.
And then we have the more experimental tracks: "Sit down, stand up" with the drum'n'bass beats and "Backdrifts" and "The gloaming" are, even their total uniqueness and originality, two of the most beautiful tracks on the album. My favourite-track, though, is the groovy, piano-lead "A punchup at the wedding" which, at the right moment, could bring tears to my eyes. Extremely beautiful!

Aren't there any traditional Radiohead-ballads here, you might ask.
Of course there are, I say then. "Sail to the moon" and "I will" are, as usual when Radiohead slow down their music, two of the most beautful songs ever done in my opinion!

Radiohead are together with Pink Floyd not only the best, but also the most innovative rock-band ever in my opinion. And "Hail to the thief" is the best proof of that! =)

I'd have to say this is my favorite Radiohead album as well. Their use of samples, synth and FX in this album really provides a rich tapestry of sound to enjoy. My favorite track has to be "Sail to the Moon". Great chill track. Quality Album.

The Concept:
"Hail To The Thief" is the slogan taken from anti-Bush campaign, so from the very beginning you may have a guess that this is an album with a very strong political implication. And you won't be wrong. Songs like "A Punchup At A Wedding" and "Myxomatosis" are all about that. That's the first reason why I love this album - Radiohead are not afraid to sing about what they think.

The Songs:
Great! Great songs... Really. ALL OF THEM! This is the best alternative rock album I've ever heard! I love it even more than "OK Computer". For me, it is definitely the best Radiohead album ever. Personal favourites are: "2+2=5", "Sit Down. Stand Up.", "There There", "A Punchup At A Wedding" and "A Wolf At The Door".
"Backdrifts", "The Gloaming" and "Myxomatosis" prove that Radiohead is not a rock band. It's an alternative rock band, electronic band, experimental rock band... Anything but rock band. The songs is the second reason why I love this album.

The Package:
Needless to say, that this package is stunning! Even if the album wasn't good, I'd give 5/5 just for the package like this. It contains booklet with lyrics and a huge "map" (approximately 20" x 20").
Great albums come in great packages, and that's the third reason why this album is great.