Radiohead - Amnesiac

Parlophone

It'a been 20 years to the day since Amnesiac hit the shelves. Radiohead's fifth studio album, and what is generally looked upon as Kid A's half-brother, steadily backed-up the left turn of the previous record.

Amnesiac was recorded during the same time as the Kid A sessions. It makes sense after listening to the album. It can be looked upon as Kid A's kindred companion. They exist in a similar, if not the same, world. A somewhat dystopian, slightly unhinged grayscale environment on the brink of urban decay. You could call it modern city living, if you wish. Whether you want to regard them as B-sides or 'leftovers' is completely of your own volition. If you didn't have the prior knowledge of knowing the albums were recorded in the same time-span you would never come to the B-side conclusion however. That's a testament to the quality of the Radiohead camp.

IDM and Krautrock influence make their mark on album opener 'Packt Like Sardines' with its pots and pan-like percussion. The soothing, descending bassline which doubles up as brooding and, depending on your mood, demonic comforts the listener on a toe-tapping one-way ticket to hell. 'Pyramid Song' is home to what may just be the most beautiful chord progression of the 21st century. In contrast to the opening track, 'Pyramid Song' has an ascension-like quality. A skyward trip simultaneously through your past and future. An all encompassing play-through of your (s)ins and outs. 'I Might Be Wrong' clocks in with a country western type feel. Pictures of Clint Eastwood, spidery fingers at the ready, facing the vast nothingness of the desert come to mind during its 5 minute runtime.

Radiohead are a special band. They're maybe the only band of my generation that I would call a once in a lifetime act without feeling like I'm stretching myself to be generous. Their position as front-runners, or at least one of, for the finest band of all time is safely secured at this stage but they were well on their way even back in 2001. Their presence can be found in all corners of the contemporary music scene. An omnipresent act.

"There was nothing to fear, nothing to doubt"

Favourite Track: I Might Be Wrong

June 5th, 2001.