Radiohead.
A band who's mention immedieltly evokes one of two responses.
1- LOVE THEM.
2- HATE THEM.

Both responses are evoked as a response to the fact that Radiohead have NEVR ceased to push out the boundaries of what music can be on a popular commercial market.

Radioheads albums all sound strkly different to each of the others and this is a reflection also of Radiohead's determination never to rest on their laurels or milk any single successful style they have previously recorded.

They are bigger than that.

Love them or hate them, Radiohead have produced quite literally some of the greatest songs of their career to date on 'In Rainbows'. Layered with astonishing guitar parts, well thought lyrics and structures to each composition that reflect the genius of the band as a whole.

No single favourite stands out. The entire album is astonishing!...The bonus CD also contains some mighty MIGHTY songs...Bangers and Mash being a prime example.

The Years greatest album.

booker, Merseyside, Merseyside

Truly awful. I would go as far to say unlistenable. This sounds like a band all out of ideas but not yet realising it.

As a Can tribute band they might have a future...

dc

dc, london, uk

I havnt' stopped listening to this album for about 2 weeks now its absolutely beautiful, highlight of this fantastic album for me has to be "Reckoner", if i play this song in the morning it stays in my head all day. Just amazing.

Michael Ross, Aberdeen, Scotland

Truly Great Album, possibly one of their best! At times it kind of tripped me out like Dark Side of the Moon does with those fast beats and ambient jams!

Yoni G., Berkeley, California, USA

...creep....(*acoustic).....

But I m a creep
Im a weirdo
What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong here....

IT ROCKS!!!!!!

Elinor, London,

the reckoner track is simply amazing... the way the cymbals get up in your head and stay there, and the guitar seems to play with your eardrums...I must say one of my favorite radiohead songs... strike that, one of my favorite songs. period.

Dino Sabol, Zadar, Croatia

THIS IS RADIOHEAD'S BEST ALBUM SINCE OK COMPUTER!! A MASTERPIECE!! IT SHOULD BE ALBUM & RECORD OF THE YEAR!! Very rarely is one taken on an such an interesting and intriguing experience in modern popular music,.. but here Radiohead has achieve thisd.. Must HAVE album!!!

Rafael, Vancouver, Canada

Tried to pay for it on their site, but it wasn't working so got it for free elsewhere. After a few listens I actually feel guilty! Gonna go out and get the box set whenever it comes out. A must own record!

Pleas, Fayetteville, USA/ NC

It sat more or less totally unheard on my iPod for 6 weeks, after my having paid nothing for it due to my being much much poorer than Thom Yorke. During a long bus journey on thursday I accidentally bumped into "bodysnatcher" which because it actually wasn't super weird I listened to again.... and again ... and again.

Weird fishes is so stunning it is like dropping a pill, you really do end up loving the songs so much you anticipate them physically. Just imagine walking round with all that musical gold in your pocket and you didn't even know it!!

My favourite album by Radiohead was either OK computer or the Bends ( depending on mood) but this one although very different is easily up with both of those classics. EASILY.

I'm really shocked at how good music can be sometimes and this is one of those occasions. Damn it! i will have to give the other 3 a chance now as well.

Adam, valencia, spain

Absolutely beautiful. Haven't felt so excited about an album since, well, OK Computer. "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi" is one of the best songs I've ever heard. Pure brilliance.

Iain, Cambridge,

Simply perfect. Nothing much else to add other than that I think.

Chris M, Birmingham, West Midlands

This album shows something we haven't seem from them yet-
Radiohead having fun. All the songs (with the exception of videotape) are upbeat- almost funky. They seem to be having a good time playing these songs, and I have a good time listening to them. Every time I listen to this album, I love it more and more. While it may not be groundbreaking for music in general like their previous albums, it is a groundbreaking album for radiohead as a band. 5 out of 5 stars- best album of the year, and last year for that matter.

Jacob Crites, Columbus, OH

All right that's it- I'm sick and tired of hearing how this album is a mix of other albums of theirs. ENOUGH ALREADY! It does not sound the least bit like OK Computer- there's not a computer blip to be found. And who the hell thinks this sounds like Kid A? There's not one electronic song on the album (okay, maybe 15 step) but these songs have melody- beautiful melody at that. Somebody said this sounds like the Eraser. Are you listening to the same album?! In Rainbows stands on its own, and the only reason people are saying it sounds like OK Comp. is because it actually uses regular instruments. I will say that there is ONE part on Reckoner that sounds like hail to the thief (the oooh aaaah piano part) but come on. COME ON!

Jacob Crites, Columbus, OH

Radiohead's music sends chills from my neck down my spine that remind me of the beauty of the universe. After listening, I feel the same as after reading a poem such as Wright's "A Bleesing." There is something true and elusive, and I feel a sense of epiphany after each song. More people need to listen to Radiohead and feel the vibrations in their bodies. This album is wonderful! Everything I had hoped for (especially after losing a little groud with Hail to the Thief, though I still loved it)!

Jim, Huntington, USA/ IN

A good example of moving in a different direction does not equate with progress. Accessibility is the key to easy approach and this is too much hard work. With Jeff Buckley you could make out the lyrics. Now why did I bring that comparison into the picture?

BERT BRETHERTON, STOCKPORT, ENGLAND

Shouty, noisy, soulless computer music for 12-year-olds.

I paid nothing and it was good value for money.

Denja, West Arabia,

Some songs' are kinda funky (Opener 15 Step) and almost reggae-ish. Plenty of ambient and echoey effects type stuff reminiscent of OK Computer and Kid A. Closing song 'Videotape' has a creepy repetitive piano pretty much all the way through and to the end that is almost hypnotizing to the ears. I wouldn't say they have crossed any new bridges, its defiantly a radiohead album (not least because of Thom Yorkes trade mark high pitched and unmistakeable voice) but that isn't a bad thing at all. Very good, very easy to chill out too - and not all that depressing either! don't mean its exactly club tropicana though.

Any Radiohead fan should have this album

Alfie, Ramsgate, England

It just gets better and better.

Jon Coll, Brighton, Uk

This album is very good, especially the weird time signatures on certain songs. The affirmative use of technology is also notable. i think ok computer did that to their music. This is one band that's cool re-defined. They can eat up all the linkin parks and what-have-you on music channels in one 'byte'.

I think the only band that outscores them on not being commercial is Steely Dan.

'Pay whatever' is smart - I think it's a great marketing tool as well. A friend of mine who's never heard or cared to listen to Radiohead, bought the album because you could pay what you wanted to.

All in all, this is an album that should be a part of your record collection. The guitar playing, the drums/ sequencings have gotten truly fluid. Thom's voice has always been a melancholic wail that spews ironic lava. That's intact as well.

Santanu B, pune, india

just listened to it like 10 times in a row and it not only holds up, it gets better and better with progressive listenings.

it is the album i've been waiting for.

jimmy niss, greenfield, massachusetts usa

i am super proud of them! again! sounds like the person who wrote this has jealousy issues, strange, i don't know em personally , i just love the way they express themselves collectively. in rainbows is full spectrum!
don't be so sad about not being radiohead.

catelyst eleven, san francisco, ca

I was unsure about this album when I first listened. However, it really is a work of great beauty. It grows on you the more you listen. Melodies become more and more apparent, and the whole work is an absolute delight. A masterpiece!

Nigel Sutherland, Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Scotland

This is a great album, they let me pay literally nothing for it on site and it guilted me into giving them £15.00 afterwards, it is worth that without a doubt and I think that the business model is honest and progressive if a little idealistic, the album is amazing from start to finish. The review begs a question though... why no mention of Nude? The track oozes nostalgia of the OK Computer days (and that is no bad point to those who of the 'been there, done that' persuasion...)

Richard Griffiths, Stourbridge, West Midlands

I havent got Weird Fishes out of my head . It was the First track I listened to that made a big impression first time i heard it . So beautiful I shall play it to death .

Adam, london,

I like the unenergetic feel it has and the slow building climactic songs. It doesn't need to keep you on the edge of your seat to make it a good album. Radiohead is one of the most respected bands, with music no one has ever been able to replicate.

Mike, Raleigh,

How can someone paid to espouse their views and supposedly a music aficionado be so disparaging about the best track on the album, Weird Fishes? Do you have no soul? It is hauntingly, heart-achingly beautiful, and the album as a whole is liberally sprinkled with dreamy, melodic, angst-ridden genius. Thom and the boys back to their arch miserabilist best.

Rob, Royston, UK

Im listening to Weird Fishes right now for the 20th time this morning - funny I hated it yeserday

Tone, Perth, Australia

Etheral!!! .... sooooo beautiful.. Cant wait to hear some of these tracks live!

Tracey , Essex, England

Radiohead seems to have made music that not only surprises many old fans but draws in new ones. The sound scapes and effects in this release are catchy and almost enlightening from earlier paranoid and frantic themed music. We do not need a second OK Computer as great as it is. The perfect blend of 2007 Radiohead slow rolling into a near masterpiece of in rainbows. The beat goes round and round. Brilliant and FREE to all. A Gift, Who is complaining about kbps. The CD is to be released anyways. I am sure some critical listeners will complain. Not everyone even fully agrees that the Beatles are great. Go figure.

xg, Colorado Springs, CO

Radiohead is extremely talented but I feel that at this point Mr. Yorke needs some lessons in singing or a dose of testosterone. It seems that after several albums of whinning and mumbling he would eventually change his approach to song writing. I would not recommend listening to this album when driving or operating heavy machinery. I would, however, enourage parents to play this album to their children if they are having trouble getting to sleep. Overall, I would rate Radiohead as a great talent but I think taking a strep back and composing music that is clear, with some sort of melody would be wonderful. Or, maby even challenging.

R o b , Toronto , Canada

My first impressions were that this is a weaker album than I had expected. The songs seemed too slow (with the exception of the first two tracks), too conventional, boring even, reminisent of some of their earliest b-sides, too repetitive, too alike. As if they have chosen the easy path... With repeated listens, these very aspects morphed into something positive, like a soft breeze, effortless in its endless beauty and ability to invoke a state of wonder. As if by not trying so hard, the easy elements coalesced into something harmoneous, easy, satisfying, replenishing, unhurried. Yet containing enough dissonence to keep the great many beautiful moments slightly on edge...
I don't know what this album will mean to me by next month or next year. But I can say that, so far, it appears to have the capacity to connect with a part of my being that has responded so profoundly on an emotional and intellectual level to the best that Radiohead has offered in the past.

rdbajer, Vancouver,

I love the album as a whole (who doesn't?) but even after countless plays, ive still to find a song that stands out from the rest as not very good, but excellent - theres nothing in it than can top karma police, street spirit, high and dry, the tourist, black star - true different styles of song, but at least they stood out; this albums hailed as different, but each song is quite repetative and theres little surprise in whats going to happen in the songs themselves... daring to be critical of this album seems to be a bad move though =P

jonathan ward, ingleby barwick, england

These songs have worlds inside their worlds...AGAIN! For the last 12 years of my life Radiohead occupy the most sensitive parts of my neurons. Thanks...

Sof, New York,

dare i say it...................Genius

Anthony Lambourne, Nottingham, Derbyshire

This album is absolutely a bonifide 'Radiohead Album'. Before I listened to it, I warmed up with Hail to the Thief (Brilliant album, possibly my favorite) and I have to admit that at first, In Rainbows dissapointed. That was, however, due to the change in aural landscape that they've pulled out of their sleeves.
From front to back, the album (which I have listened to maybe 50 times already) is full and realized. There are no real low points, yet soaring highs. 'Nude', just gets me in a funny way. It draws emotion effortlessly. 'Jigsaw Falling into Place' is an amazing addition to their already impressive catalogue of tunes. The acoustic guitar on that track was a perfect choice. 'Video Tape', I must say, was one I diskliked initially, but grew on me to the point that I think it is one of their finest tracks.
This album is a perfect statement on how the musical genres we have done to death can be blurred, mixed, distorted, giving way to new sounds that promote new discovery

Jonny5ive, calgary, Canada

Incredible. Download it now.

Richard C, Halstead, Essex

Miranda, Chicago, IL -

Download another copy and pay as much as you want!!!?!


I listened to it first and decided the "choose your own price" was to dangerous for me, especially with somthing as well made as this album, I just bought the box set!

If 200,000 people say this album isnt great, I bet my mortgage on anywhere between 50 and 99% of those people doing a complete U turn in the next 1-5 years and suddenly deciding itis a good album after all!

This album is complete and utter Radiohead and it always seems to be a mistake to have expectations about there future music! Be patient and enjoy, I have certainly never been dissapointed.

Paul, Barton, North Lincolnshire

Wonderful. Starts off Kid A / Amnesiac - breaks into OK Computer with a nod at the Bends.
Track 7 - reckoner stands out as truly exceptional.
Strike that - they all are.
Can't get the whirls and swirls out of my head - gonna play it again right now - i need it like a fix.

Paul TM, Southampton, UK

To sum up what I really think of the album: I only paid £5 for the download and now I wish I paid much much more.

Miranda, Chicago, IL

Solid gold genius album

Sven, Hassleholm, Sweden

I think that they when for a similar sound to hail to the thief but made it really boring and, frankly it takes way too long to get into the song and the album. the strongest track is Jigsaw falling into place. to be fair i think they should have speeded up the sound to keep people interested. To be honest i don't think i will be listening to this album that much, i will find myself drifting back to hail to the thief, the bends, and ok computer. after all they have the main strongest tracks on. of course i still love all their albums. maybe im just blabbering on.... by the way dale, u live near wrose road?

Omar Ahmadi, Shipley, Bradford, West Yorkshire

Sorry, but i've listened to this several times, willing and trying to be really open to it - in the end i think its really bland. Somehow it leaves me with the same feeling as Thom's solo album - theres some great ideas and innovation in there, but somehow - it becomes repetative, and boring.

The animation and excitement that was there once seems to be lost, and i'm starting to yawn and want to listen to something else. Liked hail to the thief - where's the politics they seem to plug on about online and before? I think its been lost in an avant-garde slumber... thats great but put some spice into it guys...

you have the influence and the sway, get some action done. get out of the seaview bedroom.

Oh well i suppose u have enough dosh -as for selling only via download, thats really independent and radical, but ur still charging a fairly big amount for the designer version. And as for the folks without computers coz they don't want them?

goodbye coldplay .oh sorry!?

joe selozza, SF, USA

I simply cant decribe the beauty radiohead has released. If there is a God, His name must be Radiohead. Let Him reign forever.

Barry, Amsterdam, Netherlands

yet again, radiohead smack us all right in the mouth with a breathtaking album. i deleted everything from my ipod and put just this album on so i could listen to this, and only this, all day at work. i think the key tracks have to be, house of cards, nude, and videotape(which reminds me a bit of no suprises). all in all, this album is up there with the best of 'em, and definately the best of the year

dale stewart, shipley, bradford, west yorkshire, england

This is their weakest album to date, its brillaint by any other band's standards except their own. It's made up of old ideas that never made it onto other albums and it doesn't break new ground like the others did. Still, I'd take this over any other current British band's album anytime.

Ludovic Noir, London,

probably one of the most elegaic, heartachingly pieces of music put out there for the listening public in eons - however, I hope the "public" can handle repeated listens in this day and age of instant gratification - because that is what this album deserves - by doing so it will remain a soundtrack for all those that do for years to come - put it on your player, headphones in and slip away - emotional stuff.......

London, Croydon, Surrey

"Bodysnatchers" will have any Tonights The Night/Rust Never Sleeps fans finding secret prayers answered...
comparisons are so incredibly cheap, but celebrate the link atleast, it will make the uncle dancing easier!

The album is astonishingly good - just buy it after you stole it.
Regards

Julian, High Wycombe, England

This album is just exquisite. Rhythmically complex, atmospheric, emotionally charged, endlessly inventive without being self-consciously so. It's just perfect.

Richard, Earley, UK

Radiohead again release a book of honest and original songs. I had to listen a few times to the entire album before I really started to get it.
No hidden agenda, no courtesy to the A&R clique and no ambition in this release to do anything other than be true to their own natural tendency to explore and take risks.

Clearly, In Rainbows is a collection of EXTREMELY articulately constructed songs with some extraordinary arrangements.

I am however left feeling like I am looking into a room through a net curtain. I can see the shape and size of the work, but the masterfulness of the album is shrouded in what can sound like really amaturish production. I could be wrong...perhaps that has more to do with the fact that the download was low grade in quality....perhaps the band have attempted to throw a new two finger salute to the drabness of the music industry machine by doing a bit of 'anti-production' demonstration.

Still...I love the album. It's fuckin' hot!

booker, www.myspace.com/bookersounds,

To be honest I was quite prepared to be disappointed by this new album, as everyone jumps the shark sooner or later. But In Rainbows holds some of the best songs they've ever done. the album is still unfolding with every listen and, all hyperbole aside, I keep wanting to listen to it. Which is all I want from an album really.

Nick, Christchurch, New Zealand

Truley incredible. lost count of the times 'Weird Fishes/Arpeggi' has made me cry... and then they go & follow it with the beautiful 'All I Need'!!! In Rainbows is a true masterpeice from a band at the very peak of their powers. Can't wait for the 2nd CD, the 12"s & (so importantly) the artwork (my only complaint would be not having any artwork). Really can't say how much I love this album, every song is absolute quality. Get back in the studio boys we demand more & more!

Lee, Solihull, England

This is the album of the decade. I breaks free of every genre. I can find influences from island music, plenty of jazz and funk, prog rock, and electronica. The lyrics are both simple and intricate. Like previous albums, I will spend much time listening and reading, to try and decipher the meaning. It seems much more down to earth. There are themes of love and such. I suspect that perhaps they are becoming more spiritual. This might account for Yorkes turn in mood. It's a lot less meloncholy than Amnesiac or Kid A. I like that a lot. A good change.

I think those of us who are displeased with it are clearly those who don't enjoy a band doing something new. I like how Radiohead stepped off the complicated arrangements for once and just made a brilliant sounding record that I've listened to at least 10 times in two days. You just can't get that from any band playbed regularly on alt rock stations. I think "In Rainbows" is the Sgt. Peppers of Generation Y.

rogue_guitarist@yahoo.com

Robert, Casa Grande, Arizona

Magical,magnificent,magisterial,moody,melodic!!!( whoa,slow down) ,typical stuff really,but still surprising that you can surprise people after all this time with songs everyone's heard before!!!??? Have they remixed themselves?

WillQ, Dundee,

I've been passionate Radiohead fan since The Bends and, like most, have grown into each successive album. I've long given up expecting the band to do what I want with their music and after a nervous first listen I'm currently playing it over and over. Radiohead have both the financial security and the musical intelligence (or sheer doggedness?) to look for music that falls in the gaps between the predicable and convenient. As such they are a true avant garde band and I thank them for it. My early favourite from the album was Nude with Thom Yorke's tearjerkingly beautiful singing over a 6/8 fit for lovemaking. But all the tracks are growing on me like their precdecessors. In this sense Radiohead are utterly predictable and I'm happy to have paid £10 for the download.

Neil, Birmingham, UK

Congratulations Thom, Jonny,Phil, Ed,Colin & Nigel! You have produced one of the best albums I have ever heard.

Hope you enjoy some time out after all your hard work !

aiden, london,

Before listening the album, I expected it would be a good album, but honestly, after listening several times i realized it wasn't a good album but a MASTERPIECE.
In Rainbows just make me feel as few album can do and "Jigsaw Falling Into Love" is just one of the best songs I've heard in years. Awesome.

Thanks Radiohead for this album and for changing the rules on the selfish record company world.

rating: 10/10

Carlos S., Barcelona, Spain

Thom's delivery of the last two lines of Faust ARP is possibly for me the highlight of the album!

It's beautiful to the point of tears!

Bob, Dalian, China

"Videotape" tore me in half...had me literally sobbing. I'm a big boy now (35) and I can't remember the last time a piece of music drew me to tears like that. Make no mistake, folks, these guys know what the hell they're doing...
Pure genius.

sob, New Haven,

After seeing radiohead in Dublin last year it reaffirmed why they share the top spot iin my heart (joint winners with blur in case you were wondering!) At the gig they played all i need. I find it hard to exlpain the reaction i had without sounding cheesy but it was the closest i have come to a grand mall seizure. Fast forward a year and the long wait for In Rainbows is over. There are always nerves.......will this band who i love so much dissapoint me? I pay for my download and order the boxset telling myself not to be silly, i mean they have never let me down before they are not going to start now!
I play the album and all nerves vanish ,it is all good news. All i need still has the seizure inducing qualities i remember from that night and everything else around it is nothing short of quality. Music rarely gets this good 10 listens on and i am still running back for more. Thank you Radiohead.

Ruth, Dublin, Ireland

In Rainbows > Winos Brain. Think about it...

John, Belfast,

This album rises up head and shoulders and into the clouds well above the flood of average jangly guitar bands that we have on offer today. Breath of fresh air and in a class of their own.

Omar Baggili, London,

WOW .. this album is getting ever more beautiful with every listen . I'm mesmerized. Being a huge Radiohead fan, I've followed them since Ok computer and i gotta say this album is the only of the latter albums that has got me this excited. The fact that the band had decided to release it in this fashion also has the fans buzzing with excitement and forums and blogs overloading with evaluative thoughts. When the greatest band in the world decides to avoid the traditional corporate distribution process you can almost hear the industry cry with the realization that there days are numbered! let this be the future

Thank you ever so much Radiohead .. we love you

Ricci Piacentini, London,

Quite simply, thankyou. Thankyou Radiohead.

Fergus Thedog, Merimbula, Australia

Just fantastic. To me, it cements Radiohead as the preeminent band of our generation. Radiohead seems to have built on OK Computer and Kid A without replicating it. Please come to Coachella 2008...can you imagine hearing this in the middle of the Mojave Desert on a warm April night?

Don, Los Angeles, CA

I never have any 'expectations' of Radiohead.. I love them, I will follow their direction to the end of the earth. People who beg for a remake of 'The Bends' (or any other album, for that matter) sadden me, and although I enjoy (that's an understatement, but my passion for Radiohead could easily scare you) the album, I'd be dissapointed if they stepped back into a genre they've evolved out of, for any other reason than them WANTING to, as a band, as artists.. not pressure from so-called 'fans'..
I can't compare Radiohead albums, to me, they're all pieces of work that stand alone, but I can say that I'm finding this album so easy to listen to, 22 times in 4 days, it's so melodic.. there's never any want to get to the next track.. I just sink into the atmosphere it creates and let the music wash over me.
A beautiful album, I can't wait until my discbox arrives and I can physically hold this delicious creation in my own two hands.

Caroline, London,

Well, I've been a huge fan for years but I'm not quite feeling In Rainbows just yet -- some amazing tracks needless to say, but others yet to grow on me.

Richard Heath, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset

A great album. Melodic, unpredictable, and stimulating. I payed $10 USD and feel I made a good decision. As far as the people who were expecting a remake of KID A then you are not very familar with what Radiohead is all about.

Eric, Little Rock, AR

I am now in full blown serious sonic love affair with In Rainbows...I still can't believe how good they are, to me, a huge chasm between Radiohead and...., and...?...well, exactly, there are no peers. Picking out the musical textures in my head..sumptuos beauty, and Thom's voice is so incredibly emotive. I conclude that the world is split into two sets of people. Those who recognise that Radioead make the best music in the world today..and those that don't. Viva the 'head :-)

Pixie Dewhurst, Manchester, UK

Ladies and Gentlemen... Radiohead did it again. They were able to make an album that can make us feel intrigued, confused and even surprised by moments. Each song has its own personality and yet, they are able to get them together to sound like a solid record. In my humble opinion, I think Radiohead was able to surprise us once again like the way they did with Ok computer (1997) and I´m sure they are still waiting for a amazing album to happen (personally that "amazing" title has been taken already with ok computer and Kid A). And do not forget the fact that the realesed the album on their own terms.

Antonio Torres, Culiacan, Mexico, Sinaloa

Great album, but one thing irks me. I paid £6.99 (I'm very price-point conscious) on the basis that, apart from the "for-fanboys-only" disc box, there wouldn't be a hard-copy CD available. Now I am confronted by the news that the album will be released on conventional CD early next year. I am over 40 and so will be compelled to go out and buy that. So I end up paying twice. I would definitely have paid something for an advance copy, but not that much.

David , Dublin, Ireland

It's a beautiful album. Nude is gorgeous. The strings sound great, especially the cello on All I Need.

Philip, Portsmouth, Hants

The point of creating music isn't to appease the public or to mirror past successes, but to innovate, explore the limits of one's own creative limits, and to see whether or not the general listening audience is ready to accept something new that you've created....

This is an amazing album in and of itself. Listen to it without any musical biases towards Ok Computer, The Bends, or Kid A. This is not the same band anymore. Forget those albums for now. I'm tired of people whining and comparing them. If we had 4 albums of Ok Computer, each one would become more and more stale.

In Rainbows not only exemplifies the creative risks that all musicians should take in releasing new work, but it is, quite simply, a beautiful album to listen to. Although I admit 'House of Cards' is a waste of time (in my opinion) the rest of the album is a testament to the musical genius of Radiohead. Arpeggi, All I need, and 15 Step are definite highlights.

Scott, Toronto, Canada

''all i need'' is the saddest, most beautiful song ive heard since... well, since something from OK Computer. I didnt pay anything, but im gonna get the box set. i thank radiohead for making an album this pretty and pertinent. people will diss them for what they see as a roundabout marketting ploy, but they forget, radiohead are bound to challenge things, and the fact that they have the money and fanbase to do so is a testament to their music, not some middle class arrogance.

henry, wolverhampton,

it's the worst radiohead album. a very very dull set of meandering songs. the lyrics aren't good anymore, the singing isn't good anymore and its all made worse by boring arrangements (horrible drumming for some reason, what is going on phil?). none of these songs develop in any interesting way. i think it is a collection of songs they have struggled with over the years and have now just given up on and gone with the most obvious direction. radiohead clearly peaked with kid a and have been on a sharp downward spiral ever since. why can't they write great pop songs anymore? all the people comparing it to them at their best - come on, you're just letting the hype influence your hearing.

Adam, Brighton,

It's a gem. Beats, guitars, strings, it's got it all. And in some of the songs actually sounds happy. I know it makes me happy. Well done.

Nathan, Adelaide, Australia

I payed 1p.
and feel increadibly bad about it.

il get the box when i get the spare money.

Lee, scarborough,

I paid 10USD and after listening for a few hours I will likely pay more for their next offering. Thanks to Radiohead for trusting it's fans.

marchisi, San Francisco, USA/CA

Bloody brilliant. Didn't expect the instruments - assumed more electronica, but I like it. Feels like they've been influenced by the stripped down vibe of The White Stripes. Well done, RH, for escaping expectations.

Rasjad, Christchurch, New Zealand

Thanks for not disappointing boys-knew you wouldn't. Its great never knowing what to expect. Where would we be without you?

Caroline, West Midlands, England

Don't forget the man behind the mixing desk, Nigel Godrich!! Another album brilliantly engineered. I love this album.. I can't wait to get the disc in Dec, with 7-8 more tracks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_Godrich

(I love how this album relates to Thom's solo effort.. pushing the boundaries!)

Larry, Portland, OR, USA

Overall its better than Hail to the Theif.
Specially I loved Videotape song.

All I need Live version on their tour was far better than album version, coz it carried sweet vibraphone by Jonny.

Thom's voice is amazing, still those OK Computer / Bends / Pablo Honey Guitars are missing.

The last 4 albums starting from Kid A are almost kinda similar. Now its time for band to change it back to good days of OK Computer kind.

Still # 1 on my list Radiohead and then comes Sigur Ros from Iceland

Mash, Hyderabad, AP India

Correcting Jon from Leeds comment...the album was not released under Parlophone but independently.

Great album...yet again.

Pat Rean, Oxford,

I've bought all the Radiohead albums. Kid A was my favourite album, with Hail to the Thief coming as a bit of a disappointment, but this new album tops anything they've previously done. It's absolutely beautiful.

JE, Dogmersfield,

First of all I think its important to focus on the music. Obviously the way they are 'selling' the album is big news, but this shouldn't detract from the music itself.

The songs are great. Radiohead have developed their electro/rock sound and 'In Rainbows' sees the addition of a serious orchestral element. For me, although it is obviously far too early to tell, songs such as Reckoner, Videotape, 15 Steps and Bodysnatchers are already stealing the show.

There is, nevertheless, a big 'however'. Part of the reason I always loved Radiohead was their constant innovation and willingness to do the unexpected. After 'OK Computer' they had the world at their feet and yet they responded by turning their back and producing 'Kid A'. In terms of sound 'In Rainbows' is fundamentally identical to Radiohead's previous three albums. No matter how much I love this album, that it shows neither any innovation or development truly niggles. Are the great innovators in a rut?

Tom Melville, london,

Too early to tell, but I feel those old familiar rumors of falling in love once again.

But at the same time I am curious about how immediately receptive I am to the album. In the past with Radiohead, they made me work for it. I grew into Kid A and OK Computer, Amnesiac and even Hail to the Thief through a slow, beautiful, and painful process.

I'm working with the theory that this album's immediate accessibility will either be its redemption or its downfall.

I just have to be careful not to like it too much at first.

James Yates, Leuven, Belgium

To put it simply, this is the best album I have heard in years from anyone!!! For me music stopped in about 1995. This really bucks a trend. Well done!!

Marcus Barr, Hemel Hempstead, England

Enjoyed reading the reviews listening to the album for the first time. I have ordered the limited edition and got the download for free because of this. I know it all about opinions and everyone is entitled to theirs but I feel that everyone here who says its their best work since OK have got a screw loose. Each album has been better than the last!!

I feel sorry for those who dont feel/ cant get into Kid A and Amnesiac. They were two amazing albums! I would recomend to anyone who found these hard to buy the 'everything in the right place' album as this has a kind of best of of the two albums. What a performance.

As for the new album its a cracker!! And the guy who wrote they give you what you never knew you wanted sums up Radioheads amazing abillity to push and progress better than any band in the world.

Scott, Glasgow,

Let's not mince words: Radiohead's In Rainbows is a masterpiece.

Everything, from the miraculous soundscapes to the introspective lyrics to Thom Yorke's atmospheric vocals is pure gold. It's the culmination of the electronic blip-beep-wrrrrr-bloop experimentation of Kid A, Hail to the Thief and Amnesiac, but with real instruments. (Drummer Phil Selway must have breathed a huge sigh of relief.)

Within the instrumentation are a vast array of genres -- some unusual, even for them -- ranging from classical to Bossa Nova to Memphis blues to psychedelic rock to new age (!) and a multitude of influences from The Beatles to Bjork to R.E.M. to Nick Drake to Talk Talk to Pink Floyd to The Doors to Philip Glass (!) Yet it all blends seamlessly, smoothly and melodically.

It's their best work since OK Computer and was well worth the wait.

Rating: 100/100

Darryl M, London, England

I love In Rainbows, but I can't help being a bit worried too. I love it in the same way that I love the track Stop Whispering from Pablo Honey. It's a great track, just not a Radiohead track. All their albums have grown on me - sometimes over a matter of years - but In Rainbows sounds great from the beginning and I'm not sure if that's a good sign.

Being a bit of a prog rock old git, I love the way that Radiohead have merged the worlds of early Genesis and Pink Floyd with REM and The Pixies and laterly with Kraftwerk too, all with an original twist. The new record still has all of that, but it's overridden by a sound that's more U2 than anything else. Don't get me wrong, I love U2 as well, but they're not Radiohead - not even in the same league.

Am I now just like the people who were disappointed by Kid A because it didn't sound like OK Computer? I don't think so, because while all their albums have had at least a pinch of experamentation thrown in, with Kid A the band chose to ignore a winning formula in favour of a much more experamental and very different sound. In Rainbows has brought them back into the fold rather than having pushed the envelope further.

It is a lovely album. I paid for the box set and downloaded the main tracks on the first day. I love the discussion about every element of it and I can't wait for the additional disk. I just hope that by then I'm still as in love with the main album as I am now. I guess I still love Stop Whispering, so there's hope. Perhaps the success that this album will obviously obtain, will send Thom Yorke into a deep spiral and the whole cycle will begin again. If that happens, it will be quite amusing to hear a new generation of Radiohead fans complain that the follow up is too out there for their tastes.

Rupert Webb, Littlehampton, UK

Quote: "I think the fans that pay 30p, 1.00 or -- outrageously! -- 0.00 should be ashamed of themselves. Doesn't the best band in the world deserve more than that? Shame on you, "fans". "

The "best band in the world" deserves to have its music listened to on quality headphones or systems. MP3s with a bit rate of 160 kbps are just not good enough unfortunately and I am not paying my hard-earned cash for them. And no, I do not buy music from iTunes unless it is part of their Plus catalogue with a bit rate of 256 kbps and free of Digital Rights Management (DRM) infection.

Therefore I decided to pay 0.00 for the In Rainbows download and if I like the album (as I undoubtedly will) I will buy the CD when it is released next year, or the disc box.

Richard, London, UK

I'm only in as far as "House of Cards" as I write my comment, but I'm already impressed. For me, this is the most instantly accessible album since "OK Computer". However, and at the same time, the intricate instrumental layers and back-beats, unexpected key changes, and hauntingly beautiful melodies/harmonies lend a depth to this album that goes far beyond a first listen. Gorgeously balanced in it's diversity, I think this album will come to be considered among their greatest work.

Theron Wiese, Provo, Utah / USA

Oh, its okay.
There! I have added my opinion to that of the chattering herd and I definitely feel more included now, more a part of contemporary society. Now I can go back to the dull insignificance of my existence knowing that my voice has for once been heard.

Fi, York, UK

They leave you waiting for an eternity, but deliver. And do it their own way. Yes, who needs those international music factories pumping out instantly forgetable pulp when you've got Radiohead delivering it in person. Its like comparing a high-street MacDonalds to a 3 Michelin star Bistro by the shores of Lake Garda.

Now to let it become as part of me as Ok Computer has become. It will take time, but that's why we like them eh?

Chris D, London,

I think the fans that pay 30p, 1.00 or -- outrageously! -- 0.00 should be ashamed of themselves. Doesn't the best band in the world deserve more than that? Shame on you, "fans".

I paid 10 US Dollars, the equivalent to the price of an album on iTunes. Just downloaded it a moment ago. Thank you, Radiohead!

Tim, Wisconsin, USA

Concise, pure, beautiful, minimalist, perfect, genius.

Jim Briffett, Brighton , England

I'll spare you the gory details of anticipation, the disclaimers about how unfair any user review of the most anticipated album in 5 years inherently is, and how i can't possibly make this objective. OVER-ALL: Awesome, and I think it's most fair to call it a 9/10. And if you really want to hear about it....

Track One: 15-Step (4.5 / 5)

Bold opening track: like nothings since (maybe) Airbag in terms of the first sound smashing down. Combines elements of Hail & The Eraser, but is somehow more fluid than either. The song definately changes moods as it progresses: for example, the song begins almost exactly as a new Thom & co. effort would have been anticipated, but as it progresses Radiohead's most consistent quality of being able to push the song places you wouldn't have expected begins to overwhelm. Vocals have a little soul (?)

Track Two: Bodysnatchers (3.5/5)

Opening is pretty interesting; almost sounds like something you'd hear from Collective Soul or Smashing Pumpkins, with some more interesting production & little bleeps and whines here and there. Although some reviews I've read have suggested that this track is strong live, my personal opinion is that it's a relatively weak track.

Track Three: Nude (4.5/5)

Most anticipated track on the album is definately cool, but the sound is pretty familiar once it gets going (the opening absolutely pulls you in, however, with some well-placed reversed vocal clips and strings over Phil's easily recognizable 3/4 patterned style & some Four Tet-esque digital squeaks). Sounds like Wolf at the Door & How to Disappear Completely bleeding into one another. This track provides the first hints at gorgeous string arrangements, one of the album's huge strengths.

Weird Fishes / Arpeggi: (4/5)

Another track that sounds like something of a throwback to the mid-nineties, definately marking some of their more original influences in bands like The Smiths & R.E.M.. The first 3 minutes are a relatively predictable build up, but the song drops suddenly and the traditional guitar/bass/drum orchestration is replaced with some very cool softened bell/synth blips and distant pads for a nice mid-section. Returns relatively quickly to the original pattern, but with the nice addition of some bending, heavy reverb, lower pads.

All I Need: (5/5)

All I Need is the first in a string of what are in my opinion potentially the album's three strongest songs. Meandering affected bass-line and Phil's minimal drumming shuffle through the first minute and a half provide Thom's voice with a modest, unnasuming backdrop before being joined with a beautiful toy piano and some panning and filtered white-noise-ish pressure that builds and cuts. Thom's "You're all I need...you're all I need..." is a personal plea that's refreshing. Towards the tail of the song, Phil lets loose and ends the song magnificently.

Faust Arp: (5/5)

On its first listen, this song was almost dizzying in its brilliance. Like a missing White Album track uncovered in a 21st century daze. This is the sex of Elliot Smith & The Beatles, but more. Think Julia, or Oh Well, Okay spun round and round through a maze of Sail to the Moon-ish chord swaps. The only thing to make this song more beautiful would be a brilliant backdrop of strings, which, wait a minute, it has. 100% Sick.

Reckoner: (5/5)

And it just keeps going. This song begins in the distance, yet can't help but to pull you close. Percussion is mostly auxillary, with some masterfully affected tambourine & ride cymbol hits blended into a floating but driven beat, paired with a simple minor/major chord progression that could only be the work of Radiohead. Just behind it lies another set of gorgeous string orchestration and, further yet, Thom's voice off in the distance layered on top of itself. Sort of reminds me of the Doves' Satellites with the Supremes in the background. But Radiohead style. I dunno...hard to put a finger on, easy to play over again.

House of Cards: (4/5)

Another anticipated track. This one really reminds me of Doves, like it belongs on Lost Souls. Heavy reverb on both vocals and strings, with an up-close, warm guitar keeping the pace. This song's pretty repetitive, but very open so that it doesn't feel too much like it. Not much more to say (?)

Jigsaw Falling into Place: (4/5)

Another one that probably could have been on Hail, and fits well with Weird Fishes & Body Snatchers. This one's a little more open, and has probably the best riff of the three that I'd call the Mid-90s tracks. The song seems to suffer from some anxiety, and I actually think the drums are mixed a little too far in the forefront. If I dare say so. The vocals are excellent: think Where I End..., and they harmonize perfectly with each other.

Videotape: (5/5)

And the album ends fabulously. If the All I Need -> Reckoner trio isn't the core of this album's genious, this song is. A perfect ending. It's very modest in its opening: piano, vocal & bass, perfectly blended. A little bid of a Pyramid vibe, but more accessible, more up close. About a third of the way into the song, the piano & vocals start to get a bit muddy, as some simple drums with a quickly trailing echo enter in, and slowly lengthen hit after hit, so that one single hit widens and widens and turns into a loop itself. Correspondingly, the vocals spread out and we have something in that is somehow equally open and closed, equally paused and progressing. And after 5 years, the album ends, shockingly, with a single piano chord and much less drama/pitchbending than one would imagine.


AND. To answer the final question: Is this a masterpiece? Is it worth a five year wait?

Almost every review I read today & yesterday had professional journalists and die-hard fans hailing the album as awesome, but it would be absurd to say anything besides that on the first day of its release after such a long time. Ultimately, I can't say that it's really a masterpiece - and that's not a diagnosis anyone could give for a while yet. I think most fans will say that it's a step up from Hail, and not quite Kid A or OK Computer, two albums that have been immortalized to the point that hardly anyone can compete.

The only thing I can leave you with is that I'm satisfied with it. I really like it, and was very afraid that I wouldn't. I think the back-half is on the whole a little stronger than the front, and I know that a couple weeks from now, I'll see these songs in a totally different way. So - until then, happy listening.

Aaron Spading, Minneapolis, Miinnesota

A band at the very top of the game. They have delivered yet another work of genius. The sound has evolved, matured and in places continues to challenge and excite.

The vocals on Nude are just fantastic.

Well done guys for not following the crowd musically and commercially.

Si G, Nottingham,

I paid ten pounds for it, because it was nice to feel trusted by someone who doesn't know me, and because the band have made me happy/unhappy, fascinated/frustrated - in short, CARE - since I was a kid. Love the gesture, as two fingers up to the industry; as a cheeky way to make money honestly; as an act of headline-grabbing contrariness. Still working my way through, love Nude (anyone who heard Big Ideas, which is how the song started off, and was great but a leeetle ropey on the bootleg I had - remember them? - is gonna rejoice at the album treatment) and Reckoner. Know I'm gonna get crucified by the 30p-spending bloggers, but can't help thinking they've missed the point. You got an 'INTERESTING', world-nudging album for 30p, by five talented guys who busted their behinds for a year or more to give it to you free. Beat that, world...

Matt, London,

I have long been a Radiohead fan, and have not enjoyed their relentless pursuit of trying to disappear up their behinds. Though in this release I think they may well have managed it. I downloaded it legally for free at their site. Firstly I would like to point out that it is mp3 at 160kbps. This is frankly very poor. The difference between a file compressed like this and the proper CD is enormous. Listen on a decent stereo and the lack of range is huge. 10X less quality should mean a price of about 10p a track. Plus there is very little outlay in manufacturing. The files can be copied and distributed endlessly. The world of business and banking seems intent on making us paperless and now the entertainment industry is heading that way. What happens in 6 months time, when you may have a new computer, or lost your backups. I remember as a child going through my mums vinyl. In offering a box set at £40 I notice they have not given themselves wholly to the concept. But it is very expensive.

Simon Newby, Cleckheaton,

Putting all expectations aside. Just ,stop ,relax and listen to the album. There is a lot of heart and soul poured into their craft. This band I feel will always challenge me as a listener and fan.

Polo , Los Angeles, California

I agree with Alison Burke of NJ and Ryan of Chicago - a near perfect mix of OK Computer and Hail To the Thief (my favourites to date). On my third loop and already love every track except Bodysnatchers.
Another brilliant album - and a great marketing idea. Well done guys - and thanks!

Philip, London,

First, everyone should realize that if you only like Pablo Honey and The Bends then you don't really like Radiohead, you simply like what they used to be. Kid A, Amnesiac, OK Computer, and Hail to the Thief are works of genius and are a progression of their music over time. Radiohead fans like all of their albums, not just the first two. Calling them a "giant toilet" is complete blasphemy. Perhaps the music doesnt suit your fancy, but it is CERTAINLY NOT a toilet.

In Rainbows is, amazingly, as beautiful as the last 4 albums have been. With all new albums it took a couple listens to each track to absolutely fall in love but they certainly caught me right off the bat. There are touches of their earlier albums within the tracks of In Rainbows, but it is more similar to their later works as a whole I think.

Congratulations Radiohead, you have done it again! I have been waiting for this album since Hail to the Thief and I couldn't be happier with the results! Now, a tour?

Alison Burke, Haddonfield, USA/New Jersey

I downloaded all tracks through a music-sharing site (not illegal), as I will certainly will buy the box set at the -overpirced- rate of £40.00.

Radiohead 's latest album again shows they're way ahead in exploring new music, there's just no comparison to Tom Yorke's vocals.

I would rate it a definate 5 star *****.

Alex, London, UK

I paid 5 pounds ($1,563 US) but it was well worth it. Videotape could not have closed the album any beter.

Brian, Cleveland, OH

lovein it

JESSICA!, portsmouth,

Why did Pete Paphides pay £9 for the download AND £40 for the box set when you get the download for free with the box set??

It is a great album but that is just plain silly . . .. .

Ed Walton, Southampton,

Ermmm I think it is released under parlephone now as I am pretty sure someone who is in the industry told me last week they sign for distribution of the cd album version in 08.

jon, Leeds,

Haven't quite made sense of it yet. Nude really stands out to me as a beautiful song - all the innocence and intensity that they've come to represent for me.

WooooooOOOOOOOttttt!!!

Ralph, austin, tx

No wonder it's free!

Richard, Leeds UK,

it makes me feel alive...

Keith, Los Angeles, Ca

On first listen I thought great songs but nothing unique about it. They sound like every band they've influenced over the past ten years with added class that is typical of the band. On the whole, it would take time but I would love it eventually.

It's already sinking it's claws into me...

Andrew, Stockton-on-tees,

@Ben, you can order it again... for free.... It doesn't matter what price you pay on their site.

Simon, Wexford, Pennsylvania

I'm a bit scared how fast this album grew on me right away. I love it so much.

Highlights:

Reckoner - The live versions of this song sounded like a noisy guitar riff, but the LP version is composed beautifully

Faust Arp - Everyone thought it would be another fitter happier/hunting bears type filler, but it turned out to be one of the most heart-wrenching tracks on the album

Videotape - no need for explanation here...BRILLIANT!

Greg McLean, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Just listening to In Rainbows for the fourth time, and like I knew it would, its starting to make sense.
A beautifully balanced mix of the melodic and meloncholic, electronic and accoustic; constantly surpising with its imagination and just as often deceptively simple.
The contrary genuis of Radiohead is unleashed on the world and pushes the boundaries to breaking point once again. And this time, its just for them and the fans.
Anyone wanting to hear Creep or The Bands will find little coming close here. If you're wanting white boys with guitars, there are plenty of other options out there; Radiohead moved on long, long ago.
Its so hard to make a call on Radiohead's music after only a few spins but, right now its feeling like their best work since OK Computer.
Bring on the box set - can't wait to hear this on vinyl.

Neil Watts, Wellington, New Zealand

What Have the done to Reckoner. It is a thousand times better. Wonderful strings, lush vocals. A 21st century classic. Should be a US number 1.

Very warm and inviting unlike Amnesiac or Hail to the Thief.

Thom's vocals back on form aswell.

James , London,

Beautiful. My only concern is I like about every track after only 2 listens (plus You Tube peeks). Others took longer. Will it last?

Jim, Torrance, USA

why can't they just do another album like pablo honey or the bends? all these crazy seven-beat time signatures and drifting melodies are kind of off-putting. it doens't always have to be new and clever. it could just rock out like back in the day.

paid nothing and i'm glad to be honest.

fanboy, London, UK

I got to say, Videotape is the grower on this album. The first time I heard it, the background effects just put me off. But after a couple listens, that twirling sound in the background, like a dying battery, just makes the whole thing haunting. A really great closer to an excellent album.

Anthony, Irvine, CA

Very well reviewed.

This album is amazing and beautiful. It gave me chills when I heard the song "Nude"... just incredible. In my opinion they have outdone themselves once more, and their style is nowhere near being monotonous, all the sounds and acoustic guitars and arpeggio styles on the album are very refreshing, in contrast to the previous album 'Hail to the thief' which was very complex and full of computer-based sound effects, etc. This album is much more natural. A nice change.
The violins in some of the tracks make a very nice effect too.

They also took the kick out of reckoner did they not? As far as I'd heard it live, it sounded really loud and thrashy and energetic.

Jayne W, Monterrey, Mexico

I just purchased Radiohead's In Rainbows album. I have to say i was expecting a more chaotic sound on this record and got completely the opposite! Radiohead has done it again, masters at what they do best! And the way they decided to release this album just makes you appreciate the album even more. No record label bullshit, this album is owned by the fans!

Matias, Palermo, Buenos Aires

Stayed up until 2:30 this morning waiting for the most glorious email of my life, and then proceeded to sleep on my computer so my brother didn't try to listen to In Rainbows before me.

I must say at first I was a bit unimpressed, I guess just because it wasn't what I expected. Which is the beauty of Radiohead - they give you not what you want, but what you need. I'm on my fourth listen now and it's growing on me big time.

Little over a month for the boxed set.....must stay sane.

Josh, Evansville, IN

This is an amazing album...period!

Jesper, Copenhagen,

It has been a few years and I am only starting to get a grip on Kid A and that has been a long and confusing road. One thing I can say is that I have not done what I am doing now with any other record since my teens; repeat, repeat, repeat. I dont know what to make of it all, but it makes me want to listen to it, which is what its all about, isn't it?

It would be interesting never to have heard anything since OK and then seen what my view was, because this, in my mind is not going backwards but veering off somewhere else again.

Oh well, all I can say is, it has been worth the wait.

Congratulations and thankyou.

alan roper, Crawley, West Sussex

I paid £10 and made a point of being a fan.... I've heard it almost twice over and it sounds fantastic and quite different. Still very much a Radiohead album. But perhaps more dreamy, melodic and mellow than usual? They never fail to impress. But it's that hard work that makes people like me pay for something they could have for free.

dave, london,

Radiohead embraces the sound of silence. Refreshing to hear all the space & beauty on this one. HTTT was angrier & less polished. The flow of the songs has already grabbed me. Thom has come into his own—it is fully his band now. I was afraid it was going to be a more "rock" eraser but happily it is not.

RS, Chicago, IL

For me, this album is over-considered. It sounds to me like some of the songs are at least a third or fourth generation attempt at recording them, and in this case I'm not sure it is a good thing.
It seems like the album was recorded with a particular ethos, almost driven into the music so the tracks have a cohesive vibe rather than the initial intent and natural life of each song being captured.
I think that this is an album of really great songs made fussy for the sake of it, almost a band second guessing themselves to the point where it's detrimental.
There are still some great production ideas here of course, but I think you only get one chance to capture a great song like Arpeggi, or 15 Step, and these seem like interesting alternatives rather than the honest, real definitve versions. Of course, this is an interesting statement in itself.
Videotape is the nearest to 'source' on this record for me.
That's my two penny worth....

james, Lichfield, Staffordshire

I've been listening to 'In Rainbows' all day long (must've listened to the entire playlist at least 8 times) and I do hear little hint of their previous tunes from Kid A, Ok computer, Hail to the thief, etc.

But this time, I sense that tone of anger and frustration that were dominating the previous 3 albums have been softened down. Overall, there are much more emphasis to lyrics than mechanically produced sounds, and it feels much warmer and delicate than their previous efforts. Something familiar but definitely a step forward. A++!

Y.W. Park, Ann Arbor, MI, US

Ben from Leeds wrote: "Mine failed to download and then no second chance - it said I'd already used the link. Obviously the system doesn't register incomplete downloads. Waited 10 hours but no response to emails. Crappiest downloading system I've ever used. I don't think I'll bother with this in future, I'm that cheesed off."

Erm, Ben, as you don't have to pay for it, why not just order it again for nothing?

philip, cambridge,

I've listened to it five or six times and so far it's of my least favorite radiohead albums to date. The first two tracks are stellar, but the rest was a bit too mellow, repetitive and sonically sparse for my tastes. still, the worst radiohead album is better then the best album from the vast majority of artists out there, and I think in rainbows is definitely in the top 5 albums released this year so far.

Don P., fairfax, VA

Excellent, way to go.

Nick, Tadley, United Kingdom

As all Radiohead albums this will be a slow burning process, time to compute and soak up the songs in their entirety, torturess, but in it' beauty as opposed to painfulness. I would even go as far to say that there is a piece of every album Radiohead have made in In Rainbows, even Pablo Honey, especially if you listen to the jangly guitars of Bodysnatchers. I think I've warmed to this much quicker than Hail to the Thief, but that's not always a good thing as albums that tend to grow tend to stick around.....but alas there is more growth to come!

Grant Ridout, Auckland, NZ

OK I'm impressed. Definitely an album that grows on you the more you play it. And well done to Radiohead for making the record labels sit up and listen.

@Claire from Tilbury UK, and anybody else in the UK that downloads and uses a Freeserve or fsnet email address. Freeserve for some reason considered the email sent out on the 10th as SPAM and prefixed the subject with *** SPAM ***. So if you still have not received an email with your download details look hard in your email program for an email with the subject line *** SPAM *** DOWNLOAD IN RAINBOWS - DO NOT REPLY and then you'll find it.

Nick, Tadley, United Kingdom

I'm thoroughly enjoying the album. Radiohead has written music that speaks to me. In Rainbows is no exception.

Justin, Chicago, Illinois, United States

First, the album is fantastic, but like Kid A or Amnesiac I think I need about 20 more listens before I really get it. Paid GBP12.

Second, I think every band that has the capacity to distribute their music in this fashion should do so. Congrats to Rhead for being unconcerned with convention enough to lead the way, lets hope that other bands who don't need glossy promotion or slick marketing tricks to sell their records follow this model. It would certainly separate out the real musicians from the rest rather quickly.

Lza, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

I just listened to "In Rainbows" after coming back from teaching a class at my university. I have been waiting four long years for Thom & Company to resurface with sonic daggers and songs from a future possible, singing in shadows and shooting halogen arrows into the dark. Save for "Hail to the Thief" every one of there albums starting from The Bends has been a major breakthrough in world music. There is no one better or more sincere or experimental in music. They somehow walk upon the fenceline straddling experimentation and melody with a fist-cuff of danger and joy in each palm.

In Rainbows is no exception to their genius. After being frankly despondent over the disappointing Eraser album, it's nice to see Thom back with his band making everyday miracles out of sound. Videotape and Arpeggi are stupendous and freakish examples of how to make music. I don't know if there is a god after our deaths, but this album makes you believe that there is something else after this.

Matthew Snyder, Riverside, CA

O and I paid 82 US dollars for the discbox. I love that they give you the free download, so you don't have to wait for the box to arrive in December to hear the tracks.

Matthew Snyder, Riverside, CA

Firstly, I put my hands up. I paid 0.00 for the album. My excuse, I dont have a credit card! The album starts with an explosion, regrettably lulls somewhat in the middle, but finishes beautifully. To compare it to previous albums, it is the vastly underrated "amnesiac" with real instruments replacing electronics, and several doses of caffeine for good measure. Overall a very impressive effort, where it features in the alltime lists only time itself will tell. But for now I can say it is certainly the best value album I have ever acquired.

Neil, Ballina, Ireland

I bought the Discbox.

Needless to say, absolutely sight-unseen. Listening to the album so far, all I can say is that it is utterly beautiful 'lush' is indeed a great description. I'm happy with my purchase and I'm already anticipating their next release!

Duncan Taylor, Gravesend, England

Giant toilet?!? Kid A was a work of near genius not only in its content, but also as a response to what people expected of the band in following up OK Computer. Fortunately Radiohead have pushed on regardless of what certain people think they "should" be doing. Presumably Sameer, if you had your way, Radiohead would be on OK Computer pt. 5 by now. Away and listen to Oasis or The Rolling Stones if you want the same old reheated porridge served up again and again...

Phil, London,

It's a long time since I have felt so excited about a new album release and In Rainbows does not disappoint - I think it's definitely a grower although several tracks hit the spot immediately.

Harry, London,

Listening to In Rainbows for the second time now. I didn't see any publicity for this until a friend told me about it in the pub last weekend. Since then I read a couple of internet articles and ordered my copy purely on the strength of what has gone before. And was it worth it? Oh yeah.

Ed, Birmingham, England

Mind, body and soul blowing. Thank you.

Mariana , Ojai, California

The fact that its available straight from Radiohead for...well...nothing if you want seems to have made no difference to the Torrent scene
Just a single Torrent has 2,600 Seeds and 2,000 Leachers
16,100 downloads in 7 hours.

Maybe Radiohead should have given people the option to download the Torrent. Its quicker, easier and much less stress on Radioheads servers.

Phill Barlow, Wirral, England

I got my link 2:37 am, montreal QC. took me 90 secs to download, after 3 minutes, my Ipod was already syncro. great concept ! My first impression is very good with some mixed feelings about the new songs. But like any good albums, I'm going to wait at least 10-15 listening before rating it.

Karl, YUL,

You think Radiohead have a style... well, they just keep reinventing themselves with each album they release. The common theme is beautiful music, whether its strings, guitar or electrica. A great new and unexpected album!

Miles, London, Greater London

After having grown up on the "progressive rock" of the 70s (Genesis, Yes, ELP, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, etc.), I longed for another band that would allow me be enveloped in their sound, without convention and with a certain unpredictability; a band that experimented with sounds and lush production, and with edgy lyrics. Radiohead is that band of course and there is no other music out there that comes close. In Rainbow is another in a sucession of works of art that will continue to cement their legacy, all while they buck tradition and speak directly to their loyal fans. Nice work, boys!

Dave, Wondervu, Colorado

I am the biggest Radiohead fan I know. I preordered the disc box the second I found out about it the night it was posted on greenplastic.com. This is now my fourth listen to the cd and I can't say this is one of my favorite cd's. It's nothing short of great, I don't think Radiohead is capable of making "bad" music. It's just not that feeling I was looking for or that amazement I was expecting to have. Although, there are a couple beautiful songs (Nude...finally!). Hopefully I'll find that feeling I was looking for in the bonus cd and the entire disc box set!

Stacey Wilson, Nashville, Tennessee

Under the assumption that 'better' isn't always better, i dont believe the album could have been made by a more clever hand.
i am trying to fathom, without the sycophantic connotation of fandom, the collective mindset of the band responsible for OK Computer, Kid A, etc. As to ponder, what happens when they look at each other and say, 'where do we go from here?' Every breath and every note were, i belive, either purposefully or subconsciously indicative of both the emotionally autobiographic nature of The Aging Artist and the logical comprhension/awareness of their own capabilities/limitations as individuals and as a group.
I dont see Radiohead as an experimental band.
I think they know exactly what their doing, or at very least, exactly what they want.
So i dont think they sat around and asked each other where they should plan on going.
They just got up and left.

Costa, Tulsa,

Well worth the wait. Thank you Radiohead. Simply stunning and beautiful. Words can't describe how this music makes me feel. A sound that has evolved to become their very own. The songs reach deeper and deeper into your psyche with each listen. I truly, truly love it especially Reckoner. My box set awaits.

Jo Thacker, Stoke-on-Trent, UK

In Rainbows, at first listen, feels very bare. The record comes off as containing longing and lonley melodies. I have a feeling that it has to do more with the way in which the band choose to mix the album as opposed to many proper "pop" records - as there is a a lack of the normal overdoss of compresion. However, this lack is really a relif and gives "In Rainbows" a live sound that is too often missed in today's mainstream releases. Thom's trademark crooning is not to sneaze at and is all over the record. With that said, I think he sings less on In Rainbows than previous Radiohead releases and his voice is clearly not as upfront in the mix as normall giving the listener the sense that the music itself is more prevelant throughout. There are clear barn burners such as the up-beat and quirky "Body Snatchers" as well as the percussive "Reckoner" which has a beautiful vocal breakdown @ the 2:27 mark that is classic Yorke. Not to be overlooked in "Faust Arp", a first of it's style for RH.

Patrick Brusil, Beverly, MA/USA

With Radiohead's ingenious move, any money I put up for the album goes directly to them. Buying this album for 7 quid, I am giving them more money for their wonderful music than I did in buying all their other records combined (since most of it goes to the record companies). Kudos to Thom and the boys!

Dennis, Orem, USA/UT

The album is brilliant because its still familiar and different at the same time. It is a mix of the best