Baby's Got the Bends (and some NEW MUSIC)
A snack-size, track-by-track review of Radiohead's The Bends
First, thank you. I appreciate everyone who has been reading my posts recently. It means a lot, really. I occasionally receive messages from some of y’all, and needless to say, it’s very gratifying.
Second, I hope everyone is doing well. The world is in turmoil (well to be fair, it’s been going on for a while now), and I hope you guys are taking care of yourself.
Third, how about some new music? I got a DM on Instagram from JOEJAS regarding the music video for his latest track, Lax which dropped a couple of weeks ago.
It’s a really fun hip-hop track, with visuals and animation straight out of a 90s sitcom/goofy cartoon series. The melody is simple, yet catchy, and his vocals ride over the beat quite well. I have to say, I did enjoy the music video a little more than the track itself, but it’s only because there are so many fun elements in there. Oh, and watch out for his Spongebob socks. They’re pretty dope, to be fair.
This week, we’re covering The Bends, another phenomenal Radiohead project that has experimentation written all over it. It’s not as amazing as OK Computer or In Rainbows, but it has its own moments. Also, the instrumentation really comes through on this album, with rich guitar chords scattered throughout every track on the project. By the way, check out my previous reviews of OK Computer and In Rainbows below.
If this is your first listen, I hope you enjoy it. (I know you will, I’m just saying this to sound considerate).
Planet Telex
What an opening track. Sets the mood for the album instantly. The riffs are catchy, set in a major key (which is unlike Radiohead to be honest), and the echoing guitar strums in the chorus absolutely nail this one home. Also, Thom’s voice is…so rich. 10/10 outro as well!
The Bends
Another catchy, cheerful Radiohead track that is carried by the chorus and the fantastic bridge that shifts the song from a major to a minor key. The second half of the song is the showstopper for me. It’s so feel-good man.
High and Dry
One of my favourite Radiohead tracks, High and Dry reminds me of a sweet longing for love, care and all things alike. *You just sit there wishing you could still make love* The falsetto in the chorus is just a cherry on top of this gorgeous ice cream cake of a song.
Fake Plastic Trees
Fake Plastic Trees is one of those songs that hits harder the more you listen to it. Encapsulating the artificiality of our world while making it sound like a waning daydream is something only Radiohead can manage to do. Real tear-jerker this one, especially as the tambourines hit.
Bones
Bones captures the angst and rebellion-inducing tones of Nirvana’s music and mixes it with rich guitar chords - and it sounds fantastic. My only issue with the track is that it’s a little too short for my taste, but yeah, it fits the middle of the album pretty well.
(Nice Dream)
I remember hating Nice Dream the first time I listened to this album. It grew on me real quick though, and it’s all because I paid attention to the lyrics and the bridge to a much, much better second half of the song. The strings that kick in midway always make me wanna cry, I can’t lie.
Just
I was going through depression when I first found this song, and the lyrics hit harder than a truck loaded with Thanksgiving turkeys. *You do it to yourself, and that’s what really hurts* The track reminds me of Nirvana too much. Thom’s vocals on this one are daunting, yet majestic.
My Iron Lung
*Our eternal itch* This track is another reminder of timeless music by Radiohead. Relevant lyrics, fabulous riffs throughout and the modern-day angst captured perfectly in one song. I just… don’t like the way the song begins, but otherwise, what do I complain about?
Bullet Proof… I Wish I Was
Bullet Proof slows it down, brings well-needed calm and peace to the album and tugs at my heartstrings in a special way. The falsettos along with the rich and full chords in the chorus that follow the second verse are nothing short of beautiful. It’s a pretty, pretty song
Black Star
I love Black Star, don’t get me wrong. I just wish I loved the rest of the song as much as I love the chorus. The songwriting on this is great, and Thom’s vocals leading into the chorus are neat. Decent track!
Sulk
Again, I love Sulk, but there are other tracks on the album that overshadow it’s worth. A great song for putting on when you’re cleaning the kitchen and you feel like a piece of crap, I’ll tell you that.
Street Spirit (Fade Out)
Street Spirit is to The Bends what Motion Picture soundtrack is to Kid A. Off-putting notes and beautiful vocals. Combine that with low hums and lovely drums, and you have a track that is worthy of being one of the best outros Radiohead has ever made. God, I love this song.
I’ll see you guys again next week, with another album (or a movie review). In the meanwhile, drink lots of water and look up to the sky often.