Radiohead novice

January 5, 2008 8:06 PM

I'm new to Radiohead's music. If I want to get one album of theirs, which one should I buy?
posted by SallyHitMeOntheHead to Society & Culture (52 answers total)

I think probably the most accessible is The Bends.

But I wouldn't be too far behind in recommending OK Computer. A classic.
posted by Ike_Arumba at 8:10 PM on January 5, 2008

OK Computer.
posted by Phoenix42 at 8:10 PM on January 5, 2008

OK Computer. Although the new album they discuss in this month's Wired should be pretty interesting and, potentially, free.
posted by TomMelee at 8:13 PM on January 5, 2008

i like the bends best and i'm really liking their new album right now.
posted by lannanh at 8:17 PM on January 5, 2008

The Bends is more accessible, but the reason Radiohead is thought of so highly is primarily for OK Computer.
posted by bluejayk at 8:18 PM on January 5, 2008

OK Computer.
posted by mr_roboto at 8:18 PM on January 5, 2008

I would say OK Computer if you asked for the best album, but I feel like that might deceive you in what their music is like overall and what it has been becoming in recent years. I think I would honestly recommend the newest album, In Rainbows, as a good overall view of all types of their work. You'll get a peek at some of their more rock-ish stuff and also see some of where they're going with more electronic and experimental influences.

Go grab In Rainbows now while it's on sale. Just came out in traditional CD form on the 1st... I picked it up for seven bucks at Target.
posted by joshrholloway at 8:24 PM on January 5, 2008

I liked pretty much every album, but OK Computer is why I gave them all a chance.
posted by a robot made out of meat at 8:24 PM on January 5, 2008

Most representative and best introduction to the band? OK Computer.

Best (IMHO)? Hail to the Thief

Intriguing fusion of elements of both of the above? In Rainbows.

Welcome!
posted by foxy_hedgehog at 8:25 PM on January 5, 2008

OK Computer or Kid A
posted by djuna at 8:26 PM on January 5, 2008

OK Computer
posted by albolin at 8:29 PM on January 5, 2008

I think their new album (In Rainbows) is actually quite accessible and would be a good introduction to their wide range of styles and sounds. From there you could work backwards. (Although I just checked the website, and unfortunately you can't download it off the website anymore, only buy the discbox for £40.)

OK Computer is generally considered the *best*, but in my opinion their newer stuff is more interesting since I hear a much wider range of influences (including a more electronic sound which dominated Kid A and Amnesiac).

*One* Radiohead album? That kills me. I'd say The Bends and Kid A, haha. You may want to look up track listings on Amazon or last.fm and then Hype Machine or SeeqPod search individual tracks to see what you like.
posted by Muffpub at 8:31 PM on January 5, 2008

Just came out in traditional CD form on the 1st... I picked it up for seven bucks at Target.

forget that £40 stuff i just said...
posted by Muffpub at 8:32 PM on January 5, 2008

I'd say OK Computer as well. The Bends is less 'weird' and more regular rock, and theoretically more accessible, but OK Computer is a better album.
posted by cmgonzalez at 8:33 PM on January 5, 2008

Manic Hedgehog
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 8:35 PM on January 5, 2008

You should listen to samples of each of them on a website, and buy the one that most appeals.

I mean honestly...isn't this just an excuse to chat about Radiohead?
posted by dydecker at 8:38 PM on January 5, 2008

It's got to be OK Computer. Really, if you don't like OK Computer, there's no point in pursuing Radiohead further. The Bends is probably more accessible, yes, and there are some superiorities in later albums, but OK Computer is THE album.
posted by WPW at 8:46 PM on January 5, 2008

Oh, and I disagree with dydecker - the albums are greater than the sums of their parts. But that's a very personal opinion from someone who's very backward about downloading music.
posted by WPW at 8:48 PM on January 5, 2008

Fot the new Radiohead listener I'd say OK Computer as well, but I love the latest, In Rainbows.

I also really love Amnesiac. There are some great songs there. It's probably my favorite Radiohead release.

Don't limit yourself though, dig into Kid A and Hail To The Thief - lots of gems there.
posted by drewyp at 8:48 PM on January 5, 2008

It depends on what sort of music you like now, there's a pretty wide range of genres encompassed by this one band, so what's accessibly enjoyable to one person may not be to another. I finally gave them a chance because when I finally was forced to sit down and listen to OK Computer, I found it not only lived up to the hype, it surpassed it. However, it's likely not their most accessible album, and since it can take a while to really learn how to listen to the band so you can truly appreciate them (yeah, I know how that sounds, but it really is true), OK Computer does have a wee bit much of stereotypical whiny kill yourself über-complainy Radiohead on it, which can turn you off pretty easily. If you're coming from a more standard rock background, The Bends is a good place to start, if you like more electronic or experimental music, Kid A or Amnesiac are both spectacular (Kid A is still my favourite Radiohead album). In Rainbows (the new one, which you can download for free or almost free with their blessing) is an excellent album, seems pretty accessible (although that's coming from someone who's listened to a lot of Radiohead, so YMMV), contains some beautiful and very representative songwriting, and so is probably as good a place to start as any. But I find most of their music gets better with repeated listening, so maybe find one song you really like, give it a few listens, and then expand from there.

That said, if you like music on DVD, The Astoria London Live DVD is awesome, and contains most of the music from the (at the time upcoming) The Bends and Pablo Honey (their first album).
posted by biscotti at 8:51 PM on January 5, 2008

I'm surprised no one else has mentioned it, but you might want to try "OK Computer". :-) And I second (or third?) the "Hail to the Thief" recommendation.

Listen to their music and you'll get hooked. Enjoy the ride!!
posted by Lactoso at 8:55 PM on January 5, 2008

This has to be a troll, but if it's not, OK Computer.
posted by Kwantsar at 9:02 PM on January 5, 2008 [1 favorite]

my money is on pablo honey
posted by phil at 9:04 PM on January 5, 2008

In Rainbows (and pretty much all their other albums) are available on the Amazon MP3 store now.
posted by misterbrandt at 9:11 PM on January 5, 2008

you could probably legitimately listen to all of the songs from OK Computer on youtube. just make sure the order is right.
posted by mezamashii at 9:36 PM on January 5, 2008

THE BENDS
posted by zouhair at 9:44 PM on January 5, 2008

The Bends doesn't get the love it deserves because it came from the band that did all the more critically (and Mefi) beloved stuff that followed. But as an introduction to the band, I think it's perfect - to risk the flinging of stones, it's their Revolver, more accessibly showcasing the Sgt. Pepper genius that followed.
posted by boombot at 9:46 PM on January 5, 2008 [3 favorites]

My friend just got me into Radiohead last year, and it was through OK Computer.
posted by danb at 9:59 PM on January 5, 2008

I think you have to start with OK Computer to go forwards and backwards. The Bends is one of those rare albums with absolutely no filler, and if you were only allowed to buy only one Radiohead album ever, that would be the one to buy. But OK Computer offers a way into the later stuff.

(I'd make the comparison to Rubber Soul rather than Revolver, but the analogy's a fair one.)
posted by holgate at 10:11 PM on January 5, 2008

KID A
posted by Jikido at 10:12 PM on January 5, 2008 [1 favorite]

Most representative: OK Computer. Best: The Bends.
posted by equalpants at 10:39 PM on January 5, 2008

The Bends, then OK Computer.

Although In Rainbows is pretty damn good as well.

The Bends is definitely more "rock" than OK Computer, which, as has been said above, showed more the direction in which the band was moving.
posted by djgh at 10:42 PM on January 5, 2008

Man, it sure took a surprisingly long time for anyone to mention Amnesiac. That was my first and favorite Radiohead CD, and I discovered the rest from there. I love it all, but Kid A and Amnesiac are the most like my first Radiohead memories, so I have special fondness for them.
posted by evariste at 10:48 PM on January 5, 2008

The short answer is "OK Computer." But it depends on your taste.

Their career can be loosely divided into two periods. The first was their evolution from a forgettable grungy alt-rock act to making the greatest album of the 90's (OKC). Then they holed up in the studio for three years and put out a couple of experimental albums (Kid A and Amnesiac in 2000 and 2001) which are also now extremely well-regarded, particularly Kid A. Their work since has seen them move toward a style which incorporates that experimentation, but with a slightly more conventional rock vibe.

So the problem in choosing an introduction album is that their most "nutritious" stuff tends to be their least accessible, as is so often the case. Kid A is arguably even better than OK Computer, but it's less user-friendly. That album's distant, abstract quality should be no problem if you already listen to Squarepusher and Messiaen for fun, or even just King Crimson, but if you're more into REM and U2, then OK Computer's poppier and more accessible predecessor The Bends might be a good start. If your tastes are somewhere in between on the weirdness scale, then go ahead and start with OK Computer, which is still (by a narrowing margin, I suspect) most often regarded as their best and defining work.
posted by abcde at 11:07 PM on January 5, 2008

Pablo Honey - My favorite and my recomendation. Great rock n' roll, biting lyrics, catchy. I listen to it over and over straight through to this day. One of the 10 cd's I'd take with me if I was stuck on a desert island with a cd player and infinte batteries.

The Bends - Great, but not as good as Pablo Honey. They developed their "sound" more on this album. Some songs rock, some drag.

OK Computer - Good, but not as good as The Bends. Their sound is fully developed, very differentiating. Some great tracks (the ones you heard on the radio) but I find myself skipping more than not.

Kid A - My first though on hearing it was "well this sucks." Very slow and whiney.

Amnesiac - Sucked more. Slower, whinier.

Hail to the Theif - Some kind of political statement, but done so slowly and with a lack of any real instruments it made that it made me swear off buying any new material the band ever produces.

The new album what gettin' attention - Seems like it might be a return to rockin'.

So, to sum up -- Pablo Honey and The Bends. The rest -- not so good.
posted by jeffamaphone at 11:11 PM on January 5, 2008

I'd say The Bends as well. I haven't been happy with anything after OK Computer because they've been drifting, IMO, away from strictly music and towards some kind of artful noise project since The Bends. And I'd rather listen to music. I think this makes me less cool. But they pretty much nailed rock and roll with their second album, so why not fart around?
posted by the christopher hundreds at 11:12 PM on January 5, 2008

PS: I agree with all of this -

Kid A - My first though on hearing it was "well this sucks." Very slow and whiney.

Amnesiac - Sucked more. Slower, whinier.

Hail to the Theif - Some kind of political statement, but done so slowly and with a lack of any real instruments it made that it made me swear off buying any new material the band ever produces.

What can I say, I like music with the odd hook. You won't find many in those three albums.
posted by the christopher hundreds at 11:19 PM on January 5, 2008

ok computer. the end.
posted by apostrophe at 11:20 PM on January 5, 2008

boombot: Funny, Thom Yorke said in an interview with the Independent the other day that In Rainbows was their Revolver, though in a slightly different sense.
posted by abcde at 11:20 PM on January 5, 2008

When Kid A first came out, I was in high school. I bought it and wasn't ready for it, so it sat on the shelf. In college, I finally heard The Bends, and have been a fan since the moment "Fake Plastic Trees" ended on my first play through the disc. It's the real gateway drug of their catalogue. But the first five times I heard In Rainbows, I thought it was just plain boring. IANAPRCBIPOOTI.
posted by kyleg at 11:44 PM on January 5, 2008

(I Am Not a Pretentious Rock Critic But I Play One on the Internet)
posted by kyleg at 11:45 PM on January 5, 2008

The Bends, followed by OK Computer, followed by Pablo Honey.
Am I showing my age by remembering seeing them play when Creep was issued (the first time around)?
posted by arcticseal at 12:55 AM on January 6, 2008

Kid A was one of the best albums I'd heard in years, but my understanding is that it's not quite radiohead's usual style. To be fair, my musical tastes are more towards electronic and classical, especially modern classical, than rock, which I think explains my preference. Depending on which direction you're coming from, I you might want to check out Kid A as well.
posted by cotterpin at 1:12 AM on January 6, 2008

Get the latest -- keep up with all the cool kids. You can always go back and buy ancient stuff later.
posted by pracowity at 1:57 AM on January 6, 2008

There's such a wide range of styles and approaches taken by the band across their discography that I think one album would be really difficult. Speaking from the viewpoint of a long-standing Radiohead fan, I think if I'd jumped straight in at the Amnesiac deep-end without hearing what had come before I would have reached track three, switched it off and never gone back. It wasn't until I'd grown up a little that I took the time and came back for a second listen.

Essentially it will all depend on your tastes, as the output of the band up to and including OK Computer and that which follows is very very different. I'd get a copy of In Rainbows as it contains a good cross-section of pretty much everything they've done, put in a blender and served up in one glass.

If you prefer the guitar / rock-band tracks then take the OK Computer, Pablo Honey, The Bends route - in no particular order. Alternatively if you like the electronica-avant garde-off the wall elements of In Rainbows then I'd wholeheartedly recommend Kid A, Amnesiac and then Hail to the Thief - in that order.

If your budget can extend to two albums, In Rainbows and OK Computer - and then if you like what you hear, work backwards from both / whichever. To a visitor to EvilBreakfast towers asking a similar question, I'd lend them these two albums and send them off to have a listen.

Following on from the colossal sales and attention that the band got with OK Computer they had a real epiphany and changed from the guitar-based, highly polished production to gritty, gnarly electronic based soundscapes which turned a lot of people (including myself initially) off. Looking back now, I'm glad that I took the time to go back to Kid A as the later stuff, although less anthemic and a damn site less popular, is much more rewarding and - at the risk of sounding elitist - a lot more clever. Cerebral, almost. That said, pre-Kid A is clever, well constructed guitar-driven rock that shows certain other big-budget "we-sell-our-souls-to-the-Corporations" bands how intelligent music should be.
posted by Mrevilbreakfast at 2:14 AM on January 6, 2008

This is getting into Chatfilter, but I'll throw my opinion in on this:

Pablo Honey - Sounds like decent, but utterly generic 90's alt-rock. There's very little that's memorable beyond "Creep", which got a lot of airplay. This album could have been made by a few other bands and probably fit more comfortably in their discography than Radiohead's.

The Bends - This is where Radiohead actually developed their distinct sounds. Unlike the previous album, it doesn't sound generic or boring. Definitely the most accessible.

OK Computer - Universally praised, and for a good reason. If you're willing to just go and take the plunge, this would be the ideal album to grab. A bit weirder than The Bends, but not completely inaccessible.

Their later albums I find I love even more, but they become progressively different and less outside-friendly. However, anyone who gave Kid A and Amnesiac only one listen and then shelved it needs to try again. These are both solid albums that are just as good as anything else Radiohead's done.
posted by explosion at 8:40 AM on January 6, 2008

I got into Radiohead through Amnesiac and the excellent song-by-song review of it that John Darnielle (of the Mountain Goats) wrote on his webpage Last Plane to Jakarta. The articles are in the wayback archives here (search for Amnesiac on that page; the series starts on 9/16/2001 and ends on 2/25/2002).
posted by jacobm at 9:10 AM on January 6, 2008 [1 favorite]

nthing OKC
posted by HotPatatta at 9:22 AM on January 6, 2008

Pablo Honey, because all of their other albums sound nothing like it. When this record came out, I was blown away. Then I got my hands on Pop is Dead (non-album single b/w Killer Cars) and thought this would be the greatest band of the 90s. Although they did prove to be a very influential band, everything from them since has not had the same energy as PH. Thom's mono-drone can get annoying after a few records (his solo album is a testament to this).
posted by tdischino at 12:49 PM on January 6, 2008

It's taken me a long, long time to really come around on Radiohead. My closest friends loooove them whereas for me it's a small-doses sort of thing. Sometimes I can't handle Thom Yorke's voice, sometimes it's the weird atonality, sometimes it's just the chaotic-ness of the music.

That said, when I want to listen to Radiohead I almost always put on Kid A.

(Note: I haven't picked up In Rainbows yet. YMMV.)
posted by ApathyGirl at 3:05 PM on January 6, 2008

i like a couple songs on both OK Computer or The Bends, but haven't really gelled with any of their other singles enough to bother with the albums.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 11:51 PM on January 6, 2008

Response by poster: Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

This gives me a good orientation.
2008 is the Year of Radiohead for me.

I have a lot to catch up on.
posted by SallyHitMeOntheHead at 9:43 AM on January 9, 2008