This week, the Randomizer gives us 1995's The Bends, by Radiohead. My copy is this 2016 reissue which sounds pretty great to my ears. Man, what can I even say about this album that hasn't already been said? This is a bona fide (I always thought this was one word, btw) classic. Look at that tracklist. Top to bottom bangers. All of 'em. I don't really like rating stuff but, gun to my head, I'd say it's at least a 9.5/10 if not a 10/10 album.
I remember when Creep landed. Cool song, right? Puts Radiohead on the map instantly. Then when The Bends came, it just seemed like a different direction, and it put them on a whole other level. Like, these guys are for real and are here to stay. I remember feeling a little resistance to it the first time I listened and, while Pablo Honey seemed a bit uneven to me, I eventually realize that they're firing on all cylinders here, all in perfect synchronization (and it feels like a sorta concept album).
If you haven't listened to Radiohead, or you haven't listened to a full Radiohead album (nothing wrong with that, we are all out here on our own musical journeys), The Bends would be pretty good for a first-timer. And, if you like it and want to continue, it sets you up nicely for OK Computer and Kid A. Actually, thinking about it, this would be the best album to start with as the later albums get more, hmm, difficult, until the back-to-basics In Rainbows.
The Bends is beyond excellent, I honestly haven't listened to it in full in a long time, and I'm glad I did today.