#276 of 500
· Rolling Stone
“This is the part of the list where the real crate-digging starts. Radiohead brought everything to The Bends (1995) — the kind of record that reminds you why you started collecting vinyl in the first place. The original pressing does it justice.”
Radiohead formed in Oxford, England in 1985, initially as On a Friday before changing their name in 1991. The band achieved mainstream success with their debut album "Pablo Honey" (1994), featuring the hit single "Creep," but transcended one-hit-wonder status with the critically acclaimed "The Bends" (1995). Their third album "OK Computer" (1997) marked a watershed moment, establishing them as visionary artists willing to deconstruct rock music itself. Following this trajectory, "Kid A" (2000) and "Amnestic" (2001) further pushed boundaries with electronic experimentation and abstract songwriting. Subsequent albums including "In Rainbows" (2007), released independently with a pay-what-you-wish model, and "The King of Limbs" (2011) continued their evolution. Their catalog represents one of modern rock's most ambitious artistic arcs.
Style
Radiohead's sound evolved from alternative rock foundations into art rock characterized by complex arrangements, electronic elements, atmospheric production, and introspective lyrics. Their work spans guitar-driven rock, experimental electronic music, and chamber pop influences.
Significance
Radiohead revolutionized modern rock music and influenced countless artists across multiple genres. For vinyl collectors, their albums represent landmark achievements in production quality and artistic innovation, with "OK Computer" and "In Rainbows" particularly valued for their sonic depth and packaging design.
The Bends, Radiohead's second album released in March 1995, marked a pivotal moment in the band's evolution following the surprise success of 'Creep.' Recorded primarily at RAK Studios in London with producer John Leckie, the album showcased the band's determination to move beyond one-hit-wonder status and establish themselves as serious alternative rock musicians. The sessions were characterized by experimentation and growing confidence; Thom Yorke's vocals became more distinctive, and Jonny Greenwood's guitar work grew increasingly ambitious. The album features early versions of songs like 'Fake Plastic Trees' and 'High and Dry,' demonstrating the band's ability to craft nuanced, emotionally complex compositions alongside heavier, more guitar-driven tracks. The creative process revealed tensions within the group—they were beginning to question the limitations of traditional rock arrangements, seeds that would fully bloom on OK Computer.
Historical Context
The Bends arrived during the height of 1990s alternative rock's mainstream dominance, when bands like Oasis and Blur were dominating headlines. However, Radiohead's album represented a more introspective, technically sophisticated approach to the genre. Despite positive critical reception, it was overshadowed by grunge's decline and the rise of Britpop fervor across the Atlantic. In retrospect, The Bends is viewed as essential bridge between their commercial breakthrough and their artistic masterpiece OK Computer (1997), though it was occasionally dismissed at the time as transitional. The album sold well but didn't achieve 'Creep' numbers, allowing the band creative freedom for their next project without massive commercial pressure.
Pressing Notes
Original UK pressings on Parlophone feature vibrant artwork and typically command reasonable prices on the secondary market. The album has seen numerous reissues and remasterings over the decades. The 2009 remaster, part of Radiohead's broader reissue campaign, is widely considered superior to earlier CD transfers and is worth seeking out. Various pressings exist across different regions (US Capitol, Japan editions, etc.), though The Bends hasn't become as collectible as some other Radiohead releases. Vinyl reissues from the 2000s onward are generally affordable and readily available, making it an accessible entry point for collectors building Radiohead collections. Audiophile pressings and special editions vary by market; check original pressing dates and mastering information when purchasing.
Surfer Rosa
Pixies
Pioneering alternative rock with the dynamic quiet-loud-quiet song structures that heavily influenced Radiohead's early approach.
Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
Experimental alternative rock with innovative guitar work and emotional depth that appeals to fans of Radiohead's more experimental tendencies.
The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
British alternative rock with distinctive guitar melodies and introspective lyrics that laid groundwork for bands like Radiohead.
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