#387 of 500
· Rolling Stone
“#387 feels right for this one. In Rainbows is a product of the 2000s, and Radiohead delivered something that still resonates. The original pressing rewards close listening on a good turntable.”
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.
In Rainbows marked a significant departure for Radiohead, both creatively and in its release strategy. Recorded primarily at the band's own studios between 2005 and 2007, the album saw the group collaborating with producer Nigel Godrich in a more intimate, experimental setting than previous efforts. The band moved away from the dense electronics of Kid A and Amnesiac toward a warmer, more organic sound featuring live instrumentation alongside electronic elements. Key collaborators included orchestral arranger Anja Garbarek, who contributed strings and vocals. The recording process was deliberately unhurried, allowing the band to explore ideas thoroughly without external pressure. The album's completion coincided with Radiohead's departure from their EMI contract, giving them complete creative autonomy over the final product.
Historical Context
In Rainbows' October 2007 release came during a transformative moment in music distribution. Radiohead famously released the album online first via pay-what-you-wish download, a groundbreaking move that challenged traditional record industry models during the peak of digital piracy concerns. The physical CD followed weeks later, establishing an alternative release strategy that influenced independent artists for years. Critically acclaimed, the album was praised for its emotional depth and sonic sophistication, receiving widespread recognition as among the band's finest work. It arrived as the music industry grappled with digital disruption, and Radiohead's approach positioned them as forward-thinking innovators while proving that premium content could succeed outside conventional channels.
Pressing Notes
The original UK vinyl pressing (XL Recordings, 2008) came as a double album with gatefold artwork and is highly sought by collectors. Early pressings featured different jacket designs, with some Japanese and European variants containing alternate packaging. The album has been reissued multiple times, including deluxe editions with additional artwork and materials. Collectors should note that pressing quality varies; first pressings from 2008 are generally preferred for their sound quality. The album has been remastered and reissued as part of catalog reissues, so research specific pressings before purchasing. Original vinyl pressings, particularly early UK editions, command premium prices in the secondary market due to collector demand.
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