review: thom yorke - the eraser

the eraser - 9/10 -

there really isn't much to say about this album other than that it's a success. it accomplishes what it sets out to accomplish. it lacks any real skippable tracks. it's a solid work that flows quite well from one track to the next, and rarely thrusts itself upon the listener. thom yorke's voice is absolutely amazing, probably moreso than on any radiohead album. which brings me to my next point. the eraser succeeds in not being a radiohead album. it's clearly an experimental concept piece, and the fact that it can be such an album and not be repulsive makes it something of an exception to the rule.

the eraser - 7.5 /10 - i don't find this song to be particularly strong. that said, it isn't terribly weak, either. it's just sort of there, and it sets the tone by showcasing thom yorke's voice. it gets better and better as it progresses. ready yourself for the funk at this song's conclusion.

analyse - 7.5/10 - the beginning of this song is abnormally abrasive. once you get over that and that the piano chords sound almost too synthetic and sampled, it's a decent song.

the clock - 8 /10 -
better than the album version:

black swan - 8 /10 - to be frank, this song doesn't really go anywhere. while that's not ideal and leaves the song somewhat unexceptional, it by no means ruins it. 'black swan' is subtle and fluid, a great song to have on in the background, and fits neatly into its place on the album.

skip divided - 8.5 /10 - i would argue that skip divided is the most distinctive song on the album. thom yorke's voice perfectly matches the feeling of the instrumentation, in which a track of his voice contributes.

atoms for peace - 9 /10 - 'atoms for peace' is unique in that it seems like the album sort of pauses to catch its breath and reassure itself that everything will be ok. the minimalism in this song accentuates thom yorke's frighteningly high and soothing range and also allows the listener to fully take in the whole tune without becoming a head case. this song just makes me want to give some one a hug. then it's over and i go back to normal...

and it rained all night - 9.5 /10 - this is the best new song i've heard since lateralus came out in, what, 2000? 2001? everything about this song works. the bass line, the percussion-type thing. the climax, the setup, the lyrics. wonderful.

harrowdown hill - 7.5/10 - this song seems odd to me because it starts off sounding somewhat upbeat. it's about a UN weapons inspector who committed suicide after the iraq war began. ...not upbeat. this song is the first single and a fan favorite. i don't think it's terribly exceptional, although the guitar line is a highlight.

cymbal rush - 8/10 -
also better than the album version:


recommended music:
the dandy warhols - all the money or the simple life honey
the dandy warhols - bohemian like you