Radiohead’s “The King of Limbs” Review

The King of Limbs, Radiohead’s eighth studio album, was released on Friday as a digital download in a precursor to the world’s first (perhaps) Newspaper Album.

The King of Limbs album cover
The King of Limbs album cover courtesy of Stereogum

The album itself is available as a digital download (in MP3 or WAV form) on The King of Limbs website, while the Newspaper version is available for pre-sale and will be released on Monday, May 9th. The Newspaper version will contain two clear 10” vinyl records, a CD, a universally compatible digital download, a few large sheets of artwork and 625 small sheets of artwork. The digital download is 9 dollars in the US, and the Newspaper version is 48.

The King of Limbs contains the ambient tones of Kid A mixed with the color and vibrancy of In Rainbows with Thom Yorke’s mumbled ramblings Radiohead fans have come to expect and love. The album starts with the electronic and abstract “Bloom” – a synthy number with bluesy bass and an impressive brass section that carries throughout the album.

What follows is a combination of poppy guitar picking, soulful bass and dynanism on “Morning Mr. Magpie” that wouldn’t be out of place on In Rainbows, followed by another relatively sunny “Little by Little” summed up in the line “I’m such a tease and you are such a flirt.”

The edge and darkness of Amnesiac is brought back into the picture in “Feral” and the signature powerhouse Radiohead trance felt in “Nude” and “Karma Police” infuses “Codex” and “Give Up The Ghost” all while holding on to the detachment and color felt throughout King of Limbs.

The album ends with “Separator”, a playful number that actually says “wake me up, wake me up” in an effort to transition the listener back to the real world.

Admittedly people who aren’t that high on Radiohead’s more abstract stuff might not be that into The King of Limbs, but “Lotus Flower” and the accompanying “Single Ladies” spoof are sure to get you grooving, if not laughing out loud at Thom Yorke’s impressive hip movement.

The King of Limbs has this wonderful sense of newness and excitement while still feeling like home. Welcome back.

About Tara Jayakar

Tara is a senior at BU, studying English and Journalism. She enjoys nothing more then a good meal, a cup of coffee, and the bone-crushing force of a mosh pit.

View all posts by Tara Jayakar →

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