That's the thing though... I've heard multiple people saying: " Just let it sink in, give it a few listens etc etc.. " I don't have to. I know what I like and don't need to be influenced by some measure of doubt that people like to put upon others when they're afraid to be in the minority about something such as this. There are a few good tunes for sure, but they're nowhere on the level of what I'd expect from a collaborative Radiohead effort. This sounds like a one man show, headed by Thom IMO, and isn't even up to par with the likes of The Eraser.
Bloom is cool. Great opener. Really tight bass line and really moody/strong.
Morning Mr. Magpie is a disaster and far from what it could have been, should have been left alone IMO. In fact, I have a version of it, which was made by a fan, and it's much much better IMO. I'll send you the link to it which is in a dropbox folder if you'd like.
Little by Little is just kind of I dunno, flat. Background music that fades into obscurity for me. Pretty much like every single Coldplay song. It's droning, but not interesting enough to want to remember.
Feral: Cheesy para diddle drum beat, even cheesier sampled synth vocals and beats. This thing is a turd sandwich IMO. And despite what the drones will say, it is NOT... avant garde ! They've written MUCH better moody electronic b sides than that thing !
Lotus Flower: A bit better. Nice spacial mood, still with the cheesy drum kit beat though... The video for this is awesome... Thom is a silly dancing monkey, have to dig that. It's a catchy tune as well, with some really decent layering. Thom's falsetto is also really good here.
Codex: I'm sure this will be the comfort zone pick for most mainstream RH fans. Nice composition, excellent arrangement with the strings and horns/brass. Love the opening vocal swell, covered with reverb... haunting. Really nice vocals again. Excellent production here, though I typically prefer things a bit more dry and forward. You can tell that Johnny worked on this one.
Give up the Ghost: It would have been hard to screw this one up, but what annoys me is that they didn't even try to change ONE thing about it compared to the solo version that Thom always does live. In fact, I've heard better live versions than this album version. Disappointing to say the least. Sounds like there's a freegin vuvuzela blowing on the right speaker during the harmonies at times. Meh.
Separator: Sounds discombobulated but not in a good way. Forced, yet boring at the same time. Horrible closing track IMO. I will not be purchasing the vinyl, especially just for the sake of having it. Not unless they say that this stuff is just B side filler, and the real album is on its way.
Doug
