Radiohead - The King Of Limbs (LP)

Radiohead's eighth studio album, "The King of Limbs," released in February 2011, is a testament to the band's continuous evolution and willingness to explore new sonic landscapes. Known for their innovative approach to music, Radiohead once again defied expectations with this album, which is characterized by its intricate rhythms, atmospheric soundscapes, and a more abstract lyrical approach.

The album was released as a digital download, followed by a physical release, and it was notable for its unique distribution method. Radiohead had previously experimented with the release of "In Rainbows" in 2007, where they allowed fans to pay what they wanted for the digital version. With "The King of Limbs," they continued to challenge traditional music industry norms by initially releasing it as a digital download without prior announcement.

Musically, "The King of Limbs" is a departure from the more guitar-driven sound of earlier Radiohead albums. Instead, it leans heavily on electronic elements, loops, and samples, creating a dense and layered sound. The album opens with "Bloom," a track that sets the tone with its complex polyrhythms and Thom Yorke's ethereal vocals. The use of looping and sampling is evident throughout the album, particularly in tracks like "Feral" and "Lotus Flower," the latter of which became one of the standout tracks due to its infectious groove and Yorke's captivating dance in the accompanying music video.

"The King of Limbs" received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its ambition and the band's ability to reinvent themselves. However, some critics noted that the album's brevity—it runs just over 37 minutes—and its abstract nature might not appeal to all listeners. Despite this, the album was nominated for several awards, including a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album.

One of the most culturally significant aspects of "The King of Limbs" is its exploration of themes related to nature and the environment. The album's title itself is a reference to an ancient oak tree in Wiltshire, England, and the artwork, created by longtime collaborator Stanley Donwood, features ghostly figures and natural motifs. This thematic focus is reflected in the music, which often evokes a sense of organic growth and decay.

Tracks like "Codex" and "Give Up the Ghost" highlight the band's ability to create hauntingly beautiful soundscapes. "Codex" is particularly notable for its sparse arrangement, featuring a simple piano line and Yorke's haunting vocals, creating a sense of melancholy and introspection. "Give Up the Ghost," on the other hand, uses layered vocal loops to create a lush, almost hypnotic atmosphere.

The album's release was accompanied by a series of remixes, known as "TKOL RMX 1234567," which further explored the album's themes and sounds. These remixes featured contributions from a variety of artists, including Caribou, Four Tet, and Jamie xx, showcasing the album's influence and the band's openness to collaboration.

In terms of historical significance, "The King of Limbs" represents a period in Radiohead's career where they fully embraced digital technology and the possibilities it offered for music production and distribution. It also marked a shift towards a more collaborative and experimental approach to creating music, with the band members often working on different elements of the songs separately before bringing them together.

Overall, "The King of Limbs" is a fascinating chapter in Radiohead's discography. While it may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of their previous albums, it stands as a bold artistic statement and a testament to the band's enduring creativity and willingness to push boundaries. For fans and newcomers alike, it offers a unique listening experience that continues to reveal new layers with each listen.