A japanese compilation released a little while after
Hail to the Thief, this album is an essential piece for serious Radiohead fans. This Encompasses all of the b-sides from Hail to the Thief plus some extra remixes and live tracks recorded during their supporting tour. Radiohead is famous for having amazing b-sides, and it can be seen on this album why they are known for it. The only problem is that this piece is a little difficult to find, and when found, is a little pricy (around $20).
1. 2+2=5 [Live] - The Album kicks off with a live version of one of the most guitar driven progressive songs off of Hail to the Thief. This live version is executed in such an amazing and powerful way. The energy delivered by the band is incredible, it is such a cheezy way of describing a live album but you can really feel like you are in the audience during this track
Rating: 5/5
2. Remyxomatosis [Remix] - This remix is one of the creepiest songs I have heard by Radiohead (No Pun Intended). There is this kind of strange beat backed by some haunting synths which leads into Thom's Vocals. The chorus just falls in such a strange way, and the song builds up to sound even more eerie. This is a very unique remix of one of the better songs of HTTT.
Rating: 4/5
3. I Will [Los Angeles Version] - A slightly altered version of the song, sounds different enough to be worth listening to every once in a while. There is just something about this version that sounds a little bit more emotional than the original HTTT version.
Rating: 4/5
4. Paperbag Writer - Some synths backing Thom Yorke's echoed vocals. A catchy bass riff eventually falls into place, soon enough some different beats add into the song that make it sound as haunting as remyxamatosis. Overall, a fairly solid track that while isn't very enthralling, it isn't anything to scoff at.
Rating: 3.5/5
5. I Am a Wicked Child - A light guitar riff is backed by Phil's drums. The vocals kick in as Thom sings how he is the devil's child and that he wishes he could be good. There is even a distorted harmonica, which seems like quite a new instrument for Radiohead, that fits very well in the song.
Rating: 4.5/5
6. I Am Citizen Insane - One of the more popular b-sides off of HTTT, this song lifts itself up into a full on techno beat. The synth sounds very ambient in the background as a delayed "hey......." is screamed and faded. This is an excellent full-on techno song by radiohead, it has somewhat of an aphex twin feel to it.
Rating: 5/5
7. Skttrbrain [Four Tet RMX] - This remix is met with a very heavy beat that underlies the entire song. You almost don't even recognize the song until the vocal melody kicks in to place. The following verse is accompanied by some synth effects and a guitar accompaniment that makes this one of the better remixes on the album.
Rating: 4.5/5
8. Gagging Order - Right here is the best song on the album, it takes a break from the last three techno driven tracks. The acoustic guitar playing has a very folky Nick Drake feel to it. There is also an acoustic bass, I believe, which has kind of a twangy tone. The vocals that accompany the guitar are sang with such great emotion and beauty.
Rating: 5/5
9. Fog (Again) [Live] - Accompanied only by a piano, Thom sings a beautiful track to the audience "Did you go bad?" is echoed throughout the hall where he is playing . An excellent way to ease down the pace of the album with a beautiful mellow song. As he says "Goodnight Everybody" the crowd goes wild.
Rating: 4.5/5
10. Where Bluebirds Fly - The Album is ended with amother techno track. The beat is very fast paced and is accompanied by a very sped up synth track and a pounding bass beat. The vocals drop in with plenty of power as it feels like your energy is being drained during this track. The back-up vocals haunt the listener with screams and blasting voices. A solid track.
Rating: 4/5
This compilation would make an excellent part to a Radiohead fan's collection. It has enough remixes and b-sides to keep die hard fans happy but there are still tracks on here that the casual radiohead fan can appreciate as well.
