Review Summary: Exciting and consistent, "The Bends" is a classic.
When Radiohead released "OK Computer" in 1997, it was met with a frenzy of media adulation, and quickly became regarded as their magnum opus. Those who don't consider "OK Computer" to be their peak generally look to "Kid A" (2000) as their best work. However, though 1995's "The Bends" represents the band at a crossroads in their career, it remains of of their strongest works, and deserves every bit of the recognition some of Radiohead's later albums have received.
The album retains some of the 'grunge' style of their first album "Pablo Honey" (1993), or at least lead single "Creep". Songs like 'Bones' and 'My Iron Lung' have the 'quiet-loud' dynamic present in grunge music. However, "The Bends" also sees the band expanding into new ground, as each song seems to explore a unique territory of music.
"Planet Telex" 8/10
A solid opener, with really strong verses. The guitar has some cool effects throughout, and it is a good song. Nothing terribly special though, and the chorus's seem to be significantly weaker than the verses. Interestingly, the vocals were recorded with singer Thom Yorke lying flat on his back, because he was apparently too drunk to stand.
"The Bends" 10/10
One of the songs that really got me into the band, the song builds and builds until the first chorus, "Baby's got the bends, we haven't got any real friends', displaying the albums personal and dark lyrics. The chorus' are followed by my favorite part of the song, a section containing just drums and vocals, as well as a heavily distorted guitar plucking a few notes. The guitar is very interesting throughout the song.
"High and Dry" 9/10
Many people dislike this song, including the songs author Thom Yorke. But I find the song to be very relaxing and enjoyable, even if the verses are much weaker than the chorus'. I find this song and the one that follows as being evident in Coldplay's sound, as the guitar and falsetto vocals seem to mirror some of that band's work.
"Fake Plastic Trees" - 10/10
A true classic, yet I initially ranked it below than "High and Dry". Yorke delivered the falsetto-laden vocals just after seeing Jeff Buckley in concert, and it stands apart as one of his finest moments. The song builds slowly for the first few minutes, until electric guitars pick up for a truly breathtaking climax. I rate this song as a true grower, and a classic.
"Bones" - 10/10
Another great song, with a really good atmosphere. The verses are pretty quiet, and lead right into the chorus, when the guitars come crashing in, and the band "rocks out".
"(Nice Dream)" - 8/10
A pretty good song, though not my favorite, because not a whole lot seems to happen, until the guitar solo after the second chorus, which is very good. Very relaxing song though, and a good break in between "Bones" and the two songs that would follow.
"Just" - 10/10
Backed by one of the more interesting music videos ever (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5X7HKxpiQA), it is one of the highlight of the album, featuring fantastic guitar textures throughout. Yorke once said "this was a competition between me and Johnny to fit as many chords into one song as we can", and it shows. The climax that ends the song is actually my favorite part of the album.
"My Iron Lung" - 10/10
A "Creep II" of sorts, it seems the band actually wrote this song over frustration with their first hit. Yorke sings "This is our new song, just like the latest one, a total waste of time, my iron lung." The song contains the quiet/loud dynamic that was present in "Creep", as well as many songs from the 'grunge' era. The actual song is fantastic, with the guitar again creating a wonderful atmosphere. A very interesting thing about this song is that the instrumental backing was recorded live, as the band didn't believe they could match the energy found on this version in the studio. The live album from the Astoria contains this version.
"Bullet Proof... I Wish I Was" - 8/10
A bit like "(nice dream)", but without the guitar solo. Not much really happens here. It is still a very relaxing song, and in fact very good- it works wonderfully between "My Iron Lung" and "Black Star", but it is not one I go out of my way to hear.
"Black Star" - 10/10
One of my favorites on the album, it fades in, and contains an interesting vocal melody in the verses. The song doesn't really start until the guitars kick in on the first chorus, when it really becomes a classic.
"Sulk" - 7/10
This is my least favorite song on the album, mainly due to Yorke's "Morrisey-like" vocals in the chorus. Which is a shame really, because I actually find the verses to be very strong. However, the song is place between two of my favorites on the album, so it is easy to forgive.
"Street Spirit (Fade Out)" - 10/10
Often looked to as one of Radiohead's greatest songs, I would in all ways agree. The closer begins with a haunting arpeggio in A minor, and proceeds into a Yorke vocal whose lyrics can best be described as being about facing death. It is the perfect way to finish off the album, and leaves you wanting more at the end, in a good way.
Overall, "The Bends" is a very complete album, with the tracklisting set up to perfection, and each track leading into the next very smoothly. Every track has its moments, and there are no actually
bad songs. However, the album is not perfect, as there are some tracks which which seem to meander a bit, particularly bulletproof and sulk. But it is a classic album, and overlooking for "OK Computer" or "Kid A" is a crime.
9.8/10
