Radiohead developed from a typical English indie band - which for a long time had the single (1993) as their only feat - into an alternative supergroup, which saw every change of direction greeted with loud cheers from the international pop news. This to the great surprise of singer Thom Yorke himself, who went through a serious personal and musical crisis, especially during the experimental albums
… (2000) and (2001). After these two records, which seemed to have been made mainly to never have to experience the suffocating success of (1997) again, Radiohead on Hail To The Thief carefully returns to the guitar sound of the best song record (1995), albeit with the musical baggage that the group members have acquired in subsequent years. Thom Yorke still sounds like he is bearing the suffering of the whole world. In interviews he already covered himself against possible criticism of his inimitable songs: "Listen to the CD, but please don't attach any importance to the lyrics!" Anyone who takes that advice to heart will hear an exciting but again very heavy alternative rock album with the necessary electronic influences. (MS)more
