The Bends

I've never been a die-hard Radiohead fan and only recently bought my first Radiohead album: OK Computer. That was partly on the strength of 'No Surprises', but mainly because it was voted Best Album ever on some Channel 4 vote.

That one took me quite a while to get into, however 'The Bends' hit the spot with me straight away and that's very, very rare.

The overall standard of the tracks is high, with a good balance of sounds, making it difficult to pick out the highlights but the final track, Street Spirit, is sublime - a perfect ending, leaving you wanting more.

Incidentally, having heard Mark Ronson's recent version of 'Just' first (which I didn't know was a Radiohead song) and now the original, there really is no comparison, Ronson's version doesn't come close.

Now I just need to decide which Radiohead album to buy next.

From the first note to the last quite simply the greatest thing committed to CD. (perhaps until OK computer!!)

It is simply not possible to rate The Bends at less than 5 stars. I was privalaged to see this album performed live (mid 90's) and it easily rates as my greatest rock moment. The raw passion is quite outstanding and whilst the musicianship and song writing are without question some of the best, the album retains an unpretentious simplicity.

This album is a classic alternative record. May not be to most people's taste on a first listen, but stick it on a decent hi-fi system and listen to on several occasions and you will learn to apreciate the talent and songwriting skills on this album.
This album features the classics such as the wonderful acoustic track 'Fake Plastic Trees', the catchy anthemic anthem which is 'Just' and the eerie and haunting song 'Street Spirit (Fade Out)'.
Overall this is a peice of art. An album that you must listen to!

In my opinion this is one of the greatest albums of all time. The musicianship on display is unbelieveable and this is arguably Radioheads finest moment. Packed with songs that you will find more and more interesting every time you listen. A stone cold classic.