THE BENDS

Listening to this album again really takes me back to the nineties when I really got into Alternative Rock. "The Bends" is where RADIOHEAD start to create their own sound and identity, led by Yorke's soulful and urgent vocals.

The first sounds we hear are that of spacey synths that sound like a solar breeze coming from "Planet Telex". This is such a good opening track. The song ends as it began. "The Bends" has some passionate vocals and good guitar. It's ok. "High And Dry" is a song that makes me smile. Acoustic guitars leads the way. "Fake Plastic Trees" is so sad, yet so uplifting and emotional. I have been listening to this cd at work all week and the first time this song came on I said to my daughter (who is working for me this summer) "Sarah ! Fake plastic trees !" She just looked at me and put her hand on her heart. That pretty much sums up my feelings exactly.

"Bones" is a straight up Alternative Rock tune. "(Nice Dream)" has some violin in it and some screaming guitar towards the end. "Just" is an aggressive song with lots of guitar including some scorching solos. "My Iron Lung" is the one song that brings to mind NIRVANA with those grungy sections. Perhaps because this was a song that was previously released on a self titled EP. "Bullet Proof..I Wish I Was" is a melancholic song, yeah Yorke is the king of mournful vocals. "Black Star" is about falling out of love. And works well coming after such sadness. "Sulk" has probably the best vocals on this album. Outstanding ! "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" is a cool song with vocal melodies and acoustic guitar. One of the best songs on the record.

For "Fake Plastic Trees" alone I highly recommend this record.