KID A

There is an unfotunate amount of people who seem to think prog rock should just sound like bands like Yes that they've grown up with. Whats progressive about that? The use of electronica, the recording, the songs, even the techniques to write this alum are amazingly progressive and innovative. Just to give you an idea of my taste, my favourite band is Pink Floyd, and no it sounds nothing like them but there is this sense they share with the floyd that the progression is somehow natural, it doesn't sound like its forced to be progressive it sounds like this is actually the disturbing world inside their heads.

what does it sound like? well the common thread between all radiohead albums is dark and depressing. Kid A is like that but, more so, add in some morbid staring insanity as well. The dominant musical theme of this album is progtronica, with obviously rock instruments used but also some really OTT jazz thrown in as well. Its often dissonant and disturbing but also has gentle/ rythmic sections. The lyrics, if written down wouldn't come to much but often act more as a chant which works perfectly, think of the weird old man who wanders around town repeating things under his breath.

Many of the best bands have changed their style massively across their careers, often gradually from one style to another, radiohead change from anthem loser-rock to progtronica, pink floyd from pop-psychadelia to dark concept prog rock. It is perfectly natural for bands to become more progressive as they gain experience and ambition, and I think it is a pity that many prog fans shun such albums for the small group of bands that set out from the start to be progressive.

Listen to this album a lot, a song like 'national anthem' is like 'intestallar overdrive' or ' saucerful of secrets' , its not that accesible and if your not used to its style it needs a lot of listens to appreciate its out of control, intense , style.

A fragile and wonderful album which shocked fans and reviewers when it was released, alienating fans with radiohead taking yet another step into the unkown. I would mark this as one of the best prog albums of its time.

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