COM LAG: 2PLUS2ISFIVE

The worst Radiohead gets, in my opinion, is forgettable -- and that's what some of the tracks on this EP are. It's been mentioned already that Paperbag Writer and the remixes of Hail To The Thief tracks are really unremarkable. I Am A Wicked Child is alright as is I Am Citizen Insane; but again, these are really skippable songs.

The EP is really solidified, however, by the remaining tracks. The live 2+2=5 is a really vital rendtions of one of the band's most powerful songs. But this isn't the only upshot of the EP. The live recording of the B-side Fog is remarkable -- it's a complete re-imagining of the song: just Thom on piano and singing in what was originally an electronic experimental piece. The result is a really beautiful little enigma of a song.

Also worthwhile is Gagging Order, with just guitar and Thom's vocals. The repetitive riffs roll along while Thom wails softly some really affecting lyrics. Definitely one of my favorites in Radiohead's catalog.

Though the remixes are grating (Myxomatosis without the stabbing bass?) and some of the more experimental originals are forced, the minimalist pieces on this record really do shine.