After a series of not-so-memorable albums, this is a treat. I already wrote the story here, but younger me lost track with Radiohead starting here. I couldn't get the direction they were taking. Older me re-discovered them some time ago with this record (giving a second chance to albums/bands is something I sometimes do) and was surprised by what I heard, far from the memory I had. I love every bit of this album now, how they mix genres, try new paths, broke their identity to start anew.
The turn of the millennium was a really strange time. It felt as if we had all been holding our breath as the clock ticked over and we had no idea what to expect from the 21st century. This album arrived at exactly the right moment, mixing weird, glitchy beats, ambient noodling, abstract vocals and discordant jazz breakdowns. I can see why it took some people by surprise, but would you really have preferred another by-the-numbers collection of rock songs? I’m glad when musicians produce experimental work, even if it doesn’t always land. It took me a while to get into this album, but it’s definitely one that bears repeated hearings, revealing new facets every time.