Radiohead Reviews Part 2

The Bends (1995)

The first hint we got of where the band would go following the respectable but still disappointing Pablo Honey was “My Iron Lung.” Technically this was The Bends’ first single despite being released an entire year before the album. “My Iron Lung” is a no holds barred musical monster, lyrically Thom mocks the success of “Creep:” “This is our new song, just like the last one, a total waste of time my iron lung,” while Johnny lays down the most intense leads he ever has. Clearly we could expect lots from the new record.

However after the audio assault of “My Iron Lung” it is surprising how mellow the majority of The Bends was. Most of the singles, and well over half the record are focused on balladry. The second single released was “Street Spirit,” still one of the most haunting tracks the band has ever recorded, and arguably their strongest music video. Also of note were its two b-sides, “Talk Show Host” and “Bishop’s Robes,” easily two of the best b-sides by any band. They did as much as the single did to build hype for the album.

The Bends opens with a crazy electro-rock track that was apparently recorded while the whole band was completely pissed drunk, which unknowingly lays the groundwork for the band’s future work beyond OK Computer. After this we are treated to the title track, which hearkens back to Pablo Honey the most of any other song on The Bends, but fortunately evokes memories of great tunes such as “You.”

Then the ballads begin: but fortunately Radiohead has the knack for them. “High and Dry” was one of the band’s best charting US singles, though in retrospect the lyrics are rather trite. “Fake Plastic Trees” is gorgeous, and even though it lasts about 30 seconds longer than it really needs to, it is still an excellent listen.

The biggest highlight is “Just.” This is the band’s loudest song, and most unique video. The solo on this song alone proves that Johnny is one of the best rock guitarists ever. After it and “My Iron Lung” the album closes on a quiet note, with another few ballads.

This album is held in universal acclaim, and fans of “classic” Radiohead often cite it as their best record. Though it is great, in hindsight there are some significant flaws. There are far too many ballads, some of which are excellent but specifically on the second half of the record they become listless. Some of the songs are also a bit too long. However these critiques aside, the album still stands as a monumental achievement, head and shoulders better than Pablo Honey, and paving the way for the difficult and inventive music to follow.

4.5/5