Customer Reviews

No Surprises

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It is true that most of the tracks on this EP are available on the airbag EP. Even so, the *feel* of this EP differs completely from that of airbag. While the airbag EP is full of loud, upbeat, percussion-centric rock (e.g., polyethylene, pearly*, meeting in the aisle, palo alto), the no surprises EP consists almost entirely of softer, slower tracks (melatonin, bishop's robes, a reminder). While the airbag EP opens with the killer riff of 'airbag' and closes with the loud playful electronic noises of 'palo alto,' the no surprises EP opens with the soft chimes of 'no surprises' and closes with the solemn 'a reminder.' As a result, the two discs create completely different listening experiences.

This difference, combined with the superior art and 'bishop's robes' (which is difficult to find elsewhere), make the no surprises EP an excellent purchase for any serious radiohead fan. Sure, I'd point a newcomer to airbag first, but no surprises is still an important part of radiohead's catalog.

That one star might seem harsh, but I promise it's not reflective of the quality on music contained on the No Surprises/Running From Demons EP; rather, it's indicative of the price-to-value ratio, something which all of us without endless dollars to throw away need to consider.

"No Surprises" is a fantastic song, one of the best from an album (OK Computer) filled with nothing BUT masterpieces. But hey, I have it on that album already. Similarly, "Melatonin," "A Reminder," and "Meeting In The Aisle" - all of them interesting B-sides - can be found on the much cheaper (and more common) American Airbag/How Am I Driving? EP. What you're paying for here is a remix of "Pearly*" (the only noticeable difference is that it has a "hard" ending instead of a fadeout) and a B-side from The Bends era, "Bishops Robes." (To be precise, the song was more of an interim recording; it was put to tape on the same day as "Lucky.") Both songs are wonderful, but again, you can get a not-too-different version of "Pearly*" on the Airbag EP, and "Bishops Robes," while a very high quality B-side, can't really justify dropping that much cash for a Japanese import.

That being said, if you DO decide to spring for it, you should know that the layout and art presentation of the EP is wonderful, as always. Better than the Airbag EP, actually - that black cover implies an infinite amount of existential dread in its details. Still, this has got to get one star purely on a scale of utility. If you're living in the Japanese market this is a three or four star purchase, as these tracks are otherwise unavailable over there; however, this is the American market, and most of these songs are redundant.

This EP is almost identical to those sold in other countries, however it is also the only place you can get the alternate ending to Pearly* and the song "Bishop's Robes". The song itself is, for a real Radiohead fan, completely hypnotic. The haunting, slow burn of the guitar paired with the beautiful anger of the lyrics make it, in my opinion, one of the best B-sides they've ever produced and makes me look forward to the next release even more. Word.

it's hard to justify shelling out nearly 30 bucks for a single track. it's only rationally justified for fans and collectors.

but bishop's robes is really superb. it's a low-key slightly jazzy number with an excellent minimalist slide guitar part that in its simplicity is genius--a la george harrison. it's a nice complement to "no suprises" off the "ok computer" album. but this is also worth the money as it is a single source for the other non-album tracks: two instrumentals and a decent "melatonin."

now if this collection only had included palo alto... five stars!

Radiohead fans, this is a must!!!
No Surprises - Easily Radiohead's best song. Simple, haunting tune. absolutely beautiful. This one's a gem.
Pearly* - Brilliant song, highly underapreciated. Great ending. This a slightly different mix than the version than the ones on Paranoid Android and How am I Driving?
Melatonin - This track begins with synth and vocals, and later adds a somewhat confusing drumbeat. Definitely the most experimental thing to come out of the OK Computer sessions Too short.
Meeting in the Aisle - This one's crazy. A straightforward instrumental, there's no telling how they made some of these sounds. Fun to listen to.
Bishop's Robes - Mellow song about Thom's evil gradeschool headmaster. Really kind of hard to describe
A Reminder - Wonderful. This one's quiet, but incredibly powerful. Stunning conclusion. The idea of this song is "If I go insane, play me this song." (It really is, I've read a book on it, you know.["From A Great Height" by Jonathan Glazer. It only goes as far as OK Computer, but there's a crapload of information.)

Unless you are a Radiohead b-sides collector, you can probably pass on this CD. "Meeting in the Aisle" is a rare instrumental piece and "Lull" is a nice and mellow track, but they are not exactly what I'd call memorable. They are still pretty decent songs, but just don't expect to find another b-side gem like "The Trickster"...

Taken from the band's album masterpiece "OK Computer", "No Surprises" was one of the most beautiful singles of 1997. A melodic ballad and one of the rare songs you can listen to again, again and again.

The other two songs are non-album tracks; a for B-sides they're both above average. "Meeting in the Aisle" is an instrumental; maybe you can say that this track gives hints to what direction Radiohead was headed after "OK Computer" - ( "Kid A" contained very few regular songs ).

"Lull" is more typical of early Radiohead; a fine song that would have fitted nicely into both "The Bends" or "OK Computer" - great vocals. My favourite non-album track though, is still "How Can You be Sure".

The 'No Surprises/Running Away From Demons EP' is a great 6-piece package for any Radiohead fan, encapsulating many of my favourite B-sides from the OK Computer era, including:

Track 2: Pearly*
This is an awesome guitar-based song to listen to with catchy, captivating riffs and non-conventional vocals done by the amazing front man of the band, Thom Yorke, who demonstrates a variety of styles.

Track 3: Melatonin
This is a rather short (2:05), but interesting song with different instrumentation, as it relies heavily on strings and has no guitars. However, it's still a good, easy-listening song, nonetheless.

Track 4: Meeting In The Aisle
Now here's a song that'll catch you off-guard. A funky beat, subtle bassline, heavy synthesizers, an overall transcending sound.. what more can you ask for in an instrumental song?

Track 5: Bishop's Robe
Another exceptional, well-crafted B-side tune that could have been released as an A-side track. Easily a favourite among Radiohead fans. It is easy-listening, although throughout the song, you can sense the hate that Thom had for his old school-headmaster back from his days of attending school in Abington - 'Bastard headmaster', 'dressed in Bishop's robes'.

Track 6: A Reminder
This song is 'a reminder' that we mustn't forget how incredibly talented Radiohead is, and why we love them so much. It's the slowest track on the disc, but a track that would only take one listen to fall in love with. Thom ends the song quite appropriately too: 'Pick up the phone, play me this song.'

While I wouldn't go out of my way to purchase a second copy of No Surprises, Meeting in the Aisle easily justifies the disc. Haunting, groovy, perfect. Don't hesitate.

A very cool Radiohead single. Even though No Surprises is found on the OK Computer album and Palo Alto can be found on the Airbag EP easier and cheaper, How I Made My Millions is worth every penny. How I Made My Millions is a song Thom recorded at his place on his mini disc recorder. The sound in the background is his girlfriend washing up. I believe this song couldnt have been more perfect, even though it wasnt done in the studio or on a good piano. Any person who has anything by Radiohead will not be disapointed with this single. I gave the single 5-stars simply for this one song.