Customer Reviews

The Best of (Special Edition 2CD)

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2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Music: 5 stars.... Compilation: 3 stars

When Radiohead decided with the "In Rainbows" album not to re-up with EMI, it was only a matter of time before the label would squeeze a few more drops out of the money machine that Radiohead was for EMI. The label simply had to find a good time and excuse to do so, and that time has come now (new tour!). The band has made clear that it has nothing to do with this "best of", all the while also acknowledging that EMI has the legal right to do this. Now the question is: is this compilation any good?

"The Best of Radiohead: Special Edition" (2 CDs, 30 tracks, 135 min.) is a very generous overview of Radiohead's best songs from the 7 albums it recorded for EMI. CD1 (17 tracks; 76 min.) brings the "greatest hits", and hence not surprisingly focuses on tracks from three albums: a whopping 6 tracks from 1995's commercial breakthrough album "The Bends", including the singles Just, My Iron Lung, High and Dry, Fake Plastic Trees, and Street Spirit (Fade Out) and also the fabulous title track. 1997's "OK Computer" album, viewed by many as one of the most important albums of the 90s, gets 4 tracks, including the singles Paranoid Android, Karma Police, No surprises, and also Lucky. 2000's so-called experimental "Kid A" album gets 3 tracks: Optimistic, Idioteque, and Everything In Its Right Place. With that, 75% of this "best of" compilation is filled. The remaining 3 studio albums get a mere 4 tracks: the monster hit Creep from 1993's "Pablo Honey"; Pyramid Song from 2001's "Amnesiac; and finally There There and 2+2=5 from 2004's "Hail to the Thief".

CD2 (13 tracks, 59 min.) brings deeper tracks from the various albums, and is just slightly more of a headscratcher to me than CD1. There are 2 singles that didn't make CD1 (Knives Out from "Amnesiac" and Go to Sleep from "Hail to the Thief"), and after that it's a bit all over the place: You and Anyone Can Play Guitar From "Pablo Honey"; Planet Telex from "The Bends" plus Talk Show Host, a B side of that era; Airbag, Let Down and Exit Music (For a Film) from "OK Computer"; The National Anthem and How To Disappear Completely from "Kid A"; I Might Be Wrong and Knives Out from "Amnesiac"; and even the live mini-album "I Might Be Wrong: Live Recordings" is represented with "True Love Waits".

In all, while it is always possible to split hairs and argue over the selection of the tracks, it is difficult to be upset with the final result. EMI actually did a pretty good job of it! I will say that I am not crazy with the sequencing of the album. I would have preferred a chronological sequencing, for one. Notice that on CD1 the 3 tracks from "Kid A" are scattered and buried in the second half for some reason. For anyone not all that familiar with Radiohead, if you are wondering whether to buy this, or to buy the single CD, I would urge to buy the single CD compilation. If you like what you hear there, the next step is to explore the individual studio albums of Radiohead. I have no idea to whom the 2CD Special Edition is marketed to, to be honest. The causal Radiohead fan doesn't need that much and the rabbit Radiohead fan already has all of this. But the music is fantastic, let there be not doubt about it.

On Amazon U.K., a number of Radiohead fans are already complaining that this compilation is unwarranted, unnecessary and unjust, and I'm sure they'll be doing the same here soon. Many of these fans argue that Radiohead should not be anthologized because their albums should be heard as albums, not as parts of a collection. While I can respect that opinion to a point, Radiohead has released singles for every album, and I see no reason why those singles can't be anthologized for neophytes. Almost every band in history has been anthologized at some point. Why is Radiohead different? What makes them above a "greatest hits" collection? Even Pink Floyd has had the compilation treatment, and they are the epitome of the difficult to anthologize, album-oriented band.

Sure, I'll agree that new fans should check out the individual Radiohead albums (especially "The Bends," "OK Computer" & "Kid A"), but what's wrong with starting with this collection first? When I was younger, I was turned on to R.E.M. through the compilation "Eponymous;" I got into the Psychedelic Furs with "All of This and Nothing;" and I discovered Echo & the Bunnymen on "Songs to Learn and Sing." All of these bands were album-oriented artists, and hearing those collections made me go out and purchase the original albums by those bands. So, if you're already a die-hard Radiohead fan, obviously this compilation is not for you, but if you're new to the band, this is not a bad place to start.

Also, any fan could criticize certain omissions (for me, "Stop Whispering," "Morning Bell," and "You and Whose Army" were the most strangely M.I.A.), and certain albums get more exposure than others (seven songs from "The Bends" seems a bit excessive), but overall this compilation has a strong track selection. The track listing is a bit haphazard at times (a straightforward chronological order might have been preferable), but again, that's a minor complaint.

As for the also-prevalent fan criticism that this is a cash-grab from the record company, what compilation isn't? Record companies are in the business of making money (in exchange for promoting artists and bringing them to a wider audience), and I for one see nothing wrong with that, especially considering how many people download albums for free from P2P sites these days (wrong in my opinion), leaving record companies little choice but to try and make money wherever possible.

Finally, I like that this compilation is being issued as both a single-disc and a double-disc collection, depending on how interested you are in the band. If you've never heard anything besides "Creep" on modern rock radio, stick with the single-disc version. If, however, you've heard over half of the singles on the first disc, and you like them, you should probably consider getting the double-disc version. Overall, if you want a well-put-together collection by one of the most influential bands of the last fifteen years, ignore the naysayers and pick up this set. It's a great place to begin.

Radiohead fans will want every complete release. Because everything they do IS the best of. Sure, this is a compilation of highlights, but Radiohead has never made anything less. There are no filler songs on a single one of their cds.

Of course, die-hard fans have to get it all. A special edition collectors booklet is just enough carrot. Even a little Radiohead goes a long way.

So who is this really for? Everyone else. Get this for the friend who thinks you're talking about a part of your stereo system when you mention the band's name. Best Of is for your lover who wants to know you better. It's for anyone who doesn't know Radiohead.

Everyone needs to know Radiohead.

And yes, this is for you, the fan, even though you already have every single thing they've ever released. Even though you know that the best of is this and the rest of. It's everything they've done, are doing, and will continue to do.

It's weird. If you would have asked me what one band I thought wouldn't have a greatest hits sort of record, Radiohead probably would've been on the top of the shortlist. Not because Radiohead don't have their far share of great tunes, but because if there was an album band in the ninties and early 00, it was Radiohead, where each record had it's own distinctive flow and feel.
Containing songs from their six EMI albums (nothing from "In Rainbows" is included here as it was recorded after their contract expired), "The Best Of" is surprisingly well done, with each album represented fairly well, and is a good primer for people who may not know much about Radiohead, or don't own any of their albums.
DISC ONE:
"The Bends" and "OK Computer" are best represented here probably, with five of disc one's tracks coming from "The Bends" and four coming from "OK Computer", while "Pablo Honey", "Kid A" and "Amnesiac" all account for the other eight songs.
Any song here that a caual fan would want are here, from their first hit single through their alt-rock radio staples "Fake Plastic Trees", "High and Dry" and "Karma Police". This disc also features some of their more experimental material, as "Everything In It's Right Place" (which is even odder sounding I think not leading off a record), and "Pyramid Song" represent. The selection of songs on this disc, the one that will be more widely availble as a single disc variation, is strong, and will please the casual listener.
The problems with the disc come down to sequencing, as it is weird to hear "Fake Plastic Trees" between "Optimistic" and "Idioteque". As a group with records that were individual entities, it provides for a slightly incoherant mix, which might confuse people, and doesn't help out the overall flow of the record.
Another problem with the first disc, again the one that is going to be more widely bought over time I have to believe, and I never thought that I would say this being a non-fan of these albums, is that "Amnesiac" and "Hail to the Thief" are underrepresented. By focusing so much on "The Bends" and "OK Computer", still my personal favorite Radiohead discs, it doesn't show Radiohead in it's fullest light. And I have to wonder where is "Sit Down, Stand Up", still one of the best Radiohead songs in my opinion.
But hey, you can't please everyone, so...
DISC TWO:
The bonus disc for this special edition is where you can find more album tracks, and is pretty cool in it's own right. It's pretty interesting to hear "Anyone Can Play Guitar" on the same disc as "I Might Be Wrong" and "The National Anthem". And the selection, too, is strong, with any lesser known more popular favorites (odd statement that), and the inclusion of "True Love Waits", availble on the live EP "I Might Be Wrong" is a nice choice.
The problem with this disc is it renders itself fairly worthless. Not the quality of music (in fact, the stuff from "Amnesiac", my least favorite record from the band, sounds better not on the album itself, if that makes sense), but one has to wonder who needs the second disc. It skimps on new material (no surprise as Radiohead did not endorse of support this product) or even remixes, meaning that fans who dig the band don't need it, and casual fans will shrug it off because the single disc edition already has everything they want.
The packaging and booklet for the record are strong, on par with what you see with most comps of this sort.
Overall, EMI put their work into putting together this record. It features everything that a casuel fan could ask for, and for those who decide to splurge on this edition will get a fairly strong overview of Radiohead's music thus far. It's a strong collection, well put together, flawed but for sure does what it was setting out to do. Fans probably don't need it, but newcomers will enjoy it.

Disc One: I'm well aware the band had no input on this collection, but guess what, half the collections on the market for any band are that way. Onto the songs. First off I think they needed this really. Six albums out, it was time. At 17 tracks I think it's a good amount of songs. My only complaint really is I wish it was in chronological order. However then it would have been easy to see we've got one hit from their debut and SIX tracks from The Bends. As good as that album is I think 4-5 would have been enough, making room for another couple songs. Maybe a b-side or live cut. Still, this is a hits album so it's hard to argue what's included. This is after all meant for the new fan, or the person who thinks they only need one Radiohead release, whoever that guy is.

Disc Two: Like alot of people I'd call a 1-disc Radiohead collection to skimpy, which is why I got this version. Plus I found it extremely cheap, so. This adds another 13 songs, 30 in total which is sweet. You could call them...the minor hits, fan favorites or whatever. It's pretty much the songs you wish were on the first disc, but obviously couldn't be for lack of space. Only one from The Bends this time which is fine, because here we get our b-side and live cut. Both great. Plus two more from Pablo Honey (the most overlooked album). If I could add one more track it would be "How Can You Be Sure" from the soundtrack to the movie Nowhere.

Let me be the 100th person to say that The Bends, OK Computer and Kid A really are essential albums to own. Just ask Rolling Stone. But if you're not that committed, this 130 minutes won't be a "let down".

Radiohead had a concert in Santa Barbara in 2008 that is available as a download from All Songs Considered site and it would have been a dream if the contents of that concert were the songs in this CD's but it's not the case. It is still worth having this as a radiohead fan. "Anyone Can Play Guitar", "Fake Plastic Trees", and especially live "True Love Waits"(favorite track)should be enough to make up for the fun with the concert. The thing is no one stopping anyone from having both so enjoy Radiohead as I always will.

Excuse me my hereticism of view , but after listening to this 2 cds back to back for 2 days on good cosmic mind organic self i could be convince that this is the reencarnation of Pink Floyd . The overall music mind set is just that , incredible music for our times , from early Chicago , to King Crimson ( horns and all ) , with some Young Marble Giants in the way , the Smiths and the Buzzcocks ... Anyway , buy it , steal it , borrow it , estimulate yourself with good soul cosmic music ... Inmerse in the times we live , insane and tragic and lovely fearful and who could really care for me if not myself ...

Radiohead's album "The Bends" and "OK Computer" are among my all-time favourite albums, and as I have never actually owned any of the albums personally, I thought this two CDs compilation could be a good way to get to appreciate some of the later tracks more. When "Kid A" was released in 2000 was very disappointed, and more or less lost interest in the band. I still don't understand how both "Kid A" and "Amnesiac" can be assessed in line with "The Bends" and "OK Computer".

CD one is really sheer pleasure; very nice to hear the songs in a different running order. "Creep" and "There There" blend nicely with the great songs from my two favourite albums.

CD two is a different story with more focus on the later albums, and at the end of the day I realise that I probably should have bought the original albums instead, after all.

Another disappointment was that my favourite non-album track "How Can You Be Sure" was not included on the the compilation - in fact CD 2 would have been a real treat if more of the finest B-sides were included

For casual fans of the melodic side of Radiohead, the single-CD version of the compilation is still very recommendable.

Gorgeous melodies, cerebral yet heartfelt music. It's all here. How pleased was I to see that Radiohead's two most cinematic, epic songs are back-to-back on this glorious 'disc': Let Down and Planet Telex. These songs speak to the humanity of all of us, raising disappointing and somber moments to sublime beauty. So many good songs besides. From the George Orwell 1984 quote 2 + 2 = 5, not a betrayal of any lack of math prowess, to the beloved No Surprises, these songs speak to everyone humanly, poignantly, and with great aplomb. Divine. Enjoy.

I am frequently a late comer to what is hip and cool. I had listened to Radiohead early on (Kid A, the Bends, Pablo Honey) but just didn't get it. In a twisted way I returned to Radiohead after my new found appreciation of groups like Coldplay, Muse, Keane, and the like. This Best of CD may not be all their best music but it is extensive and awesome. I couldn't stop listening to disc one with many of the familiar tunes but eventually found may way into disc two which is just as excellent in its own right. Songs like Let Down and Planet Telex really hold their own, even if they may not be their better known material.

Listening to Radiohead is a unique experience, and the critics were right about this group early on. I remember hearing an interview with Tony Banks from Genesis (one of my musical heroes), and he was asked who he liked in the modern musical scene. His first reply was Radiohead. I tucked that away in the recesses of my cerebrum until I finally "got it" about Radiohead. I can best describe them as a mixture of U2 and Beck. There is clearly the musical talent and the VOICE of Bellamy but there is also a distinctive push into a new style/genre of rock music that sets Radiohead apart.

If you haven't quite gotten into Radiohead, I highly recommend this collection. It has opened my ears to a group that has changed the direction of much of what we here today.