Being recognized as one of the world’s biggest bands is a heavy mantle to wear. Still, no matter what hyperbole comes from the music press or their enthralled fans, Radiohead has worked to earn that title. What started as one of many British shoegaze bands to hop the puddle in the ‘90s has become internationally recognized as one of the most influential bands of our time.
“Creep” was the band’s first big hit, earning endless radio airplay that the moping and lovelorn sang along to every time they heard it. But in successive years, they would experiment far beyond the Brit-pop that introduced them. “The Bends” showed off Thom Yorke’s fine voice and lyrics and earned numerous hits. “OK Computer” was a masterpiece, revealing a fascination with depersonalizing technology that would be explored more fully on “Kid A” and “Amnesiac.”
In 2007, Radiohead took yet another risk by releasing “In Rainbows” online, asking fans to pay what they thought the album was worth. It was received as one of their strongest albums, building on the cohesion of guitar rock, bleak themes and electronic music that fused on “Hail to the Thief.” Don’t wait to get Radiohead tickets. Great albums will be in amble supply during this band’s career. Concert tickets will not.