"It's the best thing that you ever had".
The JOE office is usually a place of happiness and universal agreement, however, there's one topic that causes an unholy argument in a way that hasn't been seen since the famous 'best chocolate bar' debate of 2013.
What's the best album that Radiohead have ever made?
Some suggest that it's their '97 masterpiece 'OK Computer' that effortlessly defied genres, pushed boundaries and still continues to astound on repeat listens.
Meanwhile, 'Kid A' is one of the most perfect '3am albums' that you'll ever hear as the band took a more sombre, introverted and radical approach to their music.
Another JOE writer is defiant in his belief that 'In Rainbows' is the culmination of everything that Radiohead have perfected on their preceding albums.
For me though it's The Bends. Always has been and always will be because it's the perfect bridge album while also establishing the bands unique quirkiness and sonic idiosyncrasies.
What do I mean by this?
Their first album, Pablo Honey, was heavily grunge-influenced and it seems that the collective whole of Radiohead's debut record was somewhat ignored and cast aside when compared to the massive popularity of their breakthrough anthem Creep.
The band needed to distance themselves from that track.
1995 saw the divorce referendum being passed in Ireland while Jack Charlton left the Irish managerial position, just like the these changes in Irish society, Radiohead were about to do break away from the rest of the indie scene.
The Bends simply didn't fit into an alternative music scene that became fractured after the death of Kurt Cobain.
That's its brilliance.
At the time, bands like Silverchair and Collective Soul were still trying to ride the crest of the grunge wave while the so-called “Battle of Britpop” between Blur and Oasis took the centre stage.
Artists like Alanis Morrisette, PJ Harvey and Bjork were blazing a trail for talented female musicians while electronic and trip-hop acts (Massive Attack, Moby, and Chemical Brothers) were filling the dancefloors and clubs around England.
So where exactly were Radiohead in this new musical landscape? They were happy to be left alone and ignored.
The Bends triumphed by not being categorized, a blueprint that the band have followed ever since, but that's not the only reason why it's a modern masterpiece.
When you hold the album up against the massively monopolized and diluted music industry that existed at the start of the 21st century its importance only grows.
The turn of the millennium saw pop take over the radio as artists like The Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Destiny’s Child, Ricky Martin, Shakira, and Enrique Iglesias were prominent on the airwaves.
What did rock n' roll have to counteract this 'Mouseketeer invasion'? Creed, Nickelback, Kid Rock, Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit. Neither of these acts are exactly what you would call stellar.
The Bends was already a stunning album on its release but this sense that rock music hadn't progressed in the five years after it first landed on the shelves only added to its brilliance.
The Bends is a wonderful album and the task of choosing its 5 best songs is almost impossible.
We'll still give it a go.
5. Black Star
The album is a seminal one for the band in more than one way because it marked the first time that they ever worked with producer Nigel Godrich, he has worked on every one of their albums since.
Godrich pushed for a more abrasive style from guitarist/genius Jonny Greewnood and he responded in style with this track.
The Bends demonstrated his ability to play straight up classical riffs with that unique ability of his to use loops, distortion and feedback (Planet Telex and Sulk spring to mind).
This track also belongs to Yorke's because his ever maturing lyrics managed to capture that feeling of being trapped in a meaningless relationship.
The singer was 26 at the time of The Bends, frustrated with the industries need to pigeonhole the band and disillusioned with a seemingly never ending tour of Pablo Honey.
Radiohead were close to breaking up before going into the studio and this song is arguably the best example of his apathetic, detached and agitated state of mind.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYcI4ScPI_M
4. My Iron Lung
In many ways, Thom Yorke is one of the most influential singers in modern music.
While Liam Gallagher was beating his chest in ballsy acts of bravado and Damon Albarn was frantically trying to shake off the 'cheeky chappy' tag, Radiohead's frontman was happily embracing his introverted persona and hitting falsettos that weren't the norm in alternative music.
He didn't need to be angry, screaming or show-offy on this track because Greenwood's guitar playing is so loud, aggressive and bold that it almost feels like he's grabbing you by the collar and pulling you closer to his amps.
That transition from melodic harmony into a cacophony of sonic blasts, mosh pits and angry guitars at 02:00 is still one of the finest examples of why Radiohead have reigned supreme for over two decades.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bEGkFR9oRA
3. High and Dry
In an interview with Pitchfork, Thom Yorke stated that he did not like the song, saying "It's not bad... it's very bad".
Despite their aversion to the finished track, it's testament to Radiohead's remarkable talent that most other acts could go an eternity without ever writing a song as good as this.
Yes, it's not their most complex or technically astounding song but there's a reason why it's arguably their most radio friendly song of all-time.
Simplicity.
People resonate with the timeless lyrics, it's wonderfully atmospheric and Greenwood's acoustic guitar has that incredible ability to draw you in and then elevate your soul.
This is the sound of a person falling apart and then being put back together again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKkr29EGc-Y
2. Just
There probably have been times when Radiohead wished that they could just play a few stripped back venues where they can see the whites of eyes from their adoring fans but there's one simple truth.
The band are massive.
'Just' is probably the finest example of a stadium anthem in their catalogue while Greenwood's technique of using two palm-muted strums helps fuel this track with four minutes of pure adrenaline.
It's also arguably one of the last Radiohead songs that used a straight up guitar solo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_qMagfZtv8
1. Fake Plastic Trees
Fake Plastic Trees is that rarity, a song that takes the time to draw the listener in and immerse them in the tone, feel and headspace of the singer.
The opening chords are stripped back much in the same way that Yorke stripped back any inhibitions that he may have had about bearing his soul as a singer.
You get the feeling that the Radiohead frontman is on the brink of either bursting his lungs or breaking down in a flood of tears.
The lyrics are deliberately left vague and open so listeners can project their own feelings onto the tune and draw their own conclusions.
Loss, heartache, longing and quiet reflection are all prevalent on this incredible track and I defy anyone not to get goosebumps at the 2:40 minute mark when the drums kick in, Yorke's voice soars and the guitar takes hold.
The real genius of this song is that it can be played to an intimate room of just 8 people or a stadium of 80,000 people and still have the same effect.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUJP0BwWB5Q
