Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool 2xLP Vinyl Record
Released in 2016 was iconic British rock band Radiohead's highly anticipated ninth studio album "A Moon Shaped Pool." Radiohead worked on the album intermittently after finishing the 2012 tour for their previous album, "The King of Limbs." Working in southern France with long-time producer Nigel Godrich, it includes several songs written some years earlier; "True Love Waits" dates to at least 1995, "Burn the Witch" to 2000, and "Present Tense" to 2008.
The album features strings and choral vocals arranged by Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood and performed by the London Contemporary Orchestra. The sounds are a fusion of many musical styles such as alternative, electronica, ambient, classical, chamber music, choirs, jazz, folk and more. The musicianship features the bands usual first-class songwriting. Here, Radiohead achieve the improbable feat of never slipping into the bombastic, despite all the stops they pull out, but instead make their new songs sound and act minimalist and organic.
Pressed on Classic Black Vinyl
Staff Review:
Throughout the years, audiences have seen countless rock bands become grow weary in their later years, seemingly losing momentum and their ability to resonate with listeners. Which is why in 2016 when Radiohead released their ninth studio album “A Moon Shaped Pool,” listeners were shocked by the intimacy, emotion, musical scope and overall quality of the album. Through their compelling music and a constantly evolving sound, Radiohead have consistently made massive impacts with each release.
“A Moon Shaped Pool” preserves the continuous evolution of Radiohead's sound. Always approaching from a different direction, this album sees the band taking their classic rock to a more electronic, ambient and orchestral domain. Tom Yorke’s light and falsetto vocals are beautifully layered with the remarkable strings and choir of the London Contemporary Orchestra, and the stripped down, spacious approach of the percussion, guitar-work, bass, synths and the piano lends the album a deep, emotional and alluring atmosphere.
“A Moon Shaped Pool” is a remarkable testament to the timelessness and brilliance of Radiohead’s songwriting. The album features some of Yorke's finest lyrics, compositions and arrangements to date. These lyrics help take each track through a dark yet gorgeous journey that is constantly evolving and moving in different directions.
Upon learning that the album features songs both new and old, I was surprised. The songs written years or decades before "A Moon Shaped Pool’s” release haven't aged and fit seamlessly into the structure of the album. A song that has become a fan favourite through live performances and piracy, “True Love Waits” is rich in melody and beauty and acts as beautiful final number for the album.
One of the most emotional, intimate, dark and beautiful releases from one of rocks most revered bands, Radiohead’s “A Moon Shaped Pool” features a more barebones approach to music. This seems to be a sign of the band maturing, however, they are not losing any of their creative brilliance. Due to its rich emotional quality, this album will always hold a distinct place in my music collection.
9/10 - Handsome Will
TRACKLISTING
Side A:
- Burn The Witch
- Daydreaming
- Decks Dark
- Desert Island Disk
- Ful Stop
- Glass Eyes
- Identikit
- The Numbers
- Present Tense
- Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor Rich Man Poor Man Beggar Man Thief
- True Love Waits
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