13/January/98
Radiohead Single - No Surprises 9/10

Radiohead have released their new single 'No Surprises' taken from their 'OK Computer' album through Parlophone. To appreciate the full extent of the song, as with any Radiohead, you really need to seem them perform live. To give you an idea of what they do sound like CD2 has live versions of 'Lucky' and 'Airbag'.

The single version of 'No Surprises' is exactly the same as the one on the album, fantastic riffs, enthralling vocals and of course what makes the song? A glockenspiel type thing! Still Thom Yorke manages to convince everyone that he is singing to them and nobody else. Magical. However even better are the b-sides - 'Palo Alto' is possibly the best ever Radiohead b-side. Could it be? A mix of the most lacerated guitar ever gives it has a neu/alternative-rock feel. Sounds quite Bends-y actually. 'How I Made My Millions', recorded by Thom Yorke apparently on his MiniDisc recorder (a man of taste!) is a solo track with Thom on piano and vocals, incredibly touching. Hey it must be cool because it's lo-fi right? Nah - seriously, the b-sides on this CD are two masterpieces. Anyone who feels the need to buy a single now will be getting this WON'T THEY?

reviewed by Thomas Betts