The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

February 18th, 2011 not only marked the one-week anniversary of the ousting of Hosni Mubarak; but it was also the release date
of the one of the most anticipated albums of the year, Radiohead’s King of Limbs.

Aside from some independent work with
musical producer Nigel Godrich, this is the first commercial release by Radiohead in four years ever since their last album In Rainbows was released for digital
download.

Radiohead enthusiasts and casual listeners
alike were all anxious to hear the changes that usually come to the band’s
sound with every new album. Fans hoping for something completely different may be
disappointed with King of Limbs,
which seems more like an attempt at maintaining their status-quo than presenting
a delightful musical experiment like they usually do.

It seems that Radiohead has recycled many
familiar musical elements and poured them all into the new album. Elements like
the glitch-y beats they introduced with OK
Computer and even heavy jazz influences reminiscent of their older albums.

More disappointing is Thom Yorke’s lack of
ambition. A great singer and songwriter, it seems that he’s found a profitable
niche for his voice; a hauntingly chill moaning that showcases most if not all
the songs on the album, completely disregarding the rest of his vocal ability.

Aside from tracks ‘Give up the Ghost’ and ‘Codex,’
you’d think that they’ve just reshuffled the arrangement of one beat, added
different lyrics, the same vocals and a slight melody to create the rest of the
six tracks on King of Limbs.

‘Lotus Flower’ is the first single released
off the album, featuring powerful lyrics, Thom’s haunting vocals and the
oh-so-popular fault beat made this single an instant success. However, listeners
may be disappointed to find that the majority of the tracks sounding too
similar.

‘Little by Little’ has commercial appeal
and is one of the catchiest tracks on the album. The track sounds like a
variation of ‘Lotus Flower ‘with a heavier emphasis on the melody and
easy-to-catch vocals, making it probably the most mainstream track off the
album. Although it’s likeable, the track quickly becomes boring, if not all
together unbearable.

If you were looking for something
completely new on King of Limbs then
you’re going to be heavily disappointed; but if you don’t mind a consistent and
lovable (yet redundant) sound of Radiohead – then you’ll love it.