In Rainbows – Radiohead
Aug 10, 2026 · 58m
Summary
Hosts Adam Maness and Peter Erskine analyze Radiohead’s 2007 album *In Rainbows*, discussing its guitar-driven sound, complex harmonies, and innovative "pay-what-you-want" release. They explore why jazz musicians appreciate the band’s compositional depth and review key tracks like "15 Step" and "Reckoner." The episode concludes with a comparison to *Kid A* and a call for listener questions.
Topics discussed
Intro and introducing Radiohead's In Rainbows
Listening to 15 Step and discussing odd time signatures
Analyzing the blend of mechanical and organic sounds
In Rainbows resurgence and millennial nostalgia
The pay-what-you-want release model and label independence
Harmonic analysis and jazz influences in the music
Why jazz musicians connect with Radiohead's harmony
Listening to Weird Fishes Arpeggi and form analysis
Promoting the Weird Fishes piano lesson
Listening to All I Need and Faust Arp
Discussing production, mixing, and reverb effects
Personal fandom stories and Thom Yorke's vocal range
Listening to House of Cards and discussing intonation
Radiohead's classic run from OK Computer to In Rainbows
Comparing artist runs and final album ratings
Closing thoughts on 2000s music and Kanye West
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