From Abingdon, Oxfordshire, Radiohead are one of the most revered bands ever to come out of England, with their 'OK Computer' album often topping 'greatest albums' polls.

Radiohead's first hit single, the powerful 'Creep', was released in 1992, and made the UK top ten singles chart. Their debut album, 'Pablo Honey', was released in 1993. Radiohead's next two albums - 'The Bends (1995)' and 'OK Computer (1997)' - cemented the band's place among the most original and gifted rock groups of all-time.

In recent years Radiohead have embraced the internet, and took the bold step of releasing their seventh studio album, 'In Rainbows', initially as a download - with fans paying what they thought appropriate. Though seen by some at the time as foolhardy, it's now been seen as a commercial success, as well as enhancing the band's altruistic credentials.

For an example of what Radiohead stand for, then 'Fitter Happier' from 'OK Computer' would be the track of choice. In an age where it's the aim of so many to be famous for just being famous, Radiohead are the antithesis of such sad ambition.

- Paul Rance/booksmusicfilmstv.com.

In Rainbows - available from Amazon.co.uk

Radiohead's multi-talented line-up is: Thom Yorke: lead vocals, rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, piano; Jonny Greenwood: lead guitar, keyboards, modular synthesizer, Ondes Martenot, glockenspiel, et al; Ed O'Brien: effects guitar, harmony vocals, auxiliary percussion; Colin Greenwood: bass guitar, keyboards, synthesizers, sampler; Phil Selway: drums, percussion.

Overview

Radiohead is regarded as being among the most fearlessly creative bands of their era, although they are not universally popular. In general, their music is more complex than that of other pop musicians, incorporating a wide range of influences across genres and time periods, but they identify with the punk and post-punk movements rather than with progressive rock.

Radiohead have sometimes been cited as an "outsider" band within the mainstream, or vice versa. Some fans assume the band to be the natural inheritors of the mantle of R.E.M., Pink Floyd or even The Beatles, though Radiohead have not enjoyed the same commercial success as these groups; Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon has so far sold over 40 million copies worldwide, whereas Radiohead's much-acclaimed OK Computer has sold just over 8.4 million copies. However, reportedly members of these bands cited Radiohead numerous times as one of the greatest modern rock bands. Examples include Michael Stipe (at one point a quasi-mentor to Thom), who is a great fan of the band's output, and Paul McCartney, who lists them as one of his personal favourite acts.

Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood are chiefly responsible for songwriting, with Yorke initiating a song and Greenwood developing it, though the entire band is often involved. They all contribute lyrical and artistic ideas to each step of writing and recording music.

All five members are highly respected musicians. Jonny Greenwood in particular is an incredibly talented and versatile musician; he is currently the BBC's Composer in Residence and is adept at numerous instruments aside from the guitar, notably the Ondes Martenot, harmonica and many that have never been recorded. Ed O'Brien, apart from his normal duties as guitarist, is a gifted drummer as well.

This versatility and openness in the band has grown more pronounced over time. In recent years, especially, band members have embraced less clearly defined roles in the band. For example, bassist Colin Greenwood wrote much of "Dollars & Cents", a track on Amnesiac, by playing string samples from Alice Coltrane's work on top of a simple bassline, inspiring his brother Jonny's subsequent arrangement. Yorke switched to bass guitar on the song "The National Anthem". During an average live show one can expect all of them, with the exception of drummer Selway, to play an assortment of instruments.

Producer Nigel Godrich has worked with the band since the recording of The Bends, where he assisted producer John Leckie. He has contributed significantly to their sound, and has often been dubbed the "sixth member" of the band. However, after 5 recorded LPs and numerous EPs with the band, he won't contribute to Radiohead's follow-up to Hail to the Thief. Graphic artist Stanley Donwood is another candidate for "sixth member". He originally met Yorke at the University of Exeter and has produced, with Yorke's help, all of the artwork for the band since their My Iron Lung EP. He also has a great deal of influence over the public image of the band and input into the themes and concepts of Yorke's lyrics. Yorke is always credited under an alias, usually "Tchock", "Tchocky", or "Dr. Tchock", when collaborating with Donwood. The two also created the band's official website together at Radiohead.com.

Early influences include The Beatles, Cardiacs (whom the band supported early in their career), The Smiths, Elvis Costello, Joy Division, Pixies, Talking Heads, Roxy Music, R.E.M., and the Jam, among others. Later influences have included jazz musicians like Charles Mingus, Miles Davis, Ornette Coleman and Krautrock pioneers such as Kraftwerk, Neu! and Can, whose song "Thief" Radiohead have covered live. Electronic music artists like Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, and Autechre have also been cited as important influences on Kid A and Amnesiac. The work of Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki informed some of Radiohead's string-oriented songs such as "How To Disappear Completely", but more significantly, French composer Olivier Messiaen, who made much use of the Ondes Martenot, is a longtime idol of Jonny Greenwood, whose work is held in high regard by the band. Members of Radiohead are also fans of reggae, dub reggae, and classic soul music, particularly Booker T & the MGs for Colin. The band have expressed love for OutKast and old school hip-hop. Artists they have invited to open for them on tour include Sigur Rós, Supergrass, Spiritualized, Sparklehorse, Stephen Malkmus (of Pavement), Low, Clinic, Four Tet and the Beta Band, among others.

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RADIOHEAD LINKS

Radiohead.com The official Radiohead website. The Messageboard has gathered a cult following. Members of the band occasionally post there.
W.A.S.T.E. Products Ltd. Official information service, fan club and Radiohead merchandise store.
Talk In Maths: 'A Not Even Remotely Official Radiohead FAQ' Site packed with general information and facts about the band.
Radiohead News Latest headlines on Radiohead.
At Ease The largest fansite with detailed information on the band. Has an extremely popular message board.
Green Plastic Another large Radiohead fan and news site. Very reliable source for Radiohead.
Radiohead lyrics Radiohead lyrics.
Monkey Picture Soundtrack An independent transcription and analysis of Radiohead's lyrics, devoted to demystifying Yorke's unclear vocal deliveries.
Pulk-Pull An on-going investigation of the band's music and art.