(Music) Thom Yorke: "The Eraser"

Thom Yorke, lead singer of Radiohead, is, by many accounts, one of the most brilliant minds in music today. Since Radiohead debuted in the early 90s, Yorke has been entrancing audiences with his evocative vocals and insightful lyrics. Since the release of “Hail to the Thief” in 2003, Radiohead fans have undoubtedly been waiting for something new from Thom and the gang. Though the next Radiohead is a few months down the road, Thom has been busy crafting his first solo album, “The Eraser.” Returning to the Kid A-ish electronics that originally made me a hardcore Radiohead fan, Yorke has made an album that is extremely memorable and accomplished.

The first song on the album, “The Eraser,” might be the best on the album. The piano and electronics on this track are truly entrancing, sending the listener into an extreme state of relaxation while, at the same time, keeping them fixed on what they are hearing. Yorke’s vocal capabilities, which are sometimes downplayed on many Radiohead albums, are showcased to their full extent here as he sings “The more you try to erase me the more that I appear.” He ends the song in a way that is incredibly reminiscent to “Song 4” on Sigur Rós’ “( ).” Without question, the song is beautiful and brilliant and an incredibly potent way to begin the album.

“The Clock” is a song that sounds like it could have been pulled right off of Kid-A, as it is extremely complex in production, yet seems surprisingly simplistic. In fact, it is this paradox, in many ways, that makes “The Eraser” so engaging and impressive. Almost every song on the album maintains this paradox, and does so brilliantly. “Black Swan” features a pretty steady drum beat with a funky bass line that will undoubtedly have your head shaking well throughout the song, especially as Thom nonchalantly declares “This is f***ed up, f***ed up.” Surprisingly, having this line as the chorus of the song doesn’t make it any less inviting. In fact, it’s one of the most impressive and radio-friendly songs on the album.

Thom once again displays his incredibly understressed vocal abilities on “Skip Divided,” so much so, in fact, that you may check the CD insert to make sure that it’s actually him singing “I’m your lapdog.” His voice is incredibly low on this song, making it entirely different from anything we’ve ever heard from him before. It’s quite startling. “Atoms for Peace” is the next song on the album, and my personal favorite. On this track, Yorke utilizes the other end of his vocal range gorgeously for the chorus as well as a lush environment to sing over. Again, the production paradox is in full force on this song and it’s simply staggering.

“And It Rained All Night” is another stand-out song on the album, featuring an intense drum beat and upbeat tempo. I can see myself, and countless other Radiohead fans, jamming to this one for months, especially when Thom’s hauntingly avows “I can see you but I can never reach you.” This line floats over the perfectly crafted music effortlessly as does Thom’s voice over “Harrowdown Hill.” The album ends quite surprisingly with the flowing chords and glitchy drums of “Cymbal Rush.” It’s not the best song on the album (possibly the worst), but it still manages to hold its own all the way until its abrupt ending.

Thom Yorke’s, “The Eraser” is a beautiful, captivating album full of insightful lyrics and amazing productions. Though Radiohead has been taking it easy the last couple years, it seems as if Thom has been hard at work. Truly, his work has paid off. “The Eraser” is one of the most original albums of the year, and, by far, one of the best. If you’re a Radiohead fan who’s been waiting anxiously for something new, wait no more. Though not a full-band effort, “The Eraser” is definitely something to get excited about and something to tell your friends about.

Recommended for fans of Radiohead, Sigur Rós, and anyone looking to open their minds to the most unique artist in music today.

Key Tracks:

1. "The Eraser"

2. "The Clock"

3. "Black Swan"

4. "Atoms for Peace"

5. "Harrowdown Hill"

5 out of 5 Stars
Buy It!