The classic Radiohead album The Bends turned 30 this week (don't think about how old that makes you, don't think about ittttt) and the fine five fellas from Oxfordshire did us all a solid in its honor and dropped a playlist of Bends-era singles and B-sides, which led to me rediscovering one of my absolute favorite Radiohead tracks that I had 100% forgotten about -- "The Trickster" was released on their 1994 EP My Iron Lung which is perhaps their best non-album output? If you've never listened to it then you're missing out -- even just their acoustic version of "Creep" is perfection. But "Trickster" -- goddamn this song will get me dancing and somehow I hadn't listened to it in years and years until it popped up on my commute this morning and I almost turned the train into a Spike Jonze video I was so amped. Anyway happy 30 to The Bends, the album that really made me fall in love with Radiohead -- that said there's "love" and then there's "lifelong soul-deep obsession" and that took their next record OK Computer; once OKC came out I was lost unto Thom and the gang forever and ever. And I have never doubted my devotion for a moment since!
In related news this didn't seem worthy of a post on its own since it's such vague news as to be unsubstantial for the moment, but last week our favorite British five-some registered a new LLP called "RHEUK25 LLP" which has for decades been a sign that they're up to something -- since they've ditched having a label and release all of their music themselves they do this every time they are preparing to release or do something new. (Could be a tour, could be a re-release of old work, or -- heavens to betsy -- it could be their first brand new album in over a decade.) It's real boring in its details so click that link if you care -- just know I can feel the ground shaking beneath me and I am very very very excited about it.