Radiohead

Radiohead
Country	United Kingdom
Style	Alternative Rock
Year	1993

Radiohead is a band from the United Kingdom that is very influential in music, and was especially so during the 1990s. They have had eight albums, five EPs and one live album. Singer/guitarist/pianist Thom Yorke has had one solo album, and guitarist Jonny Greenwood has composed soundtracks for major motion pictures such as There Will Be Blood.

Early Years

The band was formed in high school by Thom Yorke and bassist Colin Greenwood. Drummer Phil Selway was added shortly after forming as was guitarist Ed O' Brien. Greenwood's younger brother Jonny would tag along to band practices at their mother's request and after begging to become a member numerous times, he was added as a harmonica player. He soon moved to keyboards and eventually lead guitar. The band were originally called 'on a friday' - reflecting their practice schedule. They played together under this name throughout their school years and then during university vacations whilst the bands members were studying.

After completing their studies the band were signed to Parlaphone Records and changed their name to Radiohead. They released their debut album, 'Pablo Honey', then 'The Bends', before the highly acclaimed 'OK Computer' - a regular high placing entry in critics 'best albums of all time' lists even twelve years after it's initial release.

Due to the success of 'OK Computer', the band were given absolute artistic freedom to record anything they liked for their next release. The band went against expectations, and rather than record another guitar based 'britpop' style record, released the electronica influenced 'Kid A', later albums continued this trend throughout the remainder of their recording contract with Parlaphone.

Digital Sale

No longer signed to a major label, the band decided not to sign with another big label for their next album. Radiohead's 2007 album In Rainbows is notable for being the first major blockbuster release by a major band to be released for free. Upon the album's release, the record label sold it through InRainbows.com, where customers had the option to enter whatever price they wanted to pay (including $0). Similar practices have since been used by other major artists such as Nine Inch Nails and Girl Talk.

Releases

Albums

• Pablo Honey (1993)
• The Bends (1995)
• OK Computer (1997)
• Kid A (2000)
• Amnesiac (2001)
• Hail to the Thief (2003)
• In Rainbows (2007)
• The King of Limbs (2011)

EPs and B-Sides

• Drill (1992)
• My Iron Lung (1994)
• No Surprises / Running From Demons (1997)
• Airbag / How Am I Driving? (1998)
• Com Lag (2003)

Live Albums

• I Might Be Wrong (2001)