A cellist, two violinists and a violist player took on the difficult task of making OK Computer sound even more haunting than it already is. This is no easy task, as the original skirts the line between genius and insanity so closely that it”s almost impossible to imitate without sounding contrived. This quartet, named The Section, does it though, without bastardizing the material too much.
- Paul Wong
- The Manifesto<br><br>Dustin J Seibert
They haven”t simply taken Radiohead sheet music and played it, they”ve essentially matched the melancholy feeling and sense of estrangement that is weaved throughout their music. In addition to this mood, their sound is very tight and well orchestrated. For the most part, nothing is out of place and nothing feels overdone. Fortunately, they didn”t feel the need to overcompensate to try to impress the group they”re honoring, a characteristic common to most tribute albums.
As good as this tribute is, it”s still just that, a tribute. There isn”t anything new to this album other than the instruments used to play the music. Also, Radiohead is a band miles ahead of any other rock band in regards to both style and substance. This tribute goes against that sentiment in that it really doesn”t break any new ground. They would have benefited with input from the band themselves. Regrettably, they have no affiliation to them at all.
Also, why are contemporary artists receiving accolades like a tribute album while they”re still making records? This kind of praise should be reserved for bands that have been around for years. It seems a bit premature to do a tribute to a band that released a new CD a few months ago.
If you”re a Radiohead fan, you”re probably going to get this regardless of what anyone says about it. If not, this could conceivably be the gateway album to ease you into their music. Either way, you”ll be satisfied.
Grade: B-