Radiohead

Formed back in 1986 by a group of five boys, 'Radiohead' initially called themselves 'On a Friday'. The band members Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O'Brien, Colin Greenwood, and Phil Selway met in a British boy's school and played their first gig on a Friday in September 1986, at Oxford's Jericho Tavern. They quit playing for four years while attending university and by 1991 began performing again. 1993 saw Radiohead releasing their first album, 'Pablo Honey' which contains hit tracks such as 'Thinking About You', 'Creep', 'Anyone Can Play Guitar', and 'You'. During the 'Pablo Honey' tour the band nearly broke up under the pressure of their sudden success, but soon got back together to work on their next album. Their EP 'My Iron Lung' was released before their second album; this marked Radiohead's transition from their blend of pop and rock in their first album to their now trade mark sounds. 'The Bends', their second album was released in 1995. Their single 'Street Sprit' rapidly climbed the UK music charts, making it into the top five. In 1997, Radiohead released 'OK Computer' which received high acclaim and finally earned them due respect. This album also won them a Grammy for Best Alternative Album. By 1998, they released two more EPs namely 'No Surprises/Running from Demons' and 'Airbag/How Am I Driving?'. 'Kid A', was released in October 2000; it caught the attention of both the music industry and their fans because of their different sound. With this album, Radiohead managed to break out of the stereotype mold critics had stuck them with and made their presence felt in the music world. The album received the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album. With the release of their next album 'Amnesiac', Radiohead ventured into the genre of electronic music, avant garde, jazz and art rock. Their sixth album 'Hail to the Thief' was released in 2003. Though termed by critics as 'playing safe', this album gained swift momentum on the charts. The single 'There There' peaked at number 4 on the UK charts, and other singles from the album including with 'Go to Sleep' and '2+2=5' reached the top twenty. Termed as one of the most experimental bands of all times, Radiohead fans eagerly await their next album to discover the band's new favorite in the genres on music.