Track Listing

1. Just
2. Paranoid Android
3. Karma Police
4. Creep
5. No Surprises
6. High and Dry
7. My Iron Lung
8. There There
9. Lucky
10. Fake Plastic Trees
11. Idioteque
12. 2+2=5
13. The Bends
14. Pyramid Song
15. Street Spirit (Fade Out)
16. Everything In Its Right Place

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1367 in Music
• Released on: 2008-06-02
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .20 pounds

CD Description
Collecting some of the best-loved cuts from the band's tenure with Parlophone records, this celebration of Radiohead isthe ideal place for the novice to begin. In no way chronologically or progressively structured, this 'Best Of' containssingles and the more popular album tracks, mostly from the band's first three albums. Material from the second three albums recorded for Parlophone feature less, but notable favourites such as 'Idioteque' and '2+2=5' are worthy inclusions.Monster singles 'Just', 'Paranoid Android' and 'Street Spirit' will be familiar to most, and are prime examples of Radiohead's early/mid period sound.

Customer Reviews

Not one for the purists, but a good general introduction to the band
There are obviously many 'protest' reviews here for this album and, to be honest, I agree with the sentiment. Radiohead are a band which are best savoured album by album, but that's not to say that a very good 'best of' album could be - and has been - easily compiled for those looking for an entry level Radiohead album or simply wanting the 'big' tracks.

Personally, I'd recommend 'The Bends' and 'OK Computer' to start off your Radiohead collection, they're two sensational, essential albums which will probably lead to you buying further Radiohead releases but, failing that, at least get the 2 CD version of 'The Best Of' Radiohead as the second disc may satisfy a casual fan and may actually be all a casual fan would ever need whereas this one disc version will merely whet the appetite.

Giving this album "one star" as a protest really demeans the music, which is sensational. Really, virtually every track on this compilation is a classic slice of artistic rock genius. So, although the concept may be upsetting the existing fans, any album which could introduce Radiohead to a whole new generation of potential Radiohead admirers has to have some value - and it does.

Every track brilliant
Sorry but I have to say there are a lot of elitist Radiohead 'fans' who seem to think they own the band and less knowledgeable need to be kept out. Well apart from their parents all fans started somewhere along the releases and these fantastic tracks will spawn another generation of fans.

Good introduction, but has nothing to offer those who already have the albums
Not everyone is a music nut. Some people only buy two CDs a year. So look on the bright side, some "square" (Noel Gallagher's phrase for the non-music buying public) will probably pick this up along with the new Coldplay at some point this year. Of course they'll hate it because it takes proper effort and commitment to enjoy Radiohead's music.

I have created the Best Of as a playlist on my iPod. I think the first disc is very well sequenced and acceptably representative of their albums (the casual listener will not be interested in the Kid A and Amnesiac albums so I think it is correct that they are mostly ignored). There is also a 2CD version, but the second disc is a bit more patchily selected and sequenced. I think it's considered to be more of a bonus disc rather than an actual continuation of the Best Of?

For fans, don't bother. For the curious, then yes, this is as good an introduction as you can get. I would recommend it, but bare in mind that their music is very obtuse and atonal on first listen. Personally, I find it takes months and a lot of listens to find the melody among their densely produced music, so don't expect to like it without putting in the time and effort.

Should you get the 2CD version? For an extra £3 I think now is not the time to go cheap. I wouldn't pay more than £5 extra for it though.

If you have the albums, just make a playlist and save your money.