Originally Posted by
Pretty Boy
Agree that both Kid A and Amnesiac are probably a bit harder going than earlier works like OK Computer or The Bends.
When Kid A was being recorded there was a lot of tension within the band with rumours of a split and whatever. Thom Yorke was pretty severely depressed at the time and had writers block, he had also became quite obsessed with electro and more obscure instruments, this was refelcted in his solo album released later. The sound wasn't really classic Radiohead although i still really liked it as well as 'sister' album Amnesiac.
Since then they have moved musical style again, Hail To The Thief drew influence from all the previous albums with a lot of guitar driven tracks although it still carried an undercurrent of the electro sound.
IMO the last album In rainbows has a strong claim to be the best Radiohead album. The whole album just seemed to flow IMO and was a very easy listen whilst maintaining the complexity of sound that makes Radiohead the band they are.
The newest album is in the same bracket really, guitar driven, electro undercurrents but more accessible than Kid A or Amnesiac. If you like OK Computer then In Rainbows and King of Limbs are worth trying.