Radiohead: The Best Of

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Radiohead: The Best Of
Radiohead the best of.jpg
Greatest hits album by
Radiohead
Released2 June 2008
Length75:30
130:50 (special edition)
Label
Producer
Radiohead chronology
Radiohead Box Set
(2007)		Radiohead: The Best Of
(2008)		 In Rainbows – From the Basement
(2008)

Radiohead: The Best Of is a greatest hits album by the English rock band Radiohead. It was released on 2 June 2008 by Parlophone Records in the UK and by Capitol Records in the US, subsidiaries of EMI. It contains songs from Radiohead's first six albums, recorded while they were under contract with EMI. The Best Of debuted at number four on the UK Albums Chart and received mostly positive reviews. Radiohead had no creative input and were critical of the release.

Contents

Content

The standard edition of The Best Of contains 17 tracks from Radiohead's first six albums. [1] The special edition contains a second CD with 13 additional tracks, including the B-side "Talk Show Host" and a live performance of "True Love Waits" from I Might Be Wrong: Live Recordings (2001). [2] A DVD compilation with 21 music videos, including nine never before released on DVD, was also released. [3]

Release

Radiohead recorded their first six albums under contract with EMI. In 2007, after Radiohead chose not to renew their contract, EMI released The Best Of and a box set of Radiohead albums to boost their revenue. [4] Radiohead had no creative input into the releases and were reportedly "enraged", seeing best-of compilations as typical of artists in decline. [4] The singer, Thom Yorke, said:

There's nothing we can do about it. The work is really public property now anyway... It's a wasted opportunity in that if we'd been behind it, and we wanted to do it, then it might have been good ... And now it's like when you move house – you don't want to peer through the window and see what they've done with the wallpaper because it will only upset you. [5]

In 2016, Radiohead's back catalogue was transferred to XL Recordings. [6] The Best Of and the "special editions" of Radiohead albums, issued by EMI in the same year without Radiohead's approval, were removed from streaming services. [6] [7]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [8]
NME (8/10) [9]
Pitchfork (4/10) [2]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [10]
The Times Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [11]

Radiohead: The Best Of debuted at number four on the UK Albums Chart and received generally positive reviews.[ citation needed ] The Pitchfork critic Scott Plagenhoef praised the songs, but felt the compilation was unnecessary as Radiohead did not have a "winding, difficult discography to navigate". He wrote that the standard edition contained too many songs from their 90s albums The Bends and OK Computer , and that the expanded special edition missed an opportunity to collect B-sides or rarities. [2]

Track listing

All songs written by Radiohead (Colin Greenwood, Ed O'Brien, Jonny Greenwood, Philip Selway, and Thom Yorke), except where noted.

Disc 1 (Standard Edition)
No.TitleWriter(s)AlbumLength
1."Just"Radiohead The Bends , 19953:55
2."Paranoid Android"Radiohead OK Computer , 19976:27
3."Karma Police"RadioheadOK Computer, 19974:25
4."Creep"Radiohead, Albert Hammond, Mike Hazlewood Pablo Honey , 19934:00
5."No Surprises"RadioheadOK Computer, 19973:50
6."High and Dry"RadioheadThe Bends, 19954:18
7."My Iron Lung"RadioheadThe Bends, 19954:36
8."There There"Radiohead Hail to the Thief , 20035:22
9."Lucky"RadioheadOK Computer, 19974:21
10."Optimistic" (edit)Radioheadedited version previously unreleased; original from Kid A , 20004:53
11."Fake Plastic Trees"RadioheadThe Bends, 19954:52
12."Idioteque" (edit)Radiohead, Arthur Kreiger, Paul Lansky edited version previously unreleased; original fromKid A, 20004:35
13."2 + 2 = 5"RadioheadHail to the Thief, 20033:21
14."The Bends"RadioheadThe Bends, 19954:08
15."Pyramid Song"Radiohead Amnesiac , 20014:50
16."Street Spirit (Fade Out)"RadioheadThe Bends, 19954:13
17."Everything in Its Right Place"RadioheadKid A, 20004:13

Note: "Optimistic" (Edit) is only on some releases of the album.

Disc 2 (Special Edition)
No.TitleWriter(s)AlbumLength
1."Airbag"RadioheadOK Computer, 19974:44
2."I Might Be Wrong"RadioheadAmnesiac, 20014:54
3."Go to Sleep"RadioheadHail to the Thief, 20033:21
4."Let Down"RadioheadOK Computer, 19974:59
5."Planet Telex"RadioheadThe Bends, 19954:19
6."Exit Music (For a Film)"RadioheadOK Computer, 19974:24
7."The National Anthem"RadioheadKid A, 20005:51
8."Knives Out"RadioheadAmnesiac, 20014:17
9."Talk Show Host"RadioheadB-side to "Street Spirit (Fade Out)", 19964:14
10."You"RadioheadPablo Honey, 19933:29
11."Anyone Can Play Guitar"RadioheadPablo Honey, 19933:37
12."How to Disappear Completely"RadioheadKid A, 20005:56
13."True Love Waits" (live)Radiohead I Might Be Wrong: Live Recordings , 20015:02

Charts and certifications

Charts

ChartPeak
Position
Australian Albums Chart [12] 10
Austrian Albums Chart [13] 23
Belgian Albums Chart (Flanders) [14] 1
Belgian Albums Chart (Wallonia) [15] 3
Canadian Albums Chart [16] 10
Danish Albums Chart [17] 16
Dutch Albums Chart [18] 9
Finnish Albums Chart [19] 35
French Albums Chart [20] 39
German Albums Chart [21] 38
Italian Albums Chart [22] 7
Irish Albums Chart [23] 1
New Zealand Albums Chart [24] 6
Norwegian Albums Chart [25] 17
Portuguese Albums Chart [26] 3
Scottish Albums Chart [27] 6
Spanish Albums Chart [28] 31
Swiss Albums Chart [20] 12
UK Albums Chart [29] 4
US Billboard 200 [30] 26
US Billboard 200 (Two-disc version) [30] 81

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Belgium (BEA) [31] Gold15,000*
France (SNEP) [32] Platinum100,000*
Ireland (IRMA) [33] Platinum15,000^
Italy (FIMI) [34]
sales since 2009 		Platinum60,000*
Poland (ZPAV) [35] Gold10,000*
United Kingdom (BPI) [36] Platinum300,000^

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

Radiohead are an English rock band formed in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, in 1985. They comprise Thom Yorke ; brothers Jonny Greenwood and Colin Greenwood (bass); Ed O'Brien ; and Philip Selway. They have worked with the producer Nigel Godrich and the cover artist Stanley Donwood since 1994. Radiohead's experimental approach is credited with advancing the sound of alternative rock.

<i>OK Computer</i> 1997 studio album by Radiohead

OK Computer is the third studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released on 21 May 1997. With their producer, Nigel Godrich, Radiohead recorded most of OK Computer in their rehearsal space in Oxfordshire and the historic mansion of St Catherine's Court in Bath in 1996 and early 1997. They distanced themselves from the guitar-centred, lyrically introspective style of their previous album, The Bends. OK Computer's abstract lyrics, densely layered sound and eclectic influences laid the groundwork for Radiohead's later, more experimental work.

<i>Kid A</i> 2000 studio album by Radiohead

Kid A is the fourth studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released on 2 October 2000 by Parlophone. It was recorded with their producer, Nigel Godrich, in Paris, Copenhagen, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Departing from their earlier sound, Radiohead incorporated influences from electronic music, krautrock, jazz and 20th-century classical music, with a wider range of instruments and effects. The singer, Thom Yorke, wrote impersonal and abstract lyrics, cutting up phrases and assembling them at random.

<i>Amnesiac</i> (album) 2001 studio album by Radiohead

Amnesiac is the fifth studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released on 30 May 2001 by EMI. It was recorded with the producer Nigel Godrich in the same sessions as Radiohead's previous album Kid A (2000). Radiohead split the work in two as they felt it was too dense for a double album. As with Kid A, Amnesiac incorporates influences from electronic music, 20th-century classical music, jazz and krautrock. The final track, "Life in a Glasshouse", is a collaboration with the jazz trumpeter Humphrey Lyttelton and his band.

<i>The Bends</i> (album) 1995 studio album by Radiohead

The Bends is the second studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released on 13 March 1995 by Parlophone. It was produced by John Leckie, with extra production by Radiohead, Nigel Godrich and Jim Warren. The Bends combines guitar songs and ballads, with more restrained arrangements and cryptic lyrics than Radiohead's debut album, Pablo Honey (1993).

<i>Pablo Honey</i> 1993 studio album by Radiohead

Pablo Honey is the debut studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released on 22 February 1993 in the UK by Parlophone and on 20 April 1993 in the US by Capitol Records. It was produced by Sean Slade, Paul Q. Kolderie and Radiohead's co-manager Chris Hufford.

<i>Hail to the Thief</i> 2003 studio album by Radiohead

Hail to the Thief is the sixth studio album by the English rock band Radiohead. It was released on 9 June 2003 through Parlophone internationally and a day later through Capitol Records in the United States. It was the last album released under Radiohead's record contract with EMI, the parent company of Parlophone and Capitol.

<i>My Iron Lung</i> 1994 EP by Radiohead

My Iron Lung is the third EP by the English rock band Radiohead, released on 26 September 1994 by Parlophone Records in the UK and by Capitol Records in the US. It was produced by Radiohead, John Leckie and Nigel Godrich. It marked Radiohead's first collaborations with Godrich and the artist Stanley Donwood, who have worked on every Radiohead release since.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">High and Dry / Planet Telex</span> 1995 single by Radiohead

"High and Dry" and "Planet Telex" are songs by the English rock band Radiohead. They were released as a double-A side single from Radiohead's second album, The Bends (1995), on 27 February 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Creep (Radiohead song)</span> 1992 single by Radiohead

"Creep" is the debut single by the English rock band Radiohead, released on 21 September 1992 by EMI. It was included as the second track of Radiohead's debut album, Pablo Honey (1993). It features "blasts" of guitar noise by Jonny Greenwood and lyrics describing an obsessive unrequited attraction.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radiohead discography</span>

The English rock band Radiohead have released nine studio albums, one live album, five compilation albums, one remix album, nine video albums, seven EPs, 32 singles, and 48 music videos. Their debut album, Pablo Honey, released in February 1993, reached number 22 in the UK, receiving platinum certifications in the UK and US. Their debut single, "Creep", remains their most successful, entering the top 10 in several countries. Their second album, The Bends, released in March 1995, reached number four in the UK and is certified triple platinum.

<i>The Eraser</i> 2006 studio album by Thom Yorke

The Eraser is the debut solo album by the English musician Thom Yorke, released on 10 July 2006 through XL Recordings. It was produced by Nigel Godrich, the longtime producer for Yorke's band Radiohead.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nude (song)</span> 2008 single by Radiohead

"Nude" is a song by the English rock band Radiohead. It was released in March 2008 as the second single from their seventh studio album, In Rainbows (2007).

<i>In Rainbows</i> 2007 studio album by Radiohead

In Rainbows is the seventh studio album by the English rock band Radiohead. It was self-released on 10 October 2007 as a pay-what-you-want download, followed by a retail release internationally through XL Recordings on 3 December 2007 and in North America through TBD Records on 1 January 2008. It was Radiohead's first release after their recording contract with EMI ended with their album Hail to the Thief (2003).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">House of Cards (Radiohead song)</span> 2008 song by Radiohead

"House of Cards" is a song by the English rock band Radiohead, from their seventh studio album, In Rainbows (2007). It was serviced to American modern rock radio on April 6, 2008, as a promotional single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thom Yorke discography</span>

The English musician Thom Yorke has released three studio albums, two soundtrack albums, four EPs, one remix album and 20 singles. The frontman of the alternative rock band Radiohead since 1985, Yorke's first singles as a solo artist were as a featured vocalist on the singles "El President" by Drugstore and "Rabbit in Your Headlights" by Unkle.

<i>The King of Limbs</i> 2011 studio album by Radiohead

The King of Limbs is the eighth studio album by the English rock band Radiohead. It was self-released on 18 February 2011 as a download, followed by a physical release on 28 March through XL Recordings internationally and TBD Records in North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lotus Flower (song)</span> Song by Radiohead

"Lotus Flower" is a song by the English rock band Radiohead, released on their eighth studio album, The King of Limbs (2011). It features Thom Yorke's falsetto over syncopated beats and a synthesiser bassline. Its music video, featuring Yorke's erratic dancing, attracted millions of views and inspired an internet meme.

<i>OK Computer OKNOTOK 1997 2017</i> 2017 compilation by Radiohead

OK Computer OKNOTOK 1997 2017 is a reissue of the 1997 album OK Computer by the English rock band Radiohead. It was released in June 2017, the album's 20th anniversary, following the 2016 acquisition of Radiohead's back catalogue by XL Recordings from EMI.

<i>A Light for Attracting Attention</i> 2022 studio album by the Smile

A Light for Attracting Attention is the debut studio album by the English rock band the Smile. It was released digitally through XL Recordings on 13 May 2022, with a retail release on 17 June.

References

  1. ↑ "Radiohead to release 'Best Of' compilation". NME . 2 April 2008. Retrieved 2 April 2008.
  2. 1 2 3 Plagenhoef, Scott (5 June 2008). "Radiohead: The Best Of / The Best Of [Special Edition]". Pitchfork .
  3. ↑ "Radiohead 'Best Of' to be released as DVD". NME . 15 April 2008.
  4. 1 2 Forde, Eamonn (18 February 2019). "Chasing rainbows: inside the battle between Radiohead and EMI's Guy Hands". The Guardian . ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  5. ↑ Reynolds, Simon (9 May 2008). "Yorke slams Radiohead 'Best Of' LP". Digital Spy. Retrieved 27 September 2008.
  6. 1 2 "Radiohead's Early Catalog Moves From Warner Bros. to XL". Billboard. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  7. ↑ Trendell, Andrew. "Here's why so many Radiohead songs disappeared from Spotify + streaming | Gigwise". gigwise.com. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  8. ↑ Radiohead: The Best Of at AllMusic
  9. ↑ "Radiohead". NME. 26 February 2011.
  10. ↑ "Radiohead – Rolling Stone". Rolling Stone . 20 June 2023.
  11. ↑ The Times review Archived 15 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  12. ↑ "Australian Charts – Radiohead – The Best Of (album)". Australian-charts.com. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  13. ↑ "Austria Top-40 – Radiohead – The Best Of (album)" (in German). Austriancharts.at. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  14. ↑ "Charts Vlaanderen – Radiohead – The Best Of (album)" (in Dutch). Ultratop . Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  15. ↑ "Charts Belgique Francophone – Radiohead – The Best Of (album)" (in French). Ultratop . Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  16. ↑ "Radiohead Album & Song Chart History – Canadian Albums". Billboard . Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  17. ↑ "Danish Charts – Radiohead – The Best Of (album)". danishcharts.dk. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  18. ↑ "Dutch Charts – Radiohead – The Best Of (album)" (in Dutch). Dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  19. ↑ "Finnish Charts – Radiohead – The Best Of (album)". Finnishcharts.com. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  20. 1 2 "Swiss Charts – Radiohead – The Best Of (album)". Hitparade.ch. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  21. ↑ "Radiohead – Longplay-Chartverfolgung" (in German). Musicline.de. Archived from the original on 23 January 2016. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  22. ↑ "Italian Charts – Radiohead – The Best Of (album)". Italiancharts.com. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  23. ↑ "Top 75 Artist Album, Week Ending 12 June 2008". Chart-track.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 June 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  24. ↑ "New Zealand Charts – Radiohead – The Best Of (album)". charts.nz. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  25. ↑ "Norwegian Charts – Radiohead – The Best Of (album)". Norwegiancharts.com. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  26. ↑ "Portuguese Charts – Radiohead – The Best Of (album)". Portuguesecharts.com. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  27. ↑ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  28. ↑ "Spanish Charts – Radiohead – The Best Of (album)". Spanishcharts.com. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  29. ↑ "The Official Charts Company – Radiohead – The Best Of". officialcharts.com. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
  30. 1 2 Billboard at AllMusic
  31. ↑ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – albums 2009". Ultratop. Hung Medien.
  32. ↑ "French album certifications – Radiohead – The Best Of" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique.
  33. ↑ "The Irish Charts - 2009 Certification Awards - Platinum". Irish Recorded Music Association.
  34. ↑ "Italian album certifications – Radiohead – The Best Of" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Select "2012" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Type "The Best Of" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Album e Compilation" under "Sezione".
  35. ↑ "Wyróżnienia – Złote płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2008 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. 3 September 2008.
  36. ↑ "British album certifications – Radiohead – The Best Of". British Phonographic Industry.

Radiohead: The Best Of at Discogs (list of releases)