I’ve noticed that the majority of bands I’ve loved since I was younger have entirely abandoned their old style for music that feels far more bland and uninteresting. It breaks my heart to no end when a band I’ve loved releases a new album and by halfway through you’re done with it.
Lately this has been happening too often to me. Anyone else notice this with their music selection of choice?
Back in the mid 90s there was this band Radiohead that only had one album and I totally loved their music. I went to see them play live and there must have been less than 50 people there, it was really fun.
Later they changed their style and became really popular, but they and all their fans seem to hate that first album and it’s the only one I really like.
Kid A felt like Radiohead reacting to the enormity of OK Computer by shrinking into a band that no one would want listen to, but it didn’t work and they just got bigger.
For what it’s worth, I really enjoy both sides of Radiohead. The early, straightforward indie is nice for my nostalgia, to remind me how I felt when I first heard Creep and Street Spirit. Then I still have the newer stuff for when I want to get lost in sound with my good headphones. A Moon Shaped Pool is an intriguing record.
I still love Pablo Honey and The Bends. It took me a while to understand the new direction they went in, but I’m so glad I did.