Com Lag (2 + 2 = 5)

Though these songs don't quite hit the heights of previous B-sides, such as "Polyethylene" and "Killer Cars", they almost get there; the live "2+2=5" is incendiary, while the Los Angeles version of "I Will" is a fuller much improved version of the Hail to the Thief track, but the highlight has to be "Fog (Again)", stripped down to a simple and beautiful piano and vocal, and proves to be one of Radiohead's most affecting recent moments. --Thom Allott

However, the EP does have its faults. Christian Vogel's mix of 'Hail to the Theif''s "Myxamatosis"- depressingly named 'Remyxamatosis' in a supposedly ironic, post-modern style- is dreadful, truly dreadful. It only rises from its deep, deep monotony in the last few moments, by which point its too late. Similarly, "Where Bluebirds Fly", whilst being far more listenable, is nothing original, and seems to have FILLER stamped all over it. "Skttrbrain (Four Tet remix)" is at least inventive, adding a new dimension to HTTT's closer, but again it doesn't come close to some other tracks.

"Paperbag Writer", for example, could be used as a four-minute definition of Radiohead's genius. Thom's haunting 'It was nice while it lasted but now its gone', Jonny's twisting riff and a few electronice beats in the back- so simple; so beautiful. "Fog", as has been noted, shines, and for similiar reasons. Its heartbreaking, both in its content and in the way it contrasts with recent Radiohead in its simplicity. "Gagging Order" is another archetypal indie ballad, though does not reach the same levels as "Fog", and remind's one of a stripped-done "Go to Sleep" to such an extent that it lacks any real edge.

Perhaps I have been overly critical, but it is Radiohead themselves who have lifted the bar, they who demand that 'good' not be good enough. Get the CD and admire- just skip track 2.
Com Lag


New Yorke City Sewers   May 25, 2004
As a collection of B-sides, its up there with the best. The inclusion of Fog (aka Alligators in New York City Sewers) is also a clever gambit to keep the organic nature of a selection of the songs on Hail to the Thief such as Go to Sleep and There There and keeps the album sounding fresh throughout.
However, beside the likes of Hail to the Thief, OK Computer and the other modern classics penned by Radiohead over the previous decade. This is a representation of where the band are at this pivotal moment in their history. This is a time capsule of how Radiohead see themselves at the end of their contract on EMI and deciding whether to go independant, renew their deal or seek other amusement separately. Why else include comparatively 'old' songs such as Fog and I am a Wicked Child that have done their laps on the internet between obsessive fans; the answer is clear, they feel right now. But perhaps more than that, perhaps this is a gesture of goodwill towards those that have stood by the boys since the first tentative steps in "some EP about being in an Iron Lung".

If this is so long, and I hope it isnt, it's been emotional.


A must for the hard-core radiohead fan!   May 12, 2004
 13 out of 23 found this review helpful

This is an extremely odd album, but I expect like all radiohead albums it will suddenly sound amazing after listening to it many hundreds of times over the next few days. It has two live versions of ' 2 + 2 = 5' and lots of B sides from the singles released from the Hail to the Thief album.

The b-sides seem like Amnesiac songs gone slightly Hail to the Thief-ish. Paperbag writer is quite scary, and 'I am a Wicked Child' sounds like it belongs to Hail to the Thief.

Only buy if you like all of Radiohead. Do not buy if you like them just because of The Bends and OK Computer because this sounds completely different.