Last night…

I’m listening to Radiohead’s “Talk Show Host” while downloading the new record. It’s always been one of my favorite songs of theirs — a true festival show-stopper and something that sounds fantastic on record. But now Thom’s jazzy, stretched-out vocals seem more appropriate than ever: I’m ready…

I am ready for this record. Not the way I have been for the past week and a half, scrounging the internet for any bit of news on the album (I even read NME….). No, now I feel like I’m actually prepared for it.

Today…

I chose to fall asleep to In Rainbows rather than overthink my love to death. I made it through one time before zonking out somewhere near “Nude” on the second go-around. Now that I’m awake and thinking, I’ve got to say that this is a fantastic record. I’m thrilled that I’m hearing most of these songs for the first time (except for the ones played at Bonnaroo) as well. By offering the album in the way they did, Radiohead gave us a bit of a gift: universal excitement. This effectively brought back the joy of album release day — millions of people hearing the record for the first time at once — and combined it with the our modern ability to instantly gush to all of those fellow fans online. It’s the best of all worlds.

As for the album, it’s too early to give any real review. I love it, though. “15 Step” is a fantastic track and the perfect opener. “Faust Arp” is also a welcome surprise. It sounds like some weird cross between “Wolf at the Door” and “Exit Music (For a Film).” And at the risk of naming the entire album as a favorite, “House of Cards” sounds fantastic as well.

Ok. That’s enough from me on this. I’m going to go walk around outside and listen to the record. It’s a good feeling knowing that the entire world just got a little happier together.