Thom Yorke - The Eraser

This time last year, Radiohead fans were certain that the band would deliver a new record at some point in 2006. What we got instead -- other than a short run of amazing live shows by the band, on a break from recording a record that will see the light of day in 2007, and previews of some extraordinary new material -- was this intriguing solo release by frontman Thom Yorke. Comprised of songs that Yorke recorded and constructed on his laptop over a number of years -- mosty with digital loops and synthesized rhythm tracks -- and then handed over to producer Nigel Godrich for final assembly and mixing, this is, for all intents and purposes, an album of purely electronic music, lacking the complimentary acoustic elements that even Radiohead's so-called "electronic" records, Kid A and Amnesiac, featured in large measure. What strikes the listener, nonetheless, is the extent to which Yorke can conjure a sense of warmth and emotion on these tracks, even when they are mostly or entirely devoid of any organic instrumentation. He does this, most obviously, with his exquisite voice, which itself is one of the most unique and beautiful instruments in modern music. It helps that there are some flat-out lovely songs here as well, from the opening title track -- with its haunting piano loop, multi-tracked harmonies and typically paranoid and anxiety-ridden approach to the dynamic of a new relationship -- to the closing "Cymbal Rush," which easily could have been a worthy addition to the Radiohead canon, and which reveals its beautiful melody through a bed of electronic bubbles and glitches. This record probably isn't for everyone, but for fans who enjoy Radiohead's more electronic inclinations, and the singular talents of Mr. Yorke, it has many pleasures to offer.

LISTEN / DOWNLOAD: The Eraser, and decide for yourself whether the lyric in the chorus -- "The more you try to erase me / The more, the more, the more that I appear" -- is a promise or a threat.