Reissue

The latest CD release reviewed

RADIOHEAD Box Set EMI ****

It had to happen, of course. Now that Radiohead are effectively free agents, their former record label, EMI, have done what comes naturally: put all their label albums into one box set and applied some neat design and packaging touches.

Taken as a whole chapter (one could argue that the recent release, In Rainbows, is a new start for the band), there are at least two records here that could be called "classic":

The Bends and OK Computer, each of which rarely fail to astound. Given that their debut (Pablo Honey) and their final EMI studio album (Hail to the Thief) aren't bad either, you have a markedly judicious quality control ethic that will continue to serve Radiohead well.

Kid A and Amnesiac? Still mostly unlistenable. Oh - the box set also comes in the guise of a USB stick, but where that'll fit into your A-Z CD racks is another matter. www.radioheadstore.com  - TONY CLAYTON-LEA

Download tracks:All of The Bendsand OK Computer