Aural/Mental: Album of the Year - The Eraser

Thom Yorke
Eraser

It's been a long time coming. More than 13 years after Radiohead's debut album comes Thom Yorker's solo outing, Eraser. Some say it's Amnesiac Part 2. You decide for yourself but with a palatable mix of chilly electronic and emo music, the Mercury-Prize nominated Eraser is as weird as it is ecletic. Once you revel in the music, pay attention to the lyrics and the record starts making more sense than before. The electronic stutters toward the end of the title track bring to mind Bjork. The trio of songs that closes the album makes for an extremely satisfying trip into a dark realm that Yorke has slowly drawn us in through the 9-course feast. Throughout the record, his distinctive vocals adds finesse to the entire project.

Recommended tracks: Black Swan, Harrowdown Hill, And It Rained All Night, The Eraser, Cymbal Rush (A)