In Rainbows has occupied most of my weekend as i’ve finally had a chance to sit down with it and listen intimately without interruption. i’ve listened to it dozens of times.

It’s had me simultaneously dancing around, in tears, open and grateful the way I like to feel whenever I experience great art.

Reviews among my pals are mixed. Perhaps, the mechanism by which it was released has overshadowed the work itself? That would be a shame.

The last song on the album is Videotape, one of the most beautiful, sad and still triumphant songs I’ve ever heard:

(Video link updated 2011)

When I’m at the pearly gates
This will be on my videotape, my videotape
Mephistopheles is just beneath
and he’s reaching up to grab me

This is one for the good old days
and i have it all here
In red, blue, green
Red, blue, green

You are my center
When i spin away
Out of control on videotape
On videotape
On videotape
On videotape

This is my way of saying goodbye
Because I can’t do it face to face
I’m talking to you after it’s too late
From my videotape

No matter what happens now
I won’t be afraid
Because I know today has been the most perfect day I’ve ever seen

—

Thank you Thom, Jonny, Ed, Colin and Phil for this most remarkable music.

Sincerely.