Fans, music critics, and fellow musicians tend to regard Radiohead as
among the most fearlessly creative bands of all time. As a result, they
have become one of the most important, praised, and interesting modern
rock acts. Whether pushing the boundaries of what is considered
"marketable" rock music or reinventing their own sound, time and time
again, Radiohead manage to embody the spirit of alternative rock while
maintaining an international profile and a massive level of mainstream
popularity.  On their most recent release, the deliriously satisfying In
Rainbows. With all the hubbub made about this record's innovative
release (Radiohead allowed fans to pay what they wished to download the
record), little of the press seemed to focus on the record itself, which
was easily one of the best of the year.  In Rainbows is simply a
phenomenal, well-crafted, and exciting album, and as soon as it's done,
you're playing it again.