Radiohead are set to release Kid A, Amnesiac and Hail to the Thief as special collectors editions on the 21^st of August.

Following the landmark decision of the band to release their latest album In Rainbows (2007) exclusively digitally and for whatever people wanted to pay for it, the conventional release of these collectors’ editions comes as a surprise.

The albums span from 2000 to 2003 and are indicative of a period where Radiohead experienced great commercial success and established themselves as dynamic and fluid in their musical output.

The diversity of their style is exemplified in the chosen albums, with Kid A (2000) demonstrating the beginning of the bands new musical direction following Ok Computer (1997). Heavy with diverse instrumentalisation, electronic beats, jazz and horns the band delivered a strong follow up to Ok Computer which had met great critical acclaim.

Amnesiac (2001) brought in heavier guitar on top of their solid musical base and achieved a number two listing on the US charts in 2001. It was largely comprised by additional tracks from the Kid A recording sessions.

Hail To The Thief (2003) combined guitar-based rock with electronic influences, with lyrics that were heavily characterised and driven by war, politics and democracy.  

All three collectors’ editions feature the original album, a second disc with rare live versions and recordings from Canal+ studios and a DVD of live performances of appearances on various TV shows such as Later and Top of the Pops. 

- Jess Hall