Is COM LAG a good place to start with Radiohead?

Yes, COM LAG is recommended as a starting point for new Radiohead listeners. An experimental tapestry weaving live renditions and remixes that blur the lines between alternative rock and electronic soundscapes. Released in 2004, Com Lag serves as a companion piece to Radiohead's critically acclaimed Hail to the Thief, showcasing their willingness to explore new sonic territories. At this stage in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation as innovators in the music industry, following up on a series of successful albums that included OK Computer and Kid A.

COM LAG works well if you're into eclectic mix of remixes, short bursts of energy and live performances with raw emotion.

How many songs are on COM LAG?

COM LAG has 10 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

COM LAG

Radiohead · 2004

36 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

An experimental tapestry weaving live renditions and remixes that blur the lines between alternative rock and electronic soundscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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2 + 2 = 5 (live at Earls Court) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Remyxomatosis (Cristian Vogel RMX) — This remix transforms the original track into a pulsating electronic experience, showcasing how Radiohead's work can transcend traditional rock boundaries.
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I Will (Los Angeles version) — This tender rendition strips back the song to its emotional core, offering an intimate glimpse into the band's songwriting process.
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Paperbag Writer — With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this track exemplifies the band's ability to blend lyrical depth with innovative sound.
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Gagging Order — The song's poignant themes of isolation and longing are amplified by its minimalist arrangement, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of live and remixed tracks creates an interesting but uneven listening experience.

What we noticed

Tracks like '2 + 2 = 5' and 'Fog (Again)' showcase different arrangements, with the former being a high-energy live version and the latter a more subdued performance.
Several tracks include unconventional structures, such as 'Remyxomatosis', which incorporates heavy electronic elements that diverge from traditional rock formats.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

eclectic mix of remixes
short bursts of energy
live performances with raw emotion
experimental twists on familiar sounds

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek longer cohesive albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — This album showcases Radiohead's exploration of new sonic territories and unconventional formats.
Themes: live performance energy· emotional turmoil· experimental soundscapes
Career context: Released in 2004, Com Lag serves as a companion piece to Radiohead's critically acclaimed Hail to the Thief, showcasing their willingness to explore new sonic territories. At this stage in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation as innovators in the music industry, following up on a series of successful albums that included OK Computer and Kid A.
Stylistic neighbors: Sigur Rós· Interpol· The National