Critics and fans alike will debate forever on Radiohead's fourth album ensuring that, whilst this may not be everyone's favourite record of the year, it will certainly be the most talked about. Listening to 'Kid A' it is hard to believe that it has reached number 1 in both the UK and the US; that's not to say it's a fine album - it certainly is - but given the wilfully suversive nature of the whole project one can only assume that it was bought by so many because it was discussed at length by so many. Lyrically it will be a disappointment to some; gone is the tragicomedy insight and in its place is lots of distorted mumbling. Having said that the first two tracks possess an undeniable warmth about them. Any feelings of comfort are quickly dispelled though, as 'The National Anthem' begins like post-punk revivalists Six By Seven and ends in an improvised jazz stew; it's a great track nonetheless and would make a splendid replacement for our own dear British anthem. The musical shift changes radically again as the blissful melody of 'How To Disappear Completely' enters the fray; of all tracks this is the one which will enchant those hoping for another 'No Surprises' or even a 'High And Dry'. Of the remaining tracks the harsher sounds of 'Optimistic' and 'Idioteque' work best over the Eno-like experimentation of 'Treefingers' but on another day the reverse may apply; it's such a varied album with each track having depth and originality. God only knows where they go from here.