Fifteen years ago today (2/18/11), Radiohead released their eighth studio album, The King of Limbs—quietly dropping it as a surprise download via the band’s website and even bumping the release up a day for fans “in the know.”
Early reactions were mixed. Some listeners pegged it as a lesser entry in the catalog, though the main gripe was its brevity: just 37 minutes. That short runtime fueled weeks of message-board sleuthing and sequel rumors that ultimately went nowhere. Over time, the album’s strengths have become clearer. “Lotus Flower” emerged as a standout, accidentally launching Thom Yorke into meme immortality thanks to that unforgettable dance.
The opener, “Bloom,” also marked a pivotal shift with the debut of Radiohead’s two-drummer setup—Phil Selway alongside Clive Deamer. Despite its innovations and atmosphere, The King of Limbs often ranks low on Radiohead’s album lists.
Check out Radiohead performing “Bloom” in Glendale, AZ, in 2012 and hear how the song truly came alive onstage.
