2011 is set on being a huge year for rock. New albums from Blink 182, Rage Against The Machine, Dispatch, and many other recently reunited bands are expected. On top of all that Radiohead shocked the music world on February 13th when they announced they were releasing a new album… in six days!

“The King Of Limbs” was released amid extreme intrigue from the music industry on February 18th. Unlike Radiohead’s last album, fans had to pay for their latest record ($9.99 online presale). Radiohead has had a history of sticking the proverbial finger to the music industry and “The King Of Limbs” is no different. A Saturday release date and announcing the album during the Grammy’s were the two most notable rebellions.

As for the album itself, one word sums it up: disappointing. The first four songs on the alum meld together to the point that track changes are barely noticeable. Yorke’s trademark beautiful vocals are absent from all tracks. It’s even hard to tell if the songwriting is any good because you can’t make out half the lyrics.

It certainly doesn’t rock as hard as great Radiohead albums such as “The Bends” and “Ok Computer.” To be frank, I have no idea how Radiohead manages to keep their droves of fans. They have strayed so far from their original sound, they sound like a different band, a calm jazz fusion project that can be heard at a Peet’s Coffee and Tea near you.

There is nothing about Radiohead’s new album that would place them in the pop or rock genre. They fit more in the “elevator music” category. It is slow, lethargic music that really doesn’t serve a purpose for the listener. Hopefully all the other bands returning will bump up the music year and make 2011 a memorable one, but as for Radiohead, make your albums free again, charging people money for this music is borderline criminal.