In an interstellar burst I am back to save the universe

I've been contemplating this for a week now and it's still hard to set it in stone... my top Radiohead songs. Notice I didn't say 'top ten' and that's because after number 5 it all gets a bit hazy. Does 2 + 2 = 5 win out over Optimistic? Should Optimistic even be in my top ten? Is it OK to put five songs from the same album into the top ten? Should I select Planet Telex or do I prefer The Bends? Anyway, in short I could come up with a top five upon which I could agree conclusively.

1. High and Dry, from The Bends
The first time I heard this song, it was my favourite on the album. It's a song I could hear once a day and still love. I couldn't believe it was on the Bunnings in store radio (along with Tori Amos, Ben Folds Five and Jeff Buckley). A slow, beautiful and sad number which is apparently about a stuntman but which could also be a metaphor for a relationship, especially the chorus.

2. Airbag, from OK Computer
One of the best opening tracks of all time (discussed elsewhere on this blog). The guitar opening is great, accompanied by a strong rhythm. It actually sounds like a driving song too, thanks to these musical features.

3. Karma Police, from OK Computer
I have had a real soft spot for this song ever since I saw a busker perform it on the main street of Galway while I was in Ireland. Also, the video clip is great along with the lyrics... 'phew, for a minute there I lost myself'.

4. Punchdrunk Lovesick Singalong, from Iron Lung EP
This one is a relatively recent addition to my collection, thanks to a certain someone who burnt it onto a CD for me. It has an appealing darkness to it along with its haunting qualities.

5. Subterranean Homesick Alien, from OK Computer
This was my favourite song from OK Computer for awhile, but it just didn't have the staying power of Airbag. It's still a great song, especially the repeated 'uptight' later in the song. Also the atmospheric electronic noises are great alongside the guitars.

Other songs which narrowly missed out on a place here (and it was just too hard to put them into a top ten)
Lucky
Sulk
The Bends
Planet Telex
Optimistic
2 + 2 = 5
A Punch-up At a Wedding
Knives Out
Pyramid Song
Paranoid Android
No Surprises
Fake Plastic Trees