Radiohead is coming to NoVa.

I was recently making a list of the artists/bands I must see before I die. Radiohead was on top of that list. Two days ago I bought tickets for their May 11 show outside DC.
Why is Radiohead the number one on that list? Because I consider Radiohead the most important band in terms of their contribution and influence on music, from the last years. Yes, there's Grunge and Nirvana, yes there's Britpop, yes there's rock's revival in the early 00's with the "The" bands (The Strokes, The Vines, The Hives, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs... you get it.) But Radiohead has been an inspiration in some form or another to all the before mentioned.

I have to recognize they are not an easy-to-digest band. Some people have even told me that they've found it difficult to get into Radiohead. But their greatness is there, even though not being the mainstreams' favorite, they have influenced every band that has been inside or outside the mainstream since the early 90's.

But, if your not that into them or haven't found a way, there is hope. Here's the way to start out on Radiohead, and then continue going until you find that you've become a fan.

1. The Bends: This is Radioheads' best album. Everyone will say otherwise and even say OK Computer is one of the best albums ever (some critics and magazines have even named it THE best, above Sgt. Peppers and others.) But reality is, The Bends has never been topped. The band has evolved and changed, but this album remains as their greatest. The funny thing is, it's their easiest. So if you get through this one, and you will, you're on the right track.

2. OK Computer: A piece of art. A "must have". It's not as easy as The Bends, but in terms of production values it might be one of the best produced albums ever, courtesy of Nigel Godrich. This is the album that told the world "we're doing something different".

3. In Rainbows: Yes, from their two most famous, go to the new one. It's great and lighter than the ones I'll mention next.

4. Hail to the Thief: A little underrated, but still a great work.

5. Amnesiac & Kid A: I'm counting these as one because they are similar in some ways. Both are tough, weird, but include some great tracks and moments. These are the two albums for true fans, that's why they are at the bottom of the list.

NOTE: I'm not listing Pablo Honey, mainly because it's the least Radiohead album of all. Forget about Creep, they hate it, don't play it live and consider it the biggest mistake in their career.