7 Xmas gift ideas for Radiohead fanatics

Gifts that won't drive you round The Bends

Chris Wickett, Sat 13 Dec 2008, 10:05 am GMT

The Radiohead head getting into the festive spirit

2008, along with most other years since 1993, has really been Radiohead's year. There was a blinding New Year's Eve webcast, a massive, critically-acclaimed tour, Jonny Greenwood scored an Oscar-winning blockbuster in the shape of There Will Be Blood, and Thom Yorke was even voted into a list of the world's top Apple influencers.

It's therefore more likely than ever that you'll find yourself having to buy for a Radiohead fanatic this Christmas. But what do you get for someone who loves a band with such a varied musical output? Let MusicRadar help you out…

1. Thom and Jonny's favourite music

Radiohead's more mainstream influences may be easy(ish) to spot, but what of the band's more eclectic music preferences? Well, the electronica-minded Radiohead fan may appreciate Modeselektor, of whose electro/IDM stylings Thom Yorke is a fan (he even collaborated with the duo on their track The White Flash). Björk is another of Thom's favourites – he's collaborated with her a few times, and Unravel (from her Homogenic album) is one his favourite ever tracks.

Jonny, meanwhile, is a fan of the Mo'Wax label, as well as the New York-based Grizzly Bear (who supported Radiohead in 2008) and Olivier Messiaen's monumental Turangalîla-Symphonie. Perfect Christmas listening – we're sure you'd agree.

2. Max/MSP £250

Cycling '74's Max/MSP software allows users to build custom synths, effects and more from scratch – making it the perfect gift for the Radiohead-influenced musician who's been struggling to work out how on earth Jonny Greenwood created the mashed up guitar sound at the end of Go To Sleep. Be warned though – Max/MSP 'graphical programming language' approach requires serious application to make it do, well… anything.

MusicRadar