My Little Pony was a line of toys that was manufactured in the 1980s; the same decade that Ebony and Ivory was released by Paul McCartney and Steveie Wonder, two musicians who both play piano; as did the late Ray Charles, a man who shook his head a lot while singing; just like Thom Yorke of Radiohead, whose band has a Greatest Hits album in the works. It is being made after the success of their latest Album, In Rainbows; A title that sounds a lot like a My Little Pony Episode

Radiohead will have a greatest hits album.

It is one of the least expected lines in the history of music, right after “Jerry Lee Lewis just married his teen cousin.”

To the band’s credit, they have no part in the creation of the album. And to Jerry Lee Lewis’ credit, he probably really loved his cousin (or something).

The mere mention of the greatest hits album goes against Radiohead’s principles and musical aesthetics. Of course, the idea was cooked up by their former label, EMI.

The timing by the label to make such an album is commercially perfect, synching with the band’s recent album, “In Rainbows” — a stripped-down, more down-to-earth collection of music reminiscent of “OK Computer”. Although in many respects, a blast from the past, “In Rainbows” still maintains the driving repetition and texture laden sound pioneered in their later works. It is like the best parts of indie music sang from the heavens and played with a precise intensity.

Yes, a more accessible album, many said.

What happens if they become too accessible?

Next jingle bells and cracks of a whip will be dubbed over “Karma Police” and slapped on a Christmas album.

“A Radiohead Christmas”. They are one step away from becoming the Beach Boys — a mixture of genius, corny commercialized songs, greatest hits compilations and a Christmas album with a track wailing for “Little Saint Nick”.

Obviously an exaggeration.

It is a guilty pleasure to predict what songs will make the cut on Radiohead’s greatest hits album. The concept is not necessarily all bad.

Many a devoted fan was introduced to their favorite band through a greatest hits record. Though, I am glad this was not the case with my personal discovery of Radiohead.

Listen (It worked for Kurt Vonnegut when he asked):

I was lying on my pool table on the back porch after Hurricane so-and-so took out the power and flung palm fronds and fence posts into my backyard.

I forget how I got a hold of “OK Computer”.

Now that I think of it though, it was a burned copy of the CD. I listened to it through a Mary-Kate and Ashley CD player I had picked up at Walmart for $5.

I listened to that album straight through while lying there sweating. Toads croaked during the silence in between songs. A generator from across the street would start and rumble along with the unearthly guitars and Yorke’s crooning. Without power, the night was pitch black and I could see the stars.

Unfortunately, their hold since then has lessened with each passing album. Yes, I am one of those who could not quite follow Radiohead into their new sound. I am even slightly disappointed in their latest album.

However, watching a music video from “In Rainbows” in a line up of other band’s music videos made me realize how critical I have been. They are still on top of the game. I am only harsh because I compare Radiohead to Radiohead, not to any other band.

So with that, I look forward to critiquing what songs the record industry deems Radiohead’s greatest hits. Will it be an accurate cross-section of the band’s career? Will it merely be what made it on some silly Billboard Charts? Did they really have hits?

We will see.

http://www.nme.com/news/radiohead/34264